Ontario. Canada.
Last Saturday was Race 4 in the 5 race series. A pretty flat, smooth
trail through a managed forest. In winter the trail is used by
cross-country skiers so it's tame. 6.9Kilometers.
Apparently this was a busy weekend for races, so the turnout
was a little light. Weather was fine.
I knew this would be a fast race so I didn't expect to do well.
I make no claim to be speedy. But, anyway, started out
mid-pack this time. Instead of dead last like usual.
This worked out OK. Early on I was passed by whom-ever was
faster and I never saw them again.
I tried to make a small humourous comment to everyone I
passed. I tried to encourage the younger kids that
I passed (that is, until they passed me back).
I walked the two hills. and ran like the wind at the end.
A volunteer was at the end-300 meter mark and I
figured I could sprint it all the way in. Not so. Had to
back off a bit.
Naturally, cookies and bagels and water topped
everyone up after the race. I finished like I started.
In the middle.
The previous weekend, I had been soundly trounced
on a 4K dirt road race by other family members. One,
who has been something of an athlete all his
life told me I just wasn't trying hard enough. He was right.
I was so busy pacing myself to the end, that I never
actually raced.
I tried harder on this trail race. Didn't die like I was afraid.
Next time, harder still.
....thehick