Less mud than a year ago. And lack of fog & rain meant even in the woods, the scenery appeared somewhat different (hey, look at those cliffs we run right past!). Other than that, the run went very much the same although I ran more 'alone' this year (other runners either pulled further ahead or lagged further behind my pace).

I conciously tried to keep it easier than last year, but actually ran about 1min faster. May have just been the lack of mud meant less worry about my footing on the downhill sections. Walked the steepest section in the middle of the course, but otherwise kept running.

Nothing.

Not much to say here. Moved through quickly after a quick laugh as I greeted Mark & Anthony (each doing the Canadian Womens race).

Nothing.

Once again, very simmilar to last year (except dry with excellent visibility making for better scenery to go with the pain). Rode about 9min faster than last year.

Really just need better fitness to ride this course well. So come better prepared, I guess. Also, while I thought I was drinking enough, I seemed low on the first run lap and, in hindsight, probably could have been a bit more 'aggressive' with my intake during the ride.

Went smoothly.

Nothing.

Felt better starting the run than last year and was hopeful that carry through the run. Made it further before I started walking the climbs than last year but, once I did, there was no changing it. At the end of lap 1, I felt somewhat dehydrated and lightheaded. Thought briefly about whether I should just stop but kept moving forward and eventually felt a bit better (just really tired).

Food and a beer. Hop in car for 3hr drive home.


Fitness


Love this race, in general. LC is just very challenging for me to train for adequately given the time of year. This year was particularly challenging for a number of reasons. Might do it again some day, but only when I am sure I can be better prepared.