I really felt I was ready to push this one, then as the weeks forecast became more bleak approaching race morning, I knew it was to be a survival test.

The race had about 200+ for both races , most choosing the shorter option...smart move.The course was very similar to Sunmart w/ the latter half of the 15.5 loop using a trail I had not been on in a long time.

The race started at a little after 7 am , but could have started at 4 am, I would not have minded at all. The very humid conditons to start the race made me go out w/ caution. I made it to the first turn off the main road onto the trail at about a mile & I was already dripping a little sweat.

I finished my first loop way above PR pace & kept that edge going to about 18'ish, then as expected the bottom fell out. The next five miles were a much slower jog/ shuffle. At about mile 23 it was reduced to 15 minutes walking w/ about 1 minute running to the finish. I was getting the dry heaves , this never happens DURING a race , but always after one in hot conditions. So this scared me enough to back off for the last 8 miles & just avoid a DNF & a trip to the Emergency room.

Not A PW ( Personal Worst ) in terms of finishing time , but close to one in the way I was feeling & handling the heat. On the bright side I ran a very strong 18 miles for me & I lasted much longer in these conditions than I normally would have at a good pace.

Great to see a few familiar faces & a great HCTR's aid station. Nice Granite finishers awards & a long uncomfortable ride alone back to Austin.
 
Good tuneup run for the Glacial Trail 50K in Wisconsin on May 13th.