Xterra World Trail Running Championships

I leave Hawaii depressed. Not because I didn't win, but because it was in the 80's there and now I'm back home in freezing conditions. The race was a great experience. From the startlist I knew I was in for a battle. The hype was getting started that Max and I would have an epic battle. I would like to say it ended up being that way but after about 7 miles I really lost sight of him. Not knowing the course really hurt me. Ben and Max were able to run quite aggressive in sections I was a bit skeptical if I was going the right way. On one section I backtracked about 40 seconds to figure if I had made a wrong turn, eventually I said screw it and went sliding down this muddy, lush trail I thought was the wrong path. Not having mile markers at any point also scrapped my race strategy.

After the opening 5k, which featured some ondulating hills throughout, Max and I started to seperate from the pack of Ben Bruce, Max, and I. From that point Max and I ran pretty close. I had expected some mile markers to determine when to push the pace. I figured I would try to make my move in the mountains to get some space between Max and I.

I waited way too long and by time we got there I was quite a ways back. Once I lost sight of Max in the switchbacks I really turned off the gas because I had to question whether I was going the right direction most of the way. Once we hit the valley I knew the general direction of the course and I surged hard to secure 2nd

The course was extremely tough and I loved it beyond the fact that I was not able to run the course prior to the race (private land) and no mile markers. I think that made this race all the more of an adventure, and I hope next year there are no mile markers again (now that I know the course!). There were alot of flat sections, but also some good climbs and descents. A mixture of everything really. The heat and humidity combo definitely made this a true trail runners race.

Along the way you pass some really nice views of the ocean, islands, and at the peak you can see huge peaks just across the valley. One of the most picturesque courses I have seen. Definitely looking forward to coming back out next year!