Slept a solid 10.5 hours and did a mile shake out before breakfast. It was an afternoon race so I just relaxed in the hotel room all day. It was overcast, a little cooler and perfect race weather. We did a 2 mile warm up, potty break and it was time. I was really nervous this morning but still excited to get out there and run. I haven't run a 6K and raced XC since Nationals 2014 and felt like I needed to break the ice for the season. The first 400 was pretty open and wide then there was a super sharp turn. I did well at getting out and made sure I was on the outside of the turn. That definitely saved me from tripping over the girls who fell/slowed down. I got right with Jennica and matched with her. After a bit, Carrie moved up and we followed. We came by the mile at 5:15 and I told myself to breathe and not panic. I realized I still felt really good and my breathing in good control so I needed to push more. I surged, closed gaps and moved up to the front. 3K was 10 flat. Around the next turn, I started counting and there was a group of 11 and me. 12. I was so close to top 10 and I knew I wanted it. The race started spreading out about 400 after that I knew I needed to catch some girls. I caught one and was in 10th. Too close. 800 left I passed one more and then we hit our kill point. I needed at least one more. I caught one, came close to the finish and saw the clock at 19:43. I kicked hard to try and break 20 and just missed it. I ended up 8th and my time was a 27 second PR (from my freshman year). I was SO excited. I am so grateful and happy that I had a solid race and felt good about it. I look forward to racing again and getting it done.
5 miles cooldown and dinner with the fam.
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