This is one of my favorite races, but it was not so fun this year. It was snowy and cold and mostly ran in the snow and mud, which makes 21 miles and 2,000 vertical really hard. This was a good learning experience though. I forgot my cytomax drink that I have before every race, hard mentally to not have it. The race went well and I should be happy except i got lost for 20 min. and would have been in 3rd overall if I hadn't!! I can't seem to get over it either! I was on a great pace the first 8 miles, it was snowy and steep but I felt great. Skipped the first and last aid station so only filled up at the second. Just ate my EFS and some water, no sports drinks or anything. I had 2 bites of banana and a mini twix (because it was there and sounded good-prob. a bad choice). I felt good overall , I pushed really hard, especially after the 20 min. detour, I went all out to pass everyone i could see, prob. passed 15-20 women trying to regain my position. I finished 5 min. ahead of last year but 20 min. later then I wanted. So bummed but I'll get over it. It was a beautiful day for racing, great weather, great friends. There's always next year!! Now I want to win it!!
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