Spokane River Run

All I can say is that this has to be my favorite race. Why you might ask?

1. It is 5 min from my house.
   
2. I train on these trails every day.
3. probably one of the most amazing courses I have ever run!
4. Always a great crowd participating in the races.

I decided this year to step up to the 25k distance. Honestly my main goal was to get the course record(1:34:30) at the 25k distance. It would be the longest race I have ever run (15.6 miles), but knew the awesome trails and views would help the time fly by! The day before I rode the course on my Mt. bike just so I knew what to expect. After the ride the plan was made, and points of attack decided.

Lining up for the race I could not help but think how the weather could not be any more perfect. I guess just another reason to make this my favorite race :).

As the race started I decided to run a pace that felt relaxed, not worrying about what paces the other competitors were starting at. I had the lead from the start but Second place was hanging about 200 yards back and looked strong. If there was one thing I would change about my race, it would be the fact that I spent way too much time worrying about what second place was doing. Staying focused and running my own race would have been a much better plan. The rest of the race was filled with rocky climbs, great views, and windy single track trails(a great combination if you ask me). I crossed the line in 1:30:40 (5:50/mi pace) and had achieved what I set out to do. As of right now I hold the 10k (32:38) and 25k (1:30:40) course records. There are two other races that occur on the same day(5k/50k), and eventually I would like to some day try and hold all four records. We will see I really am not chomping at the bit to run a 50k anytime soon. So there you have it a sweet and simple post for a sweet race. I will leave you with some more pictures of the days run though :)

Trying to keep the pace relaxed at mile 3

Fueling up with some Gu, and Nuun at mile 9


The last small climb of the day

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Bloomsday run