I was back at Cameron Park for another wonderful rough day in the hills of Waco. I actually won this time. I did not win the race or my gender or my age group. I beat the course. I ran a smooth 1:11:21 which is a victory. I dropped ten minutes off my time from last year and beat my predicted time by four minutes. I felt good the entire time and finished strong. I also paced, not purposely, two second place finishers in the women’s age group. They said I set a steady pace and was easy to follow. They were very happy to place in there age group and I was happy to have company for most of the race. I ended up 5th in my age group but very happy with my time. I like that every time I do a Waco Striders Trail race I feel good afterwards. My ankle held up well going up and down the hills. I used a new shoe and sock combination that worked really well. I think I will continue to wear the ALTRAs and compression socks for races. I am also liking the numbers I got the last two Cross Country races, last year was 777 and this year was 1. How I got bib #1 I will never know but it was fun wearing a low number.
I am now in full preparation mode for my 50K. I have two races in between so hiking will be put on hold for awhile. I am currently building mileage and I am already running more miles weekly than I did prior to my first 50K. If I stay healthy and the weather cooperates I should be able to get through this unsupported 50K.