XTERRA CRYSTAL COVE RACE REPORT

It had been over a month since the Santa Clarita Marathon and I was itching for a race.  In the past month, I had backed off of my running mileage to give my legs a chance to recover. This was yet another excuse to spend more time in the pool (not that I needed one.) Lately my cardiovascular fitness seemed to be on point. I attribute this in part to the Encinitas Masters Swim practices that I’ve become hooked on.  So, I was very optimistic leading up to the XTERRA Crystal Cove 17k Trail Run.

I woke up at 6am to my roommate, Hunter pounding on my bedroom door.  Apparently I had shut off my alarm and fallen back asleep. I hate it when I do that!  I guzzled a canned dopio-espresso and quickly packed my bag.  Within 20 minutes we were on I-5 heading Northbound to Crystal Cove State Park, just South of Newport Beach.  Once we arrived, the parking and packet pick-up went silky smooth; the Perfect Foods Bars in the goodie-bags were a NICE surprise!

I went out hard, with the mindset that I had nothing to lose.  Shortly after mile 1, I found myself ascending the largest climb on the course.  I decided to take this one conservatively since it was so early in the race.  After finishing the climb up into the sky, I made sure to grab water and a Gatorade on my way through the aid station.  With the greatest challenge behind me, the race was on!

At mile 4 I set my focus on a pack of 3 runners, we’ll call them Red Shirt, Gray Shirt and Green Shirt.  I quickly caught up to them and we ran together for about a mile.  I was feeling invincible so I decided to put my body to the test.  I stepped on the gas and pulled away from the pack.  Between miles 5 and 7 I passed several more competitors.  I was beginning to fade so I switched to 2 cups of Gatorade at the mile 7 aid station.  Then at mile 8, Gray Shirt blew by me, but I decided that it was best to let him go.  Determined to hold my current place, I charged every hill and was sure to monitor my stride on the straight-aways.  Still strong, I flew down the last stretch of the course and finished in 1:20.43!

I placed 1^st in my Age Group and 12^th Overall.  The sun was shining and it was 80 degrees (in the middle of December!)  Great course, great race, great day!  I can’t wait for the XTERRA Boney Mt. Half Marathon on January 9^th!