^WHERE:  Granite Bay, CA

^{PLACE & TIME:} 

^DISTANCE:

I’m using this trail race to get ready for the Turkey Trot 5K Stroller race.  I recently ran a 6:33 mile at the track while pushing Ariel in the stroller.  This is the pace I hope to average on my own at today’s 5k race.  I figure the dirt, sand, slight hills and other obstacles will somewhat mimic the stroller race conditions.

I’m on my own today.  I biked down the hill to Granite Bay this morning, will race, and then bike back.  For such a little race, it wasn’t worth bringing the whole gang down here.

I run into Donene Vukovich.  We raced at the Folsom trail series a few years back.  She looks fit and strong and will be tough competition.  I know for sure that we will push each other.

I call Troy and the girls so that we can all pray together.  Troy and Anna pray that I can feel good and do my best and keep my focus on Jesus.  I good way to start the race!!

Race Start

We line up and it’s time to go!  Troy told me to go out with the top women.  I’m following a young girl out on the first mile.  I’m not sure how aggressive to go.  This girl could possibly blow up or just blast the course.  I hold back and watch what she does. Donene is right with me. 

Mile 1 is 6:31.  Good!  I’m happy with that but there is more to come!  It’s getting harder mentally to push my body as it gets more uncomfortable.  The young girl has pulled away and has definitely affirmed that she’s no rabbit (someone who sprints the 1^st mile and then fades back in order to see who will panic and give chase)!  Donene and I continue to run together.  She pulls ahead but I try to keep visual contact which proves difficult with this undulating terrain. Please Lord help me to keep pushing!  Once we get on a flat, rocky, section, I reel her in.  I’m reminded that Troy told me to focus on reaching certain landmarks to shorten up the race and keep focused when it gets tough.  I focus in on a pole at the end of the levy and push past her. 

Mile 2 is 6:29.  Great!  I hope to keep this going!  I continue looking towards reaching each landmark I see.  It keeps me engaged but I can see that my pace is dropping this mile.  Donene is right on my shoulder and I know it’s going to be a battle to the finish!  I remember Troy telling me to keep good form like in our track workouts.  This is difficult to do at this point in the race but I make a good effort.  A sandy, short hill section is coming up.  Donene passes me going up the hill and takes off.  Instead of trying to match her pace, even for a moment, I hold my pace.  It might cost me not going now, but I figure there’s still time to get her.

Mile 3 is 6:35.  I can see  Donene is going to finish first.  Darn, I missed my chance.  I might not have beat her at the end but I could have made it closer.  I cross the finish line with a smile on my face in 20:29 which is 6:32 pace.  Great, I met my goal!!  I’m happy and thankful that the Lord let me run fast today.  I definitely know that I need to work on my mental edge more and not be afraid to push harder than I may think I can go.  I congratulate  Donene and the younger girl.  They both did great!