Timp Shadow 5k

This is a tough course and I am SO glad it's only a 5k.  Very uphill, some parts pretty steep for the first 1.8 or so, then rolling with some steep downhill to the finish.  There was one pretty steep uphill somewhere after 2 miles and I really was struggling mentally, but luckily it was short and I was rewarded with a very steep descent back down.  I realized my uphill running was better than I thought.  I'm sure a lot of that is due to the guy I tucked behind.  At one point (about .6 into the race) he turned back and said, deeper breaths!  I was breathing really hard and I tried to take his advice to heart.  He also kept me from going out too hard on the uphill.  There were several times I wanted to tap him and say, "trail," but I held back and just tucked in behind him.  I think this resulted in having a lot more energy for the last mile. I definitely need to work on my downhill running- I know my quads will be angry with me tomorrow because I was seriously slamming on the brakes at some points in the race.  Downhill trail running isn't for the faint of heart!  Never looked at my watch except to check the distance at a couple points.  7:35, 7:21, 5:41, 4:48 pace for the last .1
Cooled down a bit with Arianne then a few more on the Murdock Canal after the awards.  Ty and Amber you did a great job! Thanks for getting me out of my comfort zone and up in the trails.



@Melody