I finished 10th out of 17 (erroneously reported 16 on Sat.) on Saturday at Veterans Park in Sylmar, CA. in the Men’s 4 race. The course was sweet! Nice and wide with short, hallelujah, climbs and some sick off-camber turns that made you stay very alert. I battled with a few people and had a great time. I hammered as hard as possible at the start and managed to get into 3rd place going into the first turn. I had to sprint past the entire front row of starters to get to 3rd but I didn’t mind. Immediately after the first turn was a short climb that probably stretched out the field. I couldn’t look back since I was concentrating on staying ahead of the faster guys. Going towards the first barriers I was surprised to still be right there as a near leader! Then the usual deal went down and I got passed by a few speedies. My usual strategy is to go to the front, well as near to the front as I can, and let the rabbits chase me down. One part of the course let me do my thing which is put my head down and pound the big meat. Sounds wrong huh? Then towards the end I catch a few tired dogs and gain a place or two. Finishing 10th is fine. I am still gaining fitness and by next year I should be able to bring the pain on a few more people. Right, just joking!
