Warmed up with Darren C for 2.5 miles. The race didnt start until 9:00 am and it was going to be a hot day. The wind kept on getting stronger and it was not going to be fun running along the trail. I started out in about 25th place and wanted to stay in a pack until the trail part was over because of the south wind. When I hit the trail I passed several people and figured that I was in the top 10 but I was all alone. Mile 7 was a killer and so was mile 9 and 11. The hills aren't long they are just short and steep. I passed one more guy at mile 9 and then could see 2 more guys but one had a 30 second lead and the other was 1:00 minute ahead. I tried keeping my legs and feet turning over and it felt good to have some wind at my back, but the sun was horrible. I was getting so hot and I had a bad side ache from mile 9 on. I tried 2 GU's today that I haven't tried before and I will never do that again! Goal was to finish under 1:25:00 and I did that, but I think that the wind cost me some time. But everybody was running in it so I have no room to complain! | 