Cruden Farm 2016

Another new course added this year. 6km for my build, really scenic to be honest, rolling hills, small gravel tracks, river crossings, sharp turns and a distinct lack of fence jumps, which was ideal.

Probably my favourite course that I've ever run on, despite having another average race due to a lack of a taper. 

Start looked hectic, but it wasn't too bad in the end. Bit of a bottleneck affect through a gate, but I got through unharmed. Bit of a loop before hitting a gravel track and a muddy section, just fighting for position here. 

Then kind of died a bit after 3km. Hit the more prominent hills and really struggled. Kept letting people go past me which pissed me off as I just couldn't stay with them. By the time I hit the river I pretty much dove in. Didn't even consider picking a line. Got overtaken by the leading girl and finished 13 seconds behind her. 

My time was 21:00, and the course was a bit short. Good news was I finished 20th so 1 place better than Wandin. Has anyone got any tips for racing? Maybe I should go out a touch slower? Unsurprised, but frustrating all the same. Sam and Denyan killed it like normal. I've definitely got to get some mental game happening, I feel like I take it too easy sometimes and that's why I'm disappointed, but I crossed the line today and the marshal called for medical assistance because they though I was gonna pass out, so maybe I am working hard enough. 

Ah well, I'm definitely overthinking it again. Next race is Bundoora which I'll taper for so we'll see if I can make a top 20 happen. I just want to be running really fast so badly. 12km all up, please comment if you think you can help.