Running 30:33 [5] 9.13 km (3:21 / km) +115m 3:09 / km
Scottish Unis XC - 6th
1st xc race of the season so very excited for this one. No idea what to expect so just took it nice and chill off the start. Didn’t feel great to be honest. Formed a group around halfway with Ali, Cam, Finlay T, and another harie boy. I just sat in because I already felt quite tired. Finished the first lap tucked into this group. The pace kept changing but nobody really surged properly. Onto the second lap. Again felt quite bad so just sat in, just wanted to hold onto the group until the finish because didn’t feel I could go. Most of the second lap was uneventful, I could see Alex and Sasha pull far away. Then just as we started the final lap I began to get a stitch. Thought it was game over at that point. We rounded the first corner into a headwind and the pack slowed down. Don’t know what was going through my head but I just surged hard. I was thinking to myself “why am I doing this.” But just ignored it and kept grinding away keeping my foot down for the next km. I was suddenly then on the back of the guys in front. Didn’t tuck in just kept the gurn in and went straight through. Didn’t look back, picked off a further 3 positions, then soon the finish was in sight. Just kept grinding all the way to the line. Got quite close to Jonny and Sasha by the end. Finished absolutely ruined but really happy with the run. Never really run a tactical xc race but it seemed to work well!