One of those races, and off to another one....

I decided to start my new year off in style, with a trip to Edinburgh on the US team for the Bupa Great Edinburgh Cross Country International Challenge! Although the race was not my best, I had a great trip. I roomed with ZAP Fitness runner Landon Peacock, who is also in his first year as a pro (and was on the Ivy League Ekiden with me in October).

I had a great time, and I do want to give a huge thank you though to the entire US squad I had the privilege of racing with, and hanging out with all week. The coaches, Jim Estes from USATF, Virginia Brophy Achman from Twin Cities in Motion, Mason Cathey, and Ed Eyestone from BYU also, as they did a fantastic job! Another thanks goes to Michael Scott who does a ton of work behind the scenes and the lens, as he took all of the pictures I have here (and from club cross in my last post!). He does an incredible job documenting our journey as athletes and helping out with the squads! Last but definitely not least, a HUGE thanks to Andy, Peter, and the rest of the organizers in Scotland for this great week and opportunity as it is all due to them that we were able to have this race!

For our race, the course was nothing short of a catastrophe ...... between every inch of the course being covered in thick mud, the log jump, the rough grass, and of course, to creek crossings, it was true cross country. I loved the course, it was horrible, yet so much fun. As for my race, I got out in last (I started on the back of our line) but moved up fairly quickly and by the time we got to the log jump I was right with the leaders.

First lap after the log jump

Not much changed until the third lap as I just mostly tried to stay on my feet over the mud and maintain position. I did not feel great, but I was certainly not running hard so at the start of the third lap I went to the front and started to push the pace ahead of a big group of the UK guys. I got moving and pushed the pace as much as I could over the mud.

Future steepler? DOUBT IT

Once we hit the final lap, I was still in the lead but just did not quite have that "pop" and I got mauled over the final 1k by the two Europeans who were right behind me and Bobby Mack who had a FANTASTIC close considering the conditions. I crossed the line in fourth place, with a 25:52 for 8k (blazing times, I know). I was very disappointed with my kick, as I just completely dropped the ball that last k, and losing 8 seconds is just something that is not acceptable at this level. Definitely a race that shows while I continue to make progress, I still have a lot more to learn.....
Then as soon as I got done the race I won the lottery and got selected for IAAF drug testing, and 2.5 hours later (missing not only cooling down with my fellow teammates and the invitational 3k) Although while in testing I did bump into Asbel Kiprop, who is a quiet and humble guy!

No time for rest though, as next week I get to debut in the Aramco Half Marathon at Houston! Of course this weekend I will also be cheering on a large contingent of Team USA MN athletes at the Olympic Trials Marathon! While down in Houston I will be doing the ever important task of looking for a much needed sponsor! Time to go for run, hopefully I will see everyone this weekend in Houston!