The highlight of the fall is here. This is what I've trained for the last few months, and now it's finally time.

It's a nice day. Around 5 degrees at the startline at nine o'clock, but it will warm up. I start out with mitts and headband. But all is pitched after a few kilometers. Surprisingly I'm still in the very lead group after two k's. But the pace is slow, even for me. First two is 7'25. 

At kilometer three, a group of 5-6 runners takes off, but I decide to stay back. I will try to start moderate, and try to keep up better at the end.

From 10 k and on, I'm more or less on my own. The wind is sometimes very strong and makes it a little bit harder. I pass half split at 1.17.49. It's ok considering the slow start. It's just a matter of keeping the pace from here. Unfortunately pace slows down after 35 k. But more or less expected. I am told I'm in 6th place, and even if the thought goes thru my head to step off the course when it is really tough, I just cant do it if I'm in 6th place. I keep going, and I know I can do another sub 2.40. 

At 40 k, I can see another runner ahead of me, and I'm closing in, but not very fast. At 41 k I'm only 150 m behind, and I sneak up behind him quiet. I stay there for about 30 sec, and he is unaware of my presence. I pass him with a few fast strides, but he has no energy to respond. I finish in 5th place at 2.39.13.

Very nice end of the season. I'm happy with todays race, even if I think I should be able to run faster.

/Per  

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