Pandora's Box of Rox

On Saturday, Katie and I went out to Reveille Peak Ranch and ran Pandora's Box of Rox.  Since we are still in our building/base training, we both opted for the half marathon option.  We've previously run a race out at RPR, so I knew the terrain was challenging.  With that in mind, and the rising temperatures, we set out at a manageable pace to keep plenty of gas in the tank for the later miles.  For a good chunk of the race, Katie and I sort of leapfrogged each other.  I'm definitely feeling stronger on the hills.  Although I don't feel faster, my legs are not fatiguing as quickly as before.  I'm fully attributed that to taking up TRX a couple times a week, which has also strengthened my core.  Eventually I pulled away from Katie and felt like I was moving at a pretty good pace, even as the temperature climbed.  I did trip over a rock and hit the ground pretty hard, losing the skin off my knee.  After that, I slowed down a bit and tried to be more careful as I picked my way through the trails.  Once I hit the 2 hour mark, I felt the tank hit empty.  Luckily, I knew I was only about 2 miles from the finish, much of which was downhill.  I finished in just over 2:13, which isn't blazing, but was a time I felt good about on a tough course.  I finished 25th out of about 140 people, so I couldn't complain too much.  I have a long way to go, but each little win is a step in the right direction.