You wouldn't call it perfect conditions to run on snow and ice in -8C degree weather, but it was time for the first XC Race of the new season, 5. Stage of Hamburg's XC Series. Lower back pain over the last 3 days didn't make the decision to run any easier, so I wasn't even sure about a start 20 minutes before. Three loops, each of 3,1km with some steep uphills and very slippery patches called for a dangerous, but exciting race.
I started the first loop in the third chase group to check my health and not overpace. With an 11:36 for the first loop and still lots of energy left, I tried to pick up a few spots and seconds during the second and third loop. Conditons didn't get any easier with more and more runners on the tight course. However, I managed to keep the same distance to the front group, with Hasi about 30 seconds ahead. At the end it was a 10th place in 35:01 and solid start into the running season. Hasi finished in 6th place with a 34:26 (1st runner without spikes) and Enno manged a quick 37:36 for a good 21st place.
I'm looking forward to figure out this back pain, as well as a little flatter XC course in 3 weeks!!!
