Kimmy,

You placed 3rd of the people there. The fact that there weren't more people represented in your AG is a sign that you're doing well just to be out there. So first off, be proud that you even ran, because a lot of people didn't. Secondly, be proud that you ran 3rd in your AG. Unless there were only 3 people in your AG then you worked for it. You had to be better than the other girls out there. Even if you were the last one and got 3rd you should still be proud (see first point above).

Finally, if I remember rightly you are in a sub-30 cat. The 30 plusers should be creaming you. 30 to 40 traditionally has been the fastest AG for women in endurance events. It has to do with building an endurance base. And, like KG said, a lot of the elite 30 somethings are now elite 40 somethings and are breaking all kinds of aging myths by getting even faster. Who knows, in ten years maybe 40 to 50 will be the fastest AG.