Peaked Mountain -- Sun. October 26

Off with Ivan to my third and his first in this mountain trail race. He arrived at 9, and we went straight off in my car; gorgeous sunny day after rainy windy mild evening and night. Got there at about 9:45, registered and did a couple of warm-up runs, totalling 2 miles at 8 minute pace. Good bunch of cheery people, some familiar faces, but only a couple of high schoolers. Race started on time, and I led a pack following the top three guys for the first bit of road. Then up the mountain: caught #3 (Beaver-san, younger) about half-way, then #2 (older) at the top, pushing to get past him before the single file downhill; closed on the leader (high schooler) to tagging distance before he started to accelerate on the downhill. Then I got a bit scared at the helter skelter pace and just managed to slow down a bit; again a miracle that I and everyone else made it through that section intact! At the road section I just worked on staying in position, happy with the 6:40 ish pace; into the woods and a couple of times I thought I might be closing on him, but each time he pulled away again. Back on to the road (hurdled the gate each way, just for larks) and he was solidly ahead; I thought I might get closer at the very end, but he pulled away; still, that helped pull me well clear of the guy behind. Came in second, thus (per race results, digivice had 4.48 and 31.29):

Time: 31:28
Distance: 4.4 miles
Speed: 8.39 mph

Comment: nice to place highly, and to win a prize -- chose a coupon for a weekend of free camping at Tully Lake. Even better, this makes my PB for the course (31:50 and 32:05 previously). Ivan placed 9th, and really enjoyed the course, and I enjoyed the pastries, coffee and cake afterwards-- plus the whole crowd was very sociable. Such a nice run -- must try and bring some more Swifties next time!