Peaked Mountain -- Sun. Oct. 18

Didn't manage to get out on Saturday, as Friday night was very late in the office, and I didn't want to impinge on freshness for this race. Unfortunately, the weather tanked: rain, chill breeze, and even eventually sleet. Still, much of this race is in the woods, and it wasn't bad. Lay in a bit, and headed out to Monson at about 9:15; got registered as soon as I arrived, then headed out for a warm-up. Left on Butler, for about 3/4 mile, then stretched and jogged back to find everyone lining up. Took jacket off and put shorts on, but kept long-sleeved fleece on top of t-shirt. Very small crowd again: took off after Mike T., keeping pace but not pushing, and a third guy was right there with me. We all took off up the hill and instantly I felt it: a bit more than I was ready for. Mike was not too far ahead, but gradually I wanted to fade, and chap behind came past. Then at the top I recovered quickly and pushed ahead of him and on the downhill (usual crazy swirl!) gained on Mike and caught him at the bottom. Then as we hit the road his pace was faster (sub 6:30?) and I let him go, but kept position. Stayed fine as we headed into the woods, but the terrain there tired me, and just before the lake I got confused re course, and stopped briefly, allowing chap behind to catch. He was feeling fresher, and he overhauled me in the final woods bit and headed after Mike; I was losing pace. Back on the road (grabbed a swig of water, as despite the rain I needed it) I kept them in sight as #2 gained on #1. I wasn't in contention, but tried to keep pace up. Ended up solidly in third, just matching my pace from two years ago:

Time: 31:50 (digivice)
Distance: 4.5 miles (digivice)
Pace: 7:04s

Comments: Official distance was 4.4 miles, but time is probably right to within a second or two. Given the conditions it's not bad, but I'd like next year to really attack this course. Maybe.
Distance: I also did 1.5 miles before and 2 miles after, gently, so total of 8 miles.