b

Goal accomplished. Wanted a top 3 placement and that was really the goal for the day. Knew there would be 4 or 5 of us in contention for that top 3. So it was going to be who had it today. Luckily I felt good. Played it smart and got it. The road probably saved me with smart shoe choice. I took hybrid shoes. I stuck to the rocks in the Boulder field, had good grip on the powerline and could fly on the road. There is about a mile of road before the 1,200 powerline climb which is another mile, but all up. Followed by real Pennsylvania standard technical boulderfield downhill for about .8 miles with 800 feet decline. Then some levelness followed by hitting powerline again to finish the decline before hitting the road. Had a solid lead on 4th by road and had 2 mins 10 seconds lead at the road turn around so knew I had top 3 locked. I did catch 2nd on the road. And we were side by side a bit. Even when first coming off the road. Didn't push to try take 2nd. So pulled back and cruised into 3rd as 2nd kicked once we hit the pond. Fun times and I always enjoy this race and that special moment where a veteran hands you the finisher coin at the end.

Was a really good week. Got a lot done and had fun at my races.