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.

Ran the Pancreatic Cancer 5k on the Hoodlebug Trail in Indiana, PA. Finished 1st overall. Little slow for a 5k but was using this as a acclamation to the coldness and shakeout run for tomorrow. Flat race on paved rail trail.

Ran The Great Pumpkin Run 5k and 1 mile race. Finished 1st overall in the mule with a time of 5:31.86 and finished 2nd overall in the 5k with a time of 18:12.16. This was at the Saint Gregory School in Zelienople. Fun race good crowd. Pushed little harder in the mile then wanted to. But was worth it since I got the win. Stood no chance of the 5k bit had to push to stay in top 3. Glad I went I enjoyed it. Even won big pumpkin pie.

Was a pretty good week. Got some projects done that I've been putting off for a while.

Did a recap of the race for reference purposes. That way I can talk about how race was setup, things that worked and things I want to improve for next year. Already looking forward to it. I was a little tired in video. But bigger things next year hope every9ne can participate again.

Laurel Highlands Fall Classic 50k This was the first year for this race. Goes in opposite of the traditional direction. So starts at route 31 and heads towards Ohiopyle. Felt good early on and legs felt good all race. Just had GI issues that cost me and once i fell to 7/8 I gave up trying to get to go for a top 3 spot which wasy goal going in. At 11.3 in I had to poop and it was so bad I got light headed instantly it hitnmy right now. Was 3rd at the time dropped to 6 while pooping. Pooped again at 20ish and went from 6 to 9. Did pass one person with 3 miles left. Though at mile 19 aid station I was told was 10 mins behind 3rd so thats whe ln i hung it up because I figured I didnt have shot at making the time up. In retrospect, I could have, had the legs and enegy left and felt fine once I finished that I actually could go run more. Did enjoy running in reverse it felt mentally better and miles seemed to tick off easier. Seeing the mile markers go down instead of up each mile had a nice mental relief factor. Food was good, temperature for most of the race was perfect, and the colors in the woods were amazing. Though was cold for 1st couple miles then became perfect. Nice calm friendly crowd. Only had someone around me for a handful of miles so most of race ran by myself. Do like the medal there is just something about it that resonates with me. Overall had a fun time. I just had a bad performance.