Note
Comparing to Raccoongaine last year:
Identical distance traveled (19.7 mi)
very slightly more climb this year (1200 vs 1160m)
more controls this year (31 vs 30, but 2 vs 3 child)
Fewer points this year (880 vs 990)
higher percentage of points compared to winner this year (80 vs 71%)
And supposedly better shape this year (at the very least, neither of us coming off injuries as opposed to both of us last year).
I think the difference maker was the amount of off trail. Looking at last years tracks I think we were on trail almost 75% of the time, to probably 50% this year (complete guesses).
but we got the same placing in our category, and moved up overall (7 to 3)(probably moreso due to changes in the competitors than personal improvement, but we'll take it).
In any case, its the perfect start of the season race, and it'll be fun when its our home turf next year.