Run - Trail race (Soapstone Sampler) 28:11 [5] 5.85 km (4:49 / km) +100m 4:26 / km
shoes: NB 790 {green}
Sampler race - Have won the past two years, so a bit of pressure to continue the streak, but some fast older folks were off the line ahead of me (handicapped start) and I had my doubts about catching them. Very hard off the line to get away from younger predators behind me. Passing plenty of folks - probably over 80 - who had started before me. Passed the lead woman to move into 3rd for a bit, but she looked awfully strong so I pushed hard after passing her to try and put a gap, but she hung close. Paid for my effort as she passed me back just beyond the sandpit. Never saw the two leaders and settled for 4th place. Just under a minute slower than last year so perhaps if I were still in that kind of shape I might have reeled them in. But I didn't get passed by anyone (except the lead woman whom I had previously passed) so hopefully that counts for something.