Stayed with the lead pack for the first 40 miles. Lost them when we hit some of the bigger hills but still had them in sight at mile 51. Had a 24.3 mph average speed for the first 36.5 miles. Was by myself for the last 60 miles. Glad to be well under 5 hours but was 6 minutes faster last year, so a bit disappointed. I hate to admit it but for the first time ever I had to walk up part of a hill. The last 500 feet of Pioneer Hill got me at mile 65. Then increasing wind from NW was against us for the last 25 miles. Combined with more hills, this really slowed me down and I only average 19.7 mph over this part of the course. Finished 100.8 miles in 4:43:05, 8th overall, with 21.4 mph average. Overall a great, well run event. One of my all time favorites.