The rock pile

Mt. Washington 

What can I say. It was epic. It was do so hot. It was freezing cold. A mental game. A breathing challenge.

Cannot wait for next year. Redemption .

The first 2 miles were spot on pace, about 11:00 per mile. I was going for a top 20 placing for sure, feeling great, breathing well. The first 4 miles or so were at a 8 to 12% grade. 

Then I got so hot, sweating, my heart was going to bust)! so I walked for a minute. I then picked the pace up. I passed a strong women with an Ironman tattoo - thought to myself ,  " that's encouraging" 

I saw one of my great running friends at mile 6, Jim Roche, he gave me a hug and a piece of chocolate . Feeling good now. 

Then the wind came down the mountain, it went from 55 degrees to 35 quickly. I started to see mountain men walking DOWN the slope with full parkas and furs on, the fog started to roll in, I was seeing goats in the mist.... Surreal 

The top of the race was so cold, windy, could not feel my hands. And then the last grade of the race was 12%!!! 

Finished, almost fainted, Woozy, frozen, done! Age group 8th!! Our CMS open team I am in was third!!! Still. 2015, top 10. I love theMountain races. 

Next up Loon Mountain US Championships July  6th. 

Gear: 

Karhu Flow Trail shoes

www.karhurunning.com

See me in the dark custom tank

www.seemeinthedark.com

Swiftwick compression socks 

www.swiftwick.com

GU Watermelon Chomps

www.guenergy.com

Pre race energy bar 

www.healtheorganics.com

A new Love and PR

Last weekend was my first Mountain race! Ha. Cool for this road running track girl. 

How about 3.7 miles, 12%grade, all uphill, in the woods? 

I loved it

My legs and breathing took about 5 minutes to say, oh my gosh.... This is do hard... Then I figured out I had it and the rest was truly a challenge but wonderful ! 

Next weekend is Mt. Washington which will be double Mt. Ascutney , same grade, 7.8 miles. Whoooo!! Trail running is a blast. My legs seem to like it. 

I ended up third in my age group .

Yesterday was a Team USATF-NE race, 5 miler in NH.

Hot day. 

Not too ready yet. I dumped water over my head at mile3 and felt better then tucked my tank up. Pushed on.

The team open division , which I am in, was third!!! Too cool . I ended up to 15, new PR by 2 minutes. I am really a distance runner, so my short race times are not too fast at all. 

But.

Making progress!

My legs felt good and a n negative split the last 2 miles, just give me 20 more miles and I would of had a blast. 

Thank you to my sponsors for the wonderful gear and products. I have much positive support. 

Now on to the top of the Mountain Sat. 

www.karhurunning.com

www.seemeinthedark.com

www.guenergy.com

www.swiftwick.com

www.healtheorganics.com

www.swirlgear.com

www.vegrunchat.com

Mountain Training

For the month of June I have 2 MT. Races- both are uphill only! Whew. 

Next weekend I will be racing MT. Ascutney,  a part of the USATF-NE Mountain trail Grand Prix series. This is in the town of Windsor, VT. 

This will great preparation for the June 22nd Mount Washington race. This will be a 7.6 mile uphill. I cannot wait. 

I have been in a recovery week and this upcoming cycle will now focus on speed, hills, and some quality long runs.

Continuing to focus on good fuel and larger amounts of post workout beverages containing electrolytes in this hotter weather!