Stowe, USATF NE 8 Mile Championship

GoatMom and I arrived at number pick-up and from moment we got out of the car, running friends everywhere!

Wandered around  von Trapp grounds and Smugglers' Notch, ate riverside at Matterhorn (I scoped best sushi, Mom preferred cooked).  Hit pre-race party, saw Fitz, Michelle, Tom D, JJ... fun to discover Bob Fitzgerald of  NE Runner Magazine also graduated from Northfield-Mt Hermon School.  

Back at B&B, cooler of GoatKick ingredients, comfy beds.   B&B had a great breakfast, but coffee and banana were better pre-race.  We lined up and I went out quickly at 6:45... only checked my first 2 mile spilts, then just focused... not limiting what my body would be willing to give me.   Whirlaway runners seemed to be around me a lot of the race.... Nancy Corsaro, Lisa Zappala early miles... others in later miles.

I've raced Stowe 6 times prior and was hoping to break my previous PR of 1:01:41... reminding myself of that, plus some other some mental tricks, I pushed hard and crossed the line 56:29!!  Woo!!  Janos Makos encouraged me in the final stretch to the finish, he knew me and was able to talk... I didn't figure out it was him until we finished.

Renegade (Rick Bayko) and I warmed-down...  introduced GoatMom to more buddies, checked results... 56:29 is 7:04 pace... extra woooo!  This is certainly gonna need some more celebrating!  Thanks PRof Fernando, GTD, Goons & training buddies!

Goatie results & splits

5/56 (40-44) 56:29.9, 7:04, 5 minute PR!!

6:45, 7:01, 7:11, 6:35, 7:07, 7:17, 7:10, 7:17


Top photo: courtesy JJ, Kristin

full results

(Sorry Mom, didn't get a chance for her ice cream that day)

GTD track 7.13.10

How about if I lift trackmate George's report of the workout? 

George was primo keeping us on pace and recovery time.  And, it may have appeared I "killed" during the mile, I felt like I was just barely hanging on

Showtime renamed the Group "C1 Cup" because Enforcer, OCG and Goatie got comparing running bras.  

OCG's Garmin reported a 11.11 mile night... thanks Coach Annie (Poopsie) PRof Fernando and Group C1 Cup!

4K on the 4th

Initially, I told myself racing a 4K would be like 10 fast laps on the track... and after spring GTD on the track, this would be the time to try it.   Map folded in my hand, ran the course the day before.. wait a sec... it's grass, some road, college x-c trails, tiny bit more road, more grass!  Last race on these x-c trails, I overshot a turn and had to double back, so in prep for the 4K I ran the course twice and did 14 strides on the trails and grass to get a feel for it... then ran course again race morning.  No room for mistakes... I wanted the 44 age record.   I knew that 40-49 age division would be a reach, so that would be my lofty goal.   All week I repeated in my head 4K, 4th, 44... race day was all focus.   Pre-race prep and then we were off across the grass... after the 1K mark, I targeted a female wearing S2 triathlon uniform and passed her... she didn't come with, and I targeted another female.  It took a little longer but I got her too.   Loud breathing and gasps... go, go, go... don't let up until over the finish... 17:07   

I did the course again as warm down with a local 18 year old high school runner Tom Mulari and we checked the results for the awards.   Race director, Michael Amarello, was posting the age records and handed me my medal!!   4K, 4th, 44!!  (a) I did it ! (b) hey, how did he know me?   I found the full results and I also got 4th female overall, plus 1st in age divison 40-49!!!  BONUS!!!  Got the pint glass!!

4th woman, 1st Master, 17:07, 6:54 pace    1/28

Full results here 

These wood carvings are the start/finish line on NHTI campus for the race - run between them 

GTD track 6.29.10

Courtesy GTD:

It's true. You race fast by running fast.

You get fit by running as if it meant something. We're not joggin'

June 29th track photos
 
This week, Group C1 was just me and Marathon George... we work well together and when you are putting your whole self out there... the nerves, the hard work, the physical and mental challenge... that other person helps pull you though.   Other trackmates encourage and coaches, Annie and PRof Fernando, oversee closely, timing our splits and paying attention to every nuance.  

I drive home in magical contentment... another one... cherishing every second of it.