121st Bemis-Forslund Pie Race, NMH 11.16.11

Start near NMH gym - hard to see me, Whirlaway Red & Black

"Place is a powerful thing. At its most simple level, place is the context for life and learning, for growth and development intellectually, spiritually, and socially. But, when it is created well, place is far more than a landscape or a collection of buildings upon the land. It is an art form that reflects the values and visions of its founder and the social, political, and economic landscape of its time. Those who live and learn within such a place become steeped in its ethos and are profoundly affected by it. Such is the nature of the Northfield Mount Hermon School Campuses."

(from the concept statement, fall 2006)

Back on campus, 29 years later... running still.

My goal 29 years ago was for an “open men’s” pie, which required a time faster than 33:00.  Did it!!!  Finishing in 31:30 which was a helpful boost to my not so confident 16 year old self.

I packed accordingly, a couple sets of gloves, hat, dry socks for ride home. I warmed up checking out parts of course, chose which shoes (Kinvara “treadier” than my flats), did strides, lined up confidently toe to line with focus as I looked forward across football field... this is what to, at least act like I know what I’m doing! I tried to "flow" but was pushing pretty hard, first mile was 6:16 (last year it was 6:23)

This year it rained on us and since x-c times can vary, less concerned about my time as much as my place. The x-c portion was rockier than I had remembered, but tried to not be too cautious.  X-c coach, Katie Simon, was running comfortably enough to chat and encourage her team and me, but I was working too hard to say much or thank her until after the race.   Glad Katie got 1st female and only beat me by 30 seconds.  I was 2nd woman, 1st alum and 1st female master. 


hard earned, delicious, hand-made apple pies


My finish time of 29:41:957 got me an "open men's pie" just like 29 years ago and a reminder how thankful I am to be running well.  

Link to results and a video from race

Link to my Pie Race write-up from last year