USATF NE 10 Mile Championship, Amherst 2.26.12

My 4th Amherst and being injured the past 2 months, I was just hoping to cover the distance.   My goal was met... ahhh... ridiculously surprising how well it came together...  averaged 35 seconds per mile faster than I thought I would do... making it my 4th and fastest Amherst.  
 

"but are the mittens big enough?" 

Neighbor/NHTI coach Perry Seagroves and I drove together from Concord and got there far ahead of schedule... GPS navigation devices, wow!  During warm-up my glove/mitten combo didn't feel like enough with the wind, so changed into gloves under BIG GoreTex mittens (see photo).

Photo from 8 miles and comments courtesy of Scott Mason.  Thanks Flash!!!  I do look like a lobster with those things on!!

Wore Sauce hat (toque) made just for me by Shayla Swanson, former Canadian National Team Cross-Country skier!!!   It has a ponytail hole and flower tassel!!  Thanks Shayla! 

Since I wasn't "racing" chose my warmest Under Armour tights and mock turtleneck.  Tested black Kinvaras day before race. 

Surprised how strong I felt on the uphills.  Didn't take anything from water stops and never ate the vanilla Gu I carried in BIG mittens. 
 
Fantastically fun seeing so many USATF friends, my incredible Whirlaway teammates, running well beyond my goal and Whirlaway master's women placing first!  I was so excited from the day, I hardly slept last night!!  Living the dream!!

1:14:06   7:25
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