Loon Mountain Run...I'm a Goat!

So, there's this race series that perhaps you have heard of put on by the USATF called the New England Mountain Circuit. Essentially, you run 6 of the 7 races, become a mountain goat, and get a pass to run the Mount Washington Road Race the following year. I was going to become a mountain goat this year, but timing (as in time to train) and having an injured partner in crime put a delay in my plans. However, I wasn't going to skip all the races, especially with one within running distance of my summer home. Enter the Loon Mountain Race. 

Okay, I'll admit. I waffled. Like, a lot. Do I sign up? Do I wait until next year? Okay, I waffle with almost every decision I make, but that's a whole different post that could go on forever (or could it?) I chose to give it a try and see what I, personally, could do. After all, the Loon Mountain Race was hosting the US and Collegiate Mountain Championship. My competitive spirit took a back seat and I worked on competing with the only person that matters: myself. 

This race was intense! It starts at Parking Lot C by the river and weaves itself up the fire road, across the base of the mountain then up Brookway, back across to go up Speakeasy, then it's up, up, up to the gondola. My lungs and legs were having an argument the entire time. Either my breathing was labored or my legs were screaming. I'm working on getting them more in sync with one another. The good news was once you ran (or walked) by the cheering crowds by the gondola it was all downhill. No, literally, you run down Haulback. This was a great chance to catch my breath, gain some ground, and mentally prepare for the final challenge of this 4.8 course. 

There I am, trying not to chicken wing my way down the hill. 

So, the final challenge is what gives the Loon Mountain Race the reputation as one bad ass race: Upper Walking Boss. It's a 40% incline for a kilometer, which feels much, much longer at the end of a race as you're huffing and puffing to get to the finish line. I did take a second or two to glance behind me at the views of the mountains as I willed my legs to keep going up. Eventually, I made my way to the crest and could see the finish line.

I think I can, I think I can...

Even after passing the finish line I was thinking, "Wow, I'll never do this again. What was I thinking? This was torture!" After chilling out for a bit, then heading down to catch the gondola I changed my tune. I was proud of myself and felt pretty awesome that my day started off so productively. After checking out the results, I was even more proud of myself. I finished in an hour and ten minutes placing me in the top third for women and right on the halfway mark for my age division (33/65). I'd like to credit all the hikes I've been doing for my success, or maybe it was my super cute supporter waiting at the finish line. 

Are there any races you'd recommend?