Mount Washington Road Race

You never know what to expect at the start line of this race when it comes to weather and you have to be prepared for everything. The top was windy, foggy, sleet and freezing rain. I crossed the finish line bordering on hypothermia and was able to get inside the van to warm up and then walk to the lodge to warm up. I am so proud of myself for doing this race every year I show up. The volunteers are amazing – the course is crazy hard and it is truly a mental game to get to to the top. Kudos to everyone who does this one!

The tough thing is you have to qualify or get in through the lottery. Thankful I was 3rd in my age group because they increased the team size for 50+ teams to be 5+ and we didn’t get that many in the race. I wish they would change the type of shirt they offer (the material is stiff/weird and always a man’s cut – at least the past few years). The race director has a tough job getting it all together bringing in people from all over the country because of the nature of the race. Absolutely gorgeous views when you get the sun!

Mt Washington Road Race 2021
My 8th time running this uphill prestigious race to the clouds. The weather was beautiful at the bottom we started out in the field. It was warm and sunny as we gradually grew closer to the summit the winds increased to almost 50 miles an hour. It was cloudy misty and when you got to the top you couldn’t even see the top it was so cloudy and dark.
My training for this race was not what it had been in the past not to make excuses because I’m very strong and fit (because of all my indoor rowingi meters!). But this was a test for me to see what I could do without putting in that same kind of mileage. I walked and ran all the way up taking long strides when I walked to keep my pace. It was tough at the top with the winds but this race is all about grit and determination more than any other race.
The start was much different than it had been in the past. They started us two at a time so we ran by ourselves and not in a crowd which in itself was challenging. But it got me to start out slow and keep an even pace throughout.
My mantras were “dig deep” and “the faster you run the faster you are done!” I would count 5 walking steps – 25 running steps and it was a good ratio to keep me going and distracted at the same time.
I couldn’t find my bag at the top as we wandered around and took photos by the sign and hid in the shipping container 😳. When we finally connected with everybody we took a bunch of photos cheered everybody on that was continuing to finish and enjoy the rest of the day as the clouds cleared up in the blue skies opened up. It’s an amazing place Mt Washington ❤️.
My time was 1:48:01 and it put me 2nd in my age and our master team first and open team 2nd. This was the first race I have done since the pandemic and it really felt great to see everybody out there having a great time and seeing old friends too! Amongst the running royalty braving the worst weather I have faced at this race. Cheers to all that made that trek and for everyone’s success yesterday 💪🏼 #westernmassdistanceproject #mtwashingtonroadrace #wmdp #masterrunner #mtnrunning #newbalance #athleticbrewingambassador

Race Schwag: Love the fleece blanket and the super cool medal! My favorite things. The tshirt technical fabric is weird and I haven’t like the design the past few years, hopefully they will change it up again. The guy on the back of the shirt this year irritated some of my female friends. (maybe a female on the back of the female shirt?).

Definitely one of those races that is tough to get into and tough to keep qualifying and making the trip. But I love it and will continue as long as I have the opportunity. Year 8 for me – not a PR but pretty good considering my training has been on a rowing machine!