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 Derderian, Taz... 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!  GoatMom loved being part and waved the skull & crossbones flag!   Goons at Stowe:  Taz, Tina the Machina, Puma, Renegade, Goatie, Mr. Gambino

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

Photo: courtesy Tom Derderian