Written by Dave Kittredge
Even before joining the Highland City Striders in 2010, the Mount Washington Road Race was on my running bucket list. For those keeping score, other bucket items included running the Boston marathon, an international marathon and the Big Sur marathon in CA (still open). The thought of running up a mountain just seemed like an awesome achievement, and it’s only 7.6 miles with just one hill. So, how tough could it be with a little bit of hill training? So, when the HCS ‘Hillbullies’ team was formed, I was ALL IN!
Let the training begin!
Where do we start? Hosmer, Mt Pleasant and Myles Standish hill repeats? Maybe a run walk strategy (Peter lol)? While these are all good strategies, I think a more realistic strategy is to train by power hiking or speed walking lots of hills. The average incline on the course is 12%, but there are also lengthy stretches of up to 18%. The final 50 yards come with a 22% incline, which will make your sprint to the top a bit more challenging. This race humbles even the elite runners. There is no shame in power walking the entire course, or at least the less runnable sections. The general consensus is that the 7.6 mile course will take most runners about the same time it would to run a half marathon + 10-15 minutes. Keep this timeline in mind as you plan your hill workouts. Even finding a treadmill that you can set the incline to 12% or more would be a suitable workout option.
Be prepared!
I’m stating the obvious here, but there will be an extreme elevation increase that will make breathing more difficult as you ascend the mountain. You’ll encounter 4650 feet of elevation gain as you reach the finish line at 6288 feet! There will also be extreme weather changes as you run through portions of the course. At the start of the race, it could be a beautiful 70-degree sunny June day with no wind. The first part of the race is below the tree line and typically free from the wind. At about 4 miles in, you will be above the tree line. This is where things get interesting! Along with the breathtaking views, you will also experience a temperature drop and extreme wind conditions. This is where you are thankful that you brought some extra clothes (Hat, Gloves, Wind breaker, Sweatshirt). Plan for the wind to increase and temperature to dip the closer you get to the top. As in past years you will be handed a blanket at the finish line, and this will be your new best friend. Also pack extra clothes in your support car to change into once you’re done.
Use this link to check the summit forecast the night before the race:
Nutrition and hydration:
Plan to follow your half marathon fueling and cooling plan. There will be one water stop at the halfway point, but you’ll want to carry your own water. If you don’t have one, invest in a handheld water bottle or blader to use during the race. If you’ve planned properly, your support driver will have a cooler with some celebratory beverages and some snacks for after you finish. There could be a long wait at the top of the mountain as the other runners finish the course. Once they open the road again, you’ll enjoy the ride down the mountain, where you will be treated to a nice lunch while you savor your accomplishment.
Don’t forget to have some fun!
Sure, it’s a challenge running up the highest peak in the Northeast and home to the ‘world’s worst weather’ but be sure to enjoy the experience. Not everyone (or even some cars) can do what you’re doing. Have fun and take a minute to take a few pictures. And remember, it’s ‘Just one Hill’!
I like big hills, and I cannot lie!
Even if running a mountain isn’t on your bucket list, you should include hills as part of your regular running schedule. Both nice and mean coaches will agree that adding hills to your training will strengthen your legs and core and provide many other benefits.
Here’s a helpful article about hill running and the benefits that come with hill workouts:
Keep running my friends,
Dave
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