Loon Mountain Race - Lincoln, New Hampshire Distance: 6.6 Miles ............. Elevation Gain: 3125' July 8, 2018 - Another run up a mountain on a beautiful day at Loon Mountain Ski Resort. Very large field for a National Championship, with some serious contenders. For me it was just another adventure in a new place. Arriving early I actually took a nap before the start. As usual, the field took off at the gun while I did my best to follow. The first couple of miles on pavement at the resort and lower catwalks got us up off the valley floor and starting to climb. I walked many of the lower slopes while others ran by, and didn't fully engage until we hit dry trail through the woods. Between two and three miles I found a reasonable rhythm and began to move on the field, with very few people coming from behind to catch me. The temperatures were perfect, not real hot or breezy. It was a very enjoyable climb, running where I could and power walking where I had to. Entirely aerobic with no strain. Finally reaching the last climb - "the Boss" - I moved with strength the final .6 mile with a grade of up to 48% in 13 and a half minutes to finish in 1 hour and 32 minutes. Enjoying the view for just a few minutes I then ran down most of a mile to catch the gondola back to the resort the finish
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The reputation as one of the countrys toughest mountain races is due in large part to the kilometer ascent of North Peak via the black diamond trail known as Upper Walking Boss. The Boss, as its affectionately known, is roughly a kilometer of grassy slope with angles that exceed a dizzying 40% grade! running up the Boss |