Thursday, April 2, 2009

Back to the Hills

I started getting into running races back in 2004, when I first started working at the law firm I'm still at. I had been jogging for exercise for a long time, but was never interested in running a race. Then, in June 2004, my boss and his wife, Cheryl, invited me to run a 5K with them. I loved it and thus started the addiction.

That first summer, Cheryl also convinced me to do some hill training. She drove me to a town about 30 minutes north of my town. We parked at a little park by the river. And ran straight up hill. The two mile loop (which we run twice) has three SERIOUS hills, and two gentle inclines. The four mile workout has been a fixture of my summer training ever since that first time.

I've been feeling the itch to get back out to the hills for a few weeks. I just wasn't sure whether I should add them now during marathon training. I've been following the FIRST plan, which calls for three runs a week (a speed workout, tempo run, and long run). So I've been a little nervous about adding another hard run to my weekly schedule. I finally decided to just do it. I love hill running, and hill training is always good, right?

So today, Cheryl, Mike, and I hit the hills. It was awesome. Hard. Couldn't really breathe. Felt like I was having a heart attack. Like I said, awesome. Can't wait till next week!

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good for you! Way to hit the hills.

Sarah said...

That is awesome that you love the hills. I am not such a fan for sure. I would much rather run on flat land...I am just a big old wuss. :)

Anonymous said...

Great work; I think it'll be a huge benefit. Not to mention a great feeling to blast those out!

joyRuN said...

Hills are definitely supposed to be great strengthening for the legs, not to mention fulfilling when done. I can't actually say I look forward to them though ;)

Marlene said...

I think the hills will definitely benefit your training. Sounds like an insane route! Great job!

Running Through Life said...

Good for you! You are more dedicated than I. I have not been hill training as I should. I will pay the price soon.

I Run for Fun said...

Awesome job on the hills. I am totally intimidated by hills. I need to work them into my routine.

Havew a great weekend.

RunMommyRun said...

You rock for embracing hills. What is your secret (and are you willing to share???)...I love that you have all your 2009 races picked out. Awesome!

Felice Devine said...

Yay! Loving hills is the only way to go. If you don't love them, they'll get you -- if you love them, they can be SO awesome!