Glorious and Infamous Hill Run
The Tuesday morning Hill Run + 2 is picking up in popularity. This morning we had Rick, Cat, Jenny, Rob and I up for the challenge. The run is infamous because it is so challenging, glorious because it is so satisfying. We had a discussion about changing the name this morning - unfortunately, due to a lack of oxygen while running it, I have forgotten what was suggested. I do remember this though - Cat made a remark, Rob threw out the challenge and I accepted it. Now I have to figure out where I can add a double-loop of the Hill Run + 2 to my schedule. If we go from our house, we will log 16 miles. If we go from the Y (our usual Saturday meeting place) we will log about 14-15 miles. Looking at my schedule, it looks like late September, just before the Portland taper begins, is a possibility. That would put it one week after another challenge - Six Summits. Those of you who read Eric's blog have read about his 12 Summit runs, and the wildly insane and epic 24 Summit run that he and Rob did. Six Summits will be my epic run: hitting all the same summits in one 17 mile loop. Okay, let's not talk about that anymore, it makes me nervous. I am not going to think about it quite yet.
As for the run this morning, we are getting a little faster. Our times have been:
7/24 Hill +2 (8 miles) 1:40:57 total, 12:36 pace
7/31 Hill +0 (6 miles) 1:18:04 total, 12:38 pace
8/7 Hill +2 (8 miles) 1:36:33 total, 12:03 pace
8/14 Hill +2 (8 miles) 1:38:13 total, 12:16 pace
8/21 Hill +2 (8 miles) 1:34:00 total, 11:44 pace
My goal is to run this route all winter long - I want to be strong on the hills of Big Sur. Now that I think about it, I may have to do more than one double, maybe even a couple of triple loops between now and then.
Speaking of Big Sur, I looked over the site last night. Another marathon with a six-hour cut-off. I know I can do it, my fastest time has been 5:28. I'd like a lot more cushion than that though - I've also been over 6 hours on three marathons. I guess it I can look at it as adding a little challenge to my run! My speed has been improving lately and I am hoping that it carries over to the marathon, improving my time. I would like to hold sub-12 for 26.2 miles. So far I've held it (average) for 16 miles. Even if I wore down at 16 miles, if I could hold it around 12 to 12:30 rather than going to 13 or 14 minute miles (which I have done a couple times) then I'd improve my over-all time. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. In the meantime though, I'll be hitting the hills and training hard!
21 comments:
I see some kick and burst coming out:) Good plan on doing this hill run for Big Sur, and yes, you ARE getting faster every week, Michelle, it comes with territory - you train, you get better (or don't train, like I do - and get slower). Very excited for you, 5 hrs is not far off!
Yeah, Olga is slow... she will probably remind me just how slow she is when she chicks me at CCC100!
Keep it up, you are getting stronger and stronger!
If it destined to happen, it'll only be due to my old age...I mean due to experience:) but I don't count on it much.
You will definitely be ready for the hills of Big Sur! Nice job with the pace. I have a hill route named Punishment Hill. Marc laughs when I call it that. I'll admit it is a somewhat puny hill and was named years ago when it seemed bigger. But I still love calling it that! : )
You guys have way too much fun, Michelle...no wonder the time running is so good.
Looking forward to the clever idea whenever the oxygen returns!
5 Summits, but then you said they're not really summits so that doesn't work. I can't remember any other name we came up with. I think "The Hill Run" is all that really needs to be said. I need to start thinking about Big Sur and accommodations for that as well. I am sure that Jessica and the kids will come. Sub-6 will be in the bag at Big Sur. No worries!
Holy smokes, speedy! =) Look at you go! I think you're solidly under 12's now, you've got nothing to worry about! You're finishing up these runs no problem.
I am so impressed - you've dropped 45 seconds of your pace, in a month! That's awesome!
I hope you're so proud of all the hard work you've put into this. Good job!
You didn't hear this from me ... but the cutoff time is VERY soft. They almost always give medals to finishers who come in after the cutoff - but I don't think you'll have to worry about that. The language on the website is meant to steer the walkers into the walking events - which often sell out long before the marathon.
Great times on those workouts! You are going to be very ready for the Big Sur, fur shur.
Oh boy, now I'm just getting silly. Time for some zzzz's.
Great outlook! Lot's of exciting challenges to look forward too. Keep up em'hills....
Happy running
That's great you're hitting the hills hard. And great to see that you're time is improving in just a month. That seems like a very good thing, isn't it? :)
Your training is really paying off, you seem to just keep picking up the pace, keep up the good work!
Yea, I dunno, Michelle. I would think you'll be like 80 before you need to worry about the six hour time limit again! You are such a strong runner. I'm going to be using you for a lot of inspiration come December.
Okay, that challenge of yours sounds awesome! So much so that I want to get up there and go with you! If only!
You keep putting these kinds of workouts, you'll turning in paces of 10s and 11s, seriously. You're doing awesome, keep up the great work.
You are already getting stronger. That last time was a huge improvement! Good for you! :) You'll be ready for Big Sur, I'm sure of it.
Enjoy your crewing this weekend! I will think of you guys as I'm out running HTC! Be safe!
How about calling the hill run THE WILLY NILLY HILLY RUN? Or WILLY NILLY for short?
Awesome job on the run. Big Sur seems exciting I'm sure you'll be able to do it. Keep up the great work.
Oh, I do remember those descriptions of Eric and Rob running all night through those summits. I think six of them is a good challenge for you. I bet Big Sur suddenly seems possible in under 6 after you do that one. And this glorious hill routine that is about to become a regular in your schedule.
Big Sur, when did you want to do that? 2008? Let me think, that one would be so cool, you've got me thinking!
Jenny
Ok, did I read that right? Are you thinking of doing Big Sur in 2008. I've got it penciled on my calendar as well. I might opt for a shorter distance as I have doubts about making a 6 hour cut off on a hilly course no matter how hard I train between now and then.
Good job on the hill training.
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