Wednesday, November 14, 2007

It's been a while...

It's been a while since I tackled the hill run. It's been a while since Eric and I ran together. It's been a while since I ran in freezing temperatures. Today they all came together in one run. Eric and I ran the six-mile version of the hill run under clear skies at a temp of 31 degrees. What a deal, huh? Okay, 31 degrees barely makes it, but it is below freezing.

I've been skipping the hill run since I started the taper for the Portland Marathon way back in September. Then I had to recover/taper for San Francisco, then recover/taper for the 50K. Last week I had to recover from that. I decided there were no more delays - the hill run is back on my agenda from now till Big Sur. I'll do the six mile version if I'm recovering or tapering, the Six + 2 version if not. I'm also going to plan a double and triple hill run for a couple weekends. I added a couple mountainous half-asses to my sidebar, so I need the training, not too mention facing the hills of Big Sur. It'll help my confidence level as well as my fitness level.

The other great thing about today's run was sharing it with Eric. We don't get out together too often and I was surprised when he took me up on my offer to join me today. It was a beautiful morning to share a run and a great way to start the day. Running with me means shaving a good three to four minutes off his easy pace, while keeping me near my top range - a challenge for both of us, though in different ways.

20 comments:

shawn said...

Sounds like the root canal isn't keeping you down. Are you done recovering from it?

There's nothing like a hill to make you realize what shape you are in. Let me add here, that during Ron Herzog (lots 'o up hill) Eric did the entertaining and I listened (very out of breath and out of shape am I).

I'm glad you guys got in a run together. Doing short step "high-knees" or "butt-kicks" could even out the pace too...on the few runs with Seth, that's what I try to do.

tryathlete said...

Running - Eric.
Running - freezing.
Running - hill.

Eric = freezing hill?

Great to run together. Hope you have more of those opportunities coming your way.

~concrete angel~ said...

Forgive me if you get two similar comments from me - blogger is wacky today.

Anyway, I'm sure Eric didn't mind going a tad slower! Do you ever do hill repeats? You could jog to and from the hill together, and then do your own paces up the hill (or he can give you a head start, and then try to catch you). Just an idea...I do this w/ my faster training partner...

Keep up the good work!
Joan

JustRun said...

I've been reminded lately how changing your running pace for someone you love can be totally worth it. :)

Ms Eva said...

I so wish my sweetheart would run with me... until that day, I'll have to remain content if he accompanies me on his bike with the kiddos in tow. :)

Anonymous said...

sounds like a good run. i miss running with tom - we haven't ran together since the marathon a year ago.

Wes said...

I like it when Dee Dee and my schedule fits in together too. I don't mind running slow(er). Those really are my most enjoyable runs...

Olga said...

That's what I have Mike for - he rests up while I hussle! Works for both of us. But when I take him downhill, we reverse the challenge:)

Mama said...

Were you guys out at 6:15 and were you by the power lines? We saw a couple runners with headlamps. One looked like it was around the waist, so Steve thought it was you and Rick. Maybe it was you and Eric.

You are amazing. Keep up the good work.

Be Free,
Lorri

Pokey said...

Sounds like a great run...nice job!!!!

Irene said...

Glad to know someone else has a hill to tackle!

Nice going!

Anonymous said...

Oh how I miss the hill run. I wish I was able to muster the strength to run in the morning. I hope to join you for the double or triple hill run.

Darrell said...

Funny how the hill run got put on the back burner for so long.

Freezing? what's that? We hit the 80's the last couple of days.

Meghan said...

Oh, this is a cute entry!

There is something to be said about those runs that boost your confidence. Agree?

Hope you're doing well!
Meghan

Sunshine said...

Thanks for your visit and your comment. Bless you for being so cheerful and encouraging.

Maybe my spirit is hunkering down a little .. dreading below zero days that will come to Minnesota.

I'm going to look for some magic .. and maybe I can learn to love what I want to do ... which is run outside more of the winter.
I don't like treadmills either.

Congratulations to you both for running together.. What joy!

Jenn said...

Glad to see that the root canal isn't slowing you down!

I adore it when Arthur and I can get out together - although it does boost the jealous factor when I can't go :D

lizzie lee said...

Out of the three obviously running with Eric is the winner. And 31F the looser..... COLD!!!!!

lizzie lee

Anonymous said...

OK, I know, I need to get back to my hill running, too. Thanks for the reminder! :)

Glad you had a good run with your hubby. What a treat.

Sarah said...

Yay for hills! : ) I can't avoid them. Marc and I recently got a run in together too. He kept doubling back. More power to him!

Sarah Elaine said...

Sounds like a tough, but rewarding run! I am getting used to running in colder temperatures. Had to navigate some ice on the pathways today. Hopefully there was none of that on your hills!

BTW, I've tagged you. :-)