More Hills

(Eric showed me how to post the elevation profile from the Garmin! Here it is, the Double Hill Run)

I felt great after last week's double hill run. So good in fact, I decided to do it again. I ran last Sunday morning, an easy four on the flat Orting Trail, then on Tuesday, I ran the six-mile single version of the hill run with Jane and Rick. Another five on Wednesday, about seven (between morning and evening runs) on Thursday. I decided another double was in order for Saturday. I posted to the run club site, but didn't get any takers. No surprise really, Cat was out of town, Rob, Steve, Eric and Jane were all running the Tiger Dumb Ass, Jenny and Rick are tapering for a 50K next weekend. I knew I was on my own for the first loop.

I left the Y at 5:45, allowing myself plenty of time to make it back by 7:30. I wanted a few minutes between loops for a break and to refuel. I was feeling a little tired during the first loop - heavy legs, general fatigue. I kept talking to myself and chugging along. I made it back to the Y by 7:20, so had time for everything I needed. Jenny and Rick were ready to run with me for the second loop. I warned them that I was sluggish and off we went. We talked a little about skipping the second loop and running some other route - and I was tempted. I told them I'd decide at the top of the first big hill. Once we made it up, I decided I had to stick to my plan, that I would be disappointed later if I didn't do it. I ran along, falling behind on every hill - Jenny and Rick would wait for me at the top, and we'd continue on. Last week I walked on the monster hill during loop two. This week I didn't walk on any of the hills. I was actually feeling better on the second loop than the first, and it was reflected on the Garmin. First loop, all miles were just over a 12 minute pace. On loop two, all miles (except for two big hills) were under a 12 minute pace. I finished both loops and am glad I stuck to my plan. My time was 3:07 for 15.33 miles. That looks much better than last week, but that is because I turned the timer off during my break.

I ran another four this morning, again on flat trail. I ran with Rick and we averaged an 11:07 pace. Not too bad after yesterday! Tonight is our Christmas Light Run and party. I expect we'll get in anywhere from three to five miles tonight, which is a good thing considering all the goodies we'll be indulging in. I've made fudge and bread pudding to take and everyone else is bringing goodies as well. Wendy is hosting the party and her Mom, a fabulous cook, is making pancit for us.

As I mentioned before, I'm making the hill run my focus for a while. Rob is planning to run it with me this week, and I am thinking about a slightly modified double for next Saturday. Slightly modified because I'll loop from my house and finish at the Y - that should be about 13 miles, and I'll miss the extra giganto hill on the way to the Y during the first loop. I'm modifying it so I won't be to worn out for the Last Chance Marathon on the 31st. Part of my taper strategy, you know?

Have a great week everyone!