Sunday, December 16, 2007

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!

16 comments:

Journey to a Centum said...

You are a Mt. Goat! Nice work on those hills!

Trail Scat

Sunshine said...

Amazing YOU!!
Hills are good.

Thanks for stopping by. Our community center track is pretty tight.. 8 1/2 laps for a K. But annual membership is in our price range, and a short drive from home.

The last marathon looks like fun: You GO !!

Joe said...

Boy, I think all that hill work is going to serve you well, Michelle. Way to stick with it!!

Enjoy your week as well!!!!

Unknown said...

You're much tougher than I am. I probably would have just bailed out on loop 2 like a little sissy boy.

Keep pounding out those hills and it will pay off come the April and May marathons.

Rattler

Anonymous said...

You probably need to be my trainer. I am not a hill fan, though you can't run 20 feet without one around here.

King Arthur said...

I missed you on Saturday. I so wanted to be able to congratulate Mr. & Mrs. Dumb Ass. I guess someone has to be the sane one. Well as sane as a maniac can be.

Irene said...

Woah! Those are some serious hills there! Nice job getting that done!

Olga said...

I think the blog world is getting overwhelmed with gadgets and profiles and pace numbers to the hundreds...may be it's just me. I am so happy you're getting stronger and faster, but even more respect for been tough. Amazing, I remember when you faught your docotor for been able to run at all!

shawn said...

I don't like the looks of that hill run. While it looks quite varied, the hills look too steep and the downhills don't seem long enough to get any recovery benefits.

Have fun at Last Chance. I just realized it's not actually on a weekend and will probably have to skip it.

That picture in your below post of Mt. Rainier is great. Are those lights right in front of you, or are they the far away lights of the city?

Scott McMurtrey said...

i'm glad you have proof of your "hill" runs. i was beginning to wonder if you were telling the truth. ;)

hills here are getting dangerous with the ice. hope you had a great christmas light run.

lizzie lee said...

Keep going up the hill girl. Just a quick note from Thailand. Having a blast with my daughter.

Take care and have a Happy Holidays

lizzie

Ms Eva said...

Gotta love those hills. :)

PNW Runner said...

Yep, I'd have to say those are killer hills and you conquered them like no one's business, way to go. I like the whole graph thing.

Sarah said...

Nice job sticking with the hills! You are already reaping the rewards, with more to come, I'm sure! : )

onepinkfuzzy said...

cool hills!

happy holidays!

Randy - Maniac #788 said...

Eric is right, but I won't call you a goat. Your times rock!!

Stop by, I blogged about my doctor visit today and have at least some good news, he thinks I can do Houston in January...