Sunday, June 03, 2007

HillWork

Saturday was a hill workout. There are none close to my home, so I headed back up to my old house, parked across the street, enjoyed that the new owner hadn't yet changed much, and started out.

The first thing I noticed was this screeching noise off in the distance. What was that???? Ahhh yes the cicadas!! They have arrived. Actually, they were all over the course, getting crunched by me. I plugged my ipod into my radio doodad, and took off listening to NPR. The talk was about the new book for boys, and they discussed how to make a go-cart. How that brought me back! When I was young, a new development was going up by my home, the Paedergat townhouses, and my friends and I would go there at night and take some wood--we found some wheels somewhere, and made our own go-carts! No, this chick was never dainty!

Anyways, I did a 10 minute running warmup, but had to throw a little walking in as it was terribly humid, and I made my way to the hill. I absolutely love that I'm pretty much by myself down there, but also quite bothered that nobody makes use of this beautiful area. There were four walkers and two bikers. That was it!

Something that I don't understand is while I'm running, I pass through cold spots and then hot spots. The first time it happened I thought my body was freaking out, now I realize it's something with the weather. It's bizarre, but I enjoy it. And being a city girl, I have no clue as to what it's all about.

So, I powerwalked the uphills as instructed, and ran the flats and downhills. I drank like crazy, though I'm starting to think of adding a waist pack instead of holding two water bottles---maybe it would help to free up one hand. I'll have to look into what feels comfortable.

This year, I've again been asked to pace the runners in Lincoln Park for the Chicago Half Marathon every Saturday morning. I loved doing it last year, so I ran it by Coach Lisa and she absolutely agreed I should do it. It will be great to have her guiding me towards the Marathon this time, as last year it was terribly confusing mixing up the two training programs.

I'm starting to get real itchy to do more races now. So we shall see what comes to pass.

13 comments:

MNFirefly said...

Great work out. You do a better job at the hills than I can.

Black Knight said...

In my garden there are many cicadas we could plan an american-italian breed! Congrats for your sub 2 hours in the 10 miler.

Neese said...

sometimes it just feels right to knock out a sub-10 first mile - nice to see you back blogging, and that's so cool you'll be pacing again!

Deb said...

You are awesome! Sounds like the coaching is good and you're right on track. Enjoy!

E-Speed said...

sounds like having the coach is great!

Uggh not envying the cicada run at all though! We used to have to run through this loop in middle school called the grasshopper trail. It was so gross running through all those bugs!

Jack said...

Great workout, hills are tough but your friend. I'm curious what races you pull out of your hat in the next couple months.

runliarun said...

I had no idea that powerwalking uphill was part of hillwork. I thought one had to run, run, run, and everybody could do that except for me.

RunBubbaRun said...

Sounds like your training is going well. If you are itching to race.

Great job of the hillwork. That is something I like about ultrarunning, we get to walk at certain points..

Maybe I will see you along the lakefront. Which group are you pacing for?

Sam said...

Congrats on your Soldier Field run, your hill workout and good to see you're pacing for the half marathon. I'm signed up for the Chi half (Distance Classic) and the marathon so we'll enjoy the journey together. Looks like you're off to a great start for the summer running season.
Good Luck! And HAVE FUN!!!

Ryan said...

The Hills are alive...seriously great workout you're off to a good start!

teacherwoman said...

Was there any water near by? like a river, small lake, stream, etc? That maybe have impacted the temperature... along with the trees! A bike path near our house is surrounded by trees and located along the river. I feel temperature changes like that every once and a while.

Nice job on the hill work!

Unknown said...

I am still jealous that you have coach Lisa. I am sure it will pay off. Have fun with the pacing, that's awesome.

Cris said...

I've noticed cold and hot spots, too, usually on hilly runs or near water. I've especially experienced it on the bicycle.