Friday, September 28, 2007

How Steep is This Hill??

It always amazes me how you plan your race schedule months in advance and with each week of training it feels like it will never arrive. If this weekend were our 54 mile Ultra race it would thrill all of us girls. It seems as if we have been training for this event forever. On the flip side I am already sad to see the arrival of this race Nov.4th. I have grown to love the Saturday morning runs and laughs together that we have shared.

This week has been a taper week. Only 38 miles compared to the 56 miles the week before. So last night when I headed for the hills in this new neighborhood I am exploring I had to continually tell my legs to get moving. I turned down one street to the next and then the next and so on and so on. Well as I topped one hill I could immediately see that it went straight down and then straight up again for a long upward distance to a turnaround point where I would have to repeat it immediately. All would have been fine but once I noted that neighborhood people had taken note that I was running this hill I knew then I was committed to run the entire distance. No walking… no way I could let them see me slow down regardless of the fact that my heart was beating out of my chest. It took all that I had to complete this 6 mile course but I did it. With only ½ mile from my car I was praising myself for sticking in there and pushing beyond my comfort zone yet again.

After arriving back home I crawled to the shower and then settled on the couch for a small glass of wine. It was a nice treat.

I will take the next two days off for some R&R with my hubby. We are headed to the mountains for a little getaway. Sunday will be my long run and then next week will bring 55 miles.

Robin

11 comments:

J~Mom said...

It's so hard to comprehend that 38 miles is a taper! You totally rock!!

I am the same way about my triathlon, I am excited and want it to get here. :>)

Wes said...

Funny how when we taper, we go harder at the little challenges... Have a great weekend!!

Unknown said...

It pretty interesting how our mindset changes the moment someone is watching, or worse yet, somebody is running past us. It's against the rules to show any weakness at that point.

Nice job with your recovery week and have fun with the hubby.

Nancy said...

A hill so hellish it garners spectators? YOU ROCK!! I would be avoiding that place like the plague. Maybe that's my problem. hee hee.

You are SO inspiring. Great work!

runliarun said...

But it they would have seen you slow down, what would have happened?

David said...

Yeah, gotta take one battle at a time, commit, and kill it. Such a great feeling. You've earned the taper, and that long run is going to be a lot of fun for you guys.

I understand what you mean about feeling shut out of society by talking about what you do for exercise at this commitment level. Mendy and I both have received a sense of shunning from friends that don't get it, and don't want to hear it. That's okay, we understand you! You're an ultramarathoning momma, and that's more than most will ever dream of. Rock it!

Phil said...

Nice workout in some tough terrain. Most of us go out of our way to avoid hills. You go searching for them. Great run.

Marcy said...

A small glass of wine? Ohhh girl go grab that bottle LOL You definitely deserve it!!

Scott McMurtrey said...

a couple days off?!? i thought you were serious about your training. ;)

Stephanie said...

You're so ready for your 50 miler Robin! I admire you for pulling through so strong - you inspire me and I can't wait to hear your race story.

Mendy said...

So agree with ya, on that people tune you out when you talk about running. I've had that happen quite often, too, and it's not a nice feeling especially if it's from people you care for.

You are a nut! 38mile taper week... that's awesome though!