A Reason to Run: Tackling my First Hill Run | Community Spirit

Journal of a Distance Runner (Thursday April 26th 2012)

Hill Runs:

Have you ever tried to run up a hill? It’s not as easy as it looks.

At first, you think, “yeah, I can totally do this.”

After a few feet, you suddenly realize how steep you’re actually climbing.

I was surprised last week when my trainer told me to not only run up a 600 meter hill, but do it 7 times.

Let me tell you one things about hill runs, they stink. 

They’re terrible.

But everyone tells me their worth it.

At first I thought, “you guys are crazy. No way in heck can this be worth it.”

I soon realized how beneficial they can be.

Just a few days ago I was handed a map of the marathon route.

On race day I’m set to encounter a handful of nasty looking monoliths of destruction.

My knees are trembling already.

At that moment I thought to myself, it’s probably a good idea to try a few hills out before the day of the race.

Luckily, the hill runs are only once a week.

So 6 days out of 7 I can live a normal life.

But as soon as Thursday comes around, I quickly slip into a crazy state of mind.

One that can handle any incline that mother nature throws my way.

You can help me get through these hill runs by donating to my Team Determination site.

All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society and fund dozens of cancer research projects.

To donate visit:  http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/DetermiNation/DNFY11MW?px=26491417&pg=personal&fr_id=41731