Back in college I used to put Post-Its around the house the said "I love hills!" I figured maybe with positive thinking the hardest part of my runs would become exciting challenges, opportunities to make me stronger. This weekend was the last over twenty mile run before marathon day and I was looking forward to that. Training has taught me, that I'm strong enough to face any challenging day at least a moderate pace so my training day anxieties have lessened somewhat. That's somewhat (believe me they are intense). The New York Time just had an article recently on the importance of relaxing before races and how this helps performance. I think a lot of it is the unknown and training helps calm those nerves. You know you've done it many times before and you just need to put one foot in front of the other, simple as that. Matt gave me the usual directive of get sleep, no clubbing, and be there at 6:15. Does clubbing at your house count? Well I have to say it does relax me. I went into Saturday's run knowing the route was up to Matt and as we started out I realized we were heading toward the hills. Matt started talking about a bike race that covers all the largest hills in Austin (tour de Hugel) and how what we were about to go up was the steepest grade (25%) GREAT I LOVE HILLS - right?! Right - I know they will only make me stronger and I trudged up the best way I knew how, and to my surprise didn't feel that bad, and what a view! We ran up Ladera Norte and then headed over to Mt. Bonnell where we stretched at the top. I wasn't too excited about running up 2222 for a bit, but it was alright and worth the reward at the top of the hill. Twenty miles later and my legs were tired, but not as much as I expected and my cardo felt good. Not only did the hills strengthen me physically, but they also strengthened me mentally. Less than three weeks to go and the view from my long run is good.
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