I rather enjoyed too much San Miguel last night (it was on offer and ice cold and delicious) and arose from my bed feeling a tad delicate. I'd sort of wondered about a long 12K run but bottled out at the last minute owing to "shaky leg syndrome" (ie. hangover). So I decided to attack Mount Torture in Richmond for a spot of hill training. If that didn't sort my legs out....nothing would. I hadn't graced the hill with my presence for a while so it would be good to see if she's still as torturous as before.
Set off along the river to richmond Lock where I decided to cross over to the other side. Normally there are a few people around but this morning it was deserted so I took a selfie atop the Victorian structure. Selfie done, I jogged over to the far side and went down the steps and set off at a medium pace towards my destination. I wished I'd set Endomondo off to measure my speed but I forgot! Oh well, not to worry, I could see Richmond Bridge approaching and I didn't have too far to go before I reached Nightingale Lane - the hill of DEATH!!
Off I trudged at a slow pace, my glutes screaming abuse at me. Halfway up I noticed a council worker who was sweeping the leaves and general detritus into piles. He gave me a look as I slogged past as though to say "You;re mad!" He was probably right.
I reached the summit and felt like planting a flag, I was so proud! It really is a killer of a hill but perfect for my needs. Once I'd caught my breath I went back down....slowly! There is a danger on this hill that could potentially do you some damage to your hips if you weren't careful. I didn't want to put the brakes on too much, but yet I didn't want to end up having my legs run so fast I couldn't keep up with the buggers! "Just let gravity do it's thing Dan" I told myself and before long I was at the bottom.
Time for the second ascent - off I went. Brush Man was still there, sweeping as slowly as he could, clearly waiting for lunchtime where he could sit down and rest up. He gave me another look - this definitely said "Nutter" as far as I was concerned, but I carried on to the top. Gasping for breath I decided to reward myself with a lovely sit down on one of the many benches which overlook the river from on high. I started to feel a bit self conscious of Brush Man now.I just wished he'd finish his sweeping and b***er off! But alas, he was there to do a job I suppose, so I quickly admonished myself for thinking such evil thoughts. His dust cart was just opposite me and I had more evil visions of me climbing aboard the thing and sailing down the hill at 100mph, screaming like a banshee as I went passed him!! Hahaha!
I decided not to do that.
Off I went again down the hill. I smiled this time as I passed him. Nothing. Zero response from him. Now I was feeling like a plonker. I reached the bottom and wondered if I really could go up a 4th time. I mean, what will he be thinking? Then I had a rush of positivity where I told myself "WHO GIVES A FLYING SH**!" So off I went up again. It felt remarkably easier this time and I'm sure my speed increased from 0.01 mph to 0.03 mph as I "raced" past Brush Man (didn't even bother smiling this time) and reached the top. A few moments to gather myself and then I was off back down for the final time. I really was quite bored by this stage and how I managed 5 up and downs on a previous session, I have no idea. So I decided to run home.
I felt leaden and heavy. Not at all light and quick footed which I hoped I would be. Probably my physiology wasn't in the best shape after San Miguel last night ,so I put it down to that.
I'm planning a long one at the weekend and might even do the 12K route I did a few weeks back. Knowing I can conquer this distance is an amazing thought considering this time last year I had so many injuries. I seem to remember writing about my groin quite a bit (much to juicyju's amusement!!).
Have fun people and enjoy the running cos it's good for you!
Dan.
The hill of Achievement W6 R2
Conquered the “hill”
Hill Training (a bit enthusiastic)
