So it wasn't a huge hill but it was definitely a hill...and one that I had been avoiding for awhile. But I figure I can't avoid them forever (they are EVERYWHERE) and so I just took it easy, especially since it was the last 5+ minutes of the run...no looking ahead, just watching my feet and slowly, slowly getting up that hill. And you know what, it wasn't as bad as I expected and the fact that it was at the end of the run is even more exciting. I can do it!!! And the world is opening up, hills and all! The entire 38 minutes brought me to 6.03 km with a finish just outside my door.
I am wondering if I should try to slow down my pace a bit more. It's sustainable and I'm continually talking to myself out loud, just to be sure I am keeping a conversational pace. I feel as if I could probably continue but when I do stop I am definitely winded for a minute or two. Am I going too fast?
It did help that I took off my running jacket and did most of the run in my tee shirt. I will soon have to buy some more appropriate running clothes...it's getting too warm for what I have.
Definitely looking forward to this weekend's run and giving that hill another try.
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123gogo
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Hills will definitely make you stronger and develop your aerobic base, so stick with them.
If you can speak aloud, clear ungasping sentences as you run, then you are pretty much in the most effective zone, so no real need to slow down further.
I'm going to be known as that woman who keeps running around, talking to herself all the time!! The tricky part is that I ask myself questions....and then answer them!!!!
There is an older man around here, a bit of a character with a sharp wit, always talking to himself. So I asked him about it. He replied: "Young McGrath, I couldn't talk to a nicer person, and no nicer person could I listen to" So keep talking to yourself, you are in the best company. ☺
That is brilliant, running up hill and talking out loud to yourself, and you won’t be known as that woman who runs around talking to herself because you will pass people so fast they will only catch part of a word and be left wondering if they imagined it 😀
Hills are ace, just don't expect to go up them as fast as you would go along a flat route or gentle downhill! Try not to drop your head either, it won't help your breathing.
If you're winded for a minute or two after your run I'd say you probably are going a bit fast, though it might of course just be the effect of trying the hill for the first time.
Thank you. Yes, hills will make regular appearances in my runs. Thanks for the advice re head dropping...I probably did that today since I was too scared to look up and up and up...
😂 I'll try to be more mindful of position and speed when I next run. Have a good day.
Thanks 123gogo . I'm hardly the model of good running form when going up hills, I need to follow my own advice! It's true though that if you look down and think urgh this is a slog, it feels harder than if you keep your head that bit higher and tell yourself you can do this!
As for running wear, much depends on your budget. I wear a lot of stuff from Lidl and Decathlon, but if you're able to invest more I understand that BAM bamboo clothing and Sweaty Betty (especially in the latter's sale) are very good.
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