As it was the weekend, it was time to try some heavy training again. Each weekend, I want to try to conquer “the hill.” Last week I did it on Sunday, this week I was going to hit it on Saturday. I also learned from the last time that I needed to make sure I was well nourished and hydrated prior to the run. I had a decent breakfast of cereal with skim milk and biscuit with jam. Instead of taking just water, I made a mixture of 25% fruit juice to 75% water. I realized that for the 6 miles, I would need some carb boosting.
Years ago, I did the AIDS/Lifecycle ride and remembered that hard candy was handed out as we were riding 75-100 miles a day. So, I grabbed a mint and put in my pocket and for the run I went.
Overall, I did pretty well on the 6 miles. I improved my time from last week. Not a huge amount by progress. I did pop the mint into my mouth just before the steepest incline. Next time, I’m going to do this earlier as the sugars didn’t really kick in until was at the top. But it did help me on the last incline before the “finish” line.
Then I went and did something a bit crazy. I ran/walked back the 6 miles. The map only shows 4.22 miles because I didn’t start my Fitbit tracking on the first half mile and I stopped it when I got back to the trail, and took leisurely stroll back to my car. I made a few stops to take some pictures and hit a few red lights. By the time got back I was exhausted, and sore.
My muscles were fully worked out. I treated my self to nice evening soak in the hot tub. Ok, another guilty pleasure.
