Ran 3.5 miles at 6 am. Average pace=8:58/m. Weather= 59 degrees, 6mph wind, cloudy, humidity=80%
Went really easy today because of the long run yesterday. Actually, even if I wanted to go faster, not sure if I could... the 9 min pace felt kinda difficult today.
ABOUT HILLS:
It's funny... there's this hill about 1/2 mile long and 2% grade on my route today. Normally, I charge it and try to go at least 8:00-8:30 pace up it. Today, I just chugged it up at like 9:30/m. It felt more difficult today. I think because it took soooo much longer to get to the top.
My theory on hills is that it is not good strategy to slow down going up a hill... the reason is because a hill is hard no matter how fast you go up it, why not just charge it and get it over with? Tell yourself that you can slow down when you get to the top if you want. I think running fast helps to distract me from pain of the hill. I just concentrate on form and controlled breathing when going up a hill and I just stare at the top thinking that the faster I go, the faster this is over with.
Sometimes I'll see people walking up a hill. If you are tired and need to take a walk break, a hill is the worst possible choice of a walk break. It's not like you are going to get to catch your breath walking UP a hill. To me, it makes more sense to just run the thing, get it over with, and then reward yourself at the top with a walk break if you need it. Walking downhill will allow you to catch your breath much better. (Then again, I suppose some people are walking the hills because of injury... in which case, I say whatever works).
My other theory is that hills are a metaphor for challenges in life... | 