Remember way back in the day when me and the Gangster hills had it out? I told the hills to suck it and kicked it’s butt from here to….to….to about the middle of September. I thought I was a Goodfella, a Wiseguy. But little did I know. After that, I couldn’t kick much of anything. I got the whole wonky ankle and didn’t run hills for quite some time. Now the hills may not have been the main culprit but I am pretty sure they played a role as big as Al Pacino’s mole.
I recently made a return trip to the hills after attempting them on the dread mill. I put in five solid hills, which is the equivalent of five miles. Our hill is a 1/2 mile up – not too steep but steady and then the 1/2 mile or so back down. It’s pretty much the only hill in town and it’s tough. (Just go back and read the way it spoke to me!) .
The problem here is that I really want to do the hills. I know they make me stronger, sure they are my least favorite run but after each one I feel so accomplished. Unfortunately, after the run last week, my ankle signaled to me the dreaded twinge of re-injury. It saddens me that I may have to quit hills all together some day. Then again, maybe you don’t quit the hills, they quit you.
Until that day, I’ll be rotating the hills weekly. One week I’ll do my hill repeats and the next week I’ll just do my race pace run. I will be packing heat to do battle with the hills in form of Tiger Balm and ibuprofen.
I guess this is what I get for taunting the Gangster Hills. I warn you not to make the same mistake I did or you may never “get made.” Just like Joe Pesci.
Never mess with the hills!!!! 🙂
Seriously, I would lay off the repeats for a bit until your ankle is fully back. I would just work hills into regular runs until then.
I'm adding hills back in next week . . . I'm ready!
Hope you can take it easy and keep from re-injuring the ankle.
Wow. I have hill everywhere, and I have to do my speedwork on the treadmill once a week to be able to hit my timed intervals. They ARE really good for you. I hate mine, but when it comes to race time that hill practice comes in handy! Good luck with your hills and your ankle!!
I am seriously so proud of you for assessing the situation and making the right choice for you! I want you to train and make it to Gasparilla so you can make us all proud!!! GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO B.o.B!!! 🙂
P.S. Hills be Gangsta yo!
I wonder if you take that right turn instead of turning left up the second hill. Run to where we park for the full half mile and then back. You still get some of the hills but a little rest in between. A slow bleed will still kill the hills. It just make take a little longer.
I used to have all kinds of issues when running hill repeats. This year I started doing something different with the help of my group coach – we incorporate several significant hills during our longs runs so you're getting the workout, learning to tackle hills on tired long-run legs, BUT they're more spread out and less likely to cause injury. Not sure if this is an option in your area, though.
Still, good on ya for tackling those gangsters!!
maybe just slowly go back to the hill instead of 5 the first time out…they are SOOOO good for your running
Half a mile is a long azz hill! The books I read suggest something about hal that long. They also stress the importance of *walking* back down. Th plan I'm on right now ( a modified Higdon) has me doing hills every fourth week.
Hope you are ready for a festive New Years!
Me thinks you need to take it slow with the hills…maybe just do a little bit at a time…it might help. I had trouble with the hills too when I first started until I realized that you don't run them the same way you run on level ground. Stick with it but have a little patience.
You'll conquer them yet! Have a happy new year!
you guys have a hill.. no fair!
You're so awesome girl! I'll learn from you and not make fun of the hills here. ("the hills are alive")
I admire your gangsta grit on those hills! I have to close my eyes when I tackle mine until they're done….hope your ankle is okay!
Hi, couldn't comment on your post above, it wouldn't let me…just wanted to say it's been a pleasure reading your blog and Happy New Year to you! xx