I've always wondered why so many marathoners are averse to hills. They have no problem running 26.2 miles but when you mention "It's a hilly course," they wimp out. I've always envied runners who live in the mountains or piedmont because they have a climbing gear I just don't have. Kirk made a comment after we'd finished Grandfather Mountain Marathon, "Where do you find hills like these to practice on in Columbia??" Well you do your best, which leads me to Ulmer 6 Mile Out and Back. It's basically a variation of the Sunview Lake runs with an extreme uphill (pictured here) in the 5th mile. It's one of two hills on the same ridge, the other being a gentler longer slope. And there are a couple of 10ks around Columbia that are pretty hilly - Habitat for Humanity in West Columbia, and Lake Carolina in Northeast Columbia. Good places to train!! There are hills around but you just have to be motivated enough to add them to your training. Ellerbe Springs Marathon is extremely hilly and that's one of it's attraction for me - you know you've done something when you finish!! Remember Rocky finally sprinting up the steps to the Philadelphia courthouse pumping his legs and waving his hands in victory? The same steps he could hardly walk up in the beginning? It's sort of like that with me. I like the challenge they offer. Plus they help break up monotonous runs and provide needed variety. Oh, I almost forgot, I did the course in my fastest time since I started training - 55:18 at 9:13 per mile! I deserve a little leg pumping handwaving myself!!
The weather was cold and a little windy and I had to wear 2 shirts. The cold dry air has brought Cedar Waxings and Robins to my birthbath making this, as always, a special day.
toadshade
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