Today, after examining my run assignments for the week, I went out for a run. It would not be the speed workout, which was scheduled for yesterday. It would not be the 6 mile progressive run scheduled for tomorrow. Although today’s workout was an easy 3-4 mile run, it wasn’t that either. What it was to be, I didn’t exactly know. I just knew that it would be to a popular hiking and running location that the locals just rave about. It was time to discover what all the hype was about.
I ran along the streets for 1 mile to reach the entrance. I told the guard at the gate that this was my first time. He reassured me that it was a single loop; I could not get lost. He cited some facts about the distance to the top of the hill, etc. I only absorbed the fact that the total distance from the gate entrance and back would be 3.7 miles. 3.7 miles + 1 mile to and from = 5.7 miles. It wasn’t exactly 3-4 miles and it wasn’t exactly easy. I wondered if I could possibly make it my progressive run. Looking up the steep climb, I thought better of it. I’d just run and see what happened.
I began my trek. I passed many hikers along the way. I huffed and puffed like the big, bad wolf. The only problem was that I was climbing the brick houses of hills. I thought, “Am I that out of shape?” To make matters worse, I young chick whooshed past me and disappeared down the other side of the hill. It was a bit demoralizing.
On the positive side, once I got over my deflated ego, I got to see exactly what all the rage was about. All around me was incredible views of the entire Bay Area. It was breathtaking – literally. *huff – puff*
I can now say that I have “been there and done that.” I have also discovered that I will need a couple of more options for my lunchtime runs. I know that a little hill work will do me good, but I also need confidence going into my next race. I have no idea where my new routes will take me, but I guess I become very familiar with my new surroundings (like it or not) very quickly.