Went out and hang with the big kids for Hill Repeats at North Chagrin Reservation, this is a new hill location for me which made the previous one look like a bump, holy crap but we did great, I had great company in Kate and Amy, we took out time getting it done. There is a long loop (1.5+) and a short loop (1+), both having nasty hills just distance difference.

So happy to be done, but had to say it felt great even those I was dying on the hills I was so happy to have no hip or heel pain just the usual huffing and puffing.



I accidentally turn of my garmin somewhere but according to Amy and Kate's we did 8 miles in 2 hours, that 3 loops of each.

After getting a quick bite since I was staving, got in Cathe Ripped with Hiit Low Impact Workout #1 + Abs #1 then a 5 mins yoga for my back since it was sore from all the climbing.

2015 weather is starting out has interesting as how 2014 finished off, started off this morning with icy conditions but with the increasing temperature which will top out about 50+ ended up with rain, luckily hill repeats didn't start until 10am which by then the rain has slowed and temps were above freezing.

Met the ultra trail group for hill repeats at the Everett Covered Bridge, didn't run with them all of last year and wasn't sure how this was going to go, was I going to be able to do the whole 2 hours running or what. It was great seeing a lot of running friends at the start and then the fun began, Shelby was able to join me for this and it was great pacing and chatting with her.

We did it, got in 2 hours of hill repeats(which included warmup and CD both under 1 mile) without walking, legs felt pretty good and endurance wasn't bad, had a great time running with the group.

Got back took off the wet clothes and did Cathe Lift it Hiit It Legs, this was a great leg finisher, I felt good today, got into the tub for a nice Epsom salt soak.

Walking Intervals

Part of the off season training is to add walking back into the mix, and I really mean walking not slow jogging, learning to extend the stride and use the walking muscles. Struggle getting out of bed today, it was just so nice and cozy, even thou I was awake before the alarm went off, so the plan was 45mins walking + 30 mins weights, so went to the basement, strap on the 10# weight vest and off I went on the treadmill. Walking for me is more mental than anything else because am telling myself I should done x many miles by now but I am realizing that when I do the longer races and have to walk I need to be able to keep a good pace especially up hills.

To help get things done properly, I decide to use Itread Walking intervals 21, I follow level 3 settings so pace ranged from 4.0 - 4.8mph and incline from 2% to 10%, going up the 10% incline @ 4.3mph was tough, since this was only 35mins added on Itread walking 18b so ended up walking for 50mins instaed but I was really enjoying and getting a great workout, average heartrate was 137.

I love how this week has gone so far with my training, I seem to have refocus and doing more fun stuff but actually harder but more structure and balance . The eating is still a struggle but I think I am slowly getting it under control, need to tackle the holidays but I think I am ready.