I had to dig deep for my run this morning. We changed it up a bit and did a hill work out. Finally!  I am so glad the roads were finally clear enough to do hills. Let me tell you, it was quite the workout BUT I know it will help me in the end.

It was -25 (with the windchill) and sunny. It was SO F-ing COLD! Thankfully my body was warm because I layered like a crazy lady. I could barely breath in through my nose because it was so cold and frozen. But hey, no biggie right? I got my hill work out in.

first part only- there's always more around the corner

Workout:

2.5km warm up
10 x 800m hill
2.5km cool down

The first hill went well and I felt great – 3:57
The second and third hill was between – 3:57-3:59
I think it was on the fourth and sixth hill when I stopped at the top of the first hill because I was tired (lousy excuse, I know) and I was jinxing myself out. I can’t remember the exact time but I think it was around 4:15 maybe?
Hill seven and eight were mentally and physically tiring. My legs were becoming very stiff.
Hill nine was better. Hill ten was obviously the best because it was the last and completing that workout felt awesome!

Important things to remember when doing hills?

Look UP and PUMP those arms!!!

I know I’ve said it before but I must say it again – the Runners’ Edge crew is amazing!! I wouldn’t have got through this workout on my own, I probably would have given up after hill five… ok – maybe even sooner. We were all so supportive of one another and really encouraged each other to push through and pump those arms. Thank you guys so much! Having that support and running with a great group of people really does make a huge difference. Who would have thought running in -25 temperature could be FUN?!

I have to admit for the cool down, I felt like I was crawling. My legs were so heavy and tired. I only kept going because I just wanted to get back to the store and lay down stretch.

i'm so attactive. yes, i know.. especially the hair.

I found another one of these when I was changing. I mentioned Operation Beautiful  here, so go take a look now if you don’t know what it is!

I swear I'm not posting these in the change room to make myself feel good

Do you add hill workouts to your training plan?  On really cold days do you hit the gym or hit the roads?

Yesterday I did not want to run. I took the day off – guilt free.

Don't make fun of my little girl mittens please.

Although I did walked for an hour instead. What in gods name was I thinking?

At least I was with GMan; he made it enjoyable.  He also made me one of these

isn't he sweet?