5 Mile Trail Run - Bring On the Hills

I love the Cincinnati Nature Center! It is such a beautiful place and has so many trails with varied terrain. It has a few flat, paved trails near the buildings and parking lot. Get a little farther out and you have roots, rocks, mulch, gravel, stone steps, and wood steps, and creek crossings. There's so much, I can't list it all! And if you want hills, they have them.There is one hill in particular that takes me about 8 mins. to just walk up. I haven't attempted to run this one yet, but it is in my sight. That accomplishment would be a Rocky moment for sure!

Gena L got me thinking about my resistance training again. I've been so focused on training for the half marathon what was once a mainstay of my routine has been ignored for awhile. Since the move, my weight set is in pieces until further notice/unpacking. I figured the best way to get lower body resistance in the meantime without weights is HILLS! So I will purposely incorporate a hill run once a week. I started this yesterday with a 5 mile trail run focusing on a course with hills. Loved it! It really slowed down my time but it was worth it. Good workout!

Next I need to dig out the adjustable dumb bell set and exercise ball for upper body conditioning. I think between hills, pushups, dips, and the dumb bells, I can get in an efficient yet simple routine without interfering with my 1/2 training schedule. I got behind a bit during the time around our move. So from now until the race on Oct. 18, every single run is important and has a purpose.

Hill running will pay off for me in the Spring if I decide to do the Flying Pig 1/2 so I have been advised. I've been told it is a challenging course with hills. I can't even believe I'm all ready thinking of another 1/2 when I haven't completed this one! lol