Running Update

I will admit, I have had a few lazy days this summer where I was not doing the mileage I had hoped to be doing (I would rather 4 miles be my small runs than 3 or even 2 on somedays) but I have been fairly consistent about actually running this summer and not slacking off like I would like to do some days.  I have gotten all the planned long runs leading up to my October half marathon in and done some pretty significant trail running.  In August I am planning on doing The Race to The Top of Vermont which I am both nervous and very excited about.  The route I will be running is 4.3 miles from where I am standing to the top of the mountain in the picture. 

 I have done quite a few hill runs this summer, and some of them up the road/trails on the other side of same mountain, however, check out the elevation gain on this side of the mountain.  This first stretch (pictured below) is thankfully the only paved part, howeve,r I am pretty sure the road never really flattens out at any point during the run.  There are a few points at which the grade comes down a bit to give your legs a little break, but at no point do you really stop climbing.  Thankfully, I was running with a friend this first time, because I would have backed out the minute I started up the road.  It took a good hour to reach the top and the minute I was done, I was glad I had done it for two reasons: 1. The feeling of accomplishment was amazing 2. There were several points near the top at which I thought I was almost there, just to come around the corner and see another steep climb ahead of me, had my first run been on race day it would have been bad.  I will run it one more time before the end of the month and while I would love to be in better shape then I am, had you told me I would be able to make a run like this a year ago, I would have laughed at you.