New Run

Well, I recently found a website called mapmyrun.com. It's a great site that helps you map out routes for your running, find new routes, track your workouts, etc. Today I ran my first self-planned route. It was 2.5 miles total with 5 minutes of walking at either end, so I ran about 2 miles in 25 minutes. The hills were interesting. There are a couple of big hills in the run - bigger than the mapper would lead you to believe. But, taking the advice of my running coach, I pushed off my heel and snapped my arms at a pace that left me breathing a little heavy, but still able to continue running - apparently that's the key to running a hill. Don't get so winded that you need to walk when you get to the top.

Now, as an out and back course, it looks like there's one hill in the middle. Well there is, but only because most of the way out is up and most of the way back is down. It made for an interesting run. I think I might try to find a more varied course in the future, but that may be hard considering where I live. Being near a river means that most surfaces slope up, I've discovered. Ah, well, I'm destined to be a great hill runner. Plus, the half marathon is in Vermont. That state is known for it's completely flat ground.

Update: 25 minutes. ~ 2 miles.