Fitness

I was commenting over on Run 4 Change (My Angle on Weight Loss) blog about how I did three miles in thirty minutes the other day. I didn’t think this was so impressive because I didn’t have anything to measure it against. However, according to Jason, “doing your three miles in 30 minutes is major booty kicking”. Tee hee hee. That led to further discussion about my legs feeling heavy when I run at times and to mentioning that there are hills around me where I go. He also added:

And one more thing Claire. Hills do slow you down substantially. Not that this is a bad thing at all but I am just saying that if you were to be going on a flat course your pace would be even faster.

And one more thing: A 10 minute mile pace is GREAT.

He is so encouraging – do go check him out and follow him. I know you will feel inspired!

So, as I promised him, I took some shots of my route I go on when I run around my neighborhood. I certainly didn’t do a 10 minute mile today because a) I kept stopping to take pictures and b) I had to wait for the crosswalk lights and c) it was hella humid out and hot and d) I walked more than I ran today. Still, I did my route in just under 50 minutes. I guess I’m doing better than I thought.

Here’s the hill right at the start of my route. I used to huff and puff just walking up this hill, and now I can run it almost all the way up. Today I did it twice because I started going, realized it was hot, and then went back home for water. (And you should see the cars spinning out on this hill when it snows. I just sit back and watch. I never attempt to drive out of the neighborhood when it snows – that should give you some more indication of its grade.)

As an aside, this is the view looking the other way down the hill.

This next shot is at the top of the first hill. I usually walk fast for a few paces here, then pick it up again at about the playground sign. This area is flat with a very slight downhill grade before I get to the first crosswalk.

First crosswalk, looking up the next hill. On this hill, I usually do a fast but I’ve been trying to get more running paces in going uphill. I am certain that’s helping with my steady weight loss efforts too. By the time I’ve hit the top of that hill just around the corner I’ve done about 2/3 of a mile.

Here you can see the crest of the hill and the beginning of the downward descent. Usually I’m walking fast across this little crosswalk and start picking up to running again at the second lamppost up there.

Around the next bend and downhill. I run down this for as far as the eye can see all the way to the traffic light, which is hidden from view. That traffic light is my turnaround and halfway point for the three mile route.

Turning around and looking back from whence I just came. and I always make sure to stay within the speed limit when I’m running. Bwahhahahaha.

At the bottom of that long hill, having just crossed over and looking back up.

Another closer view

Halfway up the top.

Some high school girls out trying to be like me. (Just kidding.)

Heading back down the final stretch. Glad to be seeing some level road and downhill. That long stretch of gradual uphill is a beast at times. But an excellent challenge. Eventually, I want to have the strength to run it all the way uphill.

And there you go – that’s pretty much my route. Three miles round trip. I can make it four if I go to the farthest stop light instead of crossing where I usually do – that adds on another one mile loop.

Now it’s time to rest those heavy legs…. which are getting lighter by the weigh-in.

Tagged as: activity, exercise, Fitness, jogging, losing weight, Running, walking, Weight Loss

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