Hill repeats really, really work . . .

I've got to admit I was skeptical about the benefits of hill repeats.   I started weekly sessions about four or five weeks ago and expected it would likely be months before I started seeing a real positive difference.  And to be truthful, I really don't feel any of the benefits quite yet.  But they must be there!  Proof is in the pudding!  Read on.


Today, I traveled to Wilson, NC to run in the first ever "Run for the One" half marathon.  Not the best time of the year to have a half marathon.  And we knew the weather was going to be hot and humid Saturday.  90s or so probably.  But good training for Boogie next weekend.  My plan was to just run this one and enjoy the race.  The Rocky Mount Endurance Club showed up in force!  Probably 15 club members there!


It turns out, I didn't think I was having a good day at all.  In fact I felt like I was having a BAD day.  I never do well in heat and humidity, but I felt like I was struggling from mile 4 on.  Just no zip in my legs (like I EVER have any zip in my legs!).  In my mind this was just a day to finish and go home to "jump in the lake!"


But . . . well . . . I must have been flying!  I didn't feel like it.  But I must have been.  This has never happened to me before.  It went down something like this . . .

It was about mile 8 or so and I was just minding my own business and wishing the finish line was much closer than it was.  But out of the corner of my eye I saw him.  Hiding behind a parked car next to the race course was Sgt T. W. Doughtie, one of "Wilson's Finest," And he was armed . . . with a radar gun.  Before I knew it, the blue light came on!  Got to admit I was quite confused.  I couldn't figure out who he was pulling as I didn't see any cars around!"

"Okay Old Man!  Pull it over . . . RIGHT NOW!"

"Huh???"

"Yea . . . YOU!  Pull it over to the side!!"

"But officer . . . what did I do?  What's this all about?"

"Sir . . . do you realize how fast you were going?" 

"Officer. . . I really don't think . . ."

"That's the problem sir!  You DIDN'T think!!  Don't you realize there are other runners out today, trying to enjoy themselves.  And here you are . . . SPEEDING!   There could even have been kids crossing the street!  Or perhaps a mother pushing a baby stroller.  What would you have done then . . . HUH??"

"Well, officer . . .I guess I would have . . ."

"You probably would have run them over.  THAT'S what you would have done!"

"Officer . . . I'm sorry.  I guess I just didn't realize."

"Well Sir . . . you just need to be MUCH more careful and SLOW DOWN!"

"Officer, I promise I will.  I'll back off the pace and be much more careful the rest of the way."

"Okay sir.  I believe you.  You seem like a nice man.  I'm going to cut you a break and let you off with just a warning ticket this time!  But if I EVER catch you speeding through the town of Wilson again, you'll be very sorry!"

And so . . . I, race # 1530, got a Warning Ticket for speeding with the added note "Careless speeding and endangering public citizens."

But even though this is only a "Warning Ticket". . . I'm thinking I may "fight it."  I mean . . . I MUST have been going faster then 2 mph!  Either the radar gun wasn't calibrated correctly, or the Sargent made a mistake.  Either way they'll have to throw ticket out won't they??

But you can bet I won't be missing any hill repeat sessions anytime soon!