That Guy does not approve of Monday hills

He was there from the start this morning, ready to go, until I told him the route. Hills, this early! It was a 5 mile loop with 3 significant hills in the first 3 miles, then flat 2. That Guy was complaining midway up the first hill!

"Not a good way to start a Monday!"

"Shut up and breathe."

My legs felt it first. That heaviness that turns to a burn. Then the arms, heavy trying to use them to power up, then the lungs, patterning my breathing to match my pace, getting in as much O2 as possible, failing to come up with a damn mantra to get over these hills. Cresting doesn't stop the burn, only seems to intensify it until I've gone too many seconds beyond. Then relief begins to come, briefly, preparing for the next climb.

We ran together in silence while plogging the hills. It had been several years since I'd run this loop. It was the first time that I felt I was in good enough shape to try it. A sunny morning with the temp just cresting the half century. At the top of the 2nd hill a great view of the valley towards Mt. Angel and the Abby hill. I was almost to tired to notice, That Guy brought it to my attention. "If you're gonna make me suffer this early at least enjoy the view!" Sometimes I forget there's more to see on a run than the pavement immediately in front of me.

I walked down the steep section of the last hill. Though my knees were ok, I could feel the mild ache from the many years of pounding the downhills. It seems what fast twist muscles I use to possess have gone into retirement. I just tried to land as light as possible without gravity making me move faster than my legs.

The final two miles home felt quicker than they really were, but no residual aches from the ups and downs. That Guy had finally stopped complaining and we finished in as sunny of conditions as we had started. Another one in the barn.