Hello All,
This morning the plan was hill repeats. I got to the clubhouse to meet up with my training partner, but she wasn't there. I waited a bit, then called. I left a message and walked out the gate. I thought of going to our long training hill, but as I got to the street I changed my mind and went across the street into the desert.. There is a large piece of undeveloped desert land there. Lots of sandy dunes. I jogged until I made a loop in the sand, two uphills, two downhills. The loop only took 2:30 to complete. I set my timer for 2:30 repeats and started. I did four of these short, but challenging sandy runs. Then walked back to the clubhouse. All tolled: 1.0 miles, but I was sweating up a storm.
Running in sand is really a good workout as it helps develop all sides of the ankle, calves, and hamstrings and the hills work the thighs. I used to sometimes train my horse, Shaker, by doing figure eights in sand. She hated it at first, but then developed an appreciation for the strength-building quality. (Geezz, I miss my her!)
I'll continue to do sand running workouts as this trail run in November across Baylor Pass begins in the desert and its a sandy uphill slope forthe first mile or two.
See ya!
Be well.
