Hills: They Do Exist

on March 31, 2010

Who wouldâ€™ve thought that all I needed to do was drive 30 miles west, and Iâ€™d find excellent hill training?

(Same outfit as yesterday. I did the wash and grabbed the first thing on top of the pile. I swear!)

My Dad is doing the same Metric Century (100K) and Century (100 miles) that Iâ€™m doing, and weâ€™re going to try to meet up a few times to train together.

My Dadâ€™s bike is called a recumbent, if youâ€™re wondering. :)

He suggested we meet near Sugarloaf Mountain, which rises a whopping 308 feet above sea level (a really big deal for Florida). I was thrilled to get a chance to do some hill training and was VERY surprised at the number and height of the many, many rolling hills we encountered.

The best part about climbing big hills? Going dooooooown! I hit speeds of 28.0 mph at one point â€“ and I had my finger on the brake! I am way too chicken to go down without some resistance.

Not only will hill training at Sugarloaf prepare me physically for the Metric (which is actually in the area) and the Century, but it will also help me understand the gears on my bike a little better. Because I mostly bike on flat land, I never really need to shift gears that much. I think the ideal gear for hill climbing is â€œlittle in the front, big in the back.â€

We did 21.0 miles in 1:49 and now my legs are screaming! No more leg-related cardio until my race on Saturday.

After the ride, I inhaled a Glo Bar:

As well as these very disgusting tasting shot blocks:

Ew. Tasted like chemicals.

Lunch was one of my favorite recipes, Savory Pancakes.

You can find the recipe for this delicious meal on this page.

As well as some sugar snap peas for GREEN!

Fun Question of the Day: If you could train/workout in any location, where would it be and why? I would love to do a train run through an Hawaiian tropical forest and along the beach. Iâ€™ve never been, but every picture Iâ€™ve seen is gorgeous!

{ 108 comments }

Sami March 31, 2010, 2:15 pm
I would love to take a run through Magic Kingdom in FL! I am so jealous of all the participants in the Disney Marathon, including you! 🙂 I was down for Spring Training not too long ago and we went to Orlando Studios as a family on our “break day”. You reminded me with this post how much I LOVE sugar snap peas, too! So, thanks! 😀
- Freya @ Brit Chick Runs March 31, 2010, 2:17 pm
  OOHH, the Magic Kingdom, definetly! I agree 🙂
Freya @ Brit Chick Runs March 31, 2010, 2:17 pm
SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN! LOves it!
Your dad’s bike, that looks fun! Great way to get a tan 😛 it’s just like sunbathing!
I’ve never really thought about where I’d most like to train…probably in the crazy wilderness that I’ve seen pics of in the USA – maybe Colorado or something? I don’t know the names…I’d love to run round the edge of the Grand Canyon actually, that’d be fun – as long as I didn’t get vertigo :s
Have a good afternoon!
Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin March 31, 2010, 2:18 pm
haha! i actually liked those cola things. they reminded me of those mini coke bottle gummy candy when I was little. Eek… black beans + pancakes scare me! But you make it look good.
Evan Thomas March 31, 2010, 2:18 pm
I want to run somewhere warm! I’m a little sick of New England. Sometimes I wish I’d bike instead of run just because it sounds cooler to be able to go farther and see more places
Heather (Heather's Dish) March 31, 2010, 2:19 pm
you know, before i moved to colorado i would say the beach, but it’s nice to train in the altitude then feel like a rockstar when you’re somewhere else 🙂 i wouldn’t be TOTALLY against running on a beach though…just sayin’
Amber K @ sparkpeople March 31, 2010, 2:21 pm
Anywhere sunny! It rains and storms so much here that most of the year I can’t work out outside. I’m not a huge fan of the outdoors anyway, but it would be nice to not have to be FREEZING cold on my way to the gym!
Jessica @ The Process of Healing March 31, 2010, 2:25 pm
Wow, who know FL had such hills? Not I!!
I’d actually love to run in California!
Jes (Self Motivation) March 31, 2010, 2:26 pm
Oh I would love to run with mountains in the background… I did it once, but that was when I just started running, and I don’t think I fully appreciated it then.

Congrats on your ride!
Jenny March 31, 2010, 2:26 pm
My favorite place to run is along the coast- don’t get it that often in Gainesville!
Madeline - Greens and Jeans March 31, 2010, 2:27 pm
All of my favorite runs and rides have been in the mountains! I’d love to live in a place where I can claim I “train at altitude!”
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) March 31, 2010, 2:29 pm
You and your pops are too cool training together. Both my parents ran a marathon over 10 years ago….maybe I can get them to train with me….maybe.
Angharad March 31, 2010, 2:30 pm
I would love to run by the sea! I’m in the middle of the country in Minneapolis and surrounded by amazing lakes but I would love to be sea-side! Something about that sea air!
Sarah March 31, 2010, 2:31 pm
I had my honeymoon in the Cook Islands (in the South Pacific, near-ish to Fiji) and the big island, Rarotonga, had SO many bicyclists! It was mostly flat around the edges and gorgeous! It was big enough that people would take the day and ride the circle around the whole island! I thought it was so cool, but probably expensive to fly your bike half way across the globe, lol. (Rental shops didn’t have good bikes.)
Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday March 31, 2010, 2:31 pm
Whistler BC
Sarah March 31, 2010, 2:32 pm
btw, I totally see the resemblance with your Dad. You have his smile!
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine March 31, 2010, 2:32 pm
That recumbent bike is so cool!! I’d love to run along the Mediterranean- perfect weather and gorgeous sights!!
Keri March 31, 2010, 2:32 pm
The west coast! I love southern California, Long Beach, etc. and I have always wanted to run the Big Sur marathon, I hear it is beautiful!
Kelly March 31, 2010, 2:32 pm
Hawaii definitely sounds awesome, but I also really want to do the Disney princess half, or the full Disney marathon. I’m a kid at heart 🙂
chandra hall March 31, 2010, 2:36 pm
I am visiting my dad in Hawaii in May and I can’t WAIT for some runs through Honolulu city/along the beach!! 🙂

…your dad has the coolest bike ever.

♥
Heather @ Side of Sneakers March 31, 2010, 2:36 pm
I love that your dad is doing the race with you! How fun!
Laura Georgina March 31, 2010, 2:37 pm
I would love to run in Paris! It would be scenic and the people-watching would keep me running for a good few miles longer than usual 🙂 My second dream location will be Montreal–I’m going in June and spending a week in my old haunts! I can’t wait to do a killer run in Mount Royal park, where I used to marvel at “those crazy runners” back in my couch-potato days.
katherine March 31, 2010, 2:40 pm
I’d love to train in the Italian countryside – some flat, some hills, and lots of vino! 🙂
Mason March 31, 2010, 2:40 pm
Your dad looks like Jeff Bridges! Hahahaha
Brie (The Fit Bride) March 31, 2010, 2:41 pm
Your dad looks like a fun guy. I remember riding on the back of my dad’s bike in a little bike seat when I was a kid!
Lisa March 31, 2010, 2:41 pm
That is one intense hill! I don’t know if I could make it up! Question: what is the reasoning behind a recumbent bike? Does it work different muscles than a regular road bike?

As for training, I wish I was in sunny California training right now. Preferably somewhere with lots of trees.
- Caitlin March 31, 2010, 2:52 pm
  My dad’s reasoning is that he hurt his arms by cycling so much (and being hit by a car, another story) and the positioning of the bike allows him to ride comfortably. He also has issues with balance (as a result of the car accident) and you can’t fall over on a recumbent. plus, it’s super comfortable!
Jessica @ How Sweet March 31, 2010, 2:41 pm
I;m going with Northern Michigan – know it sounds odd, but we vacation there every year and the sights are just gorgeous!
Lauren @ Eater not a runner March 31, 2010, 2:42 pm
I’d love to do some trail running somewhere beautiful, like Colorado! In the summer of course 🙂
Estela @ Weekly Bite March 31, 2010, 2:43 pm
One of my best friends runs the Hawaii marathon every year… she loves it! Then takes a vacation there afterwards!
Britt @ Runnerbelle March 31, 2010, 2:47 pm
Almost anywhere along the ocean, preferably with a tailwind. Haven’t been to Hawaii, but I’m sure running along the ocean there would NOT suck. 😉

I love running along the coast of ME, NH and MA.
Juli D. March 31, 2010, 2:51 pm
Along a mountain ridge – gorgeous views. 🙂
Hallie March 31, 2010, 2:55 pm
“No more leg-related cardio until my race on Saturday.” Is there non-leg-related cardio? I’m not trying to be sarcastic, sometimes my legs get so sore but I still want to get my heart pumping, in a rated-G way of course 😉

I’d love to train anywhere scenic so I don’t get bored…can’t think of anyplace specific, though.
- Caitlin March 31, 2010, 2:55 pm
  swimming! the best non-leg cardio there is 🙂 well, as long as you don’t kick too much!
  - Paige (Running Around Normal) March 31, 2010, 2:59 pm
    And the new “krank” or what’s it called! haha – it’s like a spinning class, but the pedals are where the handle bars should be!
Kelly March 31, 2010, 2:56 pm
I would love to run or bike anywhere near an ocean. It would also be unbelievable to bike somewhere that was straight, and relatively flat without any cars or road crossings 🙂 Now i’m getting picky haha
Mary @ Fit this girl March 31, 2010, 2:57 pm
How fun for you that you can train with your dad!! That is got to be so much fun!!
Paige (Running Around Normal) March 31, 2010, 3:00 pm
Your dad’s bike looks awesome! How cool:D Glad you got in one last long ride.
Jenn @ LiveWellFitNow March 31, 2010, 3:00 pm
Any tropical island would do! Add some rain forest action in there and I would be one happy woman! Though I did hike in Arizona and the desert is one awesome place.
Chloe (Naturally Frugal) March 31, 2010, 3:04 pm
That’s great that you have at least some variety to train on. Everything helps in the end, and soon you’ll be able to whiz down those hills in no time!
Cynthia (It All Changes) March 31, 2010, 3:05 pm
I would love to run in Central Park. That is actually one of my bucket list things. I wanted to do it while in seminary just outside the city but got injured.
Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance....after a 100+ Pound weight loss!!! March 31, 2010, 3:06 pm
In the Rocky Mountains or Moab, Utah (where my Dad lives)………you can’t beat the scenery or the “fresh air”!!! =)
- Jess March 31, 2010, 3:09 pm
  I just ran a half in Moab about two weeks ago. It was beautiful!
Jess March 31, 2010, 3:08 pm
I am totally spoiled and get to train in Colorado, a mile high or more. Beautiful scenery and I get an altitude advantage when I go down to sea level. In the winter though I’d love to be running by the beach for sure! Training with temperatures in the teens is brutal.
sarah (the SHU box) March 31, 2010, 3:10 pm
did you end up deciding not to do the long run right near the race after all? probably will benefit you on race day speed-wise . . . i have a feeling you are going to do amazingly! can’t wait to read about croom 2.0.

also, your dad is so cool 🙂
- Caitlin March 31, 2010, 3:20 pm
  yea it cant hurt to rest my leggies a little bit. i think 20 miles of hills = a long run. LOL
  - sarah (the SHU box) March 31, 2010, 3:22 pm
    = at LEAST a long run! i can’t even imagine — you are hardcore 🙂 but probably at least using slightly different msucle groups.
Gracie (complicated day) March 31, 2010, 3:12 pm
Hm, a pine forest somewhere with little chirping birds and well-behaved squirrels. And no other people.
Anna @ Oats N Boats March 31, 2010, 3:12 pm
That’s awesome that your dad is doing the race with you. It excites me to see how his love of bicycling influenced you – gives me all these ideas of what things I’ll do with my kids (when I have kids).
While you’re in CA, venture out to the coast for some mega hills – I’m always amazed and inspired to see people biking them (I also live in flatsville so I’m not used to hills). There are people who bike Hwy 1… maybe that could be another future goal!
Katherine March 31, 2010, 3:13 pm
I have 2 top spots:

I would love to run through a tropical forest in Hawaii too!(as long as I’m not being chased by a Puma or something). My ideal conditions would be not too hot, not too cold, sunny outside, but shady under the trees, and a big plate of tropical fruits and a frozen drink waiting for me at the end.

My second spot is in Vancouver, running along the water and overlooking the mountains all at once. The residents there are so fit and active. There is something about exercising outdoors and seeing others do the same that really gives me a a high.
ida March 31, 2010, 3:13 pm
once you get tired enough during the century you’ll fly down those hills b/c you’ll want all the momentum you can get!
i’d love to go run in AZ- during the winter of course.
Tyler Ramey March 31, 2010, 3:14 pm
Florida pretty much rocks my socks off, so that would be my ideal training ground. Nice long run on the beach in the AM, and then a nice bike ride in the afternoon. Ahhhh…makes me long for summer and vacation!
Carrie H March 31, 2010, 3:15 pm
Sea level! 🙂 There is a Sugarloaf Mountain in Wyoming about 30 miles from me too, and it is about 11,200 feet above sea level. I’ve hiked it and run near it! I do all most of my runs at 7,200 feet, and when I run at sea level I am so much faster. In fact, I pr’d at a 5k in Hawaii when my husband and I were there over Christmas with a time of 23:43. I know the elevation made a huge difference.

And another sidenote, yesterday, I was doing my five-mile run around town and it was really windy. I was listening to local radio and the dj said my area was in a high-wind warning zone for gusts up to 70 mph (!!!!). It was nuts. A place without wind would also be ideal.
Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete March 31, 2010, 3:15 pm
I LOVE biking in Germany where I live. There are hills galore for better or for worse. The only thing I would change about it would be the altitude. Some high altitude training would be awesome, then to race in FL. Ideal!
Carolyn @ lovinlosing March 31, 2010, 3:15 pm
Central Park maybe!? As long as I didn’t end up on Law and Order. LOL
clay March 31, 2010, 3:19 pm
There are these trail in california that i really want to run on but I forgot what they are called. They were written about in runners world magazine. Actually i would want to run anywhere in Cali because I have never been there! Your dads bike is awesome!
astrid March 31, 2010, 3:23 pm
wow those pancakes look great! such a neat idea 🙂
Holly March 31, 2010, 3:45 pm
Those pancakes look FABULOUS! And scrumptious!

I would want to train somewhere like a rainforest, but I also like training here – British Columbia! It has aaaall kinds of weather!
Retta @ RunRettaRun March 31, 2010, 3:45 pm
Anywhere sea/ocean side for me! In OK, I’m way too far from a beach!
Molly @fuelherup March 31, 2010, 3:46 pm
Dude, the beach is painful! There’s no rebound, so all your force gets lost as soon as your feet hit the ground. Your muscles will be crying very quickly!
- Caitlin March 31, 2010, 3:50 pm
  haha yes but this is a fantasy workout so those things don’t apply 🙂
Sierra March 31, 2010, 3:47 pm
Nice work and those pancakes look delicious. I’m happy to be following your blog, I run half marathons and need good advice on health and fitness! 🙂
- Caitlin March 31, 2010, 3:50 pm
  welcome to the bloggie!
  - Sierra March 31, 2010, 3:54 pm
    Thank you! 🙂
Lo-Jo March 31, 2010, 3:54 pm
Ouch those hills look painful! I’m also doing a century ride, and mine is coming up in 3 weeks! Yikes! Out to do some hills tonight.
- Caitlin March 31, 2010, 3:58 pm
  good luck on your century! you’ll do great!
Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) March 31, 2010, 3:55 pm
On my flight to Auckland, the in-flight mag had a section about the best races in NZ. Some very intense Ironman and marathons through mountains, rivers, etc. Can’t even imagine — but gorgeous!
Carrie H March 31, 2010, 3:58 pm
I’m actually on a quest to run in every state I visit. (Well, place, but I haven’t been out of the country since I started this a year or so ago …) So far, I have Wyoming, Colorado, Washington, Montana, Utah, New York, Hawaii, Missouri and Idaho. Only 41 to go, ha ha.
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg March 31, 2010, 4:00 pm
You and your dad look so much alike!

Mmmm, savory pancakes! 🙂
Michelle @ HeathyEatingRoadmap March 31, 2010, 4:01 pm
I really want to run through rocky mountain national park and golden gate park. Your dad’s bike is pretty neat!
kalli@fitandfortysomething.com March 31, 2010, 4:23 pm
what a great ride! good job on the hills 🙂 again so jeolous that you can ride with your dad! i have ridden in Colorado when I lived there and it was great but I also live in paradise now too so I lobg riding in Ventura too by the ocean 🙂
Hedda March 31, 2010, 4:24 pm
Right now I would be more than happy with everywhere sunny and dry, in other words places where I don’t have to give my dog a full wash after the trip.
By the way, have you thought about writing some reviews for products you try? Like energy bars, peanut butters etc.
- Caitlin March 31, 2010, 4:31 pm
  i should put them all in one place, they are always just scattered throughout the blog.
  - Hedda March 31, 2010, 4:43 pm
    That would have been great 🙂
    While you are at it, try some bars from Taste of Nature. They are so good, especially those who taste like blueberry, mmm.
    Enjoy the rest of your day!
Amanda @ LessonsInModeration March 31, 2010, 4:25 pm
I would like to train in the Seattle area. I have never been there but I think I would respond well to the temp and drizzle and green. I tend to over heat pretty easily!
Laura March 31, 2010, 4:38 pm
Either up by the Eiger in Switzerland or in New Zealand- the air is so clear and fresh there, I bet it would be great to run in- plus the scenery (and husky and St. Bernard dogs in Swiz!)
kate March 31, 2010, 4:49 pm
Anywhere exotic. I swimming & practicing yoga in some warm, tropical locale would be amazing! I love to run through busy, bustling cities too!
Samantha March 31, 2010, 4:49 pm
I was in Hawaii last month visiting my husband who is TDY there most of this year and next year. The running was beautiful but I much preferred our hike up Koko Head! Running on Guam is pretty, but it’s miserable for asthmatics like me. We went to Europe in 2008 and ran in Germany (amazing!), Switzerland (very green, lots of outdoor trails) and Italy (wasn’t a fan).

Right now my choice would be to go back to the US and run stateside. I was invited by friends to do Ragnar NY but can’t justify a $3k plane ticket and putting my kids with someone here for several days to do a race.

Glad you had a good, and obviously beautiful ride with great company!
Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) March 31, 2010, 5:09 pm
The husband and I are going to Kauai for our one year wedding anniversary in July and I cannot wait to run, hike and bike there! It’s going to be amazing.

Glad you found some hills! Looks like fun. But I beat uphill is killer!
Kristin (Cook, Bake and Nibble) March 31, 2010, 5:34 pm
What a cool bike your dad has!

Those powerbar shots look scary!! haha The pancakes look MUCH more appetizing =D

xo
K
Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly March 31, 2010, 5:42 pm
I would kill to go to Oregon and train with Kara Goucher!!
empower me photo guy March 31, 2010, 5:49 pm
This looks like a great workout, you must have felt so empowered reaching the tops of those amazing hills! Keep up the good work!
Susan March 31, 2010, 6:05 pm
I love running and biking in farm country! I know, not as exciting as some tropical locale, but I just love seeing the animals and the smell of all the crops. Not Europe. Cobblestones don’t sound safe 😛
Julia March 31, 2010, 6:19 pm
Your savory pancakes reminded me of a really yummy Japanese savory pancake called Okonomiyaki
(recipe at: http://visualrecipes.com/recipe-details/recipe_id/120/Okonomiyaki-aka-Japanese-Pizza/)
It’s basically a cabbage “pancake”, and you can mix any ingredient along with it, like shrimp, pork, tofu, whatever! It’s really yummy; in fact I had it twice last weekend 🙂
Lisa (bakebikeblog) March 31, 2010, 6:45 pm
Great work on the ride girl!! I am always chicken on the fast downhills – very scary!!
Cathy March 31, 2010, 6:49 pm
I love those shotblocks! They taste just like candy coke bottles!
Heather (runningwithsass.com) March 31, 2010, 6:50 pm
good job on the hills. Looks like a pretty day!
Rebecca @ How the Cookie's Crumble March 31, 2010, 6:56 pm
I feel you on breaking on the down hill. I slid off in some gravel a few years back when I was going fast and have been kind of a pussy since then.
eatdrinkandbemerrynyc March 31, 2010, 7:12 pm
Hmm I would love to run along the ocean/water in Monterey california. One of my favorite places 🙂
Sara
Diana(mymarblerye) March 31, 2010, 7:30 pm
Have you seen the new treadmill Jillian Michael is promoting? Treadmill that let’s you load any running trail in the us and the treadmill will load up the path and mimic it’s inclines and declines! Amazing
- Caitlin March 31, 2010, 7:33 pm
  That is epic!!!
Bekah March 31, 2010, 8:06 pm
My sis and I are training for a Century bike ride. I’m so excited about doing it! 🙂
Betsy March 31, 2010, 8:34 pm
Your dad seems like such a cool guy!!
Jessica March 31, 2010, 8:40 pm
New quote….just for you Catlin

“Just Keep Swimming!!” DORY
Grace March 31, 2010, 8:44 pm
“Hawaiian tropical forest and along the beach” I could go for that, too.
j.l. March 31, 2010, 9:23 pm
do those recumbants offer any benefits over road bikes? ergonomic, speed, etc? i have a regular ol’ trek wsd road bike.

my bf does bike ms rides, and he haaates recumbant riders, but i think mostly because he’s had bad run-ins with people who don’t follow road courtesy.
- Caitlin March 31, 2010, 9:28 pm
  hahah stop the cyclist hate! hehe.
  
  i think you’re more aerodynamic on a recumbent but you cant change positions in it (obviously). both offer advantages!
- HTP Dad April 1, 2010, 7:42 am
  I understand why your bf haaates recumbents – he can’t draft ’em! Except for pro cycling (where they were literally banned for being too fast in the ’30s)’bent riders hold all speed records. Considering that the super fit pros don’t ride them, it’s a testament to how well they work.
Lex @ sweettoothlex March 31, 2010, 9:53 pm
Shout out to your pops:

“Hi HTP Dad!!! You are seriously badass”

Catilin – you are a splitting image of your pops!!! I LOVE how you guys are getting out and exercising together!
- Caitlin March 31, 2010, 9:55 pm
  hehe cute comment.
M. March 31, 2010, 10:28 pm
Cape Breton, Nova Scotis….cause it’s BEAUTIFUL!!!!
M. March 31, 2010, 10:29 pm
OOOPS
Cape Breton.NOVA SCOTIA that is!
Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) April 1, 2010, 12:19 am
I have run along the beach in Hawaii … and this weekend I hope to do a run in Central Park in NY. I have never been to NY, so I am pretty pumped!!!!
Cassie @ A Very Busy Mind April 1, 2010, 7:00 am
As crazy as it sounds, I’d work out in a modern, city…GYM. I’m a total gym rat, and I just recently moved to a small town from the city. Small town = small, cramped gym. 🙁
Ashley April 1, 2010, 10:00 am
Can you explain why your dad uses that type of bike? If you have already explained it just lead me to the post. Thanks!
- Caitlin April 1, 2010, 10:01 am
  see comment #25 🙂
  - Ashley April 1, 2010, 10:03 am
    Thanks!!
emily April 1, 2010, 11:11 am
I would like to say I love seeing where you train b/c it’s so similar to where I run and bike. I suppose it inspires me to do more, especially in the heat. Oh God, the heat…
Also, I have never even seen a real hill. My biggest hill is the Mississippi levee – haha!

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