This morning saw the return of our newest Hillbilly, Andre.
And a surprise route!! Not a new route, but one we haven't run in a while. A surprise because we didn't want to scare off any Hillbillies who hadn't had the pleasure of tackling Rhodes Memorial hill yet - it really looks a lot scarier than it actually is.
Our group was fairly small on Tuesday - Josh, Linelle, Andre and myself. We set out in the opposite direction along Main Road into Rosebank. Up towards UCT, under the M3, across the sports field and up the stairs.
Finally we had a break from the climbing - temporarily.We stopped for water at the entrance to Rhodes Mem drive. Then off we went into the pitch dark up the hill. In a way the dark was a blessing - if you can't see how bad the hill is ahead of you, it doesn't feel quite as bad. Mind over matter indeed!!
The boys immediately took the lead up the hill, but I was feeling strong and wanted to beat the hill that has beaten me so much in the past, so I gave Linelle my head-light and chased off after the boys. I caught them walking just past the corner (nearly past the worst of the climb) and the 3 of us ran together the last little bit to the parking area at Rhodes Mem. Linelle hot on or heels all the way!!!
Everyone survived the hill, and seemed to have actually enjoyed it! I know I did!! We showed that little hill who's boss!! Well done to all of you for a strong run!
From here it was literally all downhill. A few 'speed bumps' along the M3, but once we reached Protea Road it was flat all the way down Main Road back to Great Westerford. As is becoming habit, we sped up down the hill (but cautiously, no one wanted to trip and fall!). Hit the flats and the pace picked up nicely, with the 9th km really flying down the M3 at 5m34 pace. 5m39 for 10th km. And the last 900m along Main Road at an amazing 5m07 pace. Wow!!! Well done to everyone!!
We'll be doing this hill again sometime, but not in the next couple of weeks so don't worry!!
Don't get a fright now when you see the profile of this run!!!
Route Profile:
Route Map:
Splits:
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