We record many ‘firsts’ during the initial weeks of an MVXC season, and the first time up Fire Trail is one of the big ones. For new runners, the climb can feel like it is going on forever…and can lead to a bit of a crisis of confidence as the hill seems to go on and on. However, finally, we turn a corner and see the cheer tunnel of MVXC teammates, lead by the seniors, waiting for us. Relief! Satisfaction! Water! Yay!
Following that climb, we regroup and run our first set of hill repeats on the Matt’s Hill loop. That is another rite of passage for an MVXC athlete. Hill repeats give you a lot of physiological return for the effort (leg strength, improvement of running form and economy, aerobic and anaerobic training), and MVXC embraces the hills. MVXC16 seemed to throw themselves into Matt’s Hill with more enthusiasm and abandon that many prior years…there were a lot of kids that asked for an extra hill and actually said ‘thanks, coach!’ when I said sure you could do one more if you feel good! I have said this several times, so I’m repeating myself when I tell you this could turn out to be a very special team.
Congratulations to everyone on your first trip of the year up Fire Trail!
