It had been 650 days since I last did a proper hill training long run. That’s right—nearly two years since I willingly chose to run up instead of just forward. The last time was at Comrades 2023, and while I’ve run plenty of marathons since, I had quietly (and very happily) avoided elevation.
Until today.
This wasn’t a race. No bib. No crowd. Just me, a hilly route, and a questionable life choice made early in the morning. What could possibly go wrong?
The Calm Before the Climb
The run started off nicely. It was still early, the world was quiet, and my legs hadn’t yet remembered what was coming.
I told myself, “Today’s just about showing up.”
My heart rate was relaxed. I was even feeling slightly smug. A few kilometers in, and I thought, “Maybe I’ve still got it.”
Famous last words.
The Point Where Waat Lag Gayi
Enter the climbs.
The first one was okay. The second was annoying. By the third, my lungs were on a Zoom call with my legs trying to file a complaint.
My pace dropped. My heart rate rose. The climbs got steeper.
There was no music, but in my head, a familiar line floated in:
“Gardish mein ho taarein…”
Yes. Yes they were. Along with my posture, mood, and dignity.
One particular stretch just kept going. No end in sight, no shade, no mercy. I had flashbacks to hills from years ago. Except now, they seemed taller. Or maybe I just got softer.
The Honest Metrics
Here’s what Garmin had to say about this great “return to hills”:
- Distance: 23.31 km
- Time: 3 hours 13 minutes
- Elevation Gain: 726 meters
- Average Pace: 8:27 min/km
- Average Heart Rate: 129 bpm
Slow? Absolutely.
Tough? Definitely.
Regret? Only mid-run.
Now? Just mild soreness and a weird sense of satisfaction.
Not a Comeback. Just a Check-In.
This wasn’t about proving anything. There was no training block leading up to this, no coach in my ear, no plan. Just me checking in with the hills—and being reminded they don’t care how many marathons you’ve run on flat roads.
They demand respect. They give nothing for free.
And that’s okay.
Because some runs are about effort, not outcome. About reconnecting with the discomfort you’ve skillfully avoided. And occasionally, about doing something hard just to see if you still can.
I’m not back. I’m not better. I’m just trying.
And maybe for now, that’s enough.