Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Going Up Hill


In my effort to be Younger Next Year I have challenged myself to walk up Pila Seca to Salida a Queretaro. The bottom of Pila Seca is about two blocks from my house. It starts off with a nice incline, a good way to tell the heart that it needs to pick up the pace. Along about Quebrada the incline is a little steeper. At Aldama I'm starting to think, Why in the hell am I doing this so early in the morning. And then I get to Chiquitos and I stop thinking about anything except putting one foot in front of the other. This picture is what the stretch from Chiquitos to Barranca looks like. But when I reach the top of this road I'm not finished. The road makes a little zag to the left and I'm faced with another steep incline. This is about the middle of that incline.

 
By the time I reach the top of this hill, I am sucking air. And if this ever gets to be easy I can cross the street and go up the 162 steps of Cruz del Pueblo. Notice I said IF it ever gets to be easy. Right now I'm just concentrating on not talking myself out of this challenge three or four days a week. But next year when I'm younger, I'll probably be ready to take on those steps as well.

Okay, Stop Laughing!

17 comments:

  1. The only laughing I'm doing is a guffaw of cheer for your valiant effort. I wish I had your gumption. Kudos to you Billie. (And even time to grab a shot)

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    1. Sally, it really was grab shots because I didn't want to let my heart rate drop if I stopped more than 30 seconds.

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  2. I have never discovered a good way to photograph the steepness of the San Miguel hills. I try every year with Barbara's hill, but the incline fails to show up. Any secrets?

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    1. Steve, it is hard to make it look as steep as it is. This time I was trying a lower angle but still is seems worse when you are actually walking it.

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    1. Felipe, I'll always be a better woman than you. LOL

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  4. Billie, I've come DOWN Cruz del Pueblo a couple of times during "explorations" of SMA, and damn near blew out my knees! I cannot imagine anyone but a 20 something step aerobics instructor going UP! Congratulations! I can now officially embrace my wimpiness, and admit I'll never take you on a step climbing machine! LOL!
    Dan in NC

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    1. Dan, it is going to be a while....Maybe next year....before I try the steps. I agree that going downhill or steps is harder on your knees than going up.

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  5. Billie! That route is not safe. The sidewalks are treacherous, spotty and, well, marginal. A strong heart is going to mean nothing if you fall and break something. Or if you get run over by a car. There are safer ways to get your exercise, and young lady, you had better explore those options before something happens. Walk laps around Parque Juarez or something. Please. I nag you only for your own good.

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    1. Jennifer, Yes I could fall and break a leg or an ankle. It is one of the hazards of living in SMA. I'm not so worried about the cars. There isn't a lot of traffic on the street in the mornings. Might be different on the weekends. But I love you for caring enough to nag me.

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  7. I do walk around my neighbourhood, but it just is not seem as interesting as walks we have done in Europe or what you have in San Miguel, looking forward to a different life. two more years!

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  8. While I commend your effort at walking these hills, I have to agree with Jennifer. Those cobblestone streets seem to be a real hazard. I know that you have lived there for several years and have become accustomed to them, but please be very careful.

    I have been walking the hills in the Austin area and they are challenging, but we do have smooth pavement. I cannot imagine trying to navigate cobblestone AND hills!

    Cuidado, Billie.

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    1. I am being careful, Connie. I have had a broken ankle here in SMA but that was on the flagstone paved streets around the Centro. It was not fun and I had Ned to wait on me. How are you managing to walk the hills in Austin in the heat. Don't know what the temp is in Austin but it has been 100 in Houston.

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  9. 107 today in Austin, and I heard from someone in Houston who said it was 107 there as well. Too hot to breathe.

    I go out early when it is only 95 or so!

    Do you remember me? I emailed you about apartments in Houston when we were in the process of moving to Austin. I have been following your blog for some time and it sounds like you are doing well these days. Enjoy each day, even if you are navigating cobblestone streets!

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  10. Now that you mention the connection, I do remember you.
    107! Can't imagine what it will be in August. In SMA I'm sleeping with the windows open and I have not even turned on the fan for the last few nights.

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