Walnut Hill. This is one of my favorite hills to train on. Perhaps that is because it is close to my home. Perhaps it is because there is little traffic. Perhaps it is because it makes me hurt. Yeah, that’s it.

Walnut hill is 1.8 miles long, gains 442 feet for an average grade of 4.1 percent. But that does not tell the complete story. Walnet Hill does not have constant grade; it stair steps up allowing you to enjoy a very slight recovery but then hits you hard with a steep section. Pure climbing enjoyment!

Today was my third best time (according to Strava). My average was 9.7 mph, my average heart rate was 157 bpm and my average power was 244 Watts. My time was 11:03. I did work very hard, and I do not think I could have worked harder. Since I have only recently begun training again, I am very pleased the my effort.