Starting over strong: Hills, heat, and the road to Amsterdam

After a few weeks off and a trip to Japan that shifted both my routine and mindset, I laced up for my first long run in a while. It wasn’t record breaking – just 1 hour and 40 minutes – but it was exactly what I needed to get moving again, physically and mentally.

🌆 Hilly by nature, perfect by design

Lisbon’s terrain naturally lends itself to hill training, so finding a challenging route was easy. Although I usually avoid the city center because of the crowds, it made sense this time. It’s the most straightforward and practical choice.

Despite my best intentions, I lingered in bed and only hit the road around 10:00 a.m and felt a bit sluggish at first. But the sun was out, and the warmth reminded me why I love running in this kind of weather.

🌳 From Monsanto to Eduardo VII

I started my run in Monsanto, Lisbon’s largest green space. The gravel trails are great for elevation, but I ran cautiously. This session wasn’t about speed or risk. It was about movement and control. The last thing I wanted was to get injured in what I’m unofficially calling week one of training for the Amsterdam Marathon in October.

Is it too early to call it that? Maybe. But if it keeps me motivated, then it works.

After a short loop there, I made my way back into the city. The real challenge came between kilometers 12 and 13, when I faced the infamous climb at Parque Eduardo VII, one of Lisbon’s steepest hills. While not long, it demands strength and focus, especially when fatigue has already set in.

I kept going. And when I reached the top, lungs burning, legs heavy, the view over Lisbon’s skyline and the Tagus River made it all worth it. That kind of reward doesn’t show up on a training plan, but it stays with you.

🎧 One mantra, one mission

My coach’s voice echoed in my mind the entire time: “Don’t fight the hills. Just grind.”

That was the theme for this session. I kept the pace easy and consistent – 5:13 per kilometer with 296 meters of elevation gain. No intervals. No pressure. Just flow.

I was still carrying some fatigue from Saturday’s session, but this wasn’t about feeling fresh. It was about showing up and reestablishing rhythm.

🤫 Solo runs, silent wins

Running alone is something I’ve gotten used to. These long solo efforts can feel isolating, but they also offer clarity in the quiet. No pressure, no conversation, just your breath, your steps, and the road ahead.

I didn’t bring water or gels. For this distance and intensity, that’s usually fine. But with summer approaching, I’ll need to rethink that. Hydration won’t be optional when the longer runs start.

🔁 A quiet start, a strong return

This run wasn’t meant to impress anyone. It wasn’t about numbers or Strava segments. It was about rebuilding a foundation, getting the legs moving and the mind back into gear.

And for that alone, it was a win.

🏁 What’s next?

Next weekend, I’ll be lining up for a 10K race. I’m not chasing a PB. I just want to see where I’m at, feel the adrenaline, the pace, and the purpose of racing again.

One week at a time. One run at a time.
Amsterdam is the goal. This run is part of the road that leads there.