In Her Own Words: Natalie Varela - Fitness Tested, Time To Capture King Of Hill Trophy


One race down, so I know where my fitness levels stands. This week there's a formidable challenge ahead; King of the Hill, at my home park Tropical Park. Last year, I took second behind Brittany Gill. Danger looms. There are four or five girls that can take this race.I have to bring my A game just to make the top three.

I had a great week of practice in anticipation to this meet. I need a good performance especially on my home turf, but these are the races I live for. This will probably be the most competitive race all year, excluding Flrunners Race Of champions where hopefully I'll take on the likes of Hertenstein, Gear, Yared, Clark, and Matysik to name a few.The race this week will feature a couple of those athletes, not to mention some up and coming freshmen from my club team Miami Elite.

Win or lose it's going to be an incredibly competitive race. The course is challenging, the weather will be as well, most likely in the 90's and humid .One thing for sure it will take more than the current course record of 19:13  to win it.

Week 12 Training Log:

Monday 8/29

1 mile warm up 5k tempo run at King of the Hill course,just to make sure I feel comfortable . Also, tried on several type of shoes to see which one feels best. 800 meter cool down.

Tuesday 8/30

Did some hills since i'm off till next week 2 mile warm up 8 x100 meters up tropical park hill 1 mile cool down. Some core work.

Wednesday 8/31

5 mile recovery run, feeling strong .

Thursday 9/1

Some speed work. 1 mile warm up, 8 x400, 6x65 striders,1 mile cool down.

Friday 9/2

5 mile recovery run .

Saturday 9/3

My mom is arriving early from her trip to Cuba so I can't practice with Gulliver Prep today. They are practicing at the beach which is too far in case my mom calls. While at Tropical Park, I run into my club team and do a long run 5.6 miles with two of the top freshman in the county Jordan shapiro and last year's middle school state champion in the 1500, Valerie Lastra. They are both running and are a real threat at King of the Hill. Today everything felt so easy, I wish the race was tomorrow.

Total:  29 miles