Sally's Hotline #7: It's Just a Hill... Get Over It!

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Host Sally Hed Dahlquist dives into one of the most underrated tools in marathon prep: the elevation profile.

From sneaky overpass bumps to high-desert dryness, Sally breaks down how to read course maps, plan for hills, and avoid signing up for the wrong race entirely (yes, that happens!). Whether you’re eyeing a net-downhill PR or bracing for altitude, this episode will help you show up prepared to run smarter.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How to actually read an elevation map and interpret the scale
• Why “flat” courses are never really flat
• Altitude factors: hydration, sun exposure, and pacing at 6,000+ ft
• The truth about net-downhill races (and Boston’s new rules)
• A Baton Rouge law firm hilly sense of humor 

Packed with course stories from San Francisco to Montana, this Hotline tip reminds you that the right prep can turn daunting hills into just another part of the journey.

Inspired?
Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your favorite running buddy (especially the one who swears every race is flat).

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