Harrumph

[Jbk1981]

I'm feeling a bit flat about this run and I don't know why. The three inclines feel big but I don't know if they actually are steep in running terms? Can anyone help?

[misswobble Graduate10]

dont be disappointed! Be pleased! You ran them didn't you! 😃 You get better at hills the more you do. it's a good plan to start with undulating first. Small steps to get up them. Take your time!

Running undulating streets or trails really helps your core but take care as it can play havoc with your calves, which is why it's a good idea to mix things up while proceeding with caution 🙂👍✔️

[Jbk1981 in reply to misswobble]

Thank you! There are two that are short and steep and one which is steep but longer... I have a mini dread when I know they are coming up! 😬

[misswobble Graduate10 in reply to Jbk1981]

I used to run miles out of my way to avoid even bumps 😀 Now I run em all. You just break them down into stages. A long hill is good in that respect. Stop when you need to, have a breather, admire the view, maybe a drink and then jog on. If you do the same one regularly it won't be long before you can tackle it without stopping. That day will stick in your mind 😀💪👍 just go slowly, taking small steps. I repeat the words, "small steps, small steps" all the way up 😁😛

[Jbk1981 in reply to misswobble]

Thank you! I don't stop at all during my runs but I could do with maintaining the same pace on ALL the inclines. You are right ... practice and perseverance

[Bluerockdragon Graduate10 in reply to Jbk1981]

Isn't it normal to slow down going up hills? Maybe next time you're running up one, think about your running style, are your legs working like they're going round in a circle, like you're cycling? Are you taking smaller strides up the hill? Laura mentions the leg motion in one of the C25k podcasts and I read about reducing the stride length somewhere.

That said, I was happy just putting one foot in front of the other on my hill this morning.

[misswobble Graduate10]

I pay no mind to the pace, I just slowly climb the hill 🙂

[Maddee_6333 Graduate10]

If it's not a flat run, you have no need to feel flat about it. Well done.

[IannodaTruffe Graduate10]

You ran them, and if you are desperate to see improvement, you can run them again and look for a difference. You won't get faster each time and sometimes you will be slower, but over time you will strengthen, improve technique and who knows, maybe come to relish the challenge.

Just like C25K, the only person you are competing with is yourself.