I read a few things that say that running up hills helps you develop as a runner but I simply don't have any hills near me. I live in the Netherlands and it really is ultra flat. There are a few slopes but they will take about 15 seconds to jog up. Any ideas? Should I join the gym so I can use the treadmill which can then give my an incline?
How can I run up hills if there are no hills? - Bridge to 10K
How can I run up hills if there are no hills?
I too have no hills nearby. A couple of weeks ago I got caught out by a load of hills in a race I had entered. I realised I had two choices:
1. drive to a new location with hills and run there once a week, or;
2. not to enter races that are very hilly.
I opted for 2. Hills are good training, especially for running on hills, but as I don't run on hills I find it easier just to let this one go.
Stairs. Less fun, but harder than hills 😊
Also, high intensity interval runs and workouts will help. And strength training.
I live in the fens(flatlands drained very much like much of holland). In fact much of the fens was drained by the dutch brought over by william of orange I think. There is definitely a dutch verancular to the buildings around st ives and other fen towns. All that aside, i'm in a similar boat, but do find all the work I do on the step climber at the gym and squats/leg press etc does mean when I do hit a hill, I don't find them too bad. Again running on the treadmill is a great way to program in controllable hill repeat intervals.
You could try running pulling a tyre or pushing a sled like many sprinters train with.
Doing intervals is fab too.... I think it’s best to work with what you have 😎
Thank you to everyone for your suggestions. I had visions of having to run up and down the underpass about 100 times per week! Where I lived in the UK was hilly and Box Hill was only a 10 minute drive away. Blimey I miss landscapes that aren't just flat!! Thanks again.