How can I run up hills if there are no hills?

[SlowyMcSlowlegs]

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?

[Whatsapp Graduate10]

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.

[SlowyMcSlowlegs in reply to Whatsapp]

Thanks. I think the nearest hills are at least an hour drive...I'm not that sort of dedicated runner! At least if I enter races here in the Netherlands, they won't have hills but once we move back to the UK next year I can go up and down the hills near my home.

[roseabi]

Stairs. Less fun, but harder than hills 😊

Also, high intensity interval runs and workouts will help. And strength training.

[SlowyMcSlowlegs in reply to roseabi]

Thank you. Great suggestions.

[pinkaardvark Graduate10]

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.

[BaddieThePirate Graduate10 in reply to pinkaardvark]

That sounds over the top to me. Do you have to have 3 kids on the sled too?

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

Doing intervals is fab too.... I think it’s best to work with what you have 😎

[SlowyMcSlowlegs]

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.

[BaddieThePirate Graduate10 in reply to SlowyMcSlowlegs]

When you get back and start having to run up hills you might miss the Netherlands...