I try to include some regular hills on my runs, just to prove to myself that I can (however slowly) run them! There is one grassy, local hill however, which is very much my nemesis 😱 and I have not run it for some time because of my recent knee niggles (and associated general fear!) It is part of an energy-sapping grassy route around local fields. It's a real slog running up it, followed by a fairly steep descent on the other side. I have recently started running it again (twice on my Friday run actually) and so far, so good. It's tough, and I have always hated it second time round but today I stayed positive, told myself it was making me a stronger runner and feel I maybe losing my fear of it! So beautiful out late afternoon too, with lots of rabbits 🐇 lining the route (we all need a little support!) before quickly dashing into the hedgerows as I 'sped' past!😉
Long run Sunday on my trails - happy running this weekend everyone.🙂
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Sandraj39
Graduate10
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Taking on your nemesis shows strength Sandra💪... and you are winning by the sound of it. Bravo! 😊
Did you notice your knee niggle start once you were doing hills before? Were you able to carry on running while it resolved?
I am suspicious that my knee niggle (right kneecap) may be from hills (the downhill part). I'm fine while running, but my knee can be uncomfortable while walking a couple of days after a run so not sure if its running related.
I ran today on the flat, felt good, although the niggle was there before the run and as soon I started walking, felt my knee again. Its not getting worse, just a niggle.
The knee niggles are a result of forgetting I am actually 54 😮 and using a Maxiclimber rather obsessively at Easter! I ended up with very sore knees which my physio thought were due to overtightened hamstrings and quads! The Maxiclimber is now in semi- retirement and the knees are almost back to normal. I have had a few minor IT band issues in the past which seem to cause tightness on the outside of my L knee.
Going downhill is definately harder on the knees generally though and I have also been looking at a few links on downhill running form. Worth a Google maybe? Good luck.🙂
Hi Sandraj39, I know what you mean! We have a hill as part of my local Parkrun - Lloyd Park in Croydon🏃♂️🏃♀️. It’s 2 laps so we have to go up and down it twice.😳
Although I’ve managed under 30 mins a few times I know I won’t be able to get under 30 mins unless I run up the hill, however slowly🐌🐢
I’ll be starting training for a half marathon next week and Parkrun is very much part of the plan. I’m using the hill to develop strength in my legs so I’m not expecting to get under 30 mins every time. A couple of times would be nice though!😊👍
...this is part of my local Parkrun too Dave (Cranleigh), and one of the reasons I don't run it on a Saturday morning, I'm afraid!😳 I also prefer running later in the day when I can. Would love to think I could smash it on a Parkrun one morning....we will see! Good luck with your Half Marathon training. Which one are you doing?🙂
Just jeep plugging away at it I name my ‘orrible ‘ills 😁. Slope of Doom, Hill of Death 😃. No thine enemy sorta thing
I have a short, pig of a hill, that I do a do. I aim to tackle it slowly but keep going. there is a a hollow near the top which you have to climb out of and then run until it flattens out. When it rains it’s a mosh pit 😁. The slope is muddy and sometimes I just slide back down 😁. I select a suitable piece of music to get me up it
Thanks misswobble - yep "plugging away" at it sounds about right! Think I got my mindset right yesterday though! Yours sounds horrible ...but I know you're a tough ol' thing and probably eat hills for breakfast!😉😂💪
Well done on conquering your hill Sandra. Most of my running is on the flat but I must do a bit of hill training to prepare for other areas. So I occasionally go up and down the slopes around Southsea castle. Very short compared to what you are doing though.
“Mounds of opportunity” ... I like that and will have to remember that the next time I’m cursing a hill as I slowly creep up it. Way to conquer that nemesis! It is great to have a challenge to work towards but soon you’ll have mastered it and need to find a new quest 😁
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And again but up a hill this time
A little run in the hills 
If it is quicker to walk than run up a hill...
