Running down an incline - slower?

[moonmar]

I am re-doing C25K and went out for W7R1 this morning. Looking at my Garmin trace it seems I run at a slower pace when going down a gentle slope, but slightly faster uphill. I think my legs have got the wrong message.

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Not necessarily a bad thing... It's probably easier to speed up the downs than it is the ups

[Hidden]

Your pace going downhill is going to be determined by how much impact you legs and knees can take and what the going is like underfoot. If you're running on grass, muddy ground or gravel I find lots of little strides much safer, however if you have good grip and feel up to it you can put the hammer down . Just be careful of doing yourself an injury.

[Fitfor60 Graduate]

Our jogscotland leader said to take smaller steps on way down hill and try and stay in control - rather than just flying madly down . But I am impressed you can go faster up hill!

[Hidden]

The other day I ran over a small but quite steep bridge over the river Cam, ran up taking little steps as I've been told here, when I got to the top I couldn't stop and careered down the other side totally out of control! Not good in tourist land on a sunny Sunday!

[Slookie Graduate]

Absolutely barking KittyKat! Uphills are the work of many devils with particularly nasty hangovers.

[Vixchile Graduate in reply to Slookie]

Love that comment Slookie

[misswobble Graduate]

I take care, and smaller steps, you can stick your elbows out a bit to help your balance, but I keep it under control now rather than going for it as you can hurt yourself just like that, either by sliding on scree or by falling forward as your momentum takes you forward. I suppose if the downhill is at the end of your run ghen you could push it a bit but still keeping some measure of control. You have to think about your back and knees