Hill help!!

[BLEWI]

When I’m running on the flat I feel like I could run forever as soon as I hit a hill I feel like I’m going to die!!! When does it get easier and how can I get better at hills as I can’t go for mire than 5 mins before I reach a hill!!

[pinkaardvark Graduate]

Run up more hills.

[Richard7 Graduate]

I fear pinkaardvark is correct. More hills = better hills. I have just started to face my hills at the weekend having stuck mainly to the flats. Tomorrow doing more hills to try and make my hill work better.

[hornem2662 in reply to Richard7]

If you can do interval training on a hill instead of a run - that's running very fast ( fast as you can) for 40 seconds jog for 20 run for 40 etc - thus helps with building stamina needed for hills. Then you can move on to do the interval training on a hill

[icklegui Graduate]

Check Hidden 's posts

But also - short steps, take it very slowly! Take it easy also coming down, because this feels easier but it's harder on your joints, like jumping off a step would be.

[Hidden]

Yes, do check my posts. I whinge constantly about hills. i live in Chipping Norton in the Cotswolds and there is not one flat bit to be seen. I'm running up the bastards every minute or so. I'm 71 and have a tight rattly chest due to allergies, and have to puff an inhaler before running. I am ALWAYS out of breath when running. But they are MY hills, and slowly slowly it's getting better. I certainly see the difference walking up them with the dogs, when I stride up without a single puff or pant, as opposed to before c25k, when they made me chug like a goods train. Interestingly I did my graduation run on Friday in Oxford, on the flat, and I wasn't any quicker and actually ran less distance than a 28 minute run with hills a couple of weeks before.

Remember, what goes up comes down (quicker and easier than going up!), what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade...or something.

But i'm with you, I HATE dem hills!!!!

Oh, and my knees actually twinged after my flat run on Friday, which they never do at home.

[BLEWI in reply to Hidden]

I clearly have nothing to complain about compared to your hills!! Had a quick look at your posts and loved your recent purchases!! This running lark certainly is more expensive than they suggest when you start! There’s way too many nice things out there!!

[Hidden in reply to BLEWI]

They probably aren't any worse than yours. where are you, if you don't mind my asking (though dont answer if you would rather be incognito).

Sigh...yes, it can be an expensive hobby. And an addiction to lycra! Who knew!

[BLEWI in reply to Hidden]

Boarders of Kent & South East London so really nothing to complain about!! Today’s run had an elevation gain of 70m if that means anything to you?

[Hidden in reply to BLEWI]

That's pretty steep. Mine was only 29m today because i went a less hilly route. What I find worse are the long, steady rises that don't look that steep from a distance but go on and on.

[Langley-Loper Graduate in reply to BLEWI]

I live on the Greensand Ridge in Kent. I am yet to try running down it and back up (10% gradient) - I go the other way or along the ridge top.

I must do more hills when I have finished my latest quest....at the moment I dread the long slow drags rather than the short steep ones. Long steep ones - horror!

[BLEWI]

Thanks everyone! Just off to do Wk6 R2 and I’m opting for the hilly route!!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

If you run up hills your ability to run up hills will improve. If you don't, it won't.

Hills are your friends.

[Motherin Graduate]

I also tried to avoid hills as I used to feel physically sick. This changed when I got the advice to shorten my steps & slow down slightly. I can now run uphill!! Happy running 😉

[Getfitok Graduate]

Where I live is all hills so I've done hills since day 1. We went to Llandudno for a few days where I got in 2 runs, which I really looked forward to, being on the flat. I loved running by the sea & they were my fastest times ever, but strangely it didn't seem as interesting as my usual hilly, runs with the fields, animals etc. In saying that though there's usually not many people around where I run, Llandudno was quite busy which I'm not used to. ☺️