Tell me about hill repeats!💪

[Sandraj39]

Ok, so I am running a route in which I tackle my nemesis hill every week - basically a two lap 5k route which includes a grassy hill. I have seen other runners use this hill to do hill repeats and have decided that the time has come to think about trying this out for myself.

Next week, my plan is just to find a few cooler running slots to finish my GreatRun Solo challenge, so in the meantime I want to read up on the best way to incorporate this in my running. I shall pop on to the Running Channel on YouTube as I'm pretty sure they have clips on this.

How have you found doing hill repeats and have they helped improve your running? Any advice or tips very welcome!

Many thanks.🙂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

I've spent a lot of time avoiding hills so can't really help you! This year I haven't sought out absolutely flat routes so I am improving, and one day I did try running up a small hill about 4 times but with no finesse, skill or technique! Do let us know how you get on though - maybe I'll be tempted to follow in your footsteps ... or maybe not 🤔 I'm impressed that you're even considering it 👍😍

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

...I will give it a go. Can't ever see me moving up any hill at great speed though! Should be interesting!!😂😂

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Good luck 😍

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

I try to do hill repeats once a fortnight. I run a slow’ish 4/5K to warm up and then run fast up a hill and walk down. Depending on how steep the hill is will govern how many I do, but I must say I feel it greatly improves my running. I find hills easier generally and it definitely improves my stamina. Needless to say, I only do them once I totally recover from any injury and I build the repeats up slowly.

When I was at a running club we had to run up a 1:4 gradient hill and blimey it was hard work but you felt invincible at the top 💪🙂 I really should head that way again...

Go for it Sandra and enjoy 😩

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks for that IP. I really feel that just running the Parkrun hill twice a week has helped me, so this is definitely something I plan to try. 🙂

[Decker Ultramarathon]

In our run group we did hill repeats or speedwork intervals every Wed. I avoided them for a year and then joined in. It took 4 or so weeks but they really made a difference. My times got significantly faster. With Covid I’ve let them slide, as I also am not a fan, but they do seem to work if you have the motivation. I need there to be an ice cream shop or pub at the top of the hill, but that may not yield the best results either 🙂

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Decker]

Definitely going to try and build in a hill repeats session, Decker. Think I will carry on running the whole thing twice one week and then maybe alternate this with a hill repeats session the next week, where I (try) to shift up a gear!!😫😂 OH is going to have a go too, so we can encourage each other!

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Sounds like a good plan Sandra. Good that OH is joining in, you’ll both be able to lean on each other when it gets tough🙂

[Trawa Half Marathon]

I run lots of hills (just where I live) but don't do hill repeats per se. I know I should try doing proper sessions but.... 😜

The psychological tip is to think of the hill as your best friend - it will help you to be faster and stronger.

It really helps to imagine that you have invisible line connected between your torso and top of the hill and as you run uphill this line is pulling you up. I know it sound crazy but it works 😁

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Trawa]

Thanks for that - so I really have to stop referring to my hill as 'my nemesis' for a start! 😂 Actually, hard though they are (and however slowly I climb them) I really do like the feeling of taking on a hill. I will try your 'invisible line' tip next time, too! 🙂

[HeavyFoot Half Marathon]

On non-running days, I walk my hill and have got to know it really well. Chopping it down into bite-size stretches really helps: past the first gate, up to the bend in the lane, the power pole comes into sight, then the Toxic Ten tree comes into sight at the crest. It’s a question of mental preparation and considering the hill your friend. Good luck! 🧗🏻‍♀️

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to HeavyFoot]

Thank you. 🙂