Uphill running?

[Knitruntalk]

I normally manage 3 runs a week but it depends on conditions underfoot. I prefer running off road but my normal routes on the local common are several inches underfoot and impossible at the moment unless I can learn to run in wellies. So, I am running on local lanes and pavements but have had to miss some days when conditions have been to slippy.

I live in Norfolk so most runs are fairly flat and I find I really struggle on any uphill sections. I graduated 2 years ago and up till now have been happy with the fact that in my mid-60s I can actually run for 30+ minutes, albeit slowly. But, I would like to tackle my hill gremlin this year. Any suggestions other than the usual one of running slowly ( If I run much slower it would be no quicker than a fast walking pace)

[SkiMonday Graduate]

Good move running three times a week! That's a great way of maintaining your health.

I suggest that a good way to build up your hill running would be to walk up and work on increasing your walking pace.

For what it's worth, I used to power walk before I started running and found that a fast walk is actually harder work than an easy run ( I put that in to illustrate that walking isn't necessarily an easy option, I'm not suggesting walking flat out to start with).

Interestingly, with increasing distances I'm going the other way. Up to now, when I'm out for a run, I run the whole route. However, having entered the Green Man Ultra, I'm going to have to get used to walking up hills otherwise there's no way I'm going to complete the course.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

The best tips for running up hills are to maintain cadence but shorten stride. Keep head up and pump arms in opposition to legs.

Hill running is a great way to develop stamina and strength. In my part of the world, Devon, it is difficult to find a route that doesn't involve hills. They provide challenges and rewards that running on the flat can never match.

[nowster Graduate]

My tricks for handling hills (unavoidable round here in NE Manchester):

- Straight back.

- Look to the horizon.

- Shorten your stride.

- Don't lean into the hill at the hips. Instead lean at the ankles.

I'm pretty slow on hills. I'll be working on that in the coming months.