General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Seeking Tips on Running Hills. Rss Feed  
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2008-09-11 1:56 PM

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Subject: Seeking Tips on Running Hills.
Several of my running routes include hills. (Although my favorite is a 4.5 mile, nearly flat loop.) For a couple days after running hills my lower calves/achilles area is very tender. It is not so sore that I change my gait or even that I cannot run, but it is there all day long.

When running uphill, should my footfalls match running on level ground or should I be more on the balls/toes or back, more flatfooted?


2008-09-11 2:22 PM
in reply to: #1668026

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Runner
Subject: RE: Seeking Tips on Running Hills.

Depends on the hill.  I wouldn't worry too much, because your body will naturally do what it feels is most appropriate.

You're probably sore because you're still getting used to running them.

2008-09-11 3:39 PM
in reply to: #1668026

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Fishers, IN
Subject: RE: Seeking Tips on Running Hills.
I agree with scout, just give yousrelf a few days between running the hills so that you start with "good calfs".  The body is amazing at its ability to adapt.  You just have to give it time to do so.  You do not want your calfs to be tight for too long (hence let them strengthen and loosen up between hill workouts).  Tendinitis typically is due to the muscles getting tight and pulling on the tendon.   Let them strengthen and loosen up and then go again.
2008-09-11 3:41 PM
in reply to: #1668026

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Subject: RE: Seeking Tips on Running Hills.

Here is a link to a bunch of articles and there is a great one on running hills:

http://www.jim2.net/

I darn near committed the whole thing to memory as I was training for the San Francisco Marathon in 2006. (And it paid huge dividends)

2008-09-11 3:45 PM
in reply to: #1668026

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Subject: RE: Seeking Tips on Running Hills.

What has worked for me going up and down is faster,shorter strides, same footfall. Going up I focus about 10 feet ahead and lean into the hill a bit. I try not to have the "brakes" on and tire out the quads on the downhill, but If a need to I lean back a bit and it slows me down a bit.

I use to have a nice flat out and back , but then had my a$$ handed to me during a sprint because of the hills. I've add a few to my flat route and really have learned to like the extra effor they require. 

2008-09-11 3:47 PM
in reply to: #1668026

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Subject: RE: Seeking Tips on Running Hills.
Im not an expert and mainly a swim-bike-rollerblade specialist but i live and breath hill here in Northern ontario.   I would reccomend staing relaxed physically, and maybe use your arms a little more then usual to keep rythym, as for cadence or leg speed i have no clue.


2008-09-11 3:47 PM
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Subject: RE: Seeking Tips on Running Hills.
WaterDog66 - 2008-09-11 3:41 PM

Here is a link to a bunch of articles and there is a great one on running hills:

http://www.jim2.net/

I darn near committed the whole thing to memory as I was training for the San Francisco Marathon in 2006. (And it paid huge dividends)

Wow, great link , thanks!

2008-09-11 4:02 PM
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Subject: RE: Seeking Tips on Running Hills.
RaytownPete - 2008-09-11 2:45 PM

What has worked for me going up and down is faster,shorter strides, same footfall...


yeah, this works for me as well. I think of it as gearing down and focus on reducing my stride length so that I can maintain about the same or slightly faster cadence. Each stride requires less force from muscles.
2008-09-11 8:40 PM
in reply to: #1668026

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Subject: RE: Seeking Tips on Running Hills.

I was training for some fall marathons before a silly thing gave my knee a tweak.  I have trained in Maryland all summer and did a ton of hill work.  My main advice is look 5-10ft infront of you and it will keep you in good position and make sure you stretch out your calves after a run and then ice.  Ice is a runners friend, and anything over 12-13 miles of proper work calls for a ice bath.  Cold water and 1-2 bags of ice (drink a hot chocolate in the bath) sit for 15-20 minutes = pain free next day.    I was racking in 50-70 miles a week with pain free next days this way.

I can help with running, but the swim is daunting for me!!!  Swim coach here I come, I am officially addicted.

2008-09-12 12:11 PM
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Subject: RE: Seeking Tips on Running Hills.
For me I find it really depends on how steep the hill is, If it is pretty steep I'll run on the balls of my feet with shorter faster strides and really emphasize arm movement. The only problem is it's a lot harder on your calves and unless I'm warmed up really well or did some good stretching earlier my calves will tighten up on me.
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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Seeking Tips on Running Hills. Rss Feed