Working the Hills

When you run a hill, push yourself on the uphill, but save yourself on the downhill. The idea is to keep your speed the same going up as it is going down, as it is on the flats. But going uphill is all lungs and heart. And going downhill stresses the knees. You need to save your knees, so take it easy on the downhill. Lots and lots of pounding will do you in on the downhill.

Using a Garmin you can easily monitor your pace and maintain the same speed on the uphill. You need to focus on the crest of the hill. Keep your head up so you keep your windpipe fully open for much needed oxygen. You need to stare it down. Once you get to the other side, hit the crest, the downhill will feel like you’re floating compared to what you just put yourself through. There's this rubbery feel that comes from cresting a long hard hill that will make you want to relax. Take it. Relax on the way down the hill. Save your knees for the flats.

Shorten your stride and keep your pace even on the downhills. Fight the temptation to speed up on the downhills, save your knees. You don't want to race down the hill and do in your knees. It’s a long way to the finish line. Enjoy your reward of a slow leisurely downhill.

You'll be going back up the hill before you know it.

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