I can hear the groans from here but I think there are some really great reasons to keep the hill sessions going!
Variety
Running on our own can get a bit boring but adding variety with hills and efforts can provide you with challenge and interest.
Short
If you’re struggling for time then a short, hard hill session fits the bill.
Not in the Park
I’m not enjoying Sutton Park at the moment – too busy and too muddy. Do the hill session on the hill nearest your home. It’s the very definition of staying local.
Strength
Running up hills develops the strength in your legs – very useful when you head back into the park and tackle all that mud!
Technique
Work on your hill technique, aim to land on the front part of your foot and push off aiming for a bouncy run. Arms drive backwards to propel you forwards (sockets to pockets).
Running uphill also helps your general running form by encouraging higher knees. I fear that sometimes we pursue a very short stride and knee lift in the belief that it’s more efficient (the SE Fitness shuffle). If you work harder at knee lift while running uphill your regular technique will feel so much easier afterwards!
Start Small
As with all things you want to start small and build up. If your local hill is long (it will take you over 90 seconds to reach the top) then aim to run up it just once first time. Focus on really good technique. Next week when you go again aim for 1.5 reps then 2 the week after. You might be tackling a shorter hill so less than 60 seconds to reach the top. In this case maybe 2 reps week 1, 3 week 2 and so on. Run hard to the top (8/10) then recover on the way down. Aim to reach the bottom feeling able to go again.
I hope I’ve convinced you to give it a go! If you want more information or details of specific SE Fitness hill workouts then please get in touch.
Let me know how you get on, there’s a prize for anyone sharing evidence of their hill session!
(There isn’t really but there could be)!!