Hill Training

I usually don't pay too much attention to advertisements, but somehow this one caught my eye, and it goes along perfectly with my marathon hill training in preparation for the Asheville Marathon at Biltmore Estate...

The Asheville Marathon at Biltmore Estate covers lots of hills, and the only way to prepare for it is to train on  an equally hilly route.  I came across this advertisement which appears to be a collaboration between  Runner's World and Jeep Grand Cherokee, it gives great advice for hill training.  I'll be combining this with our other hill training program that you can read about here

So here you go!

"If your looking to build up your speed, strength and endurance, try adding hill work for maximum effect with minimum injury risk.  With a bit of practice and the right technique, you can use hills to your advantage, and make a strong ascent up even the steepest climbs. Here's how...

START OFF SLOW: Run the first two-thirds of the hill relaxed, then slightly accelerate the last part, while carrying your pace over the top.  Don't push too hard at the bottom of a hill, otherwise, you may run out of steam when you reach the top.

FOCUS ON FORM: When facing a tough ascent, many runners put their head down, which wastes energy by throwing off their form. Instead, keep your body upright and fix your eyes directly ahead of you, not down at your feet, while holding your head and chest up.

STAY LIGHT ON YOUR FEET: During the climb, get up on your forefeet and take shorter strides. Push you legs off and up, rather than into the hill, so it feels like you are springing up the hill.

LOOSEN UP AND LEAN IN: When tackling a tough hill, lean your torso into the hill to help gain momentum and make sure to keep your arms loose at a 90-degree angle at the elbow. Also, keep hands loose and don't make a fist to help your whole body stay relaxed."

Let's go tackle some hills!!!

Eve & Bart