September 25, 2009, Newsletter Issue #111: Hill Running--Just Do It!
Tip of the Week
I have always enjoyed hill running--it's a challenge, and I like the sense of accomplishment when you get to the top. In high school and college, I preferred hill repeats to intervals on a track, partly because speed is less of a factor, and I have no natural speed. What I have is a decent ability to maintain a steady pace, and that's a good way to get up a hill.
I'm visiting the Finger Lakes in New York this weekend, and there's a REALLY steep hill that's part of my morning run here. As in, so steep that I'm almost walking down it so I don't fall head over heels. It takes about 5 minutes to get to the bottom, and probably more like 6 minutes (or 7, I haven't really timed it). .
My point in this story is that hills can be a great component of your marathon training plan, especially if you don't do much spead work. Hill running, even at a relatively pace, makes you stronger. If you are training for a flat marathon, such as Chicago or the Marine Corps marathons, be sure you include hills in some of your long runs and the marathon will seem easier. And if you are training for a hilly marathon, you'll build confidence.
Look for more hilly posts this week!
Happy Running!
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