Hill Workouts: How To Run Faster Hills

[@profbonkers1]

Beautiful trail,man!

[@bd3952]

I am new to running, and have a simple approach to running uphill. I decrease stride length and increase cadence, while trying to keep my energy output about the same as my flat ground energy output (subjective - just how hard I am breathing and how “hard” the run feels). I do not know if this is a good approach or not, but it seems to work for me. My speed on down hill legs, flat legs and modest uphill legs appear to be about the same, and I do not feel particularly tired after the uphill legs.
Thank you for creating helpful content.

[@JasonFitzgerald]

It depends! Are you just running easy? Then that's a fine approach. But if you're running a workout or racing, you'll want a more aggressive strategy.

[@bd3952]

@@JasonFitzgerald I am just running for general health, at least for now. When I try to improve my speed for a run (typically only run 5K), I try to keep my flat ground and uphill speeds about the same, and try to “speed up” when running downhill (unless very steep, then I just try to maintain constant speed or just slightly increase speed so I can keep reasonably good form). I try to push myself, but not too hard (typically mostly in zone 3 and 4, with a little zone 5).

[@harleylawdude]

How about taking shorter strides up hills and pumping arms more - like shifting the gears in an automobile.

[@JasonFitzgerald]

A good strategy! But it won't actually help you improve since you're not building a bigger engine by pumping your arms more. You need to run more, get stronger, and practice!

[@harleylawdude]

@@JasonFitzgerald I know what you’re saying. When I was doing three-a-days for a total of 25 miles/day I still dreaded the hills. In fact, I dreaded all of it. 50 years later and being in the emergency room with the paddles restarting my heart - I thoroughly enjoy my 3-7 miles/day - grateful to be alive!! Love to run now.

[@davidsmulson3128]

@@JasonFitzgerald I disagree, Jason. Improving hill running technique will help you improve. Shorter strides on the uphill, longer strides on the downhill.

[@Cameron220]

If I’m a runner trying to get better at the sport as a primary concern, however still trying to drop 10-15lbs to reach ideal race weight. Is it safe for me (17yo) to run high mileage every morning on an empty stomach? Ive considered a banana as a pre-run snack just to stimulate energy and movement

[@fastinradfordable]

Running faster is ideal.
I ran fasted for years bc my parents were split up and I had tons of older siblings so no breakfast for me most of the time

[@dominikschrott7412]

is there any break-even point in steepness and duration up from which the efforts aren't efficient anymore?

[@goodpeople5676]

Ok 🆒️ 😎

[@crazymonkee608]

nice

[@MrEsPlace]

Question: the trail I run is pretty flat (187' gained across 6 miles). It does run along a stream so the access points always drop down to the trail. So when I need to do my long run, I go up and down these access points along the trail to increase my distance along the same trail. So I doing hill repeats throughout my long run (takes the trail from 6 miles to 10.5 miles and puts the elevation gain up to 350') I've thought about coming to the an access point and just doing that one hill over and over. What can I do to helP myself here?

[@fastinradfordable]

I lived in completely flat area while training for half marathon with 750’ hill.
I did 30min running stadium steps (just a highschool like ..Maybe 40steps.)
But challenging yourself to skip steps built enough strength.
Back to my race.
first place got out front.
And I ended up catching him
And putting 2 min distance on him. Just on the hill.

[@MrEsPlace]

@@fastinradfordable There are a few stadiums here, not like the Missouri State Bears are using their stadium for anything eventful....

[@Attention_if_youd_please]

Try hill sprints sprint up the hill walk down recover then do it again about 10-12 reps