Hill training tips from Coach Greg

“If the hill has its own name, then it’s probably a pretty tough hill.” Championship track coach Marty Stern

This week the topic is hills and the four basic methods of doing hills. What needs to be emphasized here is that hills and strides are a form of developmental speed work that should be incorporated into your base building training phase.  By incorporating hills, form drills, and strides you help create another training adaptation — improved biomechanics and running economy. There is a great article in the July 2012 issue of Running Times – Speed Base.  I would encourage everyone who is serious about improving to read.

“Hills are speedwork in disguise.” American Olympic marathon champion Frank Shorter

Important points about hills are that done correctly, they improve form & improve leg strength.  There are also two other articles I have provided below that will help you with leg strength or if you have chosen a race with a lot of downhill running how to run downhill.

• Monday Minute: The Pull Through (This exercise is a weekly part of my leg routine along with box jumps & the lunge matrix.)
• Perfect Your Downhill Running Form
• Head for the Hills: To race well on hills, you have to train on hills. Try these four great workouts