Running for Beginners: Dare to Conquer Uphill Running With Two Simple Tricks

http://www.StartRunning.com

I'm going to offer a piece of running advice that deserves repeating. Ready? Always run faster on the uphill. Again, always run faster on the uphill.

The uphill incline is like the Boogie Man to most runners. They build it up in their heads as a horrible and ugly creature. They fear the uphill, even though there is nothing to be scared of. Don't fall for it - it's a dirty mind trick that can easily be overcome. The uphill will not attack you in your sleep.

Uphill running, believe it or not, is my favorite type of terrain when it comes to training. In my early teens, when I first joined my high school country team, I used a long grassy hill near my house as a training tool. I would run up and down, backwards and forwards, sprinting and jogging, strengthening my leg muscles with unbelievable efficacy.

I've always used hills to give myself an advantage over other runners. In a race, when approaching an uphill, I already have that hill conquered in my head. While other runners are slowing on the incline, I actually run faster. By passing my competition in such a manner, not only am I physically beating them, I'm psychologically decimating them.

So what should you do to become a master of the incline?

1.) Think of the hill as your friend, not your enemy. When training, it is there to help you become a stronger runner. During races, it is your ally in overcoming your competitors. Once you have learned to control your unreasonable fear of the incline, your running will improve dramatically.

2.) Find the biggest hill you can and tame it. If you're a runner, you probably are well aware of the steepest hill near your home. Think of that hill as your personal trainer. Run up it at the beginning and the end of your session. If it takes you less than five minutes to get to the top, it's not big enough. Do it twice, or three times if you must. Do you think it's a coincidence that Rocky ran up the stairs of the Philadelphia Museum of Art at the end of his training montage? Of course not. That's why he's the champion.

I'll say it again: Always run faster on the uphill. It makes you mentally and physically tough as nails. If you overcome the obstacle that exists as the Monster Under the Bed in almost every runner's mind, you can focus on more important things, like "what's for dinner?"

-Tellman

Join our online community for runners and get more tips at http://www.StartRunning.com

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• running for beginners
• beginners running
• start running
• startrunning.com
• running tips

[Cakevspie94]

Charge... Like a rhino! I love it. Sucks that I live in Nebraska, when people say hill i think some 1-2 minute junky. I'd have to drive forever to find a 5 minute hill

[slidenote]

Regarding hill running, I have a three-mile uphill just outside my door. It does have its advantages.

[MrRunningchef]

im sure La Salette is painfully effective.