Run-Down Forums

[Guest]

In a XC or Roadd Race Hill running can make or Break a performance. What is the best way to run Hills??

I know of 3 successful stratagies: 1. Increase pace from the bottom of the hill ( get the hill over with and move on) 2. Keep the same effor throughout the hill (this of course causes the runner to slow down) and 3. Keep a steady pace for the 1st 75% of the hill and then excellerate at the top.

I Prefer using the 3rd strategy. How about the rest of You?

[training2run]

I'd vote for number three.

Take it easy going up: you will lose hardly any time, but save a great deal of energy.

Explode over the top and go like h*ll on the downside (just don't fall). Mad Dog Mike www.training2run.com

[Distance_Guru]

It all really depends on the satge you're in during the race. If you're trying to finish the race and run a good time regaurdless of place go for steady effort all the way up. If you're raceing someone or a group of people, and you don't know how strong they are or if you're not confident in your oen hill running strength then go for steady for the first 75% and pick it up near the top. If you're racing someone and you are a strong hill runner or you feel that you can break them the surge hard throughout the hill and it will often break there spirit.
_________________
Time is the fire in which we burn

[Dan]

I agree with DG -- play to your strengths. For some people, that means conserving energy on hills. For others, it means hammering the hills and putting a good gap on the pursuit pack. Off the track, and especially so on trails, there's a lot to be said for breaking contact, i.e. running away and hiding.

Dan

[training2run]

Dear DG: Right on. if you can psych them out, you've got 'um licked.

I can remember trying to slowly pass people in the marathon, but it was impossible, because they could pick up their own pace ever so slightly, and keep me from passing.

What I learned to do was move up to about five feet behind them, turn on the "after burners," blow by, then immediately come back to pace.

Going by them that fast, really sunk their spirits: not only couldn't they come after me, but they often slowed down.

My brother and I have done the same sort of thing in wooded trail races. Instead of stopping at a rest area, I would run right through, as if I weren't in pain or even tired.

As soon as I got out of sight, I'd stop, and Marc would give me something cold to drink. Meanwhile, some of the other runners, back in the rest area would be so intimidated they'd quit, or at least spend too much time pumping themselves back up. Mad Dog Mike www.training2run.com

[Distance_Guru]

Another "dirty" mind trick is to be really polite as you pass someone. Tell them "Hey great job!" or even better "Hang in there, you can do it!" say it in as much of an upbeat manner as possible that really will take the wind out of their sails.
_________________
Time is the fire in which we burn

[Dan]

Or combine some friendly chatter with strategic trash talking for the ultimate disheartening potion. "Hey, you're doing awesome. Only 24 miles to go! Seeya."

Dan

[Paul]

With this kind of "smack" talk I better just put my sights on next years 1K in Boulder.

"Bringing it All Back Home" Paul

[training2run]

I guess you all studied "Pumping Iron," where Arnold trashed poor Lou's mind and wiped his ego slate clean. Poor Lou didn't have a chance.
Mad Dog Mike www.training2run.com