Monday Quickie: Hills!

Hill repeats, as a workout, are the Secret Agents of training. They're sneaky in how they help your run training. Most of the RTR courses are not flat, but even if they were, hills are a critical part of any training plan. Hills provide a few key enhancements of running fitness that round out any runners' skills and abilities.

First off, hills are gym work in disguise. The added resistance of going uphill turns hills into strength work. Like lunges or squats, each stride is weighted against the pull of the earth making you use more energy and building strength. The pay off for you as a runner, is large because at the end of the race it's not about being fast but more about being strong.

Secondly, hills are also speed work in disguise. The extra effort it takes to go uphill will spike your heart rate just like track workouts or interval workouts. The best part is that it's not the same hard impact because the pace is slow. If you want to go faster, going harder is how you train your lungs and heart.
Third, hills are all about form. Learn proper form and you will run strong and well the whole of the race and you'll be mindful of that form.

Add a few hills to you runs (it's not hard to do around here) and begin reaping the rewards.

Run For Your Lives!
Coach Bree