Calling all runners - how do you run up hills?

[AuContraire]

I would like to get better at running, but hills are a problem and I often end up walking up them.

Is there a trick I'm missing? Little steps, bigger steps? Head down, head up?

Grateful for any advice from those who know what they're doing!

My physio gave me this advice when I broke both ankles and was starting to walk again. I still do it!

You need to slow right down, you won’t get any pb’s running up hills. On the plus side more hills make running on the flat feel much easier. Use your arms, shorten your stride, once you get to the top let yourself naturally speed up as you will find you breathe heavier to recover.

Loving zoom zoom and make a deal with god 😁

I think I love you

Also run up a hill where there’s loads of people
you know so you’re too embarrassed to stop in case they see you

This is the sort of post I'm here for.

Off to Spotify.

Thanks everyone for the advice.

I too am curious about what counts as a big hill. Any incline at all can scupper me on a bad day, but there is one hill near my house that takes me 4 minutes to run up and it's a 25m climb (I'd have sworn it was twice that at least, but checked my watch and that's it <cries>

another thing - if you don't already - add (core) strength training to your exercise.

my physio explained that you run from the rump, the legs are 'just' moving you along.

Head down and small steps for me. Also I prefer to get up them as fast as possible to get it over with. Like a PP I usually overtake people going up a hill.

After she said say "zoom" "zoom" I though: can I just say "putt" "putt" 😂because I am staring 70 in the face next year and every year hills become even more challenging!

Actually, I love running up hills more mostly because I had ACL surgery eons ago, and can't run down hills; down hills are harder because it hurts the knee I tore/got surgery on. It also matters how tall one is when running hills: center of gravity advantages/disadvantages.

Depends on the gradient. The steeper it is the smaller the steps I would take and slow your speed. Running up eg 10% plus is v.different to 2%. As the road flattens, recover and pick up speed.

If you only could!!

@MrsTerryPratchett

Pulling a rope and zoom zoom worked!

Hills have always been my nemesis but I live in quite a hilly place so force myself to run up them anyway.

Last year, after running for over 10 years, I decided to throw sone dedicated hill training in once a week - there is a steep one near me and I do a gentle jog to get there then just go for it as fast as I can, with a slow jog back down, and repeat 3-5 times.
The first few times I thought I was going to die when I got past half way, then it started getting easier- and now all hills have started feeling easier in general!

Put on ‘Killing in the name of’ - even better if it lets rip as you’re running down the other side! Fuck you, stress! 😂

Slower pace and run most on my toes/front of feet as if I am climbing. Allow myself to feel like I am the first woman to conquer a hill in life and revel in the glory.

Tip toes and your upper body slightly forward, short stride. Ideally Nelly Fortardo Maneater being played! The beat is perfect 😂

Short strides, pump arms, practice, swear.

Spin classes are also good for cross training hills.

It's one of those times when being short is an advantage because you naturally take shorter steps. I tend to pass people on hills and then get overtaken on flats.

Head down inhibits oxygen to your lungs! Open the chest!

This happens to me, and I'm not so good at stretching out and flowing on the downhill to claim my reward.

One of my local parkruns has A Hill. Fast cadence, and I kind of angle my upper arms back and swing quicker from the elbow. It seems to help with posture.

Some hills are there to be walked up- ultra runners know this. But some shorter, steeper hills can be attacked with a good bit of channeling Kate Bush. Some longer, gradual hills need a gentler approach. Setting a timer to run/ walk very short intervals even 15s/15s can build up the stamina for them.

Be as slow as you need to be without walking. The more you do the easier they’ll be but they’ll always hurt a bit! Remember it’s different muscles used for uphill so you need to condition these muscles for it to feel easier.

Yup. This is how I got from being a crap runner to one who can manage hills. Still can't believe it!

@Flangeosaurus fucking hill fucking hell is going to be my new running mantra.

100% - angry music all the way up

By repeating this in my head - a friend said this to me when I first started running and now I can't forget it

"You don't get fitter if you don't run the hills. You can walk at the top"

Ooooh 4 minutes?.... find a pumping song that's 3m44s and start it at the bottom and try to get to the top before it finishes! Great for keeping power when you're fading...

I love run boy run by woodkid but that's 3m30 so my hill must be a bit shorter than yours

Omg I love run boy run! I normally stick it on at the end of a run for a sprint finish