Posted by Kel on November 23, 2010 at 12:16:58:
In Reply to: Re: More about running hills posted by KateLN on November 18, 2010 at 19:12:40:
Maybe you are trying to run downhill the same way you run uphill or on the flat. Running downhill has its own technique. First off, you have to train for running downhill. How do you do that? By running downhill. Downhill running involves a different set of muscles and tendons than normal running. Practicing downhill running also helps to develop confidence.
Then there is technique: when going downhill (especially when going down steep hills), it's natural to "brake" with each step. Don't. Learn to let yourself go. You'll know you're doing it right when you start to hear your shoes "flop" with every step.
On steep downhills, try lowing your center of gravity by bending your knees more than usual and adopting a bit of sitting posture instead of the usual forward lean.
Hope that helps.
: I ran in a trail race recently that had a lot of hills. I passed people on the uphills, but they passed me back on the downhills. What am I doing wrong?
: : Speaking of running up hills, what about training on hills? Does it really help?