I will admit. I use to hate hills. It was like starting to run all over again, when I ran up them. But living in San Francisco, my running routes were hugely limited if I wanted to stay on the level. I did a 1 mile loop over and over again. It was safe, and oh so flat. But when my brain could no longer handle the monotony, I explored. Up up up! The views were better, the accomplishment was wonderful and the downhills were thrilling.
Coach Pamela calls hills “character building” and I couldn’t agree more. You find out what you are made of. BUT! It’s they are so good for you, and good for training. How? Well, I’ll tell you.
- They help increase your endurance. Walking up a hill is the same, on your heart. as a run. So running up hill is like sprinting.
- They strengthen your butt, which helps your day to day running and decreases your injury. Happy butt, happy knees! And it makes it perkier.
- The views! There is nothing like stopping at the top of a hill or mountain and looking of what you have accomplished, and the sweet down hill is the best.
Running up hills are a analogy for life. If you are happy where you are, stay flat, and straight. But if you want a little more, a new challenge and to see what life is all about and what you are really made of, climb a hill and see what you are capable of. Its a lot more then you think. Promise.
We are starting Rock It Class soon and it will include lots of hill training. Its always more fun with others! 