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10 Replies Last post: Jul 1, 2008 6:46 PM by lenzlaw  
Click to view tjtaylor95's profile Amateur 24 posts since
Jun 5, 2008

Jun 30, 2008 11:28 AM

Hill Work??


I live in Eastern NC and it is relatively flat where I run. I realize that hills are missing from my training. I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions regarding using a treadmill to do some sort of hill work? Also, it is not practical for me to drive to find a place to run. I have many loops and paths around my home that are perfect but there are no hills anywhere. I have a handy treadmill for the days I can't get outside for whatever reason. I would love some advice or ideas to get some hills into my runs. Thanks!!!

Joy

Click to view KrisMCM's profile Pro 123 posts since
May 2, 2008
1. Jun 30, 2008 11:50 AM in response to: tjtaylor95
Re: Hill Work??

You may want to try the Runner's World website. They have had some video/articles on treadmill workouts that may help you.

Click to view lenzlaw's profile Community Moderator 3,584 posts since
Jan 18, 2008
3. Jul 1, 2008 4:29 PM in response to: tjtaylor95
Re: Hill Work??

Something as simple as a highway ramp leading to an overpass can work. Of course, there may not be one convenient (and safe). Someone else suggested a parking garage with a long enough ramp, again if such a thing exists in your neighborhood.


Len


Lenz's Law is a special case of Le Chatelier's principle: Any change in status quo prompts an opposing reaction in the responding system. I like that one better.
Click to view FormerBAM's profile We're Not Worthy 2,402 posts since
Aug 21, 2007
4. Jul 1, 2008 4:45 PM in response to: lenzlaw
Re: Hill Work??

What is considered a hill?

I have a .15-mile strip in my regular run that is an uphill grade that just kills me, but it's not what I would consider a hill, I guess. It goes up 45 feet in .15 miles according to mapmyrun.com. Can I call that my "hill" and run up and down it, or back and forth anyway?


Look, Active finally added signature lines!
Click to view staving off decrepitude's profile Legend 982 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
5. Jul 1, 2008 4:50 PM in response to: tjtaylor95
Re: Hill Work??
How about running up stairs?
Click to view lenzlaw's profile Community Moderator 3,584 posts since
Jan 18, 2008
6. Jul 1, 2008 4:59 PM in response to: FormerBAM
Re: Hill Work??

FormerBAM wrote:
What is considered a hill?

I have a .15-mile strip in my regular run that is an uphill grade that just kills me, but it's not what I would consider a hill, I guess. It goes up 45 feet in .15 miles according to mapmyrun.com. Can I call that my "hill" and run up and down it, or back and forth anyway?


Actually, yes, that's enough to get a decent hill workout. The hills I use are about 1/8 mile long, though I don't know the exact rise, it's probably in the 40 - 50 foot range.


Steps I hadn't thought of. I don't know how that would compare with the "standard" hill workout. Shorter and steeper, for sure.


Lenz's Law is a special case of Le Chatelier's principle: Any change in status quo prompts an opposing reaction in the responding system. I like that one better.
Click to view FormerBAM's profile We're Not Worthy 2,402 posts since
Aug 21, 2007
7. Jul 1, 2008 5:06 PM in response to: lenzlaw
Re: Hill Work??

lenzlaw wrote:
FormerBAM wrote:
I have a .15-mile strip in my regular run that is an uphill grade that just kills me, but it's not what I would consider a hill, I guess. It goes up 45 feet in .15 miles according to mapmyrun.com. Can I call that my "hill" and run up and down it, or back and forth anyway?

Actually, yes, that's enough to get a decent hill workout. The hills I use are about 1/8 mile long, though I don't know the exact rise, it's probably in the 40 - 50 foot range.


Cool! I've been hill training and didn't even know it!


Look, Active finally added signature lines!
Click to view RunnerWags's profile Legend 532 posts since
Oct 16, 2007
9. Jul 1, 2008 6:34 PM in response to: FormerBAM
Re: Hill Work??

45 feet in .15 miles?????


Good grief. I guess I've been overdoing it like during that 10K last week with one hill being 110 feet in about .1 miles. I do sprints in front of my house where it rises about 30' in 80 yards or so.


As for steps, try slowly walking up a few flights. Not fast, slow. You might be shocked at how hard it is and though your breath will not be quickly labored, your heart rate will increase notably.


Do well.

Click to view lenzlaw's profile Community Moderator 3,584 posts since
Jan 18, 2008
10. Jul 1, 2008 6:46 PM in response to: RunnerWags
Re: Hill Work??
On most roads they try to hold the slope to 6% or maybe 8%. Obviously not always possible. 8% over .1 mile would be about 42 feet, so 110 feet is very steep, about 21%.

Lenz's Law is a special case of Le Chatelier's principle: Any change in status quo prompts an opposing reaction in the responding system. I like that one better.