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This Question is Possibly Answered

1 "correct" answer available (10 pts) 2 "helpful" answers available (7 pts)
Last post: Nov 2, 2009 6:06 PM by crl8686 RSS
CheyMac Amateur
CheyMac
9 posts since
Aug 7, 2009
Currently Being Moderated

Oct 31, 2009 1:36 PM

Motivation to run a flat course when you prefer hills?

I have a dilemna. I dislike running almost pancake flat courses. Flat courses are supposed to give really good PRs and be easy. But I find them harder, and I prefer some hills (not ski slopes) and downhills from time to time to break my stride. I have a half marathon coming up that's pretty flat and I chose it for other reasons than the slope. In training, I've been incorporating some flat long runs and I find them frustrating and even boring sometimes. I keep feeling that I'm doing something wrong since I feel that I should naturally like a flat course without the aches and pains of hills.

 

If this is not all strange, can anyone provide any tips or other motivators on how to make it through a flat course when your preference is a less than flat course? Would greatly appreciate it.

 

Thanks.

spicegeek Community Moderator
spicegeek
2,408 posts since
Jan 14, 2007
Currently Being Moderated
1. Oct 31, 2009 2:12 PM in response to: CheyMac
Re: Motivation to run a flat course when you prefer hills?

I prefer hills too - I like the change of pace - in every sense of the word - can`t help you with the motivation - I just focus on my pace to the point of near obession or I start to slow down !!





NYC Marathon          Nov 1 2009     -   4:03:13 ( 9:17 mm )

NYC Half Marathon   Aug 16 2009   -   1:55:38 ( 8:49 mm )

1 mile -  7:07                             10K     - 52:58 ( 8:32 mm)

4 mile - 31:35 ( 7:53 mm)          8K      - 42:28 ( 8:32 mm)

15K -     1:22:02 ( 8:49 mm)

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aj01 Amateur
aj01
54 posts since
Jul 8, 2008
Currently Being Moderated
2. Oct 31, 2009 2:35 PM in response to: CheyMac
Re: Motivation to run a flat course when you prefer hills?

Just think of it as training for one of the necessary parts of running.  It's just like running hills for people who prefer flats or speed work for the slow steady distance runner.  It takes you out of your comfort zone but makes you a better and more adaptable runner.

lenzlaw Community Moderator
lenzlaw
7,026 posts since
Jan 18, 2008
Currently Being Moderated
3. Oct 31, 2009 5:42 PM in response to: CheyMac
Re: Motivation to run a flat course when you prefer hills?

Pick out someone in front of you and try to catch them.  Vary your pace mile by mile.  Go faster and slower, say by 15 seconds per mile.  (You may not want to do that if you're trying to PR.)  Talk to someone you're running near, then break that off and catch someone else and talk to them.  In other words, find things to take your mind the course.  I tend to agree with you, and I think my legs get bored with an unchanging course.

 

Len




We've come this far and it's still the same,
Runnin' out here in the rain.
Just one more mile, if only you could fly.
(Apologies to T. Rush and J. Tempchin, for the paraphrase)

Atsipootes Expert
Atsipootes
50 posts since
Oct 26, 2009
Currently Being Moderated
4. Nov 1, 2009 5:33 AM in response to: CheyMac
Re: Motivation to run a flat course when you prefer hills?

If you don't have a running friend, ask someone to go with you by bike. You can communicate all the time and it can help you to run in a faster pace




I am now training for a marathon.

Feel the joy of running

http://www.you-run.com

CheyMac Amateur
CheyMac
9 posts since
Aug 7, 2009
Currently Being Moderated
5. Nov 1, 2009 6:48 AM in response to: lenzlaw
Re: Motivation to run a flat course when you prefer hills?

Those are some interesting tips so far. Won't help much when I'm training since I'm a solo runner, but should help during the race.

Stevemustangred Legend
Stevemustangred
586 posts since
Oct 10, 2007
Currently Being Moderated
6. Nov 2, 2009 5:44 PM in response to: CheyMac
Re: Motivation to run a flat course when you prefer hills?

Look at a flat course as a challenge.  Besides, there aren't any truly 100% flat courses, at least in marathon running.  OK, Surfside Beach marathon is flat.




Lies Spectators tell Marathoners:   1) Last Hill!    2) Almost there!  3) You look great!
crl8686 Legend
crl8686
689 posts since
Nov 11, 2007
Currently Being Moderated
7. Nov 2, 2009 6:06 PM in response to: CheyMac
Re: Motivation to run a flat course when you prefer hills?

The clock is another good motivator - Remembering that when you train in hills, you can then run a faster pace (sometimes significantly faster) on flat ground with no extra effort on your part.




"...I've learned that you shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do, but to the best you can do....I've learned that you can keep going long after you think you can't..." --- author unknown


2009 highlights...
•    @ 10K: Fiesta Days Run, La Canada, CA, May 2009, 50:53
•    @ 5K: Downtown Anaheim 5K, Anaheim, CA, June 2009, 24:45
•    Long Beach Marathon, Long Beach, CA, October 2009, 4:43:10
•    Post-marathon: Calabasas Classic 5K, Calabasas, CA, November 2009, 25:14

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