I’ve been making some great speed gains with my running lately, and I really think it’s just that I’m pushing myself. I used to just run at an easy pace, but now I am bumping it up and running a little faster. It’s not as comfortable, and I definitely doubt myself at the beginning, but I’ve found I can actually do it!
(from San Antonio a few months ago.)
I did a longer run Saturday, and a little speed work last week, so Monday I thought I’d try something completely new and run some hills.
Hill workouts are common for serious runners (which I do really not consider myself), but I only run hills when I’m outside. Since cold weather and I do not mix, I tend to skip hills all together in the winter.
Monday I incorporated 4 miles of mini hills into my run. Nothing too steep, but enough to make it tough! I kept my speed moderate and made sure to add in the down hill portion as well. With a mile warm up and cool down, I got in a great 6 mile run that was more like running outside.
- Do you do hill runs?
Well since I hate running, I definitely don’t like running hills;) but I loooove spinning, and since I have a spin bike at home too. I bet I could modify this for a spin workout because I need to work on doing hills more often! I’m much more of a sprint fan!
A spin bike at home – how awesome! Do you push yourself as hard? I love going to spin class because the instructors kick my butt!
I’m actually able to get my heart rate up higher at home! It’s so bizarre! I don’t know how I can do that honestly, but I love it!
oof I hate hills, I usually only incorporate them when I run outside, rarely ever on the treadmill. If I feel adventurous I will have to try this out!
I do hills because my usual running loops *have* hills! I find the treadmill so boring, maybe I’ll give a hill repeat run a shot and see how I go when this storm hits NE this weekend. Also – I love that you’ve been pushing yourself and found out you can do it! It really is mind over matter sometimes.
I’ve always run the treadmill @ a 2.5 incline becaue it more mimics outdoor running. Now, if I’m doing cooldown @ 0, I feel like I’m running downhill! If I’m not working on speed, I usually throw in about 5-6 minutes of steep hills, > 8
ooh man 2.5 seems steep for just regular outdoors! I try to do .5-1.0 for regular outdoors, but maybe I’m not going hard enough! you’re awesome girl!
nice – I like this simple workout. sadly, i haven’t run hills in far too long; they make you a much stronger athlete when you do run them though.
I don’t love hills but I am definitely going to try this workout!
I’m definitely not a runner, but I have been trying to incorporate a little bit into my routine. I realllly love changing up the incline because it makes the workout go by faster! I play little games in my head: I’ll run at an incline for 2 minutes, then walk, then sprint, then walk with an incline, etc etc. It keeps me entertained!
I hired an online coach for my marathon training this time. He has me running hills once per week (today was 8 miles) I just find the hilliest route I can for that run. I have never done them on the treadmill though..
When I was seriously strength training I did little to no cardio. But the cardio I did to was all hill sprints because it really helps build up your leg muscles and endurance for those heavier lifts. I used to do :30-1:00 of sprints at anywhere between a 7-10% incline. It was TOUGH. IE the first time I wanted to throw up after. But I only did about 10 repeats with plenty of rest in between and it was so fun to see how :30 sec at a 7% incline soon grew to :30 at a 10%. I can get really bored on the treadmill so I love throwing it hill sprints to break up the time
Omg. That sounds hellish! You rock!
I need to incorporate a bit more hill work into my marathon training, for sure. I’ll have to give doing it on the treadmill a go.