Our Mary E. Silveira crew hit the hill again today.   Heartbreak Hill (er Ridge, as  Katie renamed it today) that is.  Joining our fearsome threesome were three more Moms with the mostest.  Shout out to Julie, Elisa and Kim who joined us for a bit before breaking off to parts unknown.    Way to go ladies!!   Next week we’ll drag you up to the top with us. 

Running or even hiking hills can be daunting.  Steep terrain, rocks and rough ground can keep an otherwise normally fit woman (or man) off the trails.    Here are a few tricks for running or hiking trails that can make it easier and more enjoyable.  

Shoes Matter – If running on hilly trails you should seriously consider investing  in trail  shoes.  You need gription and more sturdiness that road shoes don’t provide.   You can easily wear these shoes out and about as well.  You’ll look rugged and cool.

Head Up.  Eyes Up –  When runners get tired many make the mistake of hanging their head and staring at their sneakers.  When running on hills, keep your head up and eyes focused on the ground about 3 feet in front of you.   Keeping your head and eyes up keeps your shoulders up and keeps the energy from sinking away from you.  You don’t have to believe me – but trust me.  I promise you’ll run hills better.   

Don’t Look Up to the Top of the Hill – Why?  Because many of us are not mentally tough like an elite athlete.  When us mortals look up and see a hill (large or small) and we are already sweating hard, breathing hard and feeling like we could pass out, we want to stop being uncomfortable.  Don’t look.  You won’t see.  Your brain won’t go into a frenzy.  You won’t stop.  Easy.  Peasey.

Arms and Legs and Breathing, Oh My –  Keep your arms at 45 degree angles and pump them like a piston.  This motion will help move you up the hill.  Shorten your stride a smidge and pitter patter up the hill.  Don’t bound like an antelope.  And don’t forget to breathe.   Deeply.  In through your nose, out through your mouth. 

Add Friends – Besides providing safety in numbers, running or hiking hills make it more fun.  Whether your friend is two legged or four, bring a buddy and enjoy yourself.

So get over your worries about running or hiking hills and get to it.  You’ll be happy you did.

Now go run!

Keli