The Running Thread --2025

[nancipants]

ATTQOTD: I have a “big hill” at the bottom of my neighborhood. I usually avoid it, but I’ve been attempting to do it regularly lately, even during easy runs. When I say big, it’s maybe like 50 feet of elevation gain, but it’s pretty steep at the bottom.

 

[rick1zoo2]

ATTQOTD: After getting massive cramps in calves and hamstrings around mile 8 of a half marathon last month and almost not being able to finish it, I am now seeking out and attacking hills on our runs. There were several steep hills that I stupidly took at full pace (that was my other mistake - trying to run a half marathon at a 10k pace) and my calves rebelled! So I want to include more hills in training so that won't happen again. Also including more strength training.

 

[SarahDisney]

QOTD:
If you are running a longer race that is hilly, do you try to make sure your regular route is hilly, or just focus on incorporating hills into your route a few times per week?

People can avoid hills? Wild.

I usually run the less hilly routes but most of the routes are somewhat hilly so I don't really worry about it too much. If I'm doing a Central Park race I'll try to do extra runs in the park leading up to the race but I also hate every single hill in Central Park (and there are a lot of them...) so I get angry if I do too many hill runs.

 

[Psymonds]

People can avoid hills? Wild.

I usually run the less hilly routes but most of the routes are somewhat hilly so I don't really worry about it too much. If I'm doing a Central Park race I'll try to do extra runs in the park leading up to the race but I also hate every single hill in Central Park (and there are a lot of them...) so I get angry if I do too many hill runs.

once I get onto it, we have a trail that goes for 10-15 miles on a canal alignment and railroad grade. almost as close to dead flat as you can get. it's glorious... but I can also go up our local mountain if desired. the choice I make every morning, flat paved or steep unpaved....