The Stablemaster Speaks - The Art of the Marathon HILLS ARE THE PILLS
Feb 13, 2025
Dive into the world of hills as John shares his insights on training with incline! Discover why traditional hill reps are perfect for middle-distance athletes. Learn how to blend hill workouts with tempo runs for maximum results. John also discusses the importance of hill training for hilly marathons like Boston. With personal anecdotes and listener shoutouts, this session is packed with tips on progression, injury management, and building strength. Get ready to tackle those hills and enhance your running game!
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Don’t Overuse Long Hill Reps
- Avoid long, steep hill reps for older or slower marathon-focused runners because injury risk rises.
- Reserve long middle-distance hill reps for younger, middle-distance athletes who can hold form.
Mix Hills Into Tempo Workouts
- Blend short hill reps with tempo runs: e.g., 10min tempo, 10x30s hills, 10min tempo, with short jog recoveries.
- Use this structure to develop strength while keeping aerobic tempo specificity.
Use Easy Hilly Runs For Strength
- Include easy runs with gentle hills to build tendon and structural strength over time.
- If you lack hills, use a treadmill carefully to mimic uphill work in extreme weather.