How can I increase my speed running downhill?
There are lots of training articles on how to run downhill, I read many when training for the Pikes Peak Marathon this year. My hill training paid off especially at the Columbia Triathlon, where the run was especially hilly. For downhill, I focus on staying relaxed, I try and lean my hips and torso forward, and I take much shorter steps at a higher cadence. If you take longer steps, you risk overstriding. You might feel like you’re cruising down the hill, but the increased pounding an work load of the legs is not a good thing. For training, I suggest you find a good hill, 1/4 mile in length or so and with a slope similar to some of those you experienced in the race. You can go to a steeper one as you get better, but build your technique first. Now run up and down it multiple times… You will practice going up the hill (high cadence, short steps, keep your eyes focused over the top of the hill) and if you need to take a quick walk at the top, do it and prepare for the down. Depending o
