Running uphill, slower cadence or shorter strides?

jonchew

I live in a hilly area, and I'm just wondering what most experienced runners do when running up/down hills... does one shorten or lengthen the stride, or slow down/speed up your cadence? Is there a preferred action, perhaps do everything you can to maintain stride length & cadence?

Personally, I run to the beat of music, so I end-up shortening my cadence, but I'm not sure that it's the "right" thing to do.

dmh0204

Well, I am no running expert, but I have been running for a lot of years. I always shorten my stride going up steeper hills, but try to push so my speed stays the same. On down hill, just the opposite: longer strides, but slower cadence. Usually this also helps me recover on the downs after my ups.

lyttlewon

I slow my stride until it is comfortable. I don't know if I shorten or not, but I have to really concentrate to not look at the ground the entire time and keep my head up.

Keltinator

I shorten my stride. As far as turn over goes, I don't worry too much about it--rather I try to keep my perceived effort level the same.

_JR_

Lean slightly into the hill. Keep a straight line from your head, down your body, through your hips, into the ground beneath you.