Downhill Running

bstamps12
bstamps12 Posts: 1,184
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Runners, what is your technique like when you run downhill? I am doing a 5K this week with 2 major downhills (no uphills). Is there a certain way to try to land my feet or lean to go as fast as possible without falling over? (Yes, one of the downhills is extremely steep and I can just see myself falling on my face). Should my stride be long or short? Fast leg turnover or not? I know downhill running is not advised on a normal basis due to possibly tearing up shins, etc. so I don't really want to practice running the course more than once. Any advice is appreciated!!!

Replies

  • KeepOnMoving
    KeepOnMoving Posts: 383 Member
    I heard that Runner's World had an article about that in the June issue. I haven't read it myself as I am not really a runner anymore. You might do a search on Runner's World website.
  • Kimbie500
    Kimbie500 Posts: 388 Member
    bump
  • rybo
    rybo Posts: 5,424 Member
    For me it depends on the steepness of the hill. If it isn't that steep, I let loose & sail down the hill. Fast, fast leg turnover and just go.
    If it's too steep to cut loose then I go with short fast choppy steps to keep pace but not hammer my legs so much.

    Where I run there are lots of hills so I don't have a choice to not run downhill. It's something you need to get used to if you want to do it efficiently.
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