Focus on Your Arms as You Run up Hills

Hill-acious Running Tip

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I can tout the benefits of running hills until I am blue in the face, but it won't make running those ascents any easier. One thing that does, though, is focusing on your arms. As you're trudging up a hill, don't focus on your feet, but on the steady rhythm of your arms. Your feet will follow the pace set by your arms. I learned this little trick from the shoe expert at my local running store — yet another reason to shop for shoes with the experts.

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Source: Getty
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5 Comments

cotedazur cotedazur
Keep your body perfectly vertical, so you're not leaning forward. Shorten your stride slightly and focus on lifting your knees. Don't try to accelerate uphill. Stay on the balls of your feet. If you're in a race, the way to get ahead is to accelerate after you've crested the hill, when everyone else will be recuperating.
mwmsjuly19 mwmsjuly19
Don't look too far ahead! It makes the hill seem less ominous. I live in the mountains of Asheville. We know about hills! (As I'm sure you do in San Francisco!)
TADOW TADOW
That is so true. I ran a 5k across the Brooklyn Bridge and focusing on my arms really helped get me over the inclines on both sides. Also, chanting to yourself helps.
Great tip! Trying this out tonight!
runningesq runningesq
Good tip ! I hate hills but love what they do for my running !
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