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Good Uphill Running Form

When you’re running hard uphill, it’s easy to focus so hard on getting to the top that you neglect good running form. Stay mindful of your mechanics on hard uphill runs (and easier ones, for that matter). You may have heard, “Lean into the hill.” That’s not handy advice if it means you bend forward at the waist; doing that will mean you’re fighting gravity even more than the hill is already causing you to.

Maintain a tall running posture, with your chest up, not moving toward your knees. Concentrate on keeping a slight curve in your lower back and your hips forward. My college coach always gave the “pecker out” cue for how to hold our midsection. (He apparently never coached women.) Keep your shoulders low and relaxed. Imagine your hands pulling up a rope that’s secured at the top of the hill. A quicker, lighter foot strike will get you to the top faster than purposefully reaching for more ground.

: Stacey Cramp