Posture and economical use of energy are two key elements in training for the Vancouver Sun Run and running in the race. Conserving energy on a hill climb is smart. Ultra Marathon Instructor and Endurance Coach Lisa Smith-Batchen, explains that men, instinctively hammer it up the hills and are badly sucking air when they get to the top. Whereas women don’t as they are built differently and adjust to suit their body form. In other words, fly-and-die guys run on brawn, while women run on brains.
To conserve energy on a torturous hill climb, gear down to a power walk when you start breathing heavy on a hill. With your pelvis forward, shoulders squared over your belly button, thumbs pistoning straight back and fourth to your hips. Adjust your breathing to a series of metronomic belly puffs to catch your breath and power up the hill.
Your tempo will be remarkably fast but with a fraction of the effort and once on top of the hill, you will be able to shift right back into running without the drama.
Tilman von der Linde, RMT.
Muscles in Motion – Vancouver
