“THERE’S NO GREATER BUZZ IN RUNNING THAN NAILING A DOWNHILL. IT’S YOU VERSUS THE TERRAIN. TO WIN THAT BATTLE FEELS AMAZING!”
Tom Addison from Inov-8 has 10 top tips for faster downhill running. “Being able to descend with confidence is crucial, especially when racing. You can be the best in the world at running uphill, but if you can’t descend then it will seriously hamper your chances of winning races, be that on the fells, mountains or trails.”
1 Switch off your brain
Empty your fear tank and just let loose. Switch off your brain and run.
2 Keep strides long
As we get more tired we tend to take shorter steps, lengthen your strides on your downhills and you’ll go a whole lot faster.
3 Lean forwards
Oh hell no! Really? Natural instinct makes us lean back so we have more control but this slows down your speed. Try to lean slightly forward and gun it down the hill instead.
4 Look ahead and pick the best lines
It seems so simple but we spend so much time staring at our feet that we often forget that looking ahead and choosing your route can save you lots of time (and injuries!)
5 Do repetitions in training
Sprinting down a gradual slope a couple of times will do wonders for your workout.
6 Bend your legs
Straight legs = Knee trouble. Try bending your legs which will give you a spring in your step.
7 Squat for strength
It hurts, just do it.
8 Pretend you’re a windmill!
“It’s important not to forget that your arms also have a key role to play if you want to run downhill faster. Push them out, as high and wide as you feel comfortable, and use them to aid your balance. You might think you look a bit silly doing so but it definitely works. Imagine you are on a tight rope, what would your arms do? Now replicate that when running downhill.”
9 Trust your feet and footwear
If you don’t have trust in your own feet and your footwear then you are in trouble. Make sure if you’re hitting the trails that you’re wearing proper trail or mountain shoes, that extra grip and support will make a significant difference.
10 Adapt your technique to the terrain
“Be ready to adapt your technique to the different terrains you encounter on a downhill. Loose rock and scree can often work with you as it moves forward under your feet -just ride it! Wet rock is the most difficult to negotiate -the less time your feet are in contact wet rock, the better, so stay light-footed and springy. When running downhill through mud, dig your heels in a bit more.”
For the full article written by Tom Addison click here.