How do you run downhill "correctly"

G

GT2003

0
I had a pretty good downhill section to run today and honestly, I find it easier running uphill. Is there a technique that I should employ when running downhill? I tried little, bitty short strides, then I kind of let myself go with the flow and sped up and ran at what was a fast pace but felt easy. It just kind of felt strange. So, is there a certain method to running downhill?
 
lots of people have problems with running downhill because they are trying to slow down while running. It will take some time and practice but you should let gravity help you run instead of trying to fight it.
 
Thanks all!

Jaoust, that helps a lot. I tried small strides then letting gravity do its thing. I got concerned because my speed cranked up and I've been really concentrating on pace. So, that alleviates my concerns. I'll let gravity do its thing and enjoy the faster pace. Thanks again, Greg
 
In the past, I would keep my cadence high and control my descent. I guess the main reason for this was the consquences for lettinng loose. After the race, my quads would be totally demolished. Obviously by slowing down on the descents, you're losing time. In the more recent years, I've done steep hill training which has helped with allowing a faster descent. In some recent races, I've let loose and despite flying down the descents, I did not feel out of control and post-race my quads didn't feel all that bad.

The bottom line is you should train for your terrain.
 
My personal experience with hills; I always take the approach of striding long and just kind of flowing down the hill (easy for me with my long freaking legs haha) and its fast but its a nice "break" if you will. When I run with my fiance though I always end up breezing past him because he tries to control his stride on he down hills. The inevitable result is that he ends up complaining that his knees hurt a lot, while mine don't. In my opinion, don't fight gravity, it has more experience than you and it will win :D Just go with it.
 
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