Running downhill is never fun for most runners. It could a bit of a challenge and in-turn a lot harder on your body a opposed to running up hill. Usually when you run downhill, incorrectly, you wake up with your quads burning that next day. We would blame that downhill pounding when in actuality it’s our form. Thanks to Competitor, we can learn the proper way to hit that hill without it hitting back.
Here are some things you must keep in mind when you are attacking that downhill terrain: Lean forward from the hips, not from the shoulders. With gravity pulling down on you, your natural reaction is to try and pull your shoulders back. When downhill running, you don’t need to swing your arms back and forth. As ridiculous as it may look, XTERRA world champion, Lesley Paterson recommends that you flail your arms to the side as it will give you better body control. It is also good to engage your core, don’t overstride and imagine hot coals under your feet (keep contact with the ground minimal, with your feet under you as you stabilize your body). One important you have to also keep in mind is your focus. It’s better to focus on the hill rather than your feet – you will be less susceptible to falling forward.
With this it is also important to position your feet correctly to the terrain. You will put less stress on your calves knees and shins. Take these basics things with you as you perfect your run and improve your time in that next race.
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