Hill training for distance runners
Hill workouts emerge as a remarkably versatile training option for distance runners, offering a substantial return on time investment, regardless of your goal race length.
Whether integrated into base training or just before a key race, hill sessions provide a multitude of advantages, including endurance building, speed development and enhanced VO2 Max.
Benefits of Hill Training for Distance Runners
#1 – Running Uphill Builds Strength and Reduces Injury Risk
Running uphill serves as specialised strength training for runners, promoting increased strength without relying on gym equipment... but you should obviously still lift weights! This approach significantly lowers the risk of repetitive stress injuries.
Furthermore, uphill repetitions are gentler on joints compared to similar efforts on flat terrain, minimising impact forces on the legs.
#2 – Hill Climbs Enhance Endurance
Using gravity as a training tool proves beneficial for building aerobic strength and endurance. Despite the perception of hill workouts as intense sessions, they can be performed with lower intensity for endurance gains.
Related: Your Key to Unlocking Endurance Greatness
Long hill repetitions at a tempo or lactate threshold effort during base training mimic the effects of a traditional tempo run. Another effective approach is a steady hill climb at the end of a run, maintaining the same effort for beginners or incorporating marathon, half-marathon, or tempo pace for more advanced runners.
#3 – Uphill Running Develops Speed
Running against gravity forces the development of speed, leading to increased flat-ground speed. Hill sprints, lasting 8–10 seconds with maximum effort up the steepest hill available, build power and economical form.
Short hill repetitions lasting 45–90 seconds at 3k–5k effort contribute to enhanced VO2 Max. Both types of workouts significantly impact speed, with hill sprints focusing on top-end speed and short reps bolstering mid-distance staying power.
Final thoughts
Hill workouts accommodate runners of all levels, regardless of experience or ability. Find some friends, pick the distance, run hard and have some fun!
ENGINE
40 minutes of continuous engine work. Bring your running shoes, we will do a machine waterfall format with a run at the end of each round.
GYMNASTICS
We focus on the infamous bar muscle and the Handstand push-up in gymnastics. As always, we break down the skills, and these sessions are for all levels!
HYROX
Working on your efficiency during the 8 stations: how to save energy and when to push. No running this week.
MOBILITY
We continue with thoracic & overhead mobility but are now moving it into more exercises that can replicate the positions, such as an overhead squat.
PURE STRENGTH
This week in pure strength, we have a new block of training focused on single-leg lower body strength and hip thrusts as our accessory. Wednesday, we begin our DB press progressions along with some shoulder hypertrophy.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in weightlifting, we are focused on some Tall variations of the clean and Jerk. Then, hitting a heavy clean push press and jerk complex followed by a tough EMOM
Track Tuesday
A threshold workout today, 400m all the way up to 1.2km. Great for all runners.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Sport City Track
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Wednesday Ride
A prep ride for T100, steady power into surges!
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: BOTS, Al Qudra
Coffee Run
Supersets! A hard surge of speed super set with a longer but lower intensity block. A good run to build run IQ and do with friends.
Brief time: 05:54 am Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Start Location (Common Grounds)
Monday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Ladies Only Tempo
This Monday we will be holding that Tempo pace (7/10 effort) for 8 mins blocks, off 3 min recovery. The efforts are slightly longer in duration this week, but only 3x instead of 4x, so that we can maintain great quality.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Sports City
Session: Track Tuesday
Yes, we are back on the track! Today we will be running 400s up to 1200s at 3km pace. A chance to work hard with the wider endurance community and coaches.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Ladies Only Intervals
Todays intervals shuttle runs through the park behind InnerFight (approx 100m). This is a short and explosive session with plenty of rest (300m). Aim for 8, 10 or 12 reps.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Kite Beach
Session: The Coffee Run
This week you are running hard for 1 minute into a tempo hold of 5 mins. Following a 3 min recovery, you will repeat this sequence 5x.
Friday - Sunday
All weekend
Location: Khorfakkan
Session: LRC Training Camp
This weekend we will host our first ever LRC Training Camp. There will be a combination of running and relaxing. We look forward to training with you.
Monday:
Strength:
Building to a 1 Rep Max Bench Press
Conditioning:
50 wall balls
12 Push up Renegade
row (2 x 50/30)
30 DU
40 wall balls
12 Push up Renegade
row (2 x 50/30)
30 DU
30 wall balls
12 Push up Renegade
row (2 x 50/30)
30 DU
Tuesday:
Strength:
Barbell Tempo RDLs
Conditioning:
5 min AMRAP
6 Deadlift (120/80)
9 Box jump over
12/9 cal Row
rest 3 mins
x3
Wednesday:
Strength:
A) Handstand Push Ups
B) Weighted Pull Ups
Conditioning:
2 rounds
Park Run
12 pull-ups
rest 3 mins
2 rounds
half park run
12 Pull-ups
3 wall walks
rest 3 mins
2 rounds
Pool Run
12 pull-ups
3 wall walks
20 push press (2 x 50/30)
Thursday:
Strength:
A) Clean Complex
B) Build to a Max Power Clean
Conditioning:
5 Rounds for time
10 Power clean (60/40)
10 burpee over the bar
14 Min TC
Friday:
Strength:
Build to a heavy Thruster!
Conditioning:
8 Rounds of fun with a KB, The Ski and Sandbags!
Hill workouts emerge as a remarkably versatile training option for distance runners, offering a substantial return on time investment, regardless of your goal race length.
Whether integrated into base training or just before a key race, hill sessions provide a multitude of advantages, including endurance building, speed development and enhanced VO2 Max.
Benefits of Hill Training for Distance Runners
#1 – Running Uphill Builds Strength and Reduces Injury Risk
Running uphill serves as specialised strength training for runners, promoting increased strength without relying on gym equipment... but you should obviously still lift weights! This approach significantly lowers the risk of repetitive stress injuries.
Furthermore, uphill repetitions are gentler on joints compared to similar efforts on flat terrain, minimising impact forces on the legs.
#2 – Hill Climbs Enhance Endurance
Using gravity as a training tool proves beneficial for building aerobic strength and endurance. Despite the perception of hill workouts as intense sessions, they can be performed with lower intensity for endurance gains.
Related: Your Key to Unlocking Endurance Greatness
Long hill repetitions at a tempo or lactate threshold effort during base training mimic the effects of a traditional tempo run. Another effective approach is a steady hill climb at the end of a run, maintaining the same effort for beginners or incorporating marathon, half-marathon, or tempo pace for more advanced runners.
#3 – Uphill Running Develops Speed
Running against gravity forces the development of speed, leading to increased flat-ground speed. Hill sprints, lasting 8–10 seconds with maximum effort up the steepest hill available, build power and economical form.
Short hill repetitions lasting 45–90 seconds at 3k–5k effort contribute to enhanced VO2 Max. Both types of workouts significantly impact speed, with hill sprints focusing on top-end speed and short reps bolstering mid-distance staying power.
Final thoughts
Hill workouts accommodate runners of all levels, regardless of experience or ability. Find some friends, pick the distance, run hard and have some fun!
Track Tuesday
A threshold workout today, 400m all the way up to 1.2km. Great for all runners.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Sport City Track
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Wednesday Ride
A prep ride for T100, steady power into surges!
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: BOTS, Al Qudra
Coffee Run
Supersets! A hard surge of speed super set with a longer but lower intensity block. A good run to build run IQ and do with friends.
Brief time: 05:54 am Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Start Location (Common Grounds)
Monday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Ladies Only Tempo
This Monday we will be holding that Tempo pace (7/10 effort) for 8 mins blocks, off 3 min recovery. The efforts are slightly longer in duration this week, but only 3x instead of 4x, so that we can maintain great quality.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Sports City
Session: Track Tuesday
Yes, we are back on the track! Today we will be running 400s up to 1200s at 3km pace. A chance to work hard with the wider endurance community and coaches.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Ladies Only Intervals
Todays intervals shuttle runs through the park behind InnerFight (approx 100m). This is a short and explosive session with plenty of rest (300m). Aim for 8, 10 or 12 reps.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Kite Beach
Session: The Coffee Run
This week you are running hard for 1 minute into a tempo hold of 5 mins. Following a 3 min recovery, you will repeat this sequence 5x.
Friday - Sunday
All weekend
Location: Khorfakkan
Session: LRC Training Camp
This weekend we will host our first ever LRC Training Camp. There will be a combination of running and relaxing. We look forward to training with you.
Monday:
Strength:
Building to a 1 Rep Max Bench Press
Conditioning:
50 wall balls
12 Push up Renegade
row (2 x 50/30)
30 DU
40 wall balls
12 Push up Renegade
row (2 x 50/30)
30 DU
30 wall balls
12 Push up Renegade
row (2 x 50/30)
30 DU
Tuesday:
Strength:
Barbell Tempo RDLs
Conditioning:
5 min AMRAP
6 Deadlift (120/80)
9 Box jump over
12/9 cal Row
rest 3 mins
x3
Wednesday:
Strength:
A) Handstand Push Ups
B) Weighted Pull Ups
Conditioning:
2 rounds
Park Run
12 pull-ups
rest 3 mins
2 rounds
half park run
12 Pull-ups
3 wall walks
rest 3 mins
2 rounds
Pool Run
12 pull-ups
3 wall walks
20 push press (2 x 50/30)
Thursday:
Strength:
A) Clean Complex
B) Build to a Max Power Clean
Conditioning:
5 Rounds for time
10 Power clean (60/40)
10 burpee over the bar
14 Min TC
Friday:
Strength:
Build to a heavy Thruster!
Conditioning:
8 Rounds of fun with a KB, The Ski and Sandbags!
ENGINE
40 minutes of continuous engine work. Bring your running shoes, we will do a machine waterfall format with a run at the end of each round.
GYMNASTICS
We focus on the infamous bar muscle and the Handstand push-up in gymnastics. As always, we break down the skills, and these sessions are for all levels!
HYROX
Working on your efficiency during the 8 stations: how to save energy and when to push. No running this week.
MOBILITY
We continue with thoracic & overhead mobility but are now moving it into more exercises that can replicate the positions, such as an overhead squat.
PURE STRENGTH
This week in pure strength, we have a new block of training focused on single-leg lower body strength and hip thrusts as our accessory. Wednesday, we begin our DB press progressions along with some shoulder hypertrophy.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in weightlifting, we are focused on some Tall variations of the clean and Jerk. Then, hitting a heavy clean push press and jerk complex followed by a tough EMOM
Hill workouts emerge as a remarkably versatile training option for distance runners, offering a substantial return on time investment, regardless of your goal race length.
Whether integrated into base training or just before a key race, hill sessions provide a multitude of advantages, including endurance building, speed development and enhanced VO2 Max.
Benefits of Hill Training for Distance Runners
#1 – Running Uphill Builds Strength and Reduces Injury Risk
Running uphill serves as specialised strength training for runners, promoting increased strength without relying on gym equipment... but you should obviously still lift weights! This approach significantly lowers the risk of repetitive stress injuries.
Furthermore, uphill repetitions are gentler on joints compared to similar efforts on flat terrain, minimising impact forces on the legs.
#2 – Hill Climbs Enhance Endurance
Using gravity as a training tool proves beneficial for building aerobic strength and endurance. Despite the perception of hill workouts as intense sessions, they can be performed with lower intensity for endurance gains.
Related: Your Key to Unlocking Endurance Greatness
Long hill repetitions at a tempo or lactate threshold effort during base training mimic the effects of a traditional tempo run. Another effective approach is a steady hill climb at the end of a run, maintaining the same effort for beginners or incorporating marathon, half-marathon, or tempo pace for more advanced runners.
#3 – Uphill Running Develops Speed
Running against gravity forces the development of speed, leading to increased flat-ground speed. Hill sprints, lasting 8–10 seconds with maximum effort up the steepest hill available, build power and economical form.
Short hill repetitions lasting 45–90 seconds at 3k–5k effort contribute to enhanced VO2 Max. Both types of workouts significantly impact speed, with hill sprints focusing on top-end speed and short reps bolstering mid-distance staying power.
Final thoughts
Hill workouts accommodate runners of all levels, regardless of experience or ability. Find some friends, pick the distance, run hard and have some fun!
Monday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Ladies Only Tempo
This Monday we will be holding that Tempo pace (7/10 effort) for 8 mins blocks, off 3 min recovery. The efforts are slightly longer in duration this week, but only 3x instead of 4x, so that we can maintain great quality.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Sports City
Session: Track Tuesday
Yes, we are back on the track! Today we will be running 400s up to 1200s at 3km pace. A chance to work hard with the wider endurance community and coaches.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Ladies Only Intervals
Todays intervals shuttle runs through the park behind InnerFight (approx 100m). This is a short and explosive session with plenty of rest (300m). Aim for 8, 10 or 12 reps.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Kite Beach
Session: The Coffee Run
This week you are running hard for 1 minute into a tempo hold of 5 mins. Following a 3 min recovery, you will repeat this sequence 5x.
Friday - Sunday
All weekend
Location: Khorfakkan
Session: LRC Training Camp
This weekend we will host our first ever LRC Training Camp. There will be a combination of running and relaxing. We look forward to training with you.
Monday:
Strength:
Building to a 1 Rep Max Bench Press
Conditioning:
50 wall balls
12 Push up Renegade
row (2 x 50/30)
30 DU
40 wall balls
12 Push up Renegade
row (2 x 50/30)
30 DU
30 wall balls
12 Push up Renegade
row (2 x 50/30)
30 DU
Tuesday:
Strength:
Barbell Tempo RDLs
Conditioning:
5 min AMRAP
6 Deadlift (120/80)
9 Box jump over
12/9 cal Row
rest 3 mins
x3
Wednesday:
Strength:
A) Handstand Push Ups
B) Weighted Pull Ups
Conditioning:
2 rounds
Park Run
12 pull-ups
rest 3 mins
2 rounds
half park run
12 Pull-ups
3 wall walks
rest 3 mins
2 rounds
Pool Run
12 pull-ups
3 wall walks
20 push press (2 x 50/30)
Thursday:
Strength:
A) Clean Complex
B) Build to a Max Power Clean
Conditioning:
5 Rounds for time
10 Power clean (60/40)
10 burpee over the bar
14 Min TC
Friday:
Strength:
Build to a heavy Thruster!
Conditioning:
8 Rounds of fun with a KB, The Ski and Sandbags!
ENGINE
40 minutes of continuous engine work. Bring your running shoes, we will do a machine waterfall format with a run at the end of each round.
GYMNASTICS
We focus on the infamous bar muscle and the Handstand push-up in gymnastics. As always, we break down the skills, and these sessions are for all levels!
HYROX
Working on your efficiency during the 8 stations: how to save energy and when to push. No running this week.
MOBILITY
We continue with thoracic & overhead mobility but are now moving it into more exercises that can replicate the positions, such as an overhead squat.
PURE STRENGTH
This week in pure strength, we have a new block of training focused on single-leg lower body strength and hip thrusts as our accessory. Wednesday, we begin our DB press progressions along with some shoulder hypertrophy.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in weightlifting, we are focused on some Tall variations of the clean and Jerk. Then, hitting a heavy clean push press and jerk complex followed by a tough EMOM
Track Tuesday
A threshold workout today, 400m all the way up to 1.2km. Great for all runners.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Sport City Track
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Wednesday Ride
A prep ride for T100, steady power into surges!
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: BOTS, Al Qudra
Coffee Run
Supersets! A hard surge of speed super set with a longer but lower intensity block. A good run to build run IQ and do with friends.
Brief time: 05:54 am Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Start Location (Common Grounds)
Hill workouts emerge as a remarkably versatile training option for distance runners, offering a substantial return on time investment, regardless of your goal race length.
Whether integrated into base training or just before a key race, hill sessions provide a multitude of advantages, including endurance building, speed development and enhanced VO2 Max.
Benefits of Hill Training for Distance Runners
#1 – Running Uphill Builds Strength and Reduces Injury Risk
Running uphill serves as specialised strength training for runners, promoting increased strength without relying on gym equipment... but you should obviously still lift weights! This approach significantly lowers the risk of repetitive stress injuries.
Furthermore, uphill repetitions are gentler on joints compared to similar efforts on flat terrain, minimising impact forces on the legs.
#2 – Hill Climbs Enhance Endurance
Using gravity as a training tool proves beneficial for building aerobic strength and endurance. Despite the perception of hill workouts as intense sessions, they can be performed with lower intensity for endurance gains.
Related: Your Key to Unlocking Endurance Greatness
Long hill repetitions at a tempo or lactate threshold effort during base training mimic the effects of a traditional tempo run. Another effective approach is a steady hill climb at the end of a run, maintaining the same effort for beginners or incorporating marathon, half-marathon, or tempo pace for more advanced runners.
#3 – Uphill Running Develops Speed
Running against gravity forces the development of speed, leading to increased flat-ground speed. Hill sprints, lasting 8–10 seconds with maximum effort up the steepest hill available, build power and economical form.
Short hill repetitions lasting 45–90 seconds at 3k–5k effort contribute to enhanced VO2 Max. Both types of workouts significantly impact speed, with hill sprints focusing on top-end speed and short reps bolstering mid-distance staying power.
Final thoughts
Hill workouts accommodate runners of all levels, regardless of experience or ability. Find some friends, pick the distance, run hard and have some fun!
Hill workouts emerge as a remarkably versatile training option for distance runners, offering a substantial return on time investment, regardless of your goal race length.
Whether integrated into base training or just before a key race, hill sessions provide a multitude of advantages, including endurance building, speed development and enhanced VO2 Max.
Benefits of Hill Training for Distance Runners
#1 – Running Uphill Builds Strength and Reduces Injury Risk
Running uphill serves as specialised strength training for runners, promoting increased strength without relying on gym equipment... but you should obviously still lift weights! This approach significantly lowers the risk of repetitive stress injuries.
Furthermore, uphill repetitions are gentler on joints compared to similar efforts on flat terrain, minimising impact forces on the legs.
#2 – Hill Climbs Enhance Endurance
Using gravity as a training tool proves beneficial for building aerobic strength and endurance. Despite the perception of hill workouts as intense sessions, they can be performed with lower intensity for endurance gains.
Related: Your Key to Unlocking Endurance Greatness
Long hill repetitions at a tempo or lactate threshold effort during base training mimic the effects of a traditional tempo run. Another effective approach is a steady hill climb at the end of a run, maintaining the same effort for beginners or incorporating marathon, half-marathon, or tempo pace for more advanced runners.
#3 – Uphill Running Develops Speed
Running against gravity forces the development of speed, leading to increased flat-ground speed. Hill sprints, lasting 8–10 seconds with maximum effort up the steepest hill available, build power and economical form.
Short hill repetitions lasting 45–90 seconds at 3k–5k effort contribute to enhanced VO2 Max. Both types of workouts significantly impact speed, with hill sprints focusing on top-end speed and short reps bolstering mid-distance staying power.
Final thoughts
Hill workouts accommodate runners of all levels, regardless of experience or ability. Find some friends, pick the distance, run hard and have some fun!