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Post by amstel on Feb 26, 2007 14:11:39 GMT -5
I have recently completed my first two ultras (Mt Mist / Mt Mitchell). I would really like to improve my performance. I seem to be losing a lot of time on steep descents. Is there some sort of a trail running trick that I am missing? I got passed by at least 5 people as soon as we started to descend Mt Mitchell. Not only that but the people that passed me were out of sight very quickly. I am pretty sure that this is more of a technique problem than a fitness issue.
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mattk
Stunned Runner
Suck it up
Posts: 58
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Post by mattk on Feb 26, 2007 19:51:12 GMT -5
amstel - my humble opinion: downhill running is both fitness/experience (read muscle memory), and technique. In my quest for knowledge I have been told that you should land on the ball of foot, and also been told you should land on the heel - go figure. Technique that works for me is a flow thing - dont overstride, keep your leg speed up and try to sort of skim the ground more on the fore or mid foot . This gets difficult when it is really steep, but that is the idea. If you are a skier, think moguls or steep crud. Above all, do not lean back or 'brake' hard - this will hammer your legs and back. If you practice alot, and pay attention to your technique, you will improve quickly. If you want to do well in trail runs, especially hilly long ones, working on your downhill running is key - you can make up a bunch of ground. Good luck. PS - nice day in black mountain huh? Challenge was full - I did the marathon. Fun. Matt.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Feb 27, 2007 16:29:39 GMT -5
Amstel, you mean coming down the Mountains to Sea section, before you get to the gravel road on Commisary Ridge? That last bit up and the first bit down was gnarly. Like Mattk said, I am sure you can get a ton of different advice on technique. I would say, find some steep, difficult trail and do repeats on it. Slow and comfortable at first and then push it a little. If you're like me you will fall sometimes..part of the fun. I want to get faster too, but for me I am thinking on the endurance side. I finished, but would have liked a better time.
Hey, what was with that weather anyway? I was looking for a winter run and got a spring one.
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slwrunner
GUTS Member
If you start to feel good during an ultra, don't worry you will get over it.
Posts: 257
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Post by slwrunner on Feb 27, 2007 16:43:13 GMT -5
amstel.....when you get a chance take a look at "Trailrunner" magazine. Someone had the same concern as you did asked the same question. They discuss technique and how to approach it and use the downhill to your advantage.
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Post by amstel on Mar 1, 2007 19:31:40 GMT -5
Yeah, I was asking about the "mountains to sea section". The gravel road on the Commissary ridge section was a totally unneeded kick in the ass! I am planning on attending the Sweetwater training run on Sunday. Maybe I can pick up some tips there...
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