<p>You've already received some solid advice for downhill training. While you can still get some benefit for this race, it's a good idea to put this kind of thing into your regular training regimen year around. Running up and down hills helps build lots of leg strength. Learning to really let it fly on a steep downhill can take a person out of their comfort zone and out them on the edge of being out of control. It can be a scary feeling!</p>
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<p>Contrary to what some have written, I find it far better to maintain a running motion when going uphill. Even a slow running motion will generate more speed than walking. I used this to go past numerous people in my recent trail race and have been doing this for several years. If you have knowledge of the course you can use it to mentally push yourself. That quarter mile of uphill becomes a 3 minute effort for example. Power over the top and don't back off the effort until you're solidly on your way back down, and only then just long enough to get a small bit of rest.</p>
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<p>Have fun out there!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Contrary to what some have written, I find it far better to maintain a running motion when going uphill. Even a slow running motion will generate more speed than walking. I used this to go past numerous people in my recent trail race and have been doing this for several years. If you have knowledge of the course you can use it to mentally push yourself. That quarter mile of uphill becomes a 3 minute effort for example. Power over the top and don't back off the effort until you're solidly on your way back down, and only then just long enough to get a small bit of rest.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Have fun out there!</p>
