Forums >Racing>HillyTraining for a Flat Race
Carolyn
I ran a downhill trail marathon this summer (Light at the End of the Tunnel, near Seattle) after doing all my training on steep trails in Colorado. I figured it would be super easy, and low altitude to boot. What I didn't take into account was that on steep trail runs I take walk breaks where I need to - and I was not prepared for running 26.2 miles without breaks. I did consider doing a few of my long runs before the race down lower on some flatter trails, but it was HOT down in the flatlands and nice and cool in the mountains, so I decided not to. I don't know if your hilly terrain is hilly enough that you take walk breaks, but even if it isn't, I'd suggest driving to somewhere flatter for at least one long run.
I hammered down the trail, passing rocks and trees like they were standing still.