Running Downhill

[CoQ10]

Hey Everybody,

Quick question:

Is running downhill any more damaging than running on a flat surface or on an incline? There's a hill by my house I like to run up, but I'm worried that the jog back down might result in some joint damage. Is this the case, or is it no more damaging than any other type of impact cardio?

Thanks!

-C10

[Tyrbolift]

Hey Everybody,

Quick question:

Is running downhill any more damaging than running on a flat surface or on an incline? There's a hill by my house I like to run up, but I'm worried that the jog back down might result in some joint damage. Is this the case, or is it no more damaging than any other type of impact cardio?

Thanks!

-C10

It mainly is different in how it hits your knees. downhill makes the initial impact with leg extended, and then you focus on slowing down the negative movement (towards bent leg). Uphill makes the impact with leg bent and then you focus on constant positive movement (toward straight leg). Some people have more knee trouble with downhill---others with uphill.

[IronAbrams]

If you're susceptible to shin splints like me, take downhill runs very carefully and gradually build up.

[DJAuto]

take downhill runs very carefully and gradually build up.

^^^

Proceed down slowly. Use the decline portion as a "recuperation" stage from the uphill portion.

[gecko2424]

bring a skateboard and ride the downhill portions.


It's not going to help you, but it would be fun.


Yeah, downhill kills people with knee problems. Just walk it.

[Tyrbolift]

bring a skateboard and ride the downhill portions.


It's not going to help you, but it would be fun.


Yeah, downhill kills people with knee problems. Just walk it.

I think it is fun to run down from mountain climbing, but you have to be really careful and think quick with your steps.

You can descend a mountain that it took 3 hours to climb in about 20-30 minutes. and if a storm is moving in (with lightning) that is really handy.

[CoQ10]

Thanks for all the help, everybody!

Gecko - you may have been kidding, but that's actually a great idea. In fact, I'm going to run the hill twice today, and skate back down. It's been a few years since I rode a skateboard, but I'm really looking forward to it .

Tyrbo - man, I really wish we had some good mountains around here that didn't fall apart in the rain. In the summer I'd love to get back out there, but right now I don't think I'd get very far in the mud.

Thanks again, and reps coming your way upon recharge!

-C10