Foundational Uphill Strides
Workout - Foundational Uphill Strides
- 25min @ 6'30''/km
- 5 lots of:
- 22s @ 3'00''/km
- 1min 30s rest
- 7min 30s @ 6'30''/km
Intro
Here’s a breakdown of How to Run Strides: 4 Types of Strides (Easiest - Hardest) from StrengthRunning. Watch the full video for complete context—we’ve excerpted the core details so you can get started with this workout today.
Key Points
- Strides are fast, sub‑maximal efforts that sharpen mechanics, build speed confidence, and enhance overall run quality.
- Four variations exist: uphill strides (easiest), flat strides, hill sprints, and track sprints (hardest). Use them across easy, moderate, or hard days as a speed-building tool.
- Start with a gentle incline (3‑5% grade) to lock in form, then progress through flat ground, steep hill work, and eventually short, max-speed track repeats.
- Rest generously between reps (1‑2 min walking for slopes, 90‑120 s for hill sprints)—this keeps you hitting speed without overexerting.
Workout Example
1️⃣ Uphill Strides (Easy)
- Locate a 3‑5% slope.
- Accelerate over 20‑25 seconds across roughly 100 m, hitting 95‑98 % of your top speed with a gradual bell‑curve ramp.
- Walk or easy jog for 1‑2 min between efforts.
- 4‑6 reps.
2️⃣ Flat Strides (Intermediate)
- Perform on flat ground—a track or paved path works well.
- 20‑second push covering about 100 m to 95‑98 % max speed.
- Walk 1‑2 min between reps.
- 4‑6 reps.
3️⃣ Hill Sprints (Hard)
- Select the steepest hill you can safely manage.
- Run all‑out for 8‑10 seconds (scale to 6‑12 seconds if you’re new or very advanced).
- Allow 90‑120 seconds of easy walking or standing to recover fully.
- 4‑6 reps.
4️⃣ Track Sprint (Hardest)
- After a warm‑up, run 40‑60 m at maximal speed (8‑12 seconds).
- Walk or jog easy between reps for full recovery.
- Do 4 reps—only when you’re fresh, not after fatigue.
Practical Tips
- Begin with uphill strides to build solid form and reduce impact.
- Newcomers should stick with a 3‑5% grade; switch to flat ground as you grow comfortable.
- Always warm up before tackling hills or the track.
- Don’t attempt these when already tired; you’ll raise your injury risk.
- Work strides in at least every 2‑3 weeks, though plenty of runners fit them in 5 days weekly.
- Adjust paces in the Pacing app to match your personal max speed or goal race pace.
Closing Note
Try them out—start on a gentle slope and progress from there. Tailor distances and paces in the Pacing app to fit your fitness, and you’ll watch your speed and confidence climb. Happy running! 🚀