Saturday Hill Training at Primrose Hill
Hill training is a great way to improve your endurance, conquer any fear of hills, add variety to your training and meet similar-minded Serpies.
Pre-booking for each session is essential. Please sign up using the link on the right.
Where and when
We meet at 9.30am at the north entrance to Primrose hill park, by Elsworthy Terrace, every Saturday.
Anyone arriving after the start, or during the safety briefing, takes responsibility for their own possessions; bags, cycle helmets etc. as the park authorities do not allow anything to be left unattended, this means carrying your bags etc. for the duration of the session.
Format of the session
A lengthy warm-up incorporating a short jog followed by various dynamic drills. Next comes 10 minutes of technical exercises where you are either shown ways of running up and down hills, or regulars can practise aspects of up/down running that vary each week.
Then come two workouts, normally 10 minutes each with a recovery jog in between. These vary each week. They are designed to be doable for newcomers and challenging for regulars. Once a month, normally the third Saturday, there are 10-16 minutes of Kenyan hills: continuous running over a selection of hills of different lengths and gradients.
There is always a game at the end that generally involves teams and sometimes has a thinking factor. Finally a 10 minute cooldown jog followed by strength exercises and stretches.
We then adjourn to a nearby cafe (Le Tea Cosy) for much-needed protein, refreshments and chat.
How fit should I be?
You should be comfortable running 2 Parks (4 miles). Hill training is not suitable for anyone new to running. However there is a wide range of speeds within the Primrose runners so you are likely to find someone to run with. The workouts often involve running in groups or pairs.
What to bring
Bring your own water/drinks, and something warm to put on. I carry round a large bag for your lightweight jackets and water bottles. There is a (modest-sized!) car boot to store your bags, albeit at your own risk.
Gowan Clews
UK Athletics Coach (Fitness in Running and Walking)
Email gowan.clews@serpentine.org.uk
Phone 07540 987388