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.
Where and when
We meet at the north entrance to Primrose hill park, by Elsworthy Terrace, every Saturday.
There are 2 sessions:
- Meet at 7.45am and finish by 9.30am
- Meet at 9.45am and finish by 11.3am
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 long cooldown jog followed by stretches.
We then adjourn to a nearby cafe (Le Tea Cosy) after the 9.50 session 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. NOTE: Bags cannot be left unattended on the hills under any circumstances
How to book
Each week details are sent to the Serpie egroups. Please book your place (or request extra information) by emailing Gowan. There is a limit on places so please book to avoid disappointment (and a wasted journey).
Gowan Clews
UK Athletics Coach (Fitness in Running and Walking)
Phone 07931 906897