Walking right, it's as simple as putting one foot in front of the
other. Or is it? Ever wondered if you could walk more effectively and
efficiently, maybe faster? Ever wondered how to make scree easier and
safer or why your knees ache at the end of a long downhill?
Well, follow our simple tips - PG Tips, geddit, sorry - and make
walking in the hills easier and more effective. And if it doesn't
work, well you're probably doing okay already, so you can just feel
smug.
On The Flat
Don't Overstride Even flat ground in the hills is rarely truly
flat like a pavement. What you should be aiming for is an easy,
regular pace, but without putting your foot down at odd angles. Don't
be tempted to overstride, or you'll be braking slightly with every
pace - it sounds obvious, but look for flat, stable rocks or areas of
path to place your foot and try not to stretch too far foward and
invite injury.
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Woaaah - big, high steps
are more tiring and less secure...
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...better to use the
small rock as an intermediate
step, save energy and get rhythmn
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Look Where You're Stepping You're trying to build a steady rythmn
that feels right for you as an individual. Look at where you're
putting your feet and you'll move more steadily, but don't just look
straight in front of you, scan ahead and pick out the best line
overall.
Climbing
Hills
Think Stairs Every time you step up on a gradient, you're working
hard to raise your bodyweight and the higher you step, the further
you have to lift it. Rather than take huge steps on rocky ground,
think like a climber and look for the little intermediate foot
placements that will save energy and preserve your rhythmn. Shorten
your pace and lean forward a little.
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On smooth slabs, a
flat
foot often gives more grip
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Zig
Zag On steep, open slopes, don't be tempted to blast straight up,
it's often more efficient and less tiring to 'zig-zag' diagonally
across the fall line like a mountain road - many paths in mountain
areas do this anyway, but you can make your own.
Fell Runner's Technique Watch fell runners and you'll notice
that on really steep slopes they walk, but place their hands on their
knees to brace themselves as they do it. We're not sure exactly why
it works, but it does. Try it some time and watch your mates laugh at
you...
Foot Placement Unless you have really tough calves, look for
foot placements where you can put the sole of your boot flat on the
ground rather than walking on tippy toes, which tires the calves.
Some rigid boots will encourage you to do this anyway, but it's
generally easier on the muscles.
The Check Pace It may or may not work for you, but on steep
climbs, pause just for half a second while your leg is locked
straight, the idea is to give your muscles a momentary rest and make
the climb easier overall, it also helps to build a steady
rythmn.
Derek Watkinson
