How to master the skills of downhill running

Cross-country race is the oldest off-road race in the United States. This event claims that it is the "greatest marathon race" in the world. Brian Pelter had three summits in this competition. He introduced four skills for mastering off-road running downhill for off-road enthusiasts.

Cross-country races need to overcome obstacles such as rock and tree roots, and its technical difficulty is higher than ordinary road runs, even in flat and uphill terrain. Running downhill is originally a difficulty in road running technology, especially in cross-country running. Due to the acceleration generated by gravity, in the downhill cross-country running practice, trying not to sprain an ankle or fall is the biggest difficulty.

So how do we improve our trail running, especially downhill ability?

1. Practice makes perfect

Find a downhill section, especially a technical section, and train again and again at different speeds. To overcome fear first, to practice more naturally than fear.

2. Shorten the pace

If the pace is too large, it will stay in the air for a long time. In order not to destroy the speed, it will be better to shorten the pace, and it will also enable your feet to land quickly and accurately.

3. Fast conversion

Similar to the shortening of the pace, rapid conversion is also beneficial to the runner's downhill technique. If you can focus on lifting your feet like you concentrate on your feet, you basically roll down.

4. Physical and mental separation

Most of the downhill slopes are after the uphill slope. During the race, your body will want to adjust and recover when going downhill. But don't let your mind adjust and recover. In any case, you must separate your mind and body and stay focused.