Hill Training (aka Hill Repeats).

It is one of the pillars of virtually every marathon training program. Most people train hills because:

• They will be experiencing them in their race.
• It has been shown to be superior to building strength compared to methods such as weight training as it relates to this sport.
• It breaks up the monotony of continual loooong mile training.

If you are already doing hill training, you can probably add a couple more benefits to the list. If you don’t currently, you undoubtedly could add to this list from the articles and/or books you may have read. There is always more than meets the eye.

If you have ever been to Disney, you have undoubtedly heard of the “Hidden Mickeys.” These are the images of Mickey Mouse cleverly disguised or concealed in pictures, walls, rides and a host of other non-obvious places. In a way, Hill Training is like this — it contains many hidden benefits that are never publicized.

Most runners will complete a distance and proceed to define the given training. “It was great because __________” or “It did not go well due to ________.” With Hill Training, no matter how you feel, regardless of external circumstances such as the weather, upon completion of this training, virtually everyone feels as if something significant was accomplished. They feel good about themselves. There is something inherently rewarding, something very symbolic about completing a hill repeat. It is as if we are tapping into a universal Jungian archetype, an inner tape we all possess, regardless of race, nationality, age etc, that says we did something tough. We made it and we were not always sure we could. Listen to the phrases typically used:

• “I made it to the top.”
• “I reached the peak.”
• “It was a struggle, but I found a way to reach the very top.” (Let’s leave aside the fact that that is where your car is parked and you have no other way home.)

You are always listening to you. Always. What wonderful messages such phrases (listed above) truly are. Our bodies, minds and souls must love hearing these.

It is also the ultimate metaphor or microcosm of life — The uphill battle. The struggle to climb to the top. And finally, making it, regardless of obstacles.

The brilliant psychiatrist Milton Erickson would often tell his patients to climb one of the many mountains in Phoenix to “find the solution.” Invariably, his patients would climb said mountain and be thrilled when they came back with THE solution. They would find the truth or at least cease to cherish their opinions.
This treatment would work partly because movement is medicine. Mainly because the symbolism of climbing a mountain or hill is universally powerful, and when emotions change, behavior changes.

This training really comes in handy around mile 22.

Or in life. . . .