[scramblineer]

scramblineer on November 6, 2016 at 6:07 pm · in reply to: Guidelines for low-impact activities #3377

Hi Colin, I’d have to agree with Scott re: functionality. I’ve been plagued with injuries resulting from very flat feet. However hiking with a good amount of ascent seems to be as beneficial to me as running. I’d typically walk hard or scramble fast uphill and jog at a steady pace down…I’ve raced at a high level in fell and mountain running and had success against runners averaging 70+ miles a week vs my 25miles of walk/jog with 4000m climb. Cycling will maintain cardiovascular fitness but will not prepare you for descending or carrying load.

Hope this helps.

[scramblineer]

scramblineer on October 25, 2016 at 3:31 pm · in reply to: Downhill Athlete: pain in quads after descents #3274

Generally pain in quads from descending has been from trying to break whilst running down…the more you do it the more accustomed you become and also descending technique improves meaning less breaking force via the quads…at least that’s my experience!
That said if you run hard enough downhill there will always be a degree of sorness.
Walking down uses the quads more for breaking than running down(easy running). Imagine letting your leg fold under you as the foot strikes before the load reaches your quad. As one leg folds the next strikes and begins to fold…you’re not trying to change the forces on your body just falling smoothly downhill.