Tip for Hills

[VeganBikeChick]

As a newbie, hills are my worst enemy...right now A friend told me a tip I thought I'd pass on...

She said when you're climbing a hill, look down at the ground, not at the hill, and it will seem much more doable. I tried it today on my commute in, and it worked . Instead of walking my bike up the 3 blocks I normally can't ride up, I only had to walk it up 2. Major accomplishment!

[jlnc]

Someone told me the same tip a few weeks ago and it does help! I also have to keep reminding myself to relax (drop) my shoulders and not to get so anxious about trying to get up the hill fast. Just relax!

[Velocivixen]

Excellent for you! Now that you mentioned it, I've noticed the same thing.

Keep up the good work.

[azfiddle]

And smile when you ride up a hill. It helps you relax ...

[grey]

I do the "look at the ground" thing on really long climbs - and focus on breathing rather than the hill itself (I count seconds for lengths of breath). I will try to smile. :-)

[Grog]

And smile when you ride up a hill. It helps you relax ...

Agreed, except I'd add: when you see a hill (before you start climbing it), smile. Even if you don't feel like it. It will become a habit and make you embrace them rather than resist them.

[szsz]

And smile when you ride up a hill. It helps you relax ...

Also, sing Climb Every Mountain !! (When I have enough breath to do so.)

[westtexas]

I look at the ground and talk to myself - "you can do it! almost there!" - it really helps. As soon as you feel the ground level out again it's awesome!