Tip for Hills

[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!

[marni]

it also helps to sit up straight and breath deeply while looking at the ground and pushing down and back on your shoulders and smiling- it realeases tension, prevents the death grip crouch of desperation, and assures adequate air to keep the legs moving. REmember the top of thehill will still be there whenever you get there so unless you are in a race, there is absolutely no reason to speed, focus more on endurance and and enjoyment and less on suffering and dreading.

[crazycanuck]

Another thought-don't hold onto the bars for dear life & relax your shoulders/keep them away from your ears. Remember to breathe & tell your legs to keep quiet.

The hill will end!