Running advice? Greenwich park 10k

[Sally81]

Just thought I'd throw this out there for anyone into running who has any advice...?

I've recently got into running and am finally really starting to enjoy it.

I'm obviously just a beginner really and am up to just over 8k in 55 mins.

I'm doing a 10k in Greenwich park in 3 weeks and have only just discovered it's hilly!

How much is this going to set me back? I've never actually been to G.park. Has anyone done a 10k there and have I picked a tricky course for a beginner keen to do well?

I shouldn't put pressure on myself really, but I do.

Do I have time to get some decent hill training in and where can I do it locally?

Would love any advice from anyone, really, who is into running...

Cheers.

[Jeremy]

I've never ran in Greenwich Park... but I think that a hilly course could easily make 5 min difference over 10K at this sort of level.

The good news is that ED is a great place to train because it's really hilly. I often do a lap round the perimeter of the Rye, and then head up Underhill Rd (which is pretty steep), before heading through the village and up Red Post Hill or Herne Hill. You could also try running up and down One Tree Hill a few times, which can get pretty intense.

[Sally81]

Thanks Jeremy. Much appreciated...will give that route a try.

[edw]

My regular running route includes going up Green Dale northwards, which has a decent uphill stretch...used to totally knacker me out but now I find it much easier!

Going towards Dulwich Park along Beauval Rd/Woodwarde Rd (or many other streets in that area, including LL) is another good hill.

[stingray]

My tip would be, make sure you keep your head up and back straight when doing bigger / longer hills - keeps the weight of your head central, rather than pulling you over up the hill.

Only makes a small difference - but think it helps psychologically if you are concentrating on it and struggling!

[KidKruger]

Another mental boost is to cover the entire distance, or further, at least once before the event.

[Nigello]

Going up Lordship Lane from the police station to the library will give you a fairly decent incline. Otherwise, try running up to the top of Goodrich Road and then up Donkey Alley, back down Dunstan's from Dawson's Heights and then back around again a few times for hill training.

[Sally81]

Ahh brilliant everyone thank you! Feel a bit more optimistic now. Apart from the fact I am sitting with my foot up and an ice pack on my ankle but hoping it's very minor and I can get onto those hills.