Rich on Running: Lynn Woods shows virtues of uphill battle

Like the glaciers that left their imprint on Massachusetts millennia ago, the hills of Lynn Woods have left their imprint on yours truly as a runner.Before running the Woods for the first time in the summer cross country races this year, I generally kept my excursions to level landscapes. Whether it was on the North Cambridge bike path or Cape Cod, as long as it was flat, I was OK with that.Well, once I overcame the shock of going uphill at Lynn Woods, I felt a mixture of challenge, exhilaration and refreshment. In fact, hilltop running seems to come with some benefits.Running uphill in the Woods, you can look down at picturesque views of the forest and reservoirs. If you need to catch your breath, at least you get a scenic view while doing so.Some experts also say that hill running has health benefits. A 2004 Runner’s World article by Bob Cooper quoted an exercise scientist, Mark Sloniger, who said that as long as your hill running is at the same speed as your flatland running, the former is an improvement over the latter in areas such as “increasing your calorie burn, boosting your aerobic and anaerobic capabilities (which make running a given pace easier), and preparing you for hilly races.”I haven’t run the Woods since then, but Sunday I incorporated inclines into a run of about three miles. Running through Danehy Park in North Cambridge, I went up the footpath of a hilly section and enjoyed a beautiful view. Then I noticed two other runners going down a grassy slope, and descended in the same direction.There is a recommended form for hill running, Cooper wrote.”Run with a slightly higher knee lift,” he advised. “Pump your arms higher and more vigorously. Lean slightly forward. Keep your head up.”Hill running seems to come with some caveats. In a separate Runner’s World article from 2004, writer Amby Burfoot noted that running uphill “is not recommended for beginners because it puts too much stress on muscles and connective tissues that may not be ready to handle the load. It may also put extra stress on the knees and Achilles tendons.” Perhaps you should talk it over with a health-care professional.Still, when I walk up the bikepath to my regular running route, I no longer shy away from the rolling section to my left. You might even say I incline toward it these days.Rich Tenorio can be reached at [email protected].