Hill Training for Runners: Best Trail Running Routes in and Around Hamilton
Martin Szydlowski • December 5, 2024
Hill Training for Runners: Best Trail Running Routes in and Around Hamilton Ontario
Hamilton, Ontario, affectionately known as the City of Waterfalls, is a runner’s paradise for hill training. With its unique escarpment geography, Hamilton offers a variety of routes that challenge your legs, lungs, and mental endurance. Whether you’re training for the Sulphur Springs Trail Race or simply looking to elevate your fitness, hill running can be your secret weapon.
But hill training is not just about pounding the surface. Pairing it with focused strengthening and mobility exercises, like those at Propel Active Health & Lifestyle’s “ Propelled Runner Strength & Conditioning Program ”, can amplify your results and reduce the risk of injury. Here’s how you can conquer Hamilton’s hills and become a more efficient runner.
Why Hill Training?
Hill running provides numerous benefits:
- Strength Building: Running uphill engages your glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves.
- Increased Efficiency: Strengthened muscles improve running economy on flat terrain as well.
- Mental Toughness: Tackling steep inclines trains your mind to push through challenges.
- Cardio Boost: It enhances your aerobic and anaerobic capacity.
Hamilton’s landscape makes it the ideal training ground, offering everything from gradual inclines to lung-busting climbs.
Best Hilly Routes in Hamilton Ontario:
1.
Chedoke Radial Trail
- A mix of gradual inclines and short, steep sections.
- Bonus: Access to the Chedoke Stairs for extra stair climbing challenges.
2. Dundurn Stairs and Harvey Park Trail
- Incorporate the 326 steps of Dundurn Stairs into your run for a killer workout.
- The adjacent Harvey Park Trail offers rolling hills for variety.
3. Albion Falls to Red Hill Valley
- Scenic and challenging, with a mix of dirt trails and steep climbs.
4. Bayfront Park to Princess Point
- Add the incline at York Boulevard to this otherwise flat route for hill intervals.
5. Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail
- Gradual but sustained climb from Hamilton to Ancaster or all the way to Brantford, perfect for endurance building.
Maximizing Your Hill Training with Strength & Conditioning for Runners
Adding hills to your running routine is transformative, but it also demands a strong foundation. That’s where the Propelled Runner 8-week Strength & Conditioning Program comes in. The program focuses on:
- Strengthening Core and Lower Body
- Targeted exercises like lunges, step-ups, and single-leg deadlifts build the power you need for climbs.
- Mobility Work
- Improved flexibility and joint mobility make running up and down hills smoother and safer.
- Climbing-Specific Drills
- Mimic hill running with resisted exercises that train your muscles for sustained effort.
By integrating these exercises into your training, you’ll tackle Hamilton’s hilly routes with more power, efficiency, and confidence.
Sample Hill Workout in Hamilton: Chedoke Radial Trail:
1. Warm-Up (10 Minutes)
- Easy run along the flat sections of the Chedoke Radial Trail.
2. Hill Repeats
- Choose a steep section and run hard uphill for 45 seconds.
- Walk or jog back down for recovery. Repeat 6–8 times.
3. Stairs (Optional)
- Climb the Chedoke or Dundurn Stairs 3–5 times, focusing on steady effort.
4. Cool Down (10 Minutes)
- Easy jog back to your starting point, followed by stretching.
Tips for Hill Training Success
- Focus on Form: Keep your chest up, shorten your stride, and drive your arms.
- Pace Yourself: Start conservatively and increase effort as you gain strength.
- Rest and Recover: Allow your muscles time to rebuild after hard hill sessions.
Ready to Conquer Hamilton’s Hills?
Hill training is one of the best ways to level up your running, and Hamilton provides the perfect playground to test your limits. With the right mix of strength training, mobility work, and consistent practice, you’ll find yourself powering up inclines with ease and confidence.
Need help becoming a stronger runner? Want to tackle hills with a smile?
Book a free consultation, so we can discuss what needs to be done to make you a better, and stronger runner!
There’s more to injury prevention for runners than warming up and stretching. Strength training is essential to support muscles and joints, while potentially improving both speed and endurance. Whether you’re training for your first 5K or chasing an ultramarathon PR, running injury-free isn’t just about builidng up your endurance; it’s about how well your body is prepared to handle the load. Contrary to what you may have been told your whole life, there’s more to injury prevention than just warming up and cooling down. Shin splints, knee pain, hip tightness, weak core, and glute soreness are all common signs your body is compensating for underdeveloped strength or mobility. The solution is to train smart. Build the engine. And run with power, not pain. The best way to do that? Strength training . As a running and strength coach, I’ve worked with runners of all levels to develop strength programs that support sustainable progress. While the runners I work with all have individualized programs, the four movements below (or some variation of them) tend to make frequent appearnces in their training plans. These tried-and-true exercises aren’t complicated, but they yield powerful results. And by the way: You should ALWAYS warm up before you run and have a good stretch after ! In addition to strength training, your warmup and cooldown are essential to prevent injury! 1. Bulgarian Split Squats The Bulgarian Split Squat is a favourite among many coaches because it’s so simple, targeted and effective. Among other benefits, it helps ensure a runner’s legs are balanced in their strenth. It also sneaks in some core strengthening, which is more important than most runners realize. You may want to start without weight (it’s hard enough, trust me!) and then gradually add weights, starting with a dumbbell in each hand. Targets: Glutes, quads, hamstrings, hip stabilizers Addresses: Knee pain, glute weakness, imbalanced leg strength How to do it: Stand in front of a bench, back foot resting on it. Lower into a controlled lunge, keeping your front knee stable and your torso tall. Drive through the front heel to rise. 3 sets of 8–10 reps per leg. To add weight, hold dumbbells or kettlebells in each hand -- or try a barbell in front or back rack position. Watch this video for form tips. Why it matters : Corrects left-right imbalances and improves single-leg control, a must for protecting your knees and building a powerful stride. Long-term win : Fewer overuse injuries, stronger drive, more efficient running. 2. Dead Bugs Tired of ab crunches? Dead bugs are more effective and much easier on your neck too. The key to getting the most of out of this exercise is to focus on keeping your lower back pressed into the floor throughout the movement. It’s more challenging than you think, but you’ll probably still dread it less than crunches or planks! Targets: Deep core, hip flexors, lumbar stability Addresses : Core weakness, posture issues, hip tightness How to do it: Lie on your back, knees bent at 90°, arms up. Lower your opposite arm and leg slowly while bracing your core. Alternate sides with control. 3 sets of 10–12 reps each side. Watch this video for form tips. Why it matters: Builds deep core strength, reinforces spinal stability, and prevents pelvis collapse during long runs. Long-term win : Less lower back stress, smoother stride, improved posture. 3. Single-Leg Glute Bridges No one loves glute bridges , I know! But there’s a reason you dislike them: they burn. But that burning? It means they’re working, building stronger glutes -- and stronger glutes can prevent everything from IT band syndrome to painful knee injuries. The benefits are so numerous, you may even start to embrace the burn and love bridges! Targets : Glute max, hamstrings, posterior chain Addresses : Glute under-activation, hamstring strain, hip extension deficits How to do it: Lie down with one leg bent and the other extended. Drive through the bent heel to lift your hips. Keep the extended leg in line and squeeze the glute at the top. 3 sets of 10 reps per leg. Watch this video for form tips . Why it matters: Activates your glutes to do their job so other muscles don’t compensate. Reinforces power and proper hip extension mechanics. Long-term win : Better propulsion, reduced injury risk, stronger finishes. 4. Lateral Band Walks (Monster Walks) Lateral band walks may look funny, but they’re an excellent and simple way to build hip and knee stability and strengthen your gluteus medius and abductors. You can add weight to these, too! Once you’ve got the movement down, try holding a pair of dumbbells in front rack position, or get a goblet hold on a kettlebell. Targets : Glute medius, hip abductors Addresses: IT band pain, poor knee tracking, hip instability How to do it: Place a resistance band above your knees or at your ankles. Drop into a shallow squat and step sideways with control. 10 steps each way = 1 set. Complete 2–3 sets. Get form tips and watch a video here . Why it matters: Builds lateral hip strength and protects your knees from collapsing inward, a leading cause of runner’s knee and ITB pain. Long-term win : Better stability, safer stride, more confidence on uneven terrain. Build Smarter. Run Stronger. Train with Purpose. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start training like a runner built for the long haul, I’m here to help. My training programs don’t just include a schedule of runs, they’re designed with targeted strength training programs tailored or each unique athlete. While most programs include leg work, upper body, and core, each is personalized so that every runner can run stronger, with confidence -- and without injury. And if runners are injured and unable to run, we focus on strength and what we CAN do. I will often work with a runner’s physiotherapist or sport therapist’s recommendations to make sure my athletes return to running stronger and more resilient than they were before their injury. As a running and strength coach, my goal is to create individualized plans that develop the strength, mobility, and movement mechanics you need to perform consistently, whether you are racing, running for fun, or just beginning your fitness journey. 👉 Visit CoachMartin.ca to learn more or to book a consultation.
Fueling for Runners: The Balance Between Underfueling, Overfueling, and Optimal Performance When it comes to running performance, endurance, and recovery, nutrition is everything. Fueling properly before, during, and after a run can be the difference between hitting a new personal best -- or hitting the wall. However, many runners struggle to find the right balance. Some underfuel, leaving their bodies depleted and struggling to perform , while others overfuel , leading to sluggishness, GI distress, and poor energy utilization. So, what’s the key to optimal fueling? It’s about understanding: ✔️ The importance of proper fueling ✔️ The dangers of underfueling ✔️ The pitfalls of overfueling ✔️ How to fuel correctly for different race distances ✔️ How I incorporate fueling strategies into my coaching at CoachMartin.ca Why Proper Fueling Matters for Runners Running is demanding. Your body burns through carbohydrates, depletes glycogen , and requires protein for muscle repair. Fueling correctly ensures: ✅ Sustained energy levels to avoid crashes and fatigue ✅ Improved endurance, which keeps your muscles working efficiently ✅ Faster recovery, which supports muscle repair and glycogen replenishment ✅ Reduced risk of injury by strengthening the immune system and bones ✅ Better focus and performance, preventing mental fog and decision fatigue Yet, many runners struggle to fuel correctly, swinging between underfueling and overfueling, both of which can harm performance. The Dangers of Underfueling Underfueling happens when you don’t consume enough calories or carbohydrates to match your training demands. This can happen intentionally (fear of weight gain, avoiding GI issues) or unintentionally (not feeling hungry, forgetting to eat). Signs of underfueling include: ❌ Chronic fatigue, early burnout in runs ❌ Feeling weak or dizzy during or after workouts ❌ Poor recovery, lingering muscle soreness ❌ Increased risk of injury (stress fractures, tendinitis) ❌ Mental fog and lack of motivation ❌ Hormonal imbalances (missed menstrual cycles, low testosterone) Why It Happens: • Not eating enough before/during runs • Fear of weight gain or GI distress • Underestimating calorie needs • Busy schedules leading to skipped meals 🚨 The Pitfalls of Overfueling Overfueling is less talked about, but it’s just as problematic. Some runners overcompensate by eating too much, consuming too many gels , or drinking excessive fluids, leading to poor performance. Signs of Overfueling: ❌ Feeling sluggish and heavy during runs ❌ GI issues: bloating, cramping, nausea ❌ Over-reliance on gels, sports drinks, or sugary foods ❌ Frequent bathroom stops mid-run ❌ Weight gain or digestive discomfort Why It Happens: • Overloading on carbs right before a run (causing energy crashes) • Drinking too much water without electrolytes (causing hyponatremia) • Consuming too many mid-run calories (leading to bloating and nausea) • Thinking more fuel = better performance (fueling should match effort) Fueling should be about precision, not excess. It’s about meeting, not exceeding, your body’s needs. How to Fuel for Different Race Distances Every runner is different. We’re all different sizes, ages, and at levels of fitness. Some people have chronic digestive issues like Celiac disease, while others may have allergies or other special dietary needs. Assuming you know your body best, here are some suggestions for fueling your next run. 🔹 10K Fueling Strategy • Before: Light meal/snack with 30-60g of carbs (banana with peanut butter, toast with honey) 60-90 minutes before. • During: No fuel needed unless running over 60 minutes. Stay hydrated. • After: Carbs + protein (Greek yogurt & granola, eggs & toast) for recovery. 🚫 Don’t overeat beforehand—stick to simple, digestible carbs! 🔹 Half-Marathon Fueling Strategy • Before: Higher-carb meal 2-3 hours before (oatmeal, bagel with peanut butter). • During: 30-60g of carbs per hour (gels, sports drink, chews). Hydrate with electrolytes. • After: Replenish glycogen and protein ASAP (chicken and rice, smoothie). 🚫 Avoid starting too fast and overloading on carbs at mile 5! 🔹 Marathon Fueling Strategy • Before: Carb load 48 hours before race day. Eat easily digestible carbs pre-race (bagel, banana, rice). • During: 60-90g of carbs per hour (gels, energy chews, sports drinks). • After: High-GI carbs + protein to recover (chocolate milk, pasta with chicken). 🚫 Over-fueling leads to bloating, nausea, and performance drops. 🔹 Ultra (50K+) Fueling Strategy • Before: Carb load two days before. Eat a low-fibre, high-carb breakfast. • During: Fuel every 30-45 minutes with 80-100g of carbs per hour. Mix solid and liquid calories (PB&J, gels, potatoes, electrolyte drinks). • After: Massive refuel session (protein shake, rice, whole foods). Prioritize hydration & electrolyte replacement. 🚫 Don’t experiment with new foods on race day. Be sure to train your gut! Fueling is Part of Training—Not Just Race Day Your gut is a muscle; it needs training. You need to practice fueling during training to ensure your body tolerates food and uses it efficiently on race day. This is where I can come in and help! How I Help You Optimize Fueling: ✅ Personalized nutrition guidance tailored to your race goals ✅ Gut training strategies to help tolerate mid-run fueling ✅ Pre-race carb-loading plans for max glycogen stores ✅ Post-run recovery nutrition for muscle repair and injury prevention Work With Me and Optimize Your Nutrition! If you’re serious about performing at your best, avoiding under-fueling, and fueling with precision, I can help. My coaching isn’t just about running—it’s about fueling, strength, recovery, and building a sustainable endurance lifestyle. 📲 Visit CoachMartin.ca to learn more about my coaching approach and plans, and let’s connect for a preliminary consult at no cost to you. Let’s fuel right. Let’s train smart. Let’s run strong. Disclaimer : The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before beginning any new exercise or nutrition program. The content here is based on general knowledge and may not be suitable for everyone. Reliance on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk.
How I’m Adapting My Coaching Approach for Future Ultra Runners Running 100 miles is more than just a test of endurance. It is a test of strategy, resilience, and mental toughness. When Paul and I first began working together last November, he was already an experienced ultra-runner, determined to conquer his first 100-mile race. With only eight weeks to prepare, our mission was clear: maximize every opportunity to optimize his performance and ensure he was ready for race day. The result? A race that tested Paul to his limits, but left him stronger, smarter, and more confident. More importantly, he walked away ready for the next big challenge. However, even with such a strong finish, I gained key insights from Paul’s experience that will refine how I coach future ultra-runners. The Plan: A Focused, Aggressive Training Cycle Although Paul was no stranger to ultra-running, we had a clear challenge: refine his training for 100 miles in just eight weeks. It wasn’t just about increasing mileage but about optimizing every aspect of training for maximum efficiency and race-day success. Our training plan focused on: Peak Mileage Optimization: Targeting a 100-mile training week without overloading and risking burnout. Strategic Recovery : Balancing intensity and recovery to ensure peak performance on race day. Strength & Core Training: Building muscular endurance to maintain power through the final miles. Mental Resilience: Preparing Paul to handle mental fatigue and difficult moments during the race. Race Execution: Developing pacing strategies, terrain management, and efficient aid station transitions. Race Execution: Overcoming Challenges & Learning from Paul’s Experience On race day, Paul started strong. His pacing was controlled, and his fueling strategy was on track. But as is the case with any ultra, unexpected challenges arose that tested his adaptability and mental fortitude. Quad & Core Fatigue: Despite incorporating core work, Paul’s form deteriorated late in the race. Going forward, I will integrate additional late-stage core training to reinforce posture and prevent breakdowns in the final miles. Mental Fatigue & Navigation Issues: As night fell, Paul’s mental fatigue led to navigational errors, costing him over two hours. This reinforced the importance of night running preparation and mental fatigue training to keep athletes sharp and focused deep into a race. Mindset Shift: When Paul realized his sub-24-hour goal was slipping, he adjusted his mindset and focused on finishing strong. I will further refine mental recalibration strategies, helping athletes adapt their race goals mid-race without losing motivation. The Critical Role of Nutrition, Fueling & Hydration One of the biggest takeaways from Paul’s race was the absolute necessity of staying on top of hydration and fueling, especially in the later stages of a 100-miler. While Paul’s early-race fueling was solid, as fatigue set in, his intake dropped, leading to energy depletion. Moving forward, I will: Prioritize Gut Training: Teaching athletes how to tolerate and optimize different fuel sources under race conditions. Develop Individualized Fueling Plans: Ensuring steady caloric intake that aligns with energy demands throughout the race. Hydration Monitoring Strategies: Training athletes to recognize early dehydration signs and maintain electrolyte balance. Aid Station Strategy: Ensuring refueling at consistent intervals to prevent bonking in the later miles. A dialed-in nutrition and hydration plan can be the difference between a strong finish and a DNF. This is now a non-negotiable pillar of my ultra-coaching framework. How I’ll Adjust My Coaching Approach Going Forward Paul’s race provided invaluable insights that will significantly shape how I coach ultra-runners tackling extreme endurance challenges. Here’s how I’m refining my coaching approach: Night Running & Long Run Efforts Night running presents unique mental and physical challenges. I will implement specific nighttime training sessions to help athletes develop pacing, energy management, and navigation skills in low-light conditions. Gut Training & Advanced Caloric Strategies Fueling isn’t just about eating. It is about training your body to absorb and utilize nutrients efficiently. I will incorporate gut training sessions to help runners build a reliable nutrition strategy, ensuring steady energy availability from start to finish. Sleep Deprivation Preparation Ultra-runners inevitably face sleep deprivation. Future training plans will include controlled sleep-deprived running sessions to help athletes adapt to racing on minimal rest while implementing micro-rest strategies at aid stations. Mental Resilience Training Mental toughness is crucial in ultra-racing. Beyond standard mindset coaching, I will integrate: Visualization & Pre-Race Mental Prep Micro-Goal Strategies for Pacing & Motivation Tactical Mental Reset Techniques for When the Race Gets Tough Crew & Pacers: The Unsung Heroes of Ultra Success A well-prepared support crew can make or break an ultra. Moving forward, I will offer crew and pacer training to align expectations, fueling strategies, and pacing tactics, ensuring runners have seamless race-day support. Paul’s Take: Why This Coaching Approach Worked After the race, Paul shared valuable feedback on our coaching partnership: Personalized Approach: “The plan wasn’t just a template. It was customized to my strengths, weaknesses, and goals.” Accountability & Support: “Knowing you had my back and could adjust my strategy when needed kept me focused and committed.” Mental Toughness Training: “The mindset strategies helped me push through the toughest moments when I wanted to quit.” As Paul put it: “You kept me accountable, adjusted when needed, and believed in me even when I doubted myself. That made all the difference.” Ready to Take on Your Own Ultra? Let’s Build Your Success Plan Whether you’re training for your first 100-miler, aiming for a PR, or refining your race strategy, I’m here to help you train smarter, race stronger, and finish with confidence. Here’s How I Can Support You: ✅ Custom Ultra Training Plans: Built around your race goals, experience level, and lifestyle. ✅ Strength & Injury Prevention: Focused training to keep you durable and race-ready. ✅ Fueling & Hydration Strategies: A science-backed approach to keep you strong from start to finish. ✅ Mental Toughness Coaching: Proven techniques to help you stay focused, adapt, and push through the lows. ✅ Expert Guidance & Accountability: Personalized support to ensure you’re always progressing. Why Hire Me as Your Ultra Coach? Ultra-running isn’t just about mileage. It is about smart training, resilience, and race-day execution. My coaching philosophy ensures you have the physical strength, mental toughness, and strategic race plan to succeed. ✔ Personalized Plans – No one-size-fits-all training; every athlete gets a tailored plan. ✔ Mental Resilience Training – Develop strategies to stay strong in the toughest moments. ✔ Fueling & Hydration Mastery – Dial in your nutrition for peak performance. ✔ Proven Race Strategies – Execute a smart, efficient race from start to finish. ✔ Dedicated Support – A coach who believes in you and is committed to your success. Ready to take your ultra-running to the next level? Visit CoachMartin.ca and let’s start building your path to ultra success today!