09/04/2026
Your quads shouldnât be destroyed every time you run downhill. â°ď¸đââď¸
If uphill running feels fine but your quads are toast by the bottom, the problem may be your ability to handle eccentric loading.
Downhill running places a significant eccentric demand on your quadsâmeaning your muscles have to produce force while lengthening. Building that capacity can help you better tolerate downhill running and may even help reduce knee pain.
Thatâs why strength training should complement your runningânot replace it.
Think of it as training your body to handle the demands of the sport you love.
This is Part 2 of our Runnerâs Series.
Next week: Shin splintsâwhy they happen and what you can do about them.
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