Can running too many hills mess up your legs?

Question

I'm trying to get in shape for XC.

I'm starting off by running 3 miles daily for 1 week.

My neighborhood is ALL hills, hardly any flat land.

After running about 1 mile, I feel like I have to walk because my legs hurt very bad.

I have no problem running long distances, but am wondering why I'm having so much difficulty.

Answer 1

NO BUT ITS PRETTY GOOD FOR YOUR LEGS BECAUSE  ITS A GOOD CHALLENGE FOR YOUR LEGS IT ALSO GIVES YOU MUSCLES

Answer 2

running up hills builds muscles, and you need to run up A LOT of xc.  but it is worth it because its FUN!

Answer 3

Try running on your school's track instead for practice it's easier on your legs and knees.

Answer 4

Yes.  Too many hills can be a problem.  The bulk of base training should be easy endurance runs.  The problem with hills is that it is hard to run an easy run.  During the uphill part, you will probably run too hard (unless you are a very experienced runner).  In addition, the downhill part increases the chance of injury.  Finally, the rolling terrain makes it hard to get into a rythm.  Note, I am not opposed to running hills, it builds good strength (I personally live in a hilly area).  However, it is important to find some flat courses to give your body a rest.

Answer 5

No its actually a good thing. It builds up your leg muscles and helps with muscular endurance

Answer 6

YES, too many hills can mess up your legs.  and it is not going to help you with XC anyway, if you cannot go for more than a mile without stopping.  you need to find somewhere FLAT so you can run for a long time without stopping so you can build your cardio "base".  That is the BEST thing to do to get ready for xc.  But you could still run the hills occasionally, hills are good, just in moderation :)

Best of luck!

Answer 7

well the first week it feels like that but take my advice use good running  sneakers am  useing this new nike shox and it feels realy nice you dont feel the ground hope that helps

Answer 8

thats a good thing(:

Answer 9

running is bad for your legs, especially your knees.  Try running on grass instead of concrete.  The constant pounding that occurs when you run just screws up your legs, and it happened to me even though the land I run on is flat.  Running on grass works for me.