Does running up or down hills increase the likelihood of an injury?

For most runners, going up or downhill poses additional challenges, especially during a long race. Some runners who have experienced injuries may stay away from running hills, because of the belief that this type of running places additional stress on the body.

While it is true that running hills poses additional challenges, a new study suggests that running hills does not increase your risk of injury, especially to the Achilles tendon. Check out the information on this study here

Exercise science study shows no increased risk of injury from uphill/downhill running

Like many runners, former BYU track star Katy Andrews Neves has had her share of injuries. Unlike most runners, one of those injuries has been witnessed by millions of people around the world.

In what is now considered one of the top sports bloopers of all time, Neves was caught on camera in 2012 crashing over the water barrier in a steeplechase race at BYU. She hit her head and got several other bruises, but was luckily spared any serious injuries. (And she got back up and kept racing.)

Once Neves finished her collegiate track career, she started researching running injuries as a graduate student. Her research has focused on injuries to the Achilles tendon, a common injury site for distance runners—an estimated 52 percent of which injure their Achilles at some point.

Now a new study authored by Neves and three BYU exercise science professors reveals great news about the Achilles heel: the Achilles tendon is capable of adapting to uphill and downhill running better than previously believed.

Read more here