FrenchFit 

Starting last Nov, and fairly disciplined about getting in at least 1 run in a week, often 3 times, and this is on a treadmill at the gym. My duration is about 50 minutes, 40 min run time. This is instead of spin class.

I am somewhat shocked how much better I can climb hills. For the first time I am experiencing getting on top of the gear and accelerating while climbing, moving up gears while spinning up, more mph at the top of the hill than the bottom. Wow. Instead of cresting the hill feeling spent the feeling is more like blasting over the top. This must be what it feels like to be a 20 something rider... or my spouse is mixing steroid powder into my french press grind.

Can't wait for the MTB trails to dry out. Two big thumbs up for Mr. Treadmill; thought I'd mention it for those nearing the sixth decade.

OldsCOOL

I run stairs. But yeah, I know what you are talking about.

rumrunn6

wow that sounds great! +1 for the treadmill. much better than running sidewalks. I prefer a 20 min 2 mile run but that's just me. I used to run 3 miles but found that 2 miles fit into my lunch hour better what with the driving to and fro from gym plus time to change; shower and eat, etc. 20 min and 8 laps on the HS track makes me feel amazing too, nit exhausted, just amazing. I guess running helps everything but I found my hill climbing improved by just climbing more hills. you sound like you are in better condition than I - keep up the good work but protect those knees! :-)

NOS88

+1

I have a friend who kept telling me she couldn't get a sufficient workout while cycling. I took her to my quarter mile 17% grade hill, and we climbed it, went back down, climbed again, and repeated for only an hour. She no longer tells me she can't get a sufficient workout while cycling.

To the OP: I think you are lucky to be able to run. Many of us have damaged ourselves from too much running earlier in life, and that's part of what headed some of us toward cycling. Keep on doing whatever works for you.

OldsCOOL

In regard to improving on hills....and climbing hills to reach that goal...."hills are your friend".

Keep climbing, my friends.

stapfam

Treadmill and try walking on it instead of running once a week. And walk fast on the highest gradient you can get. Instead of working the thighs- it works the calf muscles and they need just as much exercise as the thighs- in fact more as you don't normally put them under pressure. AND you don't strain the joints as much either.

VNA

Nothing can replace hills and the more often the better!

Terex

I'm glad running works for you. I think any reasonable addition to a training regimen can really help with climbing, and riding in general. A winter of 2x/wk riding, and 3-4x/wk brutal spin classes combined with core/yoga really moved me to a new level a few years back.

FrenchFit 

I appreciate that comment, and I've had the surgery. Swearing off concrete for 20 years, less tennis and more riding has made for better knees.