Many endurance athletes are on a constant quest to improve leg strength and leg speed, but increased size is usually counterproductive to their major goals. In order to most effectively improve your athletic endeavors while minimizing the risk of injury, your strength program should include exercises that closely mimic the movements, speeds, and resistances that you encounter in your activities. This can be difficult to do in the weight room, but often you can improve strength while performing your chosen sport. Uphill running is
Use an aerobic/endurance pace rather than a maximum effort
Shorten your stride when running uphill
Run more on your toes than normal
Choose a variety of grades and lengths when running hills
Jog slowly or walk when coming down; downhill running can contribute to joint pain and muscle soreness
Incorporate long continual hills at an endurance pace, as well as shorter, steeper hills for more intense interval work