Chasing Elevation: Lessons From the Ups and Downs
Every climb builds patience, every descent teaches trust — that’s the real lesson of chasing elevation Runners love talking about elevation. It’s the number that makes a run look epic on Strava, even if it’s just a few loops up and down a local hill. But elevation isn’t just about numbers or bragging rights. It’s a teacher. Every climb, every descent, has something to offer if you’re paying attention. The Ups: Learning Patience and Strength Climbing forces you to slow down. It’s humbling. You can’t fake fitness when the trail tilts up — lungs and legs will tell the truth straight away. But that’s why I love it. Each climb builds strength and aerobic capacity, but it also builds patience. On Prague’s trails you won’t find endless alpine climbs, but you’ll get punchy little ascents that demand respect: the gullies in Modřany, the ridges above Chuchle, the sneaky steps in Prokop Valley. They may only last a few minutes, but string enough together and you’ll know you’ve worked. ...