My neighborhood is hilly, so it's great on the downward stretches, because on the uphill you go into the 'zone' no problem. On the downhill I did have to go faster than I normally do. I will try it again tonight if I go pick the baby up with the stroller. I forgot to check how fast I recover, another thing I am curious about Our instructor said that the famous hokey player, Gretzkiy (or however you spelled it) recovered in like 20 sec, that's why he was so great, got so much more ice time!