[at-l] Converting Stairs climbed to distance walked

[gbuffmd@bigfoot.com (Gary Buffington)]

This is an interesting trick question.  Land surveyors measure only
horizontal distance, so if you buy a cliff property you get more surface
area than a flat property.  When you climb the steps you only get to measure
the horizontal distance traveled (the number of steps times the width (not
height) of the steps plus any landings traversed).  The elevation change
(step height times number of steps) is work, not distance.  So climbing the
steps adds work (effort) but not distance in the classical sense.  Your
knees hurt because of quadriceps strain of the downhill's and the down steps
will help with quadriceps strengthening.  You can increase the effect of
this by carrying more weight.  You can either gain weight by getting fatter,
or carry your pack.  My experience has mostly been with the former, but I
recommend the latter.
I once saw a golf course superintendent measuring the distance to the hole
by going up and down the valleys!  The game was tough enough without his
help.
If Woodelf the surveyor disagrees with any of this, I defer to him.
Bear Bag
GA>ME, 2000 with Sweet Pea
www.800WeSweat.com