Elevation gain

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Search glossary terms

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Elevation gain

[el-uh-vay-shun gayn]

Phonetic (Standard)

/ˌɛləˈveɪʃən ɡeɪn/

IPA

Noun

Defintion for Elevation gain

Elevation gain is the total vertical distance climbed during a run or along a route, usually measured in metres or feet.

Long Definition

Elevation gain refers to the total vertical distance a runner ascends during a run, measured in feet or meters. It indicates the challenge of a route, as more elevation gain requires greater effort and strength. For example, a hilly marathon might have 1,000 meters of elevation gain, while a flat race has minimal gain. Runners use this metric to assess route difficulty and tailor training for specific races. Training on varied terrain improves strength, endurance, and running economy. Understanding elevation gain helps runners prepare for races with significant climbs, impacting pacing and energy management strategies.

kaizen Insights

Elevation gain makes a run harder at the same pace. kaizen's training load accounts for elevation, so a hilly run can count for more than a flat run of the same distance.

Category

Terrain & Weather

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