How much more energy is used running hills than a flat route?

Question

For almost the last year I have been running during my lunch break at work. I varied it up to about 4.5 miles but it was putting some wear and tear on my body, and leaving me little time to change back for work. Eventually settled into a 2 mile circuit for about the last 5 months. It was getting boring so now i've switched to a 2.6 mile route that is about a 1/2 mile flat to warm up then a good hard almost mile uphill followed by a winding mile plus or minus down back to work. I know there is no exacts without knowing the exacts but how much more energy do you expend doing hills?

Answer 1

theres no way to know this for sure since hills vary in steepness.  i would say at a 45 degree angle hill it feels like i have to use 2ce as much energy. if you want to lose some more whieght or become better at running i suggest that you try running a longer distance because after running 2 miles for 5 months i think that your ready to try adding more speed to your run so its a beter workout. but yea id say 2ce as much energy on a 45 degree angle hill, but this is only if you are putting in the more effort you would on flat ground (in other words to make your pace equall to the pace you would run on flat ground) most people slow down on on hills and put in the same effort they do on flat ground so it doesnt take them more energy. hope this helps good luck running