Elevation gain vs Elevation variation???

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2011-09-30 9:58 AM


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Subject: Elevation gain vs Elevation variation???

Please explain these terms to me.

I see both terms used when referring to runs (and biking).  I would think an out and back run would have net zero elevation variation (obviously Garmin's may not be exact).  That said, when a race course is listed as "little elevation variation", do they mean not many hills?  Or do you think it refers to "elevation gain" which I take to mean hills.  I ran a half marathon where my Garmin showed 641 ft of elevation gain and 727 of elevation loss.  Everyone complains this particular half is hilly and the one I'm running in a few weeks is said to be flat with 40 feet of "elevation variation".  I certainly lose more time going uphill than I gain back on downhills.

2011-09-30 11:25 AM
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Subject: RE: Elevation gain vs Elevation variation???
jkintn - 2011-09-30 9:58 AM

Please explain these terms to me.

I see both terms used when referring to runs (and biking).  I would think an out and back run would have net zero elevation variation (obviously Garmin's may not be exact).  That said, when a race course is listed as "little elevation variation", do they mean not many hills?  Or do you think it refers to "elevation gain" which I take to mean hills.  I ran a half marathon where my Garmin showed 641 ft of elevation gain and 727 of elevation loss.  Everyone complains this particular half is hilly and the one I'm running in a few weeks is said to be flat with 40 feet of "elevation variation".  I certainly lose more time going uphill than I gain back on downhills.

 

You're correct in my book. With a start/finish in the same spot, there wouldn't be a net gain/loss. I refer to a course in terms of how many feet of climbing instead of variation. In my mind that tells me how hilly it is, b/c I'm assuming the course is a net zero (unless it's spelled out as a point to point race like Boston Marathon)

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