[Memaby (OP)]

I am a relatively short person. 5'4" or 162cm but I am all torso with short legs. My partner is over 6'. I often find that when I go hill walking if I hit a particularly steep section it becomes very hard to walk up and mechanically feels easier to run up it, so I do. My partner always finds it bizarre and does not seem to experience this.

I asked the question on a fitness forum I am on and a lot of the short people knew *exactly* what I was talking about and everyone else seemed to think I was asking a different question (why it's easier for short people to run up hill compared to tall people). All of my googling brought me answers to that question too.

So it seems only short people experience this where walking becomes harder than running up steep hills but I can't find find the answer as to why. Any ideas?

Thanks!

[Origin]

So it seems only short people experience this where walking becomes harder than running up steep hills but I can't find find the answer as to why.

Please define the term 'harder' in this case.  If you run a 100 yards up a hill vs walking your heart rate will be higher your body temperature will be elevated and your muscles will produce more lactic acid so I am not sure what you mean.

[Memaby (OP)]

Please define the term 'harder' in this case.  If you run a 100 yards up a hill vs walking your heart rate will be higher your body temperature will be elevated and your muscles will produce more lactic acid so I am not sure what you mean.

Yes, defining hard would help wouldn't it! It's not a heart rate thing, more body positioning. A walking stance begins to feel uncomfortable and I have to bend my back forward a lot to keep going to the point that taking a running stance and just running is physically the easier and more comfortable option.

[Origin]

Well, I'm not sure why you find running more comfortable.  As an aside my horse seems to always want to run up steep hills when I ride him instead of walking also.  I am not implying that you are part horse.

[vhfpmr]

A walking stance begins to feel uncomfortable and I have to bend my back forward a lot

You're not making the mistake of trying to keep your heels on the ground, are you?

[Memaby (OP)]

A walking stance begins to feel uncomfortable and I have to bend my back forward a lot

You're not making the mistake of trying to keep your heels on the ground, are you?

No, I don't believe so. Definitely changing to match the terrain!

[Bored chemist]

I am a relatively short person. 5'4" or 162cm but I am all torso with short legs. My partner is over 6'. I often find that when I go hill walking if I hit a particularly steep section it becomes very hard to walk up and mechanically feels easier to run up it, so I do. My partner always finds it bizarre and does not seem to experience this.

Does it happen when you are alone?
If you walk with someone you try to maintain the same speed.
If you walk alone you will typically move your legs a a frequency that (roughly) corresponds to the rate they would swing as a pendulum.
If you are trying to keep up with someone whose legs are longer you can't easily do that.

[Petrochemicals]

For the same reason that it is easier to throw a shot put 10 metres than hold it at arms length. Do you find running uphill for 30 seconds easier than walking uphill for 30 seconds?