Quote Originally Posted by Harry H Howgill View Post
Dropping into a walk can often mean that your heart rate lowers as you go from a more aerobic to an increased anaerobic state, as you use more power. That's why the change might feel easier. (For a while anyway until you then start to push towards your limit to process lactic.) If working hard aerobically suits you then keep on walking but limit your stride length so that your heart rate stays higher. If you've got legs like Chris Hoy then you'll have the power to stride out!

As far as etiquette goes, just be firm but fair. If you can get past someone without elbowing them in the head then go for it, otherwise wait for a wider bit. As far as enjoying the view goes though, when I'm walking it tends to be the patch of ground just in front of my nose, or at the very most the heels of the runner in front!
Normally, if we use more power, we use the anaerobic pathway more, but in addition to the aerobic pathway, so it feels harder and if anything our heart rate goes up. Presumably you are referring to the fact that when we stop running and start walking because of the increasing gradient we are using our muscles differently, so that, to an extent, it is as if we are starting again. Once we have reached a new equilibrium, walking uphill can be as hard or harder than running on the flat - the easiest way to monitor this is to observe your breathing.