If I were to go on a strenuous hike/backpacking trip where 3 hours were spent at a high aerobic level (like if I wore my HRM and I was at 80-90% heart rate the whole time), would this be basically the same as running for that amount of time.
If I did this I would not have time to run that day (what with travel to and from trailhead, 3-4 hours to summit, 2-3 hours back down), etc. But would this count as a pretty good workout? Is it the same as a long tempo run more or less? Just curious. I'm figuring 3 hours at a high level (going upwards) might be equivalent to running 1.5 hours at that level or something like that. Let me know what you think.
P.S. obviously it is different muscles being used, and different form + less pounding, but generally speaking, is it similar?