Question

Would you rather run a marathon up a mountain or down a mountain? Explain Why?

Answer 1

I would run a marathon up a mountain.

Yes. It's easier to climb up a mountain than to climb down. But it's strenuous to climb up than climbing down.

While getting down you end of putting all your weight suddenly on your knees and legs. your leg muscles quickly become oxygen deprived (if you are above 10,000′) and need more frequent stops. Where as while climbing up it goes gradually. Before putting complete weight on your knees / legs you ensure they are placed stably. And you shift weight gradually from leg behind to leg forward and then on both legs. This makes ascend comparative easy and stable.

Also because of above reason you tend to slip a lot as your shoes don't give enough traction due to loose soil and sudden weight on it while getting down.