Can walking make you a better runner? No I don't mean walk instead of runs . I mean like go run in the mornings and then in the evenings go on a nice long walk . Or the other way around . Would this help me become a better runner or would it have little to no benefit? If it does help how long should I walk/ should it be everyday?
how old are you, how many miles per week do you run, what are your recent race times or training paces?
If you are over 50 and you aren't top level for your age (like a former national class runner who can still run 7 days per week without injuries), then I think walking can help you.
But for most young guys, better to focus on running and not worry about adding walking unless you have injury issues.
I'm 50 now. Walking is a terrible idea used by lazy ppl who take the easy way to know results.
Don't talk to me about power walking, etc.. 99% of the walkers are the slow, mall-shopping speed. If the joints hurt from running, then lose weight- but walking won't have you lose weight. I have a great metabolism & walking wouldn't do it.
America's walking more, & is also more obese.
...meant NO results...
I incorporate a bit of walking into my training schedule. I call it mowing the lawn. I can easily walk 3 or 4 miles while doing this and it helps loosen my legs up for the run I do afterwards.
Two coaches who I've heard advocating walking as recovery are Pete Rea and Jay Johnson. Times of an hour or so.
[quote]Noname
[quote]Noname
I can definitely see the value of walking as a form of cross training. Let's say you're doubling most days, but it would be too big of a load for you to do a second run today. Maybe go walk for an hour instead of doing nothing. Pool running might be better, but that isn't convenient for everyone.
Another way it might come in is if you have a sedentary job. Let's say you run once in the morning, once in the evening, but during the day you are mostly sitting in an office. In that case going for two or three 20-30 minute walks during the day will help you stay looser, be healthier overall, and I think help with your second run of the day also.
Didn't Roger Bannister (or one of those guys) go for brisk hour walks as part of his training?
Hey.... wrote:
I'm 50 now. Walking is a terrible idea used by lazy ppl who take the easy way to know results.
Don't talk to me about power walking, etc.. 99% of the walkers are the slow, mall-shopping speed. If the joints hurt from running, then lose weight- but walking won't have you lose weight. I have a great metabolism & walking wouldn't do it.
America's walking more, & is also more obese.
It is a terrible idea for you because you are a slow walker or you are a superstar runner who has no injury concerns. Congrats, enjoy your success.
You should start a blog and share your views.
[quote]Noname
So u dont know how to walkfast wrote:
Hey.... wrote:I'm 50 now. Walking is a terrible idea used by lazy ppl who take the easy way to know results.
Don't talk to me about power walking, etc.. 99% of the walkers are the slow, mall-shopping speed. If the joints hurt from running, then lose weight- but walking won't have you lose weight. I have a great metabolism & walking wouldn't do it.
America's walking more, & is also more obese.
It is a terrible idea for you because you are a slow walker or you are a superstar runner who has no injury concerns. Congrats, enjoy your success.
You should start a blog and share your views.
Don't have to run. But walking the speed I see walkers doing so, is a waste of time.
I'm in my mid-30s, and regularly run about 50 mpw.
I also walk my dog a lot, walk to and from work everyday, and walk to the grocery store, library, etc. averaging 4-5 miles a day. For me personally, walking is a big help. I don't think I gain a lot extra aerobic benefits, but I think it really aids in my recovery (both physical and mental). I have noticed it most in periods when I up my mileage or intensity. Things get sore or tight, but 20 to 40 minutes of walking always leaves me feeling better.
I think it could help most runners out IF they like the idea of walking. I really love walking, so of course I find it helpful. But if you can't stand going for 20 or 30 minute walks in the evening, it won't help you.
But give it a try for a month or two. See how you feel.
Hey.... wrote:
I'm 50 now. Walking is a terrible idea used by lazy ppl who take the easy way to know results.
Don't talk to me about power walking, etc.. 99% of the walkers are the slow, mall-shopping speed. If the joints hurt from running, then lose weight- but walking won't have you lose weight. I have a great metabolism & walking wouldn't do it.
America's walking more, & is also more obese.
Get back to us on this in about 15 years. I am 67 and running high 19s, low 20s 5k these days. When I was 50 I was running about 50 mpw and running about low-8 min pace on my recovery days. When I hit 60 I still was running about 50 mpw and high-8s pace for recovery. By the time I hit 65 I was struggling to stay near 50 mpw and hit any kind of quality on my planned workout days (My weight has been a consistent 130lbs since college. Walking is nearly as good as running for weight maintenance.). I got a heart monitor and found that my "recovery" pace of low to mid 9s was so inefficient that I wasn't adequately recovering. I switched to walking 5 miles/day at 15 min/mi pace 3 days a week and currently run 3-4 workouts of about 10 miles each week. My times are coming back down and my workout days quality is up.
Training is about stress and adaptation. Each person's training needs to be structured with appropriate levels of both,
Hey guys thanks for the feed back. I am a 55 mpw guy but will be building up after the xc season. I am a 16:10, 4:31, and 2:00 high guy
Walking is the bomb
Think of walking as creating a more active lifestyle. Don't put it in the training, rather make it a bigger part of your lifestyle. Any time spent on your feet is better spent than time sitting. In moderation of course.
This video explains how to effectively run and walk:
Any time not spent hunched over in a chair staring at a computer while your hip flexors are being shortened and your glutes weakend, leading to bad movement patterns, injuries, and loss of power, is good
When I was in grad school, I was running about 40 miles a weeks and moved to an apartment which was 2 miles from campus. My running improved with no other change than the few extra miles I was walking every day.