Walking 6 miles a day on top of training - negligible effect?

Treadwalker wrote:

I'm in my base phase right now and i'm trying to ramp my mileage up to 80mpw while also losing a few pounds.

I'm 5'8 and 148lbs trying to get to around 140lbs before I start ramping up my training intensity

I hate eating less and so instead i'm creating my calorie deficit through walking very slowly every day.

I walk around 6 miles at 2mph - don't worry, i'm not wasting 3hrs of my life walking aimlessly. I work on a treadmill desk so it's pretty efficient.

Can walking at such a slow speed (in spite of it being around 3hrs per day) negatively impact my recovery?

I would say it has likely no training effect.

However, sitting for those three hours straight would likely hurt you, I know it really hurt my training. I felt much better when I switched to a standing desk.

Regarding the weight loss, I don't think it will have much impact when compared to anything besides being completely sedentary.

I feel your pain on restricting the diet, but it really is the best way to lose weight.

I would also challenge why you want to lose weight. You're at a very healthy weight currently for your height. Losing weight will really only have a potential benefit towards your running, not your overall health. So unless you are trying to make running a career, it doesn't seem worth it (to me anyway) to make a concerted effort to drop a few pounds below what is probably a very natural weight for you, you're probably talking about 10 seconds for a 5k, or something along those lines if you drop 10 pounds. The 2 seconds per mile per pound "rule" really only applies to a higher weight. As you get into a normal BMI, you're going to have diminishing returns. Some people actually start getting slower at a point where they still are at a normal BMI.

Congratulations, in no time you'll be ready for an ultra.

I think if you're at 80 mpw 'running' , this will have precisely zero training effect on you

If you were around 15-20 mpw I think I could see this having some sort of long run/strength/hiking benefit

I think it might be detrimental actually on top of 80 mpw running. Maybe xtrain instead [lift/yoga/bike/swim] with that time

jmho

I think my post was slightly misinterpreted. I didn't mean to ask if I would gain any benefit from all that walking but rather if it would impede my recovery or make me more susceptible to injury?

I want to lose a bit of weight mostly for aesthetic purposes. I look my best when i'm sub 145. I'm not one of those people who think that lighter is better when it comes to performance and so I won't be dropping into the 130's in an attempt to get faster.

As somebody 5'7 that just went from 148 to 126 I can guarantee you that lighter does make you significantly faster.

I was able to do it my increasing my protein and cutting back sugar. I'm not planning to stay at 126, it's just for a race.

If walking instead of sitting at you dest you would burn more calories. This could lead to additional weight loss over time if not off set by additional calorie consumption. Weight loss helps running efficiency. Slow walking is also a weight bearing activity and would provide a strength benefit with very little cellular damage. Do not underestimate the benefits of some walking to your run training. However it could have a negative impact on recovery. Try it and see.

sdfsdfsdfsdfsdfsdfsdf wrote:

I would also challenge why you want to lose weight. You're at a very healthy weight currently for your height.

Dude 148 is thicc to be running in. 140.0 is healthy for his height. 130s is professional runner weight. My friend is at 150 @ 5'6 and it is clearly very, very unathletic looking.

Also, if you want to lose weight, you eat less. Walking around and all that is good but just suck it up and stop being a whiny little pansy. Just control your eating till you lose your weight. Once it's gone and you are still running, you won't be able to put more than a couple pounds of it back on.

I think your total lifestyle does have impact on your running. It would seem that the walking you are doing would help

and not hurt. Over time it has to help you!

Even running 80 mpw does not in itself guarantee weight loss. However most likely you will acquire other good habits while doing that. This gets harder as one ages, especially if the mileage is slow.

I would not rely on the opinions you get on LRC though!

Like everyone else I did not answer your question.

Will it hurt your recovery process? It might if it is too new and excessive compared to what you are used to.

When I was running well a few years ago, I wound up running on an indoor track that was 22 laps per mile. Since there was only one other guy on the track I decided to run with him. He ran at about 11 minute mile pace. This aggravated my Plantar Fasciitis!

So it depends. Do not try to lose weight or get back into shape too fast! Go easy with anything your body is not accustomed to doing.

Try walking on eneven terrain. This will strengthen your legs as you would be using a range of muscle groups that you wouldn't usually use. It's perfect for recovery and leg strengthening at the same time. Try it and you notice the effect after 2 or 3 days. It will make you faster.

The answer can be found easily enough. Are you improving each week?

If you're getting faster, and feeling fresh at some point each week, go with it. If you plateau or feel tired,

In the old days, 1930s, they were big fans of walking a lot on top of the quality work.

A friend of mine ends up doing about 6 every morning with his dog and getting kids to school on top of this running, and it has got him back fast and skinny again after a long layoff.

Treadwalker wrote:

I think my post was slightly misinterpreted. I didn't mean to ask if I would gain any benefit from all that walking but rather if it would impede my recovery or make me more susceptible to injury?

I want to lose a bit of weight mostly for aesthetic purposes. I look my best when i'm sub 145. I'm not one of those people who think that lighter is better when it comes to performance and so I won't be dropping into the 130's in an attempt to get faster.

Time on your feet. I think it'll help as long as you're recovering from runs. Might catch up with you at some point though

I'd do it on easy days only, not 5 days a week at work

I had an awesome (and surprising) HM race once after a vacation in Europe where I was walking around 5-6 hours a day with limited running for 2 weeks while traveling. The time/strength seemed to benefit me. And I was just n good shape before the trip I should say

Reminded me of this guy in the UK many years ago who worked as a postman walking most mornings and only covering modest mileage yet was one of Britain's best runners for a while

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/athletics/2426823/Athletics-Postman-Davies-aiming-to-deliver-for-Britain.html

Frank Shorter once said during his training all he would do was run, eat and sleep. If you are not running you should be recovering.

Bobby1 wrote:

Frank Shorter once said during his training all he would do was run, eat and sleep. If you are not running you should be recovering.

If Frank Shorter, one single, elite marathoner, said this about his training, then it stands to reason it must be true for every single person, elite or not...

This is a hilarious troll attempt and I can't believe so many people fell for it. Someone running 80mpw walking 6 miles each day on the treadmill each day to lose weight. Ridiculous.

you will get big calves

bump - interested if anyone has additional perspectives on this since I would like to add some walking to my daily routine.

Treadwalker wrote:

I'm 5'8 and 148lbs trying to get to around 140lbs before I start ramping up my training intensity

I hate eating less and so instead i'm creating my calorie deficit through walking very slowly every day.

I'm about your height. There is no need to get down to 140 first. Just listen to your body.

You shouldn't have to eat less. Just cut out cookies, cakes, candies and any liquid calories and you'll drop 2 lbs a week. Probably down to 135ish at 80 miles a week. Even if you drink a bit of alcohol you should still get below 140 easy.

The walking will have little effect. Part of my problem is wanting to fall asleep at work, and if anything it might help you be more alert at work and sleep better at night.