I'm traveling and by necessity have to walk between 20-30 miles a week. In addition I've been totaling in the low 70s in running. Usually when I'm not racing I max out in the high 70s and low 80s, but this is all I can muster for now. How much of an effect, if any, will the walking have on my running?
Why would someone on this board know better than you?
Are you running faster? Slower? No difference?
I think it will have an effect. It's making your legs stronger. I walked ~14 miles a week extra than normally in the 3 weeks leading up to pr'ing in the 1600 and 3200.
I certainly wouldn't log miles walked (as I'm sure you'll agree), but I do concur that it can only help with general mechanical strength and endurance. I remember reading somewhere about Japanese runners doing long walks (as well as long runs, of course) during their base, the idea being that it helped to prevent injury later on...
Agree with others: probably helps a bit to use the legs, and metabolize / burn calories. Also that's an hour a day you're not sitting, which your hamstrings and hips probably appreciate. On balance I'd guess it more or less makes up for the 10 miles you're not running.
Real life data: 20-30 miles walking weekly is routine for millions of New Yorkers. The big NYRR races demonstrate that we're not all blazing fast, so don't expect a miracle.
My last year of college and first year of grad school I walked an average of 15 to 20 miles a week. It was to and from classes and work in small doses- 2k or less at a time. I found that I had less injury trouble and that it helped loosen things up. I didn't notice myself anymore tired then I was prior. The first year I was running 70 to 90+ miles per week the second year I was almost always over 100 miles a week unless I had a major race.
Dick Mahoney ran top 10 at Boston, 2:14 and very quick at the 5k to 30k distances while walking a TON of miles as a postman back in the late 70's and early 80's.
Anecdotally, I took a six-week layoff from running to (ultimately unsuccessfully) get over knee pain. In that time I made it a point to walk two or so miles each morning before work, and to hike a hilly route two or three evenings per week.
My first race after the layoff, having only gone on a few easy runs in the preceding two weeks, was a pleasant surprise. I even PRed at the distance. (Something perhaps can also be said for racing with low expectations.)
I also learned that fitness long gained translates to fitness long lost.
I attribute the good performance to being well rested and having fresh legs. I think the walking allowed my body the time it needed to rebuild the strength in my legs and knees that running for far too long through the knee pain had sapped in them. Now, although I've resumed partway my prior training volume, I continue to walk regularly. I also find it quite enjoyable and refreshing mentally.
Evelyn Ashford walked many miles daily in addition to her training and she has Oly medals
If you are walking on pavement, it is going to be hard on your feet & knees. Make sure you have shoes that work for you, w/ adequate cushioning.
Yeah I know. My feet have been killing me. I put an extra adidas insole into my walking shoes because of this.
SMacL wrote:
I also learned that fitness long gained translates to fitness long lost.
What do you mean by this?