Get Walking
By: Keith
I used to run – a lot. At my peak I was running almost 100 miles a week, and I felt like I was in good shape. My resting heart rate was 40 bpm (I measured it once at 38 but I can’t be sure I didn’t count wrong), I was skinny at 155 lbs and I was seriously kicking butt in the races I entered. But, somewhere along the way I decided I’d had enough. It happened sometime shortly after I got my first skin cancer and I was spending more time injured than actually feeling good. My immune system was shot and my body started falling apart. I knew I needed to slow down. Today my heart rate is still low (about 49 – 52 bpm) and I weigh 10 lbs more. I can’t run more than 5 or 6 miles without feeling cruddy about it, and I certainly don’t run races anymore. I’ve replaced my running with walking. It’s relaxing, keeps me fit (along with yoga and my home-made workouts) and I never get tired anymore (unless I don’t get enough sleep of course). Frankly I don’t see a down side to it. The only point in running is to win a race, and I’ve already done plenty of that. I don’t feel the need for it anymore. All I want these days is fitness. Mission accomplished.
About Walking:
In a study reported on by Psychology Today, runners and walkers were examined to see which group lost more weight and subsequently kept it off. Surprisingly it was the walkers who lost more weight and were more consistent in keeping it off. Why? I suspect runners already know the answer. Running burns more calories and can be a high intensity workout. Most people are not disciplined enough to not reward themselves with a treat after a hard run. That treat (be it a bagel, a trip to Starbucks or a donut from the supermarket) often times equals or exceeds the calories they burned while exercising. The low intensity of walking does not cause people to feel entitled to pig out. They burned fewer calories, but they netted greater losses when all was said and done.
Also:
Both walking and running both have similar effects on the brain. People who participated in both activities improved their attention spans and increased their memories (memorizing series of random numbers). It’s thought that walking activates an area of the brain associated with attention and alertness (whatever that means).
Personal Observations:
My knees don’t bother me anymore. I can do one legged squats without any problems (other than having crappy balance) and I no longer have an issue with my flexibility (running a lot tends to shorten tendons and make you less flexible). In general I feel younger even though I know I’m not burning as many calories as I was back in my teens and 20′s. Walking gives me time in the morning to think and to calm myself instead of the alternative, getting hyped up from a vigorous run. I’m 35 which isn’t old. But, being amped up is not something I’m interested in anymore. All I want is my tea and a little peace of mind. Walking does that and keeps me sharp and fit.
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I also don’t run much anymore, though I am walking the dog a lot. I think I did so much running previous I now like the variety of a bike,kayak, or hiking. You must have some kick ass trails in Boulder to walk on though.
Ethan: With the amount of running we used to do I suppose it’s only natural that we want variety now. And, Yes, Boulder is the perfect place to walk and look at scenery.
Another good article! I’m so glad you’ve slowed down. It’s more friendly to your body and allows you the time to notice the little things that you used to blow past.
Mom: I’ve slowly started to realize that slowing down actually makes me feel good. Go figure
I never could run, but the older I get the more I like to walk. We live in an area criss-crossed with trails, some that run through town and others that extend into the woods and along the lake shore. I always feel refreshed after a long walk.
Although, there was that problem with chafing. But my discovery of BodyGlide helped immensely!
.-= Idaho Dad´s last blog ..The Electric Mayhem =-.
Idaho: Body glide is pretty awesome stuff. I used it when I was running long distances and it worked like a charm. Now that I know that walking has similar benefits to running, I don’t feel so bad anymore slowing down to smell the daisies.
Walking is great– you can also enjoy the scenery, too.
I couldn’t agree more. Long-distance walking (vigorous) has always been my exercise of choice. Something I miss these days, and look forward to being able to resume, when I can.
Great article!
100 miles? Wow, that’s a lot of running. I use to cycle a hundred miles a week when I was much younger and it’s a lot easier to ride a 100 miles than run a 100 miles. Don’t have time now and body is also falling apart.
.-= Daddy Forever´s last blog ..RingCentral Mobile Hosted Phone System =-.
Ken: Yeah, 100 Miles was a little nuts. Humans weren’t meant to run like that, at least not at that level of exertion. That’s another issue, the time needed to do it is prohibitive. At least with walking I can relax and think at the same time I get some exercise. Thanks!
I used to run. But the injuries (from overdoing it) have changed that. But somehow I never got into walking. So now, I am not fit.
But your post struck a chord in me. I can see how walking will compliment my meditation. I didn’t see how I could enjoy walking, ’cause it wasn’t ‘running’. You’ve opened my eyes. Thanks.
.-= Debbie Lattuga´s last blog ..5K Training Made Easy =-.