Are Miles.....Miles?

[goofyinohio]

OK I need some advice

My wife recently started walking and is up to the point of walking/running 4.5 miles in just under 15 minute miles. Which is awesome. The thing is I'm doing my normal training which at this point is a 3 miler, 4 miler and a 5 miler each week (All Running.) So in addition to my normal training I've started walking/running with my wife about twice a week to help her out and push her because she asked me to. Can I count my miles towards miles on my legs aka my Goofy training such as a back to back? Do these miles really count? I know it seems like a silly question, but to me since I'm not running the whole time they are just supporting miles and not really training miles.

Keep in mind I've not run a Marathon the whole way either time I had to walk during both of them and I still say I ran a Marathon. Maybe I should just start a new thread.

Thanks All
Chris

 

[windwalker]

Chris it's time in motion that matters. So help your princess and count it as training because it is. It's also hitting your muscles from different angles and working muscules you don't use as much in running. Walking works your gluts, hams and shins more than running.

Walking Panda

 

[goofyinohio]

Dave - Thanks for the advice there. I have nothing but respect for anyone who is out there moving no matter what they are doing. It's just something mentally I'm dealing with and at this point I really want to count those miles because I don't want to do any real long runs. Goofy Training is just around the corner and 6 miles is about my max right now. Counting those miles will really help me out.

Thanks
Chris

 

[Cruella de mom]

ok there are two opposing schools of thought on this issue and it really depends on what you are trying to get out your Goofy experience.

Side #1.
You are just trying to finish Goofy in under the time limit. Miles are miles, and all forward motion is counted. Hey those walk breaks can really help. Stretch your step out and make them count as ham string stretches as well!

Side #2.
You have a specific goal time or pace in mind and its going to require intense effort as you train. In this case, some training plans call the extra miles "junk miles" because they really have no affect on your training at all. They can actually hurt because they make your legs tired with out "training" your body to go faster.


That said. It sounds to me like you would like to train so that you can "run" the entire marathon. If thats your goal then they can definately help your training - depending on how you use these runs. I trained for my first Goofy with a couple of women that run slower than me. I ran the first part of my weekly long runs with them. I have never felt so strong as a runner. Running their pace was almost effortless to me and I felt like I could run forever. It definately helped me learn how to pace myself to run consistantly for long distances.

Also, I know many run/walkers that can put me in the dust by the end of a half or full marathon.

Good Luck!

 

[goofyinohio]

I'm actually just wanting to Finish this year and honestly I don't care what my pace is as long as I'm in front of the sweeper.

The last two years (My First Marathon and First Goofy) right around the Animal Kingdom I start to walk.

My family will not be there this year so I really will not be in any rush to get it over with.

I guess I just want to make sure that these miles that right now I'm counting won't hurt me later when I continue to use them as part of a mid week back to back.

 

[disneyrunningnut]

There is no such thing as junk miles as the term is commonly used. Miles are miles, the only thing I would be concerned with if you are run/walking is the Specificity of Training principle if you are planning on running only during the race.

Jack Daniels "Training principle #2 - Specificity of training. The system which is stressed is the one which stands to benefit from the stress. To become really accomplished at something, you must practice doing that thing, not some other activity, which may not only take time away from the activity of primary interest, but may also actually produce results which limit performance in the main sport. This is not to say that all non-specific activity is bad, but considerable thought must be given to every aspect of running, and you must know what everything you do is doing for (or to) you."

Here is a good thread from Runners World about the subject.

http://www.runnersworld.com/communi...scussion:516c2df4-6b32-444d-93ce-7a3dc0a4d5f9

Here is Jim2's take.

http://mysite.verizon.net/jim2wr/id26.html

David

 

[Cruella de mom]

I'm actually just wanting to Finish this year and honestly I don't care what my pace is as long as I'm in front of the sweeper.

In that case you should definately count the miles. Count them and enjoy them. Not all husbands are as supportive so you get double points for every mile you run/walk with her!

Cecilia

 

[mkymsehi]

As long as you wear your gloves and long pants, I'll let you count the walking as miles towards your training.