How do you prepare for all the walking?

[BensWife]

Yes, I'll admit it. I am 40 years old, overweight, and out of shape. So, I got myself a gym membership for the summer (I am a teacher) and want to try to get some exercise in before our trip in July and another trip in Sept. I just don't want to poop out on my hubby/kids who can walk and walk all day with no issues. Any suggestions on workouts for me? One drawback is I have motion sickness on treadmills (yep, isn't that ridiculous?), so treadmill walking is out. They do have an indoor track that I could use. I much prefer walking indoors because that way I don't have to deal with outdoor issues (allergies and strange dogs - not to mention I can take my kids to the child care at the gym while I workout). The one thing I don't like about walking indoors is I have a tendency to slow down and walking on a treadmill forces me to keep a good pace. Any suggestions for music to walk to that has a good beat I can walk with and keep a good pace? I am a music teacher and been in marching bands my whole life, so walking to the beat is just how I walk with music. There is a Zumba low class on Mondays I can do, but what about the rest of the week? Machines? Swimming laps? Just lots of walking for practice? Any suggestions would be great. Thanks so much!!

 

[Astylla]

I understand this so much. I recently lost as of today 20 lbs and I will admit there has been a huge difference in touring when you are prepared.

I think you are on a good track with the indoor track at your gym and I also highly recommend finding on youtube walking away the pounds videos. They are easy - between 1 to 3 miles and are a great workout to fit in on your schedule in your own home too. I also do biggest loser workouts on youtube and HasFit videos as i don't belong to a gym. I like the videos because it helps me keep pace so I don't slow down. Swimming is great too !

Having good supportive shoes is often overlooked as well. I love New Balance trail style athletic shoes personally. Remember endurance takes time but you will feel better once you are in a regular routine. Good luck.

 

[crystal1313]

I would say walking would be a great start. And it would help you get used to walking around the parks. I personally love swimming, so I think I would alternate between swimming and walking. I like to listen to Disneyland music and any music that's upbeat

 

[tinktinktink]

Last year I felt so defeated because DH who runs in obstacle races and trains regularly had no problem walking around the parks and I was so miserable and out of shape. This November I'm going to be ready. I'm starting by altering my diet and trying to lose a few lbs. carrying extra weight around makes it tough. I am also using an eliptical and trying not to sit around as much.

 

[keahgirl8]

You are definitely on the right track (haha...track...)! Walking is great exercise! You can also incorporate strength training. It increases the calories you burn. You will not believe how much easier everything is when you are in better shape! I have lost 125 pounds, and it makes my travel so much more enjoyable. Even before I lost the whole amount, it made a huge difference! Just keep your eye on the prize! Let your trip motivate you!

As for music, runhundred.com is a good place to find music suggestions. You can search by genre or beats per minute.

Congrats on your 20 pounds, Astylla!

 

[Astylla]

Last year I felt so defeated because DH who runs in obstacle races and trains regularly had no problem walking around the parks and I was so miserable and out of shape. This November I'm going to be ready. I'm starting by altering my diet and trying to lose a few lbs. carrying extra weight around makes it tough. I am also using an eliptical and trying not to sit around as much.

I totally get this ! We have other AP friends who while not in the obese category me and DH are , definitely got in fit shape doing P90x and stuff so we couldn't begin to keep up. Now this past week we had SO MUCH energy , stairs were not an issue and at the end of the day with no midday break we still were good to go. It's hard to believe how daily activity can increase how you feel !

Congrats on your 20 pounds, Astylla!

Thank you and to you as well on your success

 

[lalasmama]

I always had high hopes of getting into some amount of "better" shape before my DLR vacations, and I never actually make it far into my training. However, anything you do ahead of time will be a help. Walking the indoor track is a GREAT start, as is Zumba. Zumba will get your heart in better shape, along with the rest of you! (Honestly, my favorite thing about Zumba was the fact I walked out feeling like a hot mama, and that energy kept up all evening after class, and it was a great start to getting me going for hours after class!)

As for music... I'm all about Disney music Pandora has a Disney station that I would put on and walk/bike while listening to that, while letting my mind wander to my trip planning.

 

[Dlikester]

Exercise is great and it does wonders with losing weight, but at the very core of what will change your body is nutrition. A majority of battles are in the kitchen and how you prepare food. Exercise is important, but diet and good nutrition is the biggest obstacle of all. I'm using my fitness pal to help me log my food and exercise. It truly helps you see what you're eating and helps you reach the goals you're trying to reach. Good luck on your quest and I will be your support through the internet .

 

[keahgirl8]

I always had high hopes of getting into some amount of "better" shape before my DLR vacations, and I never actually make it far into my training. However, anything you do ahead of time will be a help. Walking the indoor track is a GREAT start, as is Zumba. Zumba will get your heart in better shape, along with the rest of you! (Honestly, my favorite thing about Zumba was the fact I walked out feeling like a hot mama, and that energy kept up all evening after class, and it was a great start to getting me going for hours after class!) As for music... I'm all about Disney music Pandora has a Disney station that I would put on and walk/bike while listening to that, while letting my mind wander to my trip planning.

I can't tell you how many times I started and quit. If you can get your head in the right place, you can do it.

 

[peterpanandwendy]

This is a great training program for learning to walk 10km for beginners it is the first one on the page.

http://www.vancouversun.com/2012sunrun/pdf/InTrainingGuide2012.pdf

I've had great success with other 'learn to walk/run" programs

Good luck!

 

[dragonflycurls]

About two months before our trip we started doing laps around out local lake about two times a week. It's a 3 mile loop that took us about an hour. (We are very overweight working towards losing weight)

That combined with changing shoes during our hotel break made for much less sore legs and bodies.

 

[wakica]

ooooh, I will be watching this thread closely and already loving all the suggestions!

I have SUCH a hard time walking in the parks as well. My DH is on his feet ALL day at work so it's nothing at all to him and DD is a teenager so she just naturally wants to go go go in the parks. I on the other hand while not overweight, have troubles being on my feet a lot The last time we hit a Disney park I had been jogging a few times/week cuz I did a 5k in the park but would you believe I STILL ended up with thee most miserable shin splints from walking in the parks all day?!?!?!

This time around I'm getting out more often (like 4 times or more per week as opposed to 2 or 3 when I trained to jog), and I'm going to continue to build up my time each week. this week I did 2 walks of 50 - 60 minutes and 2 walks of 35 - 40 minutes. By the time we go in August I want to be doing at least one walk each week that is a few hours long as well as 45 to 60 minute walks 3 other times during the week. Lucky for me I'm on summer break so am able to commit to that. I think I'll have a look at the link about building up to walking 10k cuz that may have some GREAT ideas in it.

Keep us posted on how you are doing and I will keep you posted on my progress too.

 

[keahgirl8]

ooooh, I will be watching this thread closely and already loving all the suggestions! I have SUCH a hard time walking in the parks as well. My DH is on his feet ALL day at work so it's nothing at all to him and DD is a teenager so she just naturally wants to go go go in the parks. I on the other hand while not overweight, have troubles being on my feet a lot The last time we hit a Disney park I had been jogging a few times/week cuz I did a 5k in the park but would you believe I STILL ended up with thee most miserable shin splints from walking in the parks all day?!?!?! This time around I'm getting out more often (like 4 times or more per week as opposed to 2 or 3 when I trained to jog), and I'm going to continue to build up my time each week. this week I did 2 walks of 50 - 60 minutes and 2 walks of 35 - 40 minutes. By the time we go in August I want to be doing at least one walk each week that is a few hours long as well as 45 to 60 minute walks 3 other times during the week. Lucky for me I'm on summer break so am able to commit to that. I think I'll have a look at the link about building up to walking 10k cuz that may have some GREAT ideas in it. Keep us posted on how you are doing and I will keep you posted on my progress too.

Do you wear good shoes in the parks? You can do all the preparation in the world, but if you don't have the right shoes, you will still have pain.

 

[wakica]

Do you wear good shoes in the parks? You can do all the preparation in the world, but if you don't have the right shoes, you will still have pain.

I did running shoes do make my feet awefully sweaty and hot though so I even tried taking a pair of sandals to swap to for a little portion of the day. I just seem to get shin splints so easily. It's weird bc the shoes I ran with never gave me shin splints while jogging and during our race but with an entire day of walking a few days in a row it just ends up doing me in.

 

[lalasmama]

I can't tell you how many times I started and quit. If you can get your head in the right place, you can do it.

Thanks for the encouragement! DH and I are actually keeping with it much better this time, with goals to be in the "overweight" vs obese category for BMI. We're changing our nutrition, changing our general habits, and slowly adding in increased activities. We're down over 10lbs each, which I'm thrilled with

 

[jory29]

I did running shoes do make my feet awefully sweaty and hot though so I even tried taking a pair of sandals to swap to for a little portion of the day. I just seem to get shin splints so easily. It's weird bc the shoes I ran with never gave me shin splints while jogging and during our race but with an entire day of walking a few days in a row it just ends up doing me in.

I, too, seem to get shin splints each time (advil is my friend, but DISboard members tell me to be careful, as they feel it masks the pain and you may walk harder than you should.)

The fact you are used to walking/running without shin splints, leads me to believe it is the standing motion in lineups causing the shin splints - is this even possible??

Most times in the parks, walking is less painful than standing in a line - anyone here agree?

Edited to add: a quick google search tells me that standing can very well contribute to the shin splints. The goal then, might be to spend more time standing, (pre-parks)
than sitting. (Siggggggh.)

Further edited to add: I think the last few times in the park we have had, because I was taking advil daily (certainly NOT recommended long term, or, for people prone to getting rebound headaches, etc.) it did seem to help. I was probably taking 200-400 mg once a day. (For up to 6 - 7 days max.)

Even further edited to add: Breaking in shoes 3-4 months in advance is also really important, I think...

 

[keahgirl8]

Thanks for the encouragement! DH and I are actually keeping with it much better this time, with goals to be in the "overweight" vs obese category for BMI. We're changing our nutrition, changing our general habits, and slowly adding in increased activities. We're down over 10lbs each, which I'm thrilled with

Congratulations! You are off to a great start!

 

[NiceOneSimba]

The last two times in the park, I wore compression sleeves on my legs. I started wearing them when I was training for the Tinkerbell half. I was having lots of calf pain, and they helped a lot. I wear them any time I know I'm going to be running or walking anything more than a 10k, which pretty much includes a day in the parks.

I also wore different shoes for walking in the parks than the ones I wear for running. My favorite walking pair is the Brooks Glycerin. I bought them for running, and I hated running in them, but they are the perfect walking shoe for me.

Other than going for walks in advance, those are my recommendations, for what they're worth.

 

[hyperminimalism]

I don't really "prepare" myself since I'm lazy and still young and healthy enough that I don't need to worry too much. I do, however, have a physical job that requires me to be on my feet for 4-6 hours a day about 5-6 days a week. Sometimes it's longer depending on the need, but generally it's a stand up and move your body around kind of job, although we tend to pull 12-14 hours a day at Disneyland/DCA.

SQUATS could be a very good exercise for you to work with. It'll help build both core and leg muscles, which is essentially what you'll be using at the parks. Anything that focuses on upping the heart rate and keeping at a good pace is going to help, too.

Most definitely walking on that indoor track is going to help you a lot, too. One thing to think about HOW you'll walk at Disneyland. Essentially all you'll do is walk to and from each ride you're planning to go on, and some may be closer than others, some may be across the park, others will be in an entirely different park. I don't know if you'll be park hopping, but there's something to take into account. You're not going to be walking great distances at a prolonged pace. Quite a bit of it will just be standing around in line. It couldn't hurt to practice good posture and exercise you can do to keep your body relaxed while simply standing.

Also, something that I notice happens to me is how tight and sore my ankles and calf muscles get at the end of the day. It definitely cannot hurt to stretch and roll those baby's around. Part of this is because I'm already hurting before we decide to stop and take a break, so pay attention to what your body is telling you.

 

[Kittyskyfish]

Hi! Your best Disneyland training program is .... walking! I do this every year and we keep a treadmill in the den for convenience. Walking is a great training exercise since you'll be doing the same thing at the parks. It gets all the right muscles conditioned for the heavy walking at Disneyland and regular/brisk walking is a good way to lose weight.

Since you prefer walking on a track and you want to keep a consistent pace, time one of your loops and set an alarm on an interval timer stopwatch app for each subsequent loop. I average 4 mph so each 1/4 mile is 3:45, but you don't need to know how fast you walk as long as you keep an elevated heart rate as you exercise.