I started running!!! (and a question)

[VistaLeigh'smommy]

YAYAYAYAY!!!! I started last week when I was out on my walk. I used to run all the time in high school, but as soon as I got to college I just stopped. I felt like I couldn't do it anymore. But last week I just did it!!! I ran a whole mile!!! I got rid of my mental block and just pushed it!!


Here is my only problem... I have been running everynight since, but I have had to cut down on the TOTAL distance of my usual walks. I used to walk 2-3 miles a night, now since I have to wait for it to cool off, I push my runs back a half hour, so by the time I am done it is too dark to finish the other mile and a half.

I am up to about a mile and a half running, and I will be at 2 soon (hopefully!), but in the meantime I am wondering if I am getting as much exersize by cutting my distance in half, or even by a third some nights. I would assume running a mile or more would be better then walking 2 or more... is that right?



thanks in advance!! And yay for running!!! There maybe a 5k in my future!!!

 

[ohMom]

cyber high five on your most recent 'step' in your healthy living journey! get it step? LOL ok i didn't sleep much

anyhoo -- i myself am a powerwalk but have done some running in the past and recenlty a tad just to endure some interval workouts. in the past when I have incorporated running I have re-introduced it to my muscles by walk/jog intervals. i would imagine if you searched google you could find some programs geared towards switching from walking to running without losing the mileage. my program was like walk 15 mins run 1 min, then walk 12 run 2, and kept building into it was a fully running workout. make sense? if can't find anything let me know and i'll post the one i have

anyhow -- as far as running vs. walking and distance vs. intensity -- this is a great topic and i'm ready to hear with other experienced runners say. at this point i'm focusing on 2-3 harder more intense yet shorter duration workouts (walking, jogging, whatever) and then once longer endurance workout, slower paced but still moving good.

personally i think the shorter intense workouts increase your cardio capability and burn fat efficiently. but i wouldn't go under 30 mins in time

walking can be a very efficient workout, especially if you can master the racewalk technique. i've been working on it for about 3 mos now and it's tough to maintain for the distance.

hope that helps???

 

[Fitswimmer]

my program was like walk 15 mins run 1 min, then walk 12 run 2, and kept building into it was a fully running workout.

You can find this type of program in virtually any beginning runner's book. I don't know if it's on the Runner's world website, but that would be a good place to look.

Interval training is great! I use it in the pool all the time. Easy lap, fast lap, two easy, two fast-whatever breaks it up. There are some studies out there that say interval training helps you lose faster-I do it because I don't get bored that way!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

As I understand, the question you pose is aimed at the best workout for the investment of time. I would have to go with the amount of cardio workout in your target heart rate zone over the longest amount of time would give you the most benefit. (Burning the most calories) That would depend on your level of fitness. I think you need to keep track of heart rate during your workout. Keep checking as you become more able to handle the workout so you are still wroking within the desired heart rate zone.

Depending on your level of training there is a variety of resources. As already mentioned there are many beginning running books/Web sites and if you look for them you can get lots of info. There is a site for speed walking if you are wanting to try that. Many of the speed walkers can go faster than I can jog/wog! Hal Higdon has a program online; John Bingham author of Marathoning for Mortals offers a program; Runners World has information; Second Sole...on and on.

You might be able to post this question to the WISH Walking/running club thread. There is a weekly thread on the Events/Competition portion of WISH. Look at the top of this forum for the link to events/competition. There is a varied ability and age level of people working toward a variety of goals/events. They are a great group to keep you motivated and exchange information.

Congratulations on getting back into the event.