Last year when I was training for the 1/2 I was so afraid to be swept I tried to jog and walk to speed up my times. While I won't get into specifics, since it is a "private" matter, I learned the hard way that running is not for me.
I am going for PT because of this and my PT -who is also a woman and runner has had similar problems and is 14 years younger than me. She now is starting to walk and bike to stay in shape because she and I had our suspicions about my injury being related to running. I see runners all the time and respect them because it is hard work but alas, it's just not for me.
My DD has tried and tried to lose the weight and inches for her wedding in October. Last month she came walking with me. I held back knowing she was new to it. She was huffing and puffing but after we were done the 3 miles she knew she had worked a whole lot of different muscles in her lower body than she had ALL last year. Ah HA... this could work - a new convert, she's lost a lot of inches and some weight too! She now walks her miles but is still probably going to jog the 1/2 to finish faster. I tried to warn her about running but she'll learn the hard way - eventually.
Once I'm in my zone and walking, my family has a hard time keeping up with me, but their young, to keep up they jog, yes it does get the job done faster but the workout is not the same.
I look at it as a longer, tougher workout and worth every step. We now have an "older" walker from my town who is heading to the Olympics as we speak, she's 44 and is the oldest person on the USA Track and Field team, boy I sure hope they show her race on TV, she could bring a new respect to all of us if she places well. I do envy her and wish it could have been me.
I'll take my accomplishments and try this year to say Yes I did a 1/2 marathon and not finish it with - but I walked it...it should never be an excuse, it's something to be proud of.
denise