Princess 1/2 walkers?

Dreamer2012 I'm glad it's better now and you can train

I walked 10K yesterday morning and man did I feel it. I didn't bother to time myself since it was the first time I have done 10k but I think I did pretty good and will keep doing 10k on weekends till after I get back from Disney next month
 
Hi Tinkermom. Sounds like your training is going well.
Johnvn r u still there? I have a question for you. I am now consistently under 16 mpm (sometimes even under 15 like today for 2 miles!) for my daily 2 mile walk - then on the weekend the 6 mile walk is usually hovering that 16mpm goal + or - a few secs. Im thinking its time to up the long walk by a mile to get some more distance - thoughts? Thanks
 
Hi Tinkermom. Sounds like your training is going well.
Johnvn r u still there? I have a question for you. I am now consistently under 16 mpm (sometimes even under 15 like today for 2 miles!) for my daily 2 mile walk - then on the weekend the 6 mile walk is usually hovering that 16mpm goal + or - a few secs. Im thinking its time to up the long walk by a mile to get some more distance - thoughts? Thanks

Good job! If you have the time, increase the long day but don't try to bring down the time yet on those days. I like building more base so the shorter distances seem like a cake-walk then on your shorter days work on even faster times. As your muscles get accustomed to greater mileage, bringing down the times will become easier. I don't do sets of anything like 2X400 then 4X400 and so on, I just mix things up because I am not trying to be a pro-athlete clone, just me-myself and I, while having fun at it. Hope that didn't sound too goofy? Maybe this is why I don't have a motivational problem. By keeping training fun, I avoid that WORKING to improve mentality.

You have the determination to improve, I have no doubt, so keep going at it but do it smartly. Your times WILL improve, again I have no doubt. :thumbsup2:thumbsup2
 
So Johvn just to be 100% clear your saying...keep the 2 miles each morning for improving speed. Because its a shorter distance to push the speed. Then increase the longer walks without concentrating on speed. Just adding distance. At what rate should we increase the distance considering it is only a once a week walk...thanks!
 

I love this thread. I've been reading it and getting so inspired. I'm not doing the princess though, I'm walking the marathon in January.

I likeI've been pretty happy with the gradual increase I've seen in my speed but I'm still concerned that I won't improve enough in time for marathon.

I started walking consistently 3 - 5 days per week July 1 (loosely following the Galloway training program for marathon, but I'm walking the whole distance, not doing the walk/run...knees can't handle running AT ALL). At this point, I usually walk 4 -5 miles at least twice a week and then the "long" walk on Saturday. Sometimes I use the elliptical a day or two during the week. The Galloway plan just calls for two 30 minute workouts during the week, but that's no where near enough for me to get there (in my opinion) and since I was already comfortable walking 3 - 4 miles at a time when I started, I just stuck with that.

Longest walk so far was 9 miles...this Saturday will be 11 miles. I've lost 25 lbs since the end of May, so I know that has helped with the speed as well. When I started, most walks averaged 22 minutes a mile with the occasional surprise 19 - 20 minutes per mile. Now I'm consistently about 17.5 minutes per mile...On Sundays, my boyfriend walks with me to play rabbit and help me try and push a little on speed...with him I've been able to do about 4.5 miles right around 16.5 minutes per mile...I've had a couple sub 16 minute miles sprinkled here and there but not enough to make me feel confident that I'll get down into that 14/15 minute range for the full distance that I'll need to finish without being swept.

I'm still a pretty big girl with a lot more weight to lose; hoping to get maybe another 30 -40 lbs off by marathon time...I'm sure that will help some with speed.

But I worry. My last long walk (9 miles) averaged 19 minutes/mile...but I did take a 10 minute break around mile 6 that is not reflected in that--so really my pace was closer to 20 minutes/mile I guess. I've been working on my form, based on the great suggestions I've seen in this thread and I definitely think it has helped some...but that sub 16 minute pace seems SO difficult for me right now. I will keep putting in the miles, and keep focusing on speed during one shorter (4 - 5 miles) walk per week...I don't worry about speed during the long run...should I worry about speed during my other 1 - 2 shorter walks during the week?

I know there's still a lot of time, and I realize that I have seen significant (at least to me!) improvement since I started working on it...I just worry that I won't be able to improve enough in the time that remains...

Any thoughts?

Thanks
Brooke
 
I love this thread. I've been reading it and getting so inspired. I'm not doing the princess though, I'm walking the marathon in January.

I likeI've been pretty happy with the gradual increase I've seen in my speed but I'm still concerned that I won't improve enough in time for marathon.

I started walking consistently 3 - 5 days per week July 1 (loosely following the Galloway training program for marathon, but I'm walking the whole distance, not doing the walk/run...knees can't handle running AT ALL). At this point, I usually walk 4 -5 miles at least twice a week and then the "long" walk on Saturday. Sometimes I use the elliptical a day or two during the week. The Galloway plan just calls for two 30 minute workouts during the week, but that's no where near enough for me to get there (in my opinion) and since I was already comfortable walking 3 - 4 miles at a time when I started, I just stuck with that.

Longest walk so far was 9 miles...this Saturday will be 11 miles. I've lost 25 lbs since the end of May, so I know that has helped with the speed as well. When I started, most walks averaged 22 minutes a mile with the occasional surprise 19 - 20 minutes per mile. Now I'm consistently about 17.5 minutes per mile...On Sundays, my boyfriend walks with me to play rabbit and help me try and push a little on speed...with him I've been able to do about 4.5 miles right around 16.5 minutes per mile...I've had a couple sub 16 minute miles sprinkled here and there but not enough to make me feel confident that I'll get down into that 14/15 minute range for the full distance that I'll need to finish without being swept.

I'm still a pretty big girl with a lot more weight to lose; hoping to get maybe another 30 -40 lbs off by marathon time...I'm sure that will help some with speed.

But I worry. My last long walk (9 miles) averaged 19 minutes/mile...but I did take a 10 minute break around mile 6 that is not reflected in that--so really my pace was closer to 20 minutes/mile I guess. I've been working on my form, based on the great suggestions I've seen in this thread and I definitely think it has helped some...but that sub 16 minute pace seems SO difficult for me right now. I will keep putting in the miles, and keep focusing on speed during one shorter (4 - 5 miles) walk per week...I don't worry about speed during the long run...should I worry about speed during my other 1 - 2 shorter walks during the week?

I know there's still a lot of time, and I realize that I have seen significant (at least to me!) improvement since I started working on it...I just worry that I won't be able to improve enough in the time that remains...

Any thoughts?

Thanks
Brooke

Wow, me too on getting below 16mm. In the past few weeks, I've been slower, not faster, no matter how far I walk!

I keep hoping that weather is my big consideration - it is in the 80s with high humidity even in early morning. Galloway says that cooler temperatures can shave off as much as a couple of minutes per mile off your time.

What are the temps like where you are? Could heat be a factor for you?

And, great job on your training!!!! My longest walk has been 9.2 miles and I stopped feeling my feet at mile 7. I have a long way to go, that's for sure.
 
I'm in a suburb of Chicago. Temps and humidity have at times been hideous. I was in Michigan over the weekend and made the mistake of doing my walk around 1 pm on Sunday...CROAKING hot. I'm sure that had an impact. Monday morning, I went much earlier and there was a nice breeze...but I still struggled to get under 18 minutes/mile that day. So I'm not sure how much of it is weather related and how much of it is just ME.

Oh well...to paraphrase Finding Nemo....Just keep walking {swimming}...

Brooke
 
This hot/humid weather does a job on me so don't feel bad about less than stellar results. I have a heart monitor and can easily see a rise in heart function when temps rise. Simple fact is I work harder to keep the same pace as on cooler days and I feel sluggish while in motion.

The key to a good training session on those days is to stay positive and slow down a little if needed to go the distance. It's the "harder than should be days" that can yield big gains as long as you stay within your limits making sure not to cause an injury.

D2012-adding the mile to each long day, I like for base. Don't stress yourself by going too fast, just increase the distance. Working on speed increase on the 2 mile days keeps things short and sweet so over-exertion doesn't create an injury. Focus on form/technique to smooth out your stride. Again, base miles will add strength and stamina while speed work with act on fast twitch muscles. In 4 to 6 weeks with the 10 miles a breeze, add extra distance on the short days making sure the extra is done at a faster pace.

My mantra has always been form-function-form-function while walking to achieve efficient muscle exertion using less energy while going faster. Just because my way has worked for me does not mean it is the best way for others. I always try to have fun even though my body is telling me otherwise. I'm weird that way. :) Many training plans on the net to find one that works best for personal situations.

Good luck to all.
 
Bewitch324 & Debbieandroo-
Please do not worry so much! Although I can appreciate the "why" - it being the first PHM etc - take it from someone who did it last year for the first time. You are BOTH doing great! I am also not a small woman - and my friend who is 100lbs overweight was able to finish - YOU WILL BE FINE! Just continue to train and believe in yourself. Enjoy the journey! ;)
 
This hot/humid weather does a job on me so don't feel bad about less than stellar results. I have a heart monitor and can easily see a rise in heart function when temps rise. Simple fact is I work harder to keep the same pace as on cooler days and I feel sluggish while in motion.

The key to a good training session on those days is to stay positive and slow down a little if needed to go the distance. It's the "harder than should be days" that can yield big gains as long as you stay within your limits making sure not to cause an injury.

D2012-adding the mile to each long day, I like for base. Don't stress yourself by going too fast, just increase the distance. Working on speed increase on the 2 mile days keeps things short and sweet so over-exertion doesn't create an injury. Focus on form/technique to smooth out your stride. Again, base miles will add strength and stamina while speed work with act on fast twitch muscles. In 4 to 6 weeks with the 10 miles a breeze, add extra distance on the short days making sure the extra is done at a faster pace.

My mantra has always been form-function-form-function while walking to achieve efficient muscle exertion using less energy while going faster. Just because my way has worked for me does not mean it is the best way for others. I always try to have fun even though my body is telling me otherwise. I'm weird that way. :) Many training plans on the net to find one that works best for personal situations.

Good luck to all.

Thanks again for the advice. This am I finally broke a barrier - I did the regular 2.07 miles in 29:36 which meant a 14:19 pace per mile! :cheer2: A PERSONAL RECORD! :cheer2::cheer2:
I will plan to continue to do the same distance daily - trying to push the time..but on the long walks I will increase the distance without concern for time - It feels good to have a plan! Next I think I will have to investigate FORM - HAVE NO IDEA - MAYBE I'M WALKING ALL WRONG :confused:
 
Congratulations, Dreamer - that's wonderful!

I walked 5 miles this morning. My pace wasn't really fast [just mid 17 mm] but I felt good during and afterwards. I got in some good stretching before and after as well - and that felt good, too. It was the kind of workout that made me think that the PHM is doable - and I haven't felt that in a while.

Thank you, all, for your encouraging words. I guess my frustration is that I am doing [mostly] what I need to do - adding miles, but mixing with shorter walks to build speed - but I keep getting slower, not faster.

The bottom line is that I'm guilty of focusing too much on the individual workouts and not on the bigger picture of this new more active lifesyle. And when I do that, I stop having fun.

Brooke, I totally understand the cooler/hotter = same pace conundrum. I walked in two races - the first had perfect weather with low humidity, the second had really hot weather with high humidity and I was recovering from a cold, to boot. My pace? EXACTLY the same for BOTH races. :confused:

We're on the right track - if we could only convince our slow legs of that???
 
Bewitch324 & Debbieandroo-
Please do not worry so much! Although I can appreciate the "why" - it being the first PHM etc - take it from someone who did it last year for the first time. You are BOTH doing great! I am also not a small woman - and my friend who is 100lbs overweight was able to finish - YOU WILL BE FINE! Just continue to train and believe in yourself. Enjoy the journey! ;)

:hug: I needed that!
 
Thanks again for the advice. This am I finally broke a barrier - I did the regular 2.07 miles in 29:36 which meant a 14:19 pace per mile! :cheer2: A PERSONAL RECORD! :cheer2::cheer2:
I will plan to continue to do the same distance daily - trying to push the time..but on the long walks I will increase the distance without concern for time - It feels good to have a plan! Next I think I will have to investigate FORM - HAVE NO IDEA - MAYBE I'M WALKING ALL WRONG :confused:

Dreamer, I found some good information on this site: walking.about.com

I also found a couple of speed walking drills:

Quick Step Speed Drill

•Begin with at least 5 minutes of slow walking.
•Perform the drill for 30-40 seconds. Do several repetitions.
•Take very short, fast steps for a distance of 20 to 30 meters
•Walk with an extremely short stride, the heel landing almost on top of the toes of the other foot.
•This drill teaches quick turnover, the key to walking faster.
•After the drill, continue on with your walking workout.
Back Leg Extension Drill

•Begin with at least 5 minutes of slow walking.
•Perform the drill for 30-40 seconds. Do several repetitions.
•Walk concentrating on a long extension behind you. Apply a slight forward lean.
•Focus on rolling off the toes of the back foot before the foot leaves the ground.
•This drill teaches you to use your back leg for power rather than overextending in front.

I tried that first drill a couple of days ago...and of course was still slow. But I'll keep at it.

Also on the site is information about form, too.

John had mentioned this site, too - it has loads of great stuff, too:

http://www.marathonwalking.com/

Hope this helps!
 
One more post and I'll stop, I promise!

Brooke, have you signed up for any races prior to the Marathon? That might be a help, in terms of seeing how you'll do with others around you. Our local runners group has a 10-race series that starts with two 5ks and culminates with 2 half-marathons [in one month]. We've done 4 so far and this has helped me in knowing what to expect in a racing situation. Perhaps there's something like that in Chicago? And these races are very walker-friendly.
 
Just a different point of view for fast turn over.....

I am not a fan of toe push-off or long rear length or even heel plant. After analysing and attempting this style I found a very short rear length with a simple peeling up of the heel first and then the rest of the foot, Danny Dreyer's Chi Walking, following with a mid-sole plant to be the fastest for ME.

With this method I use fewer muscles leaving more energy for propulsion muscles. Peeling up of the foot minimizes achilles problems. Mid-sole avoids shin problems. The lean, again from Danny Dreyer, aids in a faster stride to avoid falling on my face.

Just couldn't get a fast enough stride to sub a 7:00mpm speed walking pace doing things the long way.
 
John VN said:
Just a different point of view for fast turn over.....

I am not a fan of toe push-off or long rear length or even heel plant. After analysing and attempting this style I found a very short rear length with a simple peeling up of the heel first and then the rest of the foot, Danny Dreyer's Chi Walking, following with a mid-sole plant to be the fastest for ME.

With this method I use fewer muscles leaving more energy for propulsion muscles. Peeling up of the foot minimizes achilles problems. Mid-sole avoids shin problems. The lean, again from Danny Dreyer, aids in a faster stride to avoid falling on my face.

Just couldn't get a fast enough stride to sub a 7:00mpm speed walking pace doing things the long way.

John, I did look through that book and tried that form you described. I couldn't get the hang of it - it felt too much like running or tiptoeing? Perhaps my legs are too short?

My form is still a work in progress but I have shortened my steps, straightened my posture, lifted my chin, and pulled in my elbows. I wonder how all of that looks to the neighbors!



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Whoo Hoo on the 14.19!!! :cheer2:

Thank you everyone that has responded. I've been reading the ChiWalking book that John recommended a while back, but I'm struggling with putting the form ideas into practice. I noticed there are some videos on youtube, maybe they will help!

We're scheduled to walk a 15K in November (Hot Chocolate!) It's walker friendly, but the pace is a bit more aggressive at 15 min/mile. Hopefully by then, that's where I'll be.

I'm looking at 5ks and 10ks betwen now and then to help acclimate to the whole "race" experience. I think that's a great idea!

I like the idea of doing short drills to work on things like cadence and turnover...my feet definitely THINK they're moving fast but they obviously AREN'T...Mr. John with his 9 minute miles....your feet must be FLYING!!!!

Thanks again for the positive support everyone!

Have a wonderful day and keep WALKING....

Brooke
 
Whoo Hoo on the 14.19!!! :cheer2:

Thank you everyone that has responded. I've been reading the ChiWalking book that John recommended a while back, but I'm struggling with putting the form ideas into practice. I noticed there are some videos on youtube, maybe they will help!

We're scheduled to walk a 15K in November (Hot Chocolate!) It's walker friendly, but the pace is a bit more aggressive at 15 min/mile. Hopefully by then, that's where I'll be.

I'm looking at 5ks and 10ks betwen now and then to help acclimate to the whole "race" experience. I think that's a great idea!

I like the idea of doing short drills to work on things like cadence and turnover...my feet definitely THINK they're moving fast but they obviously AREN'T...Mr. John with his 9 minute miles....your feet must be FLYING!!!!

Thanks again for the positive support everyone!

Have a wonderful day and keep WALKING....

Brooke

I found this video extremely helpful way way back. Very true for me was the problems caused by the HEEL plant and associated stresses that result from it. One major reason why I can not race walk.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkUqkdPQHis&feature=relmfu

another video....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H26liWMDH8U&NR=1&feature=endscreen

more.....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYNZUioUdHQ&feature=related

note: although they reference running, this gives the viewer the basics that apply to walking also. BELIEVE ME when I say it takes time, but it can be well worth it if one has the desire to experiment for change
 














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