Walkers Wanna Compare Notes??

[windwalker]

I posted this about six months ago in a walking thread we had. We have had some new people join since then so I thought we might start it again. Walkers for the most part train just like runners but we do have some different requirements and we face some different challanges.

The advantage of walking over running is that walkers don't take the pounding on their knees, joints and tendons that runners do. Walk properly in proper equipment and your injury chance is a lot lower than for running.

The disadvantage is we are slower so it takes a larger committment of time. Also we are often competing aginst runners since most races don't have a walk catagory. So you won't get to take home much hardware.

I'd like to make a statement about how to pick out shoes. Just like for runners the shoes are your most critical piece of equipment. If you get blisters, pain anywhere in your legs that is cronic and any foot pain, you are probably in the wrong shoes.

I know I'm preaching to the choir with most of the vets here but for anyone new, here is how to pick out shoes:

Go to a running/walking store that is staffed by trained shoe specialists. Even if you have to take a day trip, it's worth the time to go. When you get there let them determine what shoe type you need; cushioned, support or motion control. Let them watch you walk/run so they can see your gait. Take a worn pair of shoes with you so they can see the wear pattern.

After you have been typed, ask them to bring out all the shoes in your size that fit that catagory. What ever size you normally wear, go a half size larger to a full size larger than your everyday shoes. As soon as you have walked a couple of miles your feet are swelled a little so that's when you start getting blisters and foot pain in a shoe that is to small.

Try on every shoe, walk in every shoe, on their treadmill if they have one or if not at least around the store. You should get down to a couple of brands/models that feel way better than the others. Remember A WALKING/RUNNING SHOE DOESN'T NEED TO BE BROKE IN, IT SHOULD BE COMFORTABLE RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX!

Look for a shoe that is snug enouth that there is no heel slipping but not tight anywhere. Look for light weight, a walker can wear light weight trainers and after you are in pretty good shape switch to racing flats. I wear a Mizuno Revolver which is a cushioned flat. But till your feet toughen from a good milage base stay with a light weight trainer. The lower the heel the better.

Buy the two shoes that feel the best, if you can afford it, then you can switch up on them. One will feel better than the other as your miles increase so you know which one to buy next time.

A good place to shop is a big race expo where there are shoe company reps with their full line of shoes. I have found my best shoes that way. I had never seen any of my shoes in stores. I have some Brooks ST2s that are my back up shoes.

Ok off my shoe soapbox now.

Fellow walkers please share your experience with newer walkers.

Dave

 

[nepatsfan73]

As you know, I am a new "walker" and have no present notes to share. Hopefully I will in the next year or so. Until then, I will be following this thread with breathless anxiety. By the way, I am assuming that walking includes waddling. I still don't feel like I can even classify myself as a walker sometimes.

 

[windwalker]

As you know, I am a new "walker" and have no present notes to share. Hopefully I will in the next year or so. Until then, I will be following this thread with breathless anxiety. By the way, I am assuming that walking includes waddling. I still don't feel like I can even classify myself as a walker sometimes.

Bill, glad to see you here again my friend. Remember you are an athlete from the moment you make the committment to be one. So no more about what to classify yourself as.

When I was at the senior olympics 1500. This little hottie with an obvious attitude came gliding into the stadium. She looked about 35, with a custom warm-up suit that was slit up the sides Oriental style, a crop top jacket to show her picture perfect abs and a white headband scarf tied around her head ninja style. She stayed off to herself to warm-up and stretch. When it came show time, this 60 year-old woman broke the world record by 4 seconds. Long story short, I felt like a slug in the presence of real greatness, but glad I had the opportunity to compete on the same track with her. She was a very, nice down to earth person and Erica talked to her for a while and they shared a hug, but when it came time to compete she was focused.

Dave

 

[getnthinr]

When I first started walking long distances. I discovered several things by trial and error. One of those things was Body Glide. As a roly-poly person, I have a tendency to chafe (not just in the embarrassing places, but other places that I'd never dreamed of -- under my arms, around my sports bra -- anywhere that moisture and friction can burn tender skin away). I tried various balms, gels, and vasoline, then came across Body Glide. Not I use it everywhere I might chafe or blister -- head to toe. It absolutely put an end to the most painful consequences of walking long distances -- and it didn't ruin my expensive running clothes while doing it.

I also discovered the power of ice and "cold soaks" after training. Training for the back-to-back Goofy races really made minimizing muscle soreness a necessity and cooling those muscles after your long walks/runs seems to help a lot -- even if its only heading to the local natatorium to paddle around in their 73 degree water. Although it is tempting to settle into the lounger or take a nap after a long run, always try to ease those muscles back into shape with gentle stretches, cool soaks, or just moving around a bit. I'm not really into ice baths, but I do find coolish water is much much better for easing soreness than the nice hot bath you may crave.

You'll find many tips like these elsewhere, but that's my 2 cents.

 

[windwalker]

When I first started walking long distances. I discovered several things by trial and error. One of those things was Body Glide. As a roly-poly person, I have a tendency to chafe (not just in the embarrassing places, but other places that I'd never dreamed of -- under my arms, around my sports bra -- anywhere that moisture and friction can burn tender skin away). I tried various balms, gels, and vasoline, then came across Body Glide. Not I use it everywhere I might chafe or blister -- head to toe. It absolutely put an end to the most painful consequences of walking long distances -- and it didn't ruin my expensive running clothes while doing it.

I also discovered the power of ice and "cold soaks" after training. Training for the back-to-back Goofy races really made minimizing muscle soreness a necessity and cooling those muscles after your long walks/runs seems to help a lot -- even if its only heading to the local natatorium to paddle around in their 73 degree water. Although it is tempting to settle into the lounger or take a nap after a long run, always try to ease those muscles back into shape with gentle stretches, cool soaks, or just moving around a bit. I'm not really into ice baths, but I do find coolish water is much much better for easing soreness than the nice hot bath you may crave.

You'll find many tips like these elsewhere, but that's my 2 cents.

Wendy, your 2 cents is worth a lot. You are one of my heroes. You do a heck of a lot of marathons and halfs. Your durability advice is priceless. I don't know many people who can do the miles you do consistantly, you can really move to.

Dave

 

[jeanneg]

Thanks for starting up this thread. I am fairly new to all of this and sometimes hearing people talk about their 8-minute milers gets me a little discouraged. I never even DREAMED of doing a marathon until this past January when I watched my daughter compete in her first marathon at WDW. She has been a swimmer all her life, competing since grade school right through college. She took up running after graduation. Watching her compete in the Mickey was more exciting and rewarding than any of her swim meets. When I learned that some people actually WALK the marathon and take almost the full time allotment to do so, I was intrigued. I'm a big lady, but have been physically active all my life so I got me some good supportive RUNNING shoes (very important) and just started walking. On April 29th, I finished my first half marathon in Allentown, PA with another DISer(Nancy/padisneyfan). Our time was 3:11 and except for just a little post-event soreness, we both felt great. I am now signed up for the ToT 13K, City of Oaks half-marathon, and.....drumroll, please.......the Mickey in Jan'08! I still don't know if I'll be able to do a full 26.2 miles without collapsing, but I know I have to try. Nancy will be doing it with me so I feel good about that. Neither of us is a spring chicken (mid- to late-fifties) so if we're going to tackle this, it's gotta be sooner than later. I was pretty bad about training during May and June because I was traveling quite a bit, but am focused on getting back on track since the beginning of July. My most recent long walk was 12.77 miles but it has been in the nineties here and my pace is not as fast as I would like. (just around 15 min/mile). During my short walks (4 miles) I am about a 13.5min/mile. I so agree with what Dave said about the time factor being one of the biggest drawbacks. Realistically, is it necessary to do a long walk every single week or is it OK to do every other? My long walks are now over 3 hours each and it's a major time commitment. How far should I train for the full? I know I don't need to go the full 26.2, but is 22 enough?
Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[miranda1979]

Good afternoon wishers.

I am proud to say this is my first marathon to. And We started training as a family and are going to race as a family! yeah. So I am pleased to say I was able to walk at a really great pace and now I have moved up to jogging and today's goal was reached 4 1/2 miles. Hopefully to move up to 5 and next week another. Hope everyone is doing well too.

Miranda

 

[windwalker]

Thanks for starting up this thread. I am fairly new to all of this and sometimes hearing people talk about their 8-minute milers gets me a little discouraged. I never even DREAMED of doing a marathon until this past January when I watched my daughter compete in her first marathon at WDW. She has been a swimmer all her life, competing since grade school right through college. She took up running after graduation. Watching her compete in the Mickey was more exciting and rewarding than any of her swim meets. When I learned that some people actually WALK the marathon and take almost the full time allotment to do so, I was intrigued. I'm a big lady, but have been physically active all my life so I got me some good supportive RUNNING shoes (very important) and just started walking. On April 29th, I finished my first half marathon in Allentown, PA with another DISer(Nancy/padisneyfan). Our time was 3:11 and except for just a little post-event soreness, we both felt great. I am now signed up for the ToT 13K, City of Oaks half-marathon, and.....drumroll, please.......the Mickey in Jan'08! I still don't know if I'll be able to do a full 26.2 miles without collapsing, but I know I have to try. Nancy will be doing it with me so I feel good about that. Neither of us is a spring chicken (mid- to late-fifties) so if we're going to tackle this, it's gotta be sooner than later. I was pretty bad about training during May and June because I was traveling quite a bit, but am focused on getting back on track since the beginning of July. My most recent long walk was 12.77 miles but it has been in the nineties here and my pace is not as fast as I would like. (just around 15 min/mile). During my short walks (4 miles) I am about a 13.5min/mile. I so agree with what Dave said about the time factor being one of the biggest drawbacks. Realistically, is it necessary to do a long walk every single week or is it OK to do every other? My long walks are now over 3 hours each and it's a major time commitment. How far should I train for the full? I know I don't need to go the full 26.2, but is 22 enough?
Any advice would be appreciated.

Jean, age is only a limit you put on your self. I'm 55 and plan to compete till I'm 85, then I'll just walk for recreation. So don't think of the 50s as old. You can consider it the start of your best years.

Our longest walk for marathon training was 20 miles, we had planned on 22 as the longest but life got in the way. We still finished just fine even though the temperture at Disney for the January marathon was 85 degrees.

Having a walking partner does help a lot. Erica and I train together 2 days a week then I'm on my own the other 3 to 4 workouts.

Dave

 

[WDWFAN9]

Thanks for starting up this thread. I am fairly new to all of this and sometimes hearing people talk about their 8-minute milers gets me a little discouraged. I never even DREAMED of doing a marathon until this past January when I watched my daughter compete in her first marathon at WDW. She has been a swimmer all her life, competing since grade school right through college. She took up running after graduation. Watching her compete in the Mickey was more exciting and rewarding than any of her swim meets. When I learned that some people actually WALK the marathon and take almost the full time allotment to do so, I was intrigued. I'm a big lady, but have been physically active all my life so I got me some good supportive RUNNING shoes (very important) and just started walking. On April 29th, I finished my first half marathon in Allentown, PA with another DISer(Nancy/padisneyfan). Our time was 3:11 and except for just a little post-event soreness, we both felt great. I am now signed up for the ToT 13K, City of Oaks half-marathon, and.....drumroll, please.......the Mickey in Jan'08! I still don't know if I'll be able to do a full 26.2 miles without collapsing, but I know I have to try. Nancy will be doing it with me so I feel good about that. Neither of us is a spring chicken (mid- to late-fifties) so if we're going to tackle this, it's gotta be sooner than later. I was pretty bad about training during May and June because I was traveling quite a bit, but am focused on getting back on track since the beginning of July. My most recent long walk was 12.77 miles but it has been in the nineties here and my pace is not as fast as I would like. (just around 15 min/mile). During my short walks (4 miles) I am about a 13.5min/mile. I so agree with what Dave said about the time factor being one of the biggest drawbacks. Realistically, is it necessary to do a long walk every single week or is it OK to do every other? My long walks are now over 3 hours each and it's a major time commitment. How far should I train for the full? I know I don't need to go the full 26.2, but is 22 enough?
Any advice would be appreciated.

I followed John Bingham's MfM (Marathoning for Mortals) plan for walking a full, but I missed the longest scheduled walk of 20 miles (however I hardly ever missed a weekday shorter walk) - the longest I walked in training was 18 miles. I finished the WDW full in just under 6:56. So it is very do-able.

There are a lot of pure walkers and we have a blast at the back of the pack. I am doing the full again next Jan (the special anniversary Mickey medal is calling my name) and I have a very lofty goal this time - to be fast enough be able to take the time to have a pic taken with one of the characters along the course. So far I have lots of pics of strangers with characters.

One of the coolest things about WISHers is that we have so many people at so many different levels - and everyone is supported and encouraged to celebrate their achievements! Please enjoy the journey!

 

[jeanneg]

It's good to know that if I train up to 20-22 miles I should be in good shape.

Pat: your "goal" comment made me laugh......I was looking at the photo site from last year's marathon and I swear there is one guy who looks like he posed with every single character! And if I recall correctly, he still finished with an amazing time. My daughter was very hard-core about the whole thing. She really wanted to come in under 4 hours for her first marathon. It turned out she was 4:01 and she was a little bummed, but it was incredibly hot that day and everyone tells her that most people were off their best time. She said she couldn't believe that people just got out of the race to pose with characters! I think that for many people the WDW event is purely for fun and not something to improve their time. But I hear you loud and clear....I 'd like to give myself a big enough cushion so I can use the bathroom AND pose with a character or two. Did your 6:56 finish include a potty stop? How scary are the sweepers? Was this year's Mickey your first full marathon?

Jeanne

 

[Honeibee]

Dave - This is sich an excellent thread.

I was recently thinking how all the talk of faster paces and how to gain speed on our weekly thread was getting a little discouraging. As much as I am envious all the "Speedys" on our team, let's be real, I will never be one of them. And that's OK. There have been many times in my life - like today for instance - that I have hardly been able to walk at all. So to walk for any sort of distance at a pace of 13:00 - 13:30 makes me extremely happy. My goal for the 2008 Half is to do it in a shorter time than I did the 2007, but even if it's just by a few minutes I'll be thrilled.

Let's celebrate walking for it's own sake and compete only with ourselves.

Besides, all the people who have to hang around and collect awards won't be able to go to Beaches and Cream for a Kitchen Sink after the race!

 

[windwalker]

Dave - This is sich an excellent thread.

I was recently thinking how all the talk of faster paces and how to gain speed on our weekly thread was getting a little discouraging. As much as I am envious all the "Speedys" on our team, let's be real, I will never be one of them. And that's OK. There have been many times in my life - like today for instance - that I have hardly been able to walk at all. So to walk for any sort of distance at a pace of 13:00 - 13:30 makes me extremely happy. My goal for the 2008 Half is to do it in a shorter time than I did the 2007, but even if it's just by a few minutes I'll be thrilled.

Let's celebrate walking for it's own sake and compete only with ourselves.

Besides, all the people who have to hang around and collect awards won't be able to go to Beaches and Cream for a Kitchen Sink after the race!

Judy I used to be one of those runners who thought walkers were just in the way. You know that old saying, "But for the grace of god I could be there to", well when I trashed my achilies tendon I could either head for the couch or become a walker. I have no regrets walking has been better to me than running ever was.

I have a new lease on being an athlete, and I think I'm a better person for it to. I no longer beat myself up over my times. I train by effort now. Sometimes I feel like pushing hard sometimes I feel like just going at a comfortable easy pace. When I was a runner a slow time for a route ruined the whole experience, even when the weather was perfect and I should have been enjoying it.

Walking has opened up a new level of both competition and distance also. Even at my best as a runner I could never have even considered an adventure like the Goofy. I was a good sprinter but even 5k was a rough race. A 10K seemed endless and a half or full marathon was an ordeal.

The competition with other walkers is just as intense as the competition of the runners and I'm competitive as a walker. In the run races I was a mid pack runner who never came close to winning an award. As a walker I win something everytime I race.

As a runner I would never consider a race fun. It wasn't about fun it was about getting it done as fast as possible. It was about how much pain I could stand. To even think about stopping to get a picture taken with a Disney character would be an abomination. Erica taught me to relax and have fun. Heck I ain't gonna win the Disney marathon anyway so why not have all the fun we can.

Dave

 

[WDWFAN9]

It's good to know that if I train up to 20-22 miles I should be in good shape.

Pat: your "goal" comment made me laugh......I was looking at the photo site from last year's marathon and I swear there is one guy who looks like he posed with every single character! And if I recall correctly, he still finished with an amazing time. My daughter was very hard-core about the whole thing. She really wanted to come in under 4 hours for her first marathon. It turned out she was 4:01 and she was a little bummed, but it was incredibly hot that day and everyone tells her that most people were off their best time. She said she couldn't believe that people just got out of the race to pose with characters! I think that for many people the WDW event is purely for fun and not something to improve their time. But I hear you loud and clear....I 'd like to give myself a big enough cushion so I can use the bathroom AND pose with a character or two. Did your 6:56 finish include a potty stop? How scary are the sweepers? Was this year's Mickey your first full marathon?

Jeanne

Jeanne,

My 6:56 finish included 3 potty stops. It was my first full, the 2006 Donald was my first event ever. I have to admit that I live in fear of the sweepers and didn't really relax until the AK mile 18. The last sweeper bus is at mile 20.5 but it was at the AK that I was sure (barring unforeseen circumstances) that I was going to finish in time to get my Mickey medal. In fact I scared my DD Erin at AK. As I was approaching the point where I knew she was waiting to cheer for me I got a little teary eyed. I knew I was on pace, and to say that a full marathon is a huge achievement for me is a gross understatement (I am still amazed that I have completed 4 halfs). Anyway, I was getting teary-eyed as I got the the front of the AK, and when I saw her and went up to give her a hug I just burst into tears, which is very, very unlike me. She thought I was worried about finishing and started reassuring me that I was on pace and doing well (she knew thanks to the text message updates she was receiving). It was such an amazing feeling to set a huge goal and then accomplish it!

Oops, gotta go!

 

[jeanneg]

Dave: I like your attitude. I'm competitive by nature and always try to do the absolute best I can. I often have to remind myself that it's better to go a whole minute slower and enjoy the experience rather than beat myself up trying to go as fast as I can....which is still going to be at the back of the pack!

Judy: good to see you posting here.....I remember you from the "big kids" thread. I've done so much traveling lately that I haven't been able to keep up with them. Trying to get back on track.

Pat: I know what you mean about getting all teary eyed. I was that way as a spectator! For me, I just want to hear the choir as I make the turn out of Epcot......that means the end is close and I know I'm going to start blubbering at that point.

It is so nice to know there will be other green shirts at the back of the pack!

Jeanne

 

[getnthinr]

...I have a very lofty goal this time - to be fast enough be able to take the time to have a pic taken with one of the characters along the course. So far I have lots of pics of strangers with characters.

Pat, I remember saying in last year's race report that I wanted to be fast enough that I could stop in AK and Disney MGM for photos. As we get closer to the end of the marathon, I always get anxious about my time and feel I can't stop for photos. Honestly, I'll never be able to set a time goal for Disney because getting those photos with my race number plastered across my chest is the highlight of my day. I love looking at them -- even months (years) later.

I'd almost forgotten that "time goal" -- THANKS for reminding me!

 

[ohMom]

ok, i'm getting the bug again

in 2003 I began my WISH journey and lost 20-25 lbs and joined in the first WISH team to sign up for the Donald. That was my first 1/2 marathon and i have completed 5 to date and plan on another this fall. Lately with life and other factors i have just lost my mojo and excitement for the events. Paying for them, traveling to them, it just seems so expensive with a DD in 10th grade and college on the horizon; when i can just lace up and hit my trusty walking trail just a hop and skip from my front door.

but as you probably know, without it i have lost my luster. i have regained some weight over the past 2 years and am 10-15 lbs heavier than i want to be. seems like every time i train for a 1/2 i don't lose weight. my dream is to complete a 1/2 at my goal weight. someday.

i have tried to join in on the training chats but i can't keep up! then i feel like an intruder, not by any of you all just b/c i don't know what the heck is going on.

wow, i'm not usually a whiner.........sorry..........kinda having a bad time of it all and just looking for a reason to pump myself back up and get into it all like I was back then, in my head, you know?

 

[magslite]

Dave, thanks for this thread. It is just what I needed to get out there and do my long walk today. I will be up to 8 miles today.

Judy, I know what you mean about improving speed. I am a walker. No running mixed in. I am averaging 16-17min miles. Would I like to be 14-15min/miles? OFCOURSE!! But I want to enjoy the process.

Who called the daily thread for big kids? That is exactly how I feel. I know everyone was so nice when I posted and I am REALLY looking forward to seeing/meeting the WISHers this august, but I just can't keep up with most of those fine people on that thread!!

I decided to walk a half, because I want to be healthier and lose 10lbs. I figured if I started training I would become consistent at exercising and start the habit of walking 4-5 days a week. That is my goal, and I need to remember that when I seem to get stuck on my average pace. Luckily for me, the CDC allows for an 18min/mile pace.

It is a beautiful day here in Chicagoland. mid 70's and breezy. Off to walk!
Maggie

 

[windwalker]

ok, i'm getting the bug again


i have tried to join in on the training chats but i can't keep up! then i feel like an intruder, not by any of you all just b/c i don't know what the heck is going on.

wow, i'm not usually a whiner.........sorry..........kinda having a bad time of it all and just looking for a reason to pump myself back up and get into it all like I was back then, in my head, you know?

OhMom, we are taking the WISH Team concept to a new level and it would only be right that you are a part of that evolution. You and some others built a wonderful place here. The spirit of caring and the energy is awesome.

WISH shirts and teams are turning up at all the big events, The Flying Pig, the Chi Town Races, The Marine Corp and of course the Disney races. We are about fun, fitness and friendship.

The ToT race will be huge, there will be lots new faces and lots of Disney vets there. It will be our first real chance to mingle with you awesome people.

This coming January the WISH presence and energy will be unbelieveable, we might even give Team In Training a run or walk for biggest presence.

Can't wait to meet you.

Dave

 

[windwalker]

Dave, thanks for this thread. It is just what I needed to get out there and do my long walk today. I will be up to 8 miles today.

Judy, I know what you mean about improving speed. I am a walker. No running mixed in. I am averaging 16-17min miles. Would I like to be 14-15min/miles? OFCOURSE!! But I want to enjoy the process.

Who called the daily thread for big kids? That is exactly how I feel. I know everyone was so nice when I posted and I am REALLY looking forward to seeing/meeting the WISHers this august, but I just can't keep up with most of those fine people on that thread!!

I decided to walk a half, because I want to be healthier and lose 10lbs. I figured if I started training I would become consistent at exercising and start the habit of walking 4-5 days a week. That is my goal, and I need to remember that when I seem to get stuck on my average pace. Luckily for me, the CDC allows for an 18min/mile pace.

It is a beautiful day here in Chicagoland. mid 70's and breezy. Off to walk!
Maggie

Maggie, the memories we make with our effort and facing our challanges are our greatest treasures.

As you get older money will mean less and less to you and what you do with that most precious of all things, your time, will mean more and more.

Dave

 

[jeanneg]

My new hobby has even gotten my husband hooked. He is signed up for the ToT 13K, the City of Oaks half-marathon in November, and the Donald in January. He doesn't post, but I'm going to get him a WISH shirt to wear. He's even slower than I am, so he definitely needs all the encouragement he can get. I'm hoping that spectators will cheer on any WISH shirt they see even if they don't know the person. So if you see a chubby little old guy you don't know it's probably my husband! I'm really very proud of him because in the beginning he was so reluctant to begin training...now he's finally got the bug.