SkiDork wrote:whats up with that power walking stuff? Maybe I should try that, seeing as how I love running but my knees don't... Any advice?
I don't know much about it, but I'm sure there's a ton of information on the internet. I think it'll be perfect for you - people sometimes call it "dork walking."
Steve, congrats on your run!
I had read some stuff about "power walking" and it being a good cardio-vascular workout, but when I was on Outward Bound a few years ago, the guide said it was bunk. I haven't researched it recently...signed up for the gym instead and do step aerobics and use the elliptical. I think I'll do more research on the walking thing.
MarieM wrote:when I was on Outward Bound a few years ago, the guide said it was bunk.
interesting.
well, anything that gets your heart rate up with such little impact can't be all that bad for you.. I wonder if he was talking about specificity of training - eg powerwalking isn't a good exercise for if you're only trying to be a better hiker...
neither is running, really.. I know that when I go hiking these days, my cardiovascular endurance is way up - but muscles that I don't use when running start to fatigue as early as ever.. so if you were to operate on a "weakest-link" philosophy, as a half-marathon runner, I'm really not that much better a hiker than I was before I could run a mile - the only thing that makes me better is that I'm a little lighter than I was before.
But back to speedwalking - daily exercise will decrease fat and make him generally healthier... If that is his goal, then he should by all means look into doing it. Plus, he does it without the impact of running or financial costs of joining a gym/buying gear (well-cushioned running shoes cost me about $100/month because they wear out quickly under 300+ lbs.)