Month-long pause in running replaced with daily walks, teaching five revelations
In the world of endurance running, one individual has made an unexpected switch to walking, finding a new rhythm that suits their lifestyle and health needs.
Once a regular runner, logging six days a week on the pavement, this individual found themselves in a familiar predicament when they had to take a break from their usual routine. A change in home routine and a physiotherapist's advice led to a shift from running to walking.
Their canine companion, Zippy - a foxhound-trailhound with boundless energy - requires a minimum of two hours of exercise daily. With the individual's new walking routine, they managed to meet Zippy's needs while also finding a more manageable pace for themselves.
Walking, it seems, has become a welcome change. The early morning hours, when the world is still quiet, provide a serene backdrop for the individual's walks. This new routine has brought about a sense of mental clarity, much like running did, enabling exploration and connection with nature.
The individual's weekly walking regimen amounts to approximately 14 hours, burning around 400 calories per two-hour walk, which was more than they initially expected. Over a week, they cover about 30-38 miles (50km to 60km), a distance similar to their base running mileage.
But walking is more than just a substitute for running. Personal trainer Rachel Macpherson emphasises the benefits of walking, stating that it can help reduce blood sugar and pressure, improve mental health, aid weight balance and digestion, and keep joints, bones, and muscles mobile.
For the running enthusiast, walking has proven to be a beneficial cross-training exercise for recovery, particularly for endurance runners. The individual has learned that walking is not a step back from running, but a step towards maintaining fitness and health.
In future training for an ultra-marathon, the individual plans to incorporate more hiking, especially on elevated terrain, to reduce the risk of injury and improve walking speed up inclines. The journey from running to walking may have been a surprising one, but it's clear that this individual is embracing the new path with open strides.
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