Run/Walking for Exercise

Is run/walking for exercise better than running exclusively? As someone that's spent quite a few years as a runner, I've recently been looking into some of the reasons why run/walking is better than straight running due to some of the symptoms I'm experiencing. After spending 28 years as a runner, I'm beginning to feel the side effects. My hips have taken quite a beating and although my other joints aren't too bad off, I can feel the impact that running has had on my knees. Some of the reasons to mix walking with my runs became relevant upon a little further thought.

Less Injuries

There's no doubt that walking will prevent the common injuries that occur with running. Most regular runners have some joint or tendon that's prone to acting up when we really push our running performance. Implementing some walking with your runs will reduce the continual impact from regular use that these areas experience. I find that when I run for 10 minutes and walk for 5, I have considerably less discomfort after my runs.

Faster Run Times

Believe it or not, if you're running for good finish times, adding some walking intervals can help you achieve a better time in that regard. Primarily because your body will be able to experience somewhat of a recovery from the intermittent running. Then when you start your running back up your muscles are less fatigued and you can gain quicker time during those running intervals.

Quicker Recovery Times

As a walk/runner you'll find that your more intense training and longer runs will have less time attached to them with regard to recovery. You'll experience less symptoms from the hard training and as a result won't have such a long recovery period after it's over. The intense accumulation of fatigue you get when you're training for lengthy races won't have a chance to happen if you apply some walking to your routine.

More Mileage

With walking breaks there's no telling how long you could run. You may find that your mileage is really able to climb as a result of putting this method into practice. My good friend did just that and found that she could get double her mileage out of her runs. Not only does this help your endurance for more running but your sense of accomplishment will benefit as well.