Question:I've been walking about 21 miles a week (3 and 4 mile walks) but I'm
thinking I'd like to try a marathon or mini-marathon as a walker. The longest
walk for me has been 8 miles (I've done this twice with no discomfort).
Anyone have any suggestions for a training schedule? I'd like to
participate in a walk next spring.
Answer:
Start participating in these event -- at yout own pace. They are 5K and 10K in length and
you are not timed nor are you in competition. I'm walking a marathon
Saturday. I do as many volkswalk as I can for distance -- this past
Saturday I did a rewalk on a 10K and Sunday I did a rewalk on an 11K --
gave me 42K in two days. Plus, I try to walk at least an hour or more
every day and ride a bike. Do it as much as you can -- make it fun. Get
yourself a tape player and play your favorite music as you walk. If the
weather and darkness bothers you, walk in a shopping center early in the
morning.
I've been walking late at night (peaceful, quiet, less
traffic) most of the time (since April 96), but started walking about two
months ago on my lunch hour 3 to 4 times a week, too. I'm an "outdoor"
walker...tried the mall thing and was bored silly. I have to see a horizon,
smell the flowers, etc.
Can one "overtrain" for a walking marathon? How much should I push the
mileage before a marathon? I also do intensive (super slow) weight training
three times a week at the Y (only THREE skipped days since 3 Oct 96!!!), so
I'm strong, though still losing weight (90 pounds so far!).
Just having finished my first (and probably only) marathon, "overtrain"?
I doubt it. Just get a pair of comfortable shoes and walk. I had done a
lot of walking, but three weeks ago, fell off the bike and broke my arm.
I've been a little up/little down since, and haven't pushed myself.
However, the weekend prior I walked an hour or so with my husband
Saturday and then did two 10 k's in a wooded setting. Sunday, I walked
that hour or so, then did two 11k's on pavement. Saturday, Oct. 18, I
set off on a marathon (26 miles) and 9 1/2 hours later I finished. I was
doing well until I had 9 k's left (5.5 miles) I figured that is less
than a volkswalk. But the football game was over and the boring postgame
was on. The tape in my tape player was getting boring. At the last
checkpoint, with 5K to go, I realized my feet were beginning to burn.
But I knew I had to finish -- had to hold up my reputation. The last
mile I had to cross a bridge and the pavement really got to me. Although
I had a pair of shoes tied to my belt to change should I need it, I was
getting so tired I couldn't (or wouldn't stop). I had to press on. I was
so happy to hear people cheering and clapping as I walked into the
finish area. My miserable mood changed (although the sun was shining).
When I returned home (I was at a camping club outing), I got a rousing
round of applause as I stumbled down to the campfire shouting "I did
it!"
