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Walking VS Running ?

lean4life2
lean4life2 Posts: 49
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I have always worked out at a gym,since I was 15 years old,I love working out and will never stop.My weight problem stems 100% from my issues with food.
I took up outdoor running over a year and a half ago and have done a few 5ks,I love running,I find it difficult but the way it makes me feel is amazing .
The thing is it seems I am always injured,first it was shinsplints,then I got better shoes and now I have messed up my ankle somehow,have no idea.
I am just wondering if maybe running is not for me,or if I am just too big to be doing it at this weight :laugh:
I know walking is good for me,I just don`t get the same adrenaline rush as with running and I have to do it for twice as long.
Still enjoy getting out there and getting the fresh air though.
I get to the gym a couple days a week for weights or spinning as well.
So, I guess I am just curious on your individual opinions and experiences with powerwalking.
thanks friends :flowerforyou:

Replies

  • lambch0ps
    lambch0ps Posts: 79 Member
    I think it makes sense that extra weight can give you problems when running - I had terrible knee, ankle, and heel problems from running 24 lbs ago and now its pretty much gone. I wouldn't stop running, but if you have injuries subbing runs with walks is probably a good idea.
  • kayrevan
    kayrevan Posts: 37 Member
    I have recently started running, and although I have not experienced any injuries yet (thank goodness), I can say it is very difficult for me to run. I can not even run half a mile yet without stopping. I run a little and walk a lot and just keep repeating that over and over again. I am hoping once I shed some pounds running becomes easier. But I say if you like running, keep at it, just take it slow and listen to your body!
  • missprincessgina
    missprincessgina Posts: 446 Member
    I walk & run. And its not like I've gained any weight from running less and walking more. If I am walking I try to tackle some hills instead of walking a flat route.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Most running injuries are a result of trying to do too much, too soon, too fast. How frequently and how far / fast are you running?

    Perhaps you may find that just slowing down the pace a bit helps.

    I don't know if you had ever considered race walking, there's a group I see at one of the indoor tracks and some of their more experienced walkers are motoring along pretty fast.

    Either way you go look after your ankle, when you've recovered start back slowly (maybe even stick to walking for a while and gradually re-introduce the running)
  • ggcat
    ggcat Posts: 313 Member
    I walk and run!

    On days I do not feeling like running, I run for 10 minutes and get my heart rate up where I want it. And if I set the treadmill on a 6% incline and walk at about 4.0-4.3 (which is semi-fast) my heart rate stays around the same as it would if I were running at a 6.5 pace at a 2-3% incline. But I have to get it up by running those 10 minutes to achieve it. It's all the joys of running (high heartbeat, loss of breath, etc...) but no joint pain!
  • angelalf1979
    angelalf1979 Posts: 244 Member
    Try the Couch25k program! Helps build up endurance like a charm!!
  • NZhellkat
    NZhellkat Posts: 355 Member
    Walking hill trails is awesome. Much like running but much easier on the body. And being off road is much better for your legs too. That was where I started my running career the first time I did some major weight loss.
  • jeffrodgers1
    jeffrodgers1 Posts: 991 Member
    You might find success using the Jeff Galloway method. Basically it incorporates both Running and Walking into a routine. I believe he advocates a 3 minute run\ 1 minute walk on his half marathon\full marathon programs. Apparently it is easier on the legs and advertised as reduced chance of injury.

    Good Luck!
  • Illona88
    Illona88 Posts: 903 Member
    I walk because I have joint issues.
    However I do walk at quite a fast pace, so my heart rate does rise quite a bit.

    Also I can walk for hours on end, but I can't run for hours on end, so I guess that's a plus for walking too.

    Maybe you could look into speed walking as well? It kinda looks like you need the bathroom really quick, but I suppose it would be better for your joints than jogging ;).
  • julesassid
    julesassid Posts: 49
    I agree with everyone so far. I am just re-starting to run (jog, or stumble along) as well. I keep having to stop because of tendonitis, plantar fasciitis or sore hips. This time around I changed 2 things and have been injury free so far. First, I know I have terribly high foot arches so my pronation is bad. So I sucked it up and bought custom foot orthotics and I leave them in the shoes I walk, run, or do anything exercise related. Second, I joined a boot camp. It has helped me build better muscles from my hips to my calves and I'm no longer getting the tight, sore hips. This is what worked for me - I hope you heal quickly and good luck to you!
  • Jones4177
    Jones4177 Posts: 136
    Couch to 5K....awesome program to start running and keep running
  • SelkieDiver
    SelkieDiver Posts: 260 Member
    You probably need to work on your running form. Maybe look into Chi Running or some of the other methods. You may be striking on your heel when you run and that can cause all kinds of injuries. Shorter strides, higher cadence (faster foot turn-over) and mid-foot strike should keep you relatively healthy as a runner. There are lots of articles out there on the inter-webs that you can learn from.

    Walking is good for you too, especially uphill, but I know what you mean about that feeling you only get from running. I'm totally addicted.
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