Running News Daily

What is the point of runing junk miles? Mixing in some walking is a better solution

I can remember a time when I would never walk during a run.  I would never count any walking mileage in my weekly numbers.  That changed a few years ago and I am thinking maybe I should have changed my thinking on this years before. 

However, the best way to run well is to get in running mileage.  Walking miles is not going to get you through your 10K, half marathon or certainly not a marathon or beyond.  However, there are times when walking is a better option than running. 

I run at least 20 miles per week and currently about 15-25% of that is walking.  Over this past weekend I got in 12 miles.  Today my legs were tired.  For me just to run slowly for a mile (i cover at least one mile everyday) would not have proved anything other than it would not have been fun. 

Running needs to be fun.  My legs needed rest.  So today I started off walking, then I decided to run 25 steps, then I walked, then I ran 50 steps, I walked and then ran 100 steps and so on.  

Even for as long as I have been running I still from time to time need to do something like this.  I finished the mile just under 14 minutes.  I broke a sweat and I got in my "run." 

My legs will be ready to run tomorrow but if not I will do something like what I did today.  Lots of times our body says no (like mine today) but we run anyway and wonder why we get injured. 

I have done it many times over the years.  Running junk miles is not going to make you a better runner.  Next time mix in some walking and see what you think.  It works for me. 

I have been running since 1962 and  I am still racing.  (photo - 70-year-old Bob Anderson after finishing the Paris 20K May 27, 2018, placing second (1:56:24) in his division on a tough course.)