I'm walkin'

From Pat Huston for the walkers:

The purple bracelet bands help identify both the walker coaches and the participants who choose to focus on walking fitness strategies. Please remember to bring and wear your purple bracelet bands if you have them! We ran out, so it would be helpful for you to even wear a thick purple band of your own choosing.

Runners may help their overall results by training their walking strategies for the times they aren't running. As a speedier walker, it is not unusual for me to pass runners as they seem to "collapse" into their walking. I observe their posture becomes bent forward and the strides are too long.

It is generally best to avoid a long stride- that creates a bouncier step and may be harder on the back, hips, knees, and feet. Try bursts with shorter steps and awareness of your heel-toe contacts/push off...

Bent elbows keep your arms from slowing you down, and help you keep your posture straighter. This is also good for your upper back. Watch other people for their "mechanics".

Walking may be a good option for those of you who have been working at the running but perhaps having too many orthopedic issues. We will have a coach to help keep those feet flying and pushing our fitness limits. Some of you might want to just learn how to walk your fastest for the times between when you are running (sometimes we call that trekking).

We are now having one or 2 walker coaches stationed with the 15-17 min mile pace groups for those of you who want to attempt the speedier walking pace. We will hold up a speed walker sign -- please join us if you feel reasonably cmfortable with walking 1 1/2-2 miles at a quick pace. Look for a Pink Lady with the purple arm bracelet band.