[drgenie]

...for those of you who list this as your alternative workout, do you mean the "official" wiggly duck butt looking power walk (i.e. race form) or just fast walking? I'm guessing this is a good way to get more distance when you're going long???<br><br>
Rationale and technique?

 

[merigayle]

no technique. Usually close to 4mph, sometimes 3.8 or 3.9 if on an incline. If the incline is very high on the TM, i may go a bit slower. Outside i just try to walk fast. I am not sure what i look like when i walk fast, but i am sure others here can tell you if i walk goofy <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[drgenie]

No, what I meant.....that "official" racewalk form is kinda funny looking, the thing where both feet have to be down at the same time and you walk one foot in front of the other. I've seen it and it makes people's butts stick up like a duck and they wiggle funny. It's hard to describe, but that's what I was asking.<br><br>
Walking fast, now that I can do. <img alt="wink.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/wink.gif"><br><br>
Since I'm just starting out again, is it OK to use the power walking to increase my distances until I can run them all?

 

[diablita]

this is so funny. after my elliptical workout yesterday, I hopped on the treadmill, jacked up the incline, and added on a few minutes of what I guessed was one of your 'power hikes', meri. I was wondering about your pace and incline ranges, too. And wondering if you hold onto the handrail in front, or just swing it for all you're worth. <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif">

 

[merigayle]

I do not see why not. I know the "technique" you are referring, but not sure if i do that <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"><br>
You could do a run/walk as well. Just make sure you are walking fast enough. This is a big trap that i can easily fall into. That is why the TM is a good tool, it teaches me what a 4mph walk feels like. As long as your heart rate is up, you should be fine <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[drgenie]

That's a technique that is hard to master, but I definitely like your idea about doing the walks on the TM to see what that speed feels like. I'm going to try that too!!!

 

[merigayle]

It will help to start on the TM so you know you are actually working hard enough when you are outside. I guess if you walked where it was marked you could time yourself (like the Perk trail or Schyullkill trail).

 

[altoids]

merigayle's powerwalking technique does not involve her butt sticking out, or wiggling like a duck. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> Just walking pretty darn fast.

 

[merigayle]

we posted at the same time and i missed this.<br><br>
I do not hold the bar. if i feel like it is too fast i slow down and then gradually build the speed back up.<br><br>
Thanks Altoids. Now i know <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[GaRebelRunner]

If I do anymore 50k or longer distances I'm going to have to practice the 4mph on a steep incline, especially if I decide to run Comrades in 2008 as it will be an "up" year with hills that are 2 miles long.