Run/Walk vs. Straight Running

I would say that for you, do what feels right.

If that means sticking to running the whole time, then go for it. If that means some days you run the whole time, other days you mix it up, then go for it.

If you are paying attention, you'll know when you need to take it easy. It ain't the mileage that breaks ya.

I hoped, but KNEW you were lurking!!!!

The bolded part is exactly what I'm doing.

There's video of me running in a skimpy pink bikini top, fercryinoutloud. YES, ON BT. Do I HAVE to go find it for you???

There might also be some from the last Bali Tri, but I was cinched in pretty tight and also very ill at the time, so it didn't look too pretty.

I almost always run/walk, even in races. It makes no sense to me not to. It allows you to take a break from the constant pounding that long distance running involves, and allows your HR to recover. Usually I'll walk every mile for 30 seconds or so; in a race perhaps every 2-4 miles. Sure, people will pass you as you're walking, but overtaking them is never a problem.

Since you are listening to your body, just listen to what it tells you.

I've done both after time off and at different points liked one option over the other but it changes. I know when I first started run/walking my HR would go high when I first started running so doing that every 4 or 5 minutes made my avg HR for run/walk higher than just walking.

Here is a good article about run/walk.

For some, not saying you, that any walking seems like failure. For me I see it as a technique to be able to run more.

Good luck!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvXvTgoT53Q

There are several shots of me throughout, but nice slow-mo front and rear views between 2:20 and 2:40

Enjoy

Great article! Thanks! Food for thought ... and running ... and coaching.

Just posted to to another thread.
I am doing the Run walk run .
I am using the Gallaway "Half Marathon" and the "Marathon running for Mortals " by Bingham and Hedfield.
I bought the gallaway dual timer and so far I am having great success.
My longest runn previous was 3 miles.
Saturday I did six run walk.

Good luck, and I am going to check the vid when I get home

I've heard many good run coaches advocate integrating walks into the training program.  Not just run/walk session but moderate walks on recovery days.  Keeps the legs loose & blood flowing while letting the legs recover from stress of long runs (or big speed sessions).
Most common recommendation seems to be to up your mileage ~10%/week as you feel able, and hold your mileage (or even drop a bit) every 4th week or so t6 consolidate your fitness gains.

Good Luck in building your run base!!!

Both my wife and I used the Jeff Galloway run/walk for our first marathon many moons ago.  We started with a group of around 30 runners and only 3 did not complete the NYC Marathon.  It works!

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/training/index-weekly.asp?memberid=115539&year=&month=&day=

Check out my last run.  I prefer run/walk.  Easier on me and faster, too!

Well I am injured right now (Achilles tendon pain)... so I am doing a 3 minute walk, 2 minute run combo.

In fact, I did this for 2008 and half of 2009. It wasn't until July 2009 that I was able to run without walking. Had a good season of running from July 2009 to April 2010. June 2010 until Sept 2010 I had nothing but injuries. So now, I'm back to a walk/run.

While it's not what I completely ENJOY doing... and I wish I could RUN... I know that I have to compromise if I want to keep competing.

With my walk/run combo I can go up to 7 miles easily (and possibly more, just now I'm at 7 miles in training)... without a lot of output needed from my body. I don't need nutrition or any water even. It's pretty easy.

BTW- I keep roughly a 11:35 mm with my walk/run combo.

ITA with the bolded part. Run/Walking is what got me running more and more. I've been running about 4 years now. Done mostly run/walking, depending on where I'm at in training it may be two minutes running, one minute walking. Usually it's a lot more running than walking. It's helped me keep from getting hurt. However, lately I've been running much more, walking on very little on longer runs. But that's mostly due to finally having developed a good base.

Good luck.

...and here is where the rubber hits the road, so to speak.

I know you're listening to your body, but weren't you listening to your body before? Personally, I would hate to see you hurt again from going too hard. As painfully boring as it sounds, doing a run/walk for a few weeks might help build your base better without causing any injury. You can even start with a 5/1 for 20 minutes just to see how you feel.

Ha, actually (so far) I find running straight far more boring than run/walk, which breaks things up nicely.

I should have qualified my question with a bit of history, although several responders do know it (and I know theirs).

3 years competitive soccer
4 years competitive badminton (yes, we do a LOT of run training)
Bunch o' marathons, a few halfs, other road races, triathlons (ALL trained on Galloway run/walk)

I'm building back up from scratch because I got hit with a couple viruses that wipe you out for weeks or months, AND affect your joints.

But I've never specifically trained for endurance running with straight running. At this point, it's no more an intense intuition that that is what my body needs to do or needs to try. Also, eventually, I'd like to be fairly decent, and to me, the evidence points to that I'll probably need to make the transition to straight running at some point.

Why not now?

A great many run injuries occur from the too much, too soon, too fast syndrome. I have always said that run/walk is simply a pacing startegy where overall pace is moderated by the walk portion, forcing you to slow down and build mileage safely and slowly and keeping intensity in check. That's why it wors. Run only using the same mindset of moderating pace and building distance slowly also works. Pick you poison and mellon press on!

Anything longer then a 5K and I used a walk/run combo. I usually hold to something like a 1:2 ration where every minute I walk I run two. I can turn in some fairly good MOP run times and usually have enough energy at the end of the run to push hard and sprint the last 200m's or so, this way I finish strong and look great crossing the finish line (so I am a little vain who isn't?).

I also listen to my body at the same time. If I am having a great day, I will do a lot more running. If it's a bad day, I still do the 1:2, I just run a little slower.

I've been following your story here on BT for the past year, and I know you've had some crappy luck with the sickness and all. I don't know exactly what virus you had, but some illnesses (and some medications) can make you more susceptible to ligament damage or tendon issues. Also, since you have such a strong background already you may feel like you can go all day and not get hurt. I still think erring on the side of caution is the best move, especially in regards to running. The miles will always be there, what's most important is that you'll be able to do them.

You probably know this, but the transition from r/w to straight run doesn't have to occur overnight. My current plan calls for r/w (9/1) for all runs over 10 miles (basically, my weekly long run). As I ramp up for my first marathon in Feb, I'm lowering the walk time and hope to end up around 14:30/:30. You could work something similar in your plan.

Darn it Yanti, I'm just sick of hearing about injuries! Training to race is no good if you never get to race.

Perfect timing TriAya!  I have nothing pertinent to add but I wanted to share.  I'm a mere 3 hours away from finally getting out of this boot and putting on my left shoe for the 1st time since early September.  I have to start from scratch but TODAY I get to begin my walking progression program.  This means I'm a couple of weeks away from beginning my walk run program.  I'm excited that I'll be moving forward. 

Thanks for the link Kathy.