The training starts now! Image Courtesy of: Sura Nualpradid and Freedigitalphotos.net

Run Walk, Fat Girl, Run Walk!

I hope by next spring I can run in my first 5K (I’m walking in them now). So yes, a marathon is truly a long-term goal.

Right now I power walk 5 days week, alternating between 4 and 2.5 miles, with the former focused on distance and the latter on increasing speed.  The other 2 days, I walk at a normal pace.

Interval Training Out. Walking Plan In.

I tried interval training a few months ago and it didn’t go well. The training itself was fine. My knees afterward were not. My doc advised that more weight – 60 lbs  – needed to come off before I try running again.

As I tooled around the Weight Watchers site this weekend, I came across a walking guide complete with a suggested training schedule.   With plans for beginner, intermediate and advanced walkers, I could easily tailor the advance walking training to fit my needs.

So What’s The Plan?

My power walking goes from 5 to 4 days a week. Why? Because I’m adding in cardio – aerobics, biking or hiking. Toning is too important to ignore, so I’m keeping my 2 day muscle workouts. I built in 2 rest days and will adjust as I go, but for now the schedule doesn’t seem overly taxing. By mid September, I’m aiming for a consistent pace of 15 min/mile and hitting the 6 mile mark.

The WW suggested plans are in 8-week increments. I decided to build the plan out for the next 4 months. That takes me to January to hopefully start interval training. But for now, I can use the walking plan to build up my endurance, strength and speed.

Sweet!

Related articles

• Walking Clinic Part 1: Rev Up Your Walking Routine (Weight Watchers)
• Beginning A Fitness Walking Program (The Walking Site)