Single Sport Training - Run/Walk

Sister Randy Walking North on 33rd Street

Today is a walk day in my training schedule. Since there's an excessive heat advisory posted for the day, I opted to get out early for my workout. I was delighted that my sister joined me. She's training for the triathlon too. I love having someone to chat with while walking. Plus, she tends to go faster than me so she pushes me a bit which is good.

I've opted to walk the run segment as my history with running is mixed to say the least. In high school I remember the newly initiated President's Fitness campaign which included a test to assess fitness levels. My results were mediocre as I expected (I really sucked at situps!) except for the longest run of the set. In the '60s "long" runs were a lot shorter than today. I don't remember the exact distance but it was more than once around the track. I was really surprised to learn that I scored well on that. I concluded that I wasn't a skilled runner just stubborn enough to keep at it. I don't think I was giving myself enough credit but by then I had a pretty poor body image.

Me Walking South on 33rd

In later years when I tried running as a fitness activity I always had problems with side cramps. As I watched friends and family tally up their running injuries I decided that my choice to stick to walking was a wise one. Walking the run segment seems wise also as this is not the time in my life to introduce a new physical challenge that might damage my joints.

I walk fairly frequently especially if I can find someone to go with me. On our property here in Paw Paw we are blessed with a set of paths through the woods that make for wonderful walking. The only down side is the pull to stop and look at birds and plants when I need to keep my heart rate up.

Run/Walk goes Out our Driveway

The triathlon run route is out our driveway and north on 33rd Street with a turnaround at .8 miles. The whole loop is about 1.6 miles which is a little less than my usual walk. I probably go about 2 miles as I go farther up 33rd before turning back. It is gently rolling terrain through farmland. I can currently walk the triathon distance in just under 30 minutes.

The only concern I have about the triathlon walk is my right knee. It has almost recovered from the abusive Glendale hills of last winter. However, I still get occasional twinges so plan to wear a knee brace. I'm still debating whether I will wear the brace for the whole event or put it on for the bike and/or walk segments. I'll be testing that out when I get to multi-sport workouts.

Overall, I'm feeling confident about the walk segment. Since it comes last in the sequence I'm expecting to be slower than usual. It helps me to have some expectations of how it will all go. I am cautioning myself, however, to be ready for surprises. Expectations can sometimes color the experience and keep me from being present and enjoying what unfolds. I don't want to set myself up for negative feelings if what I thought were realistic expectations turn out differently than I imagined. After all these years I'm still working on the "be here now" philosophy!