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Are you a walker trying to start running?


Posted by Kim N.

Although walking is effective in improving cardiovascular health and maintaining a healthy weight, it's obvious that it's not the most effective method. Running, even at a very slow speed, will increase your heart rate while exercising, causing it to develop even more, and also burn more calories per unit of time. But, if you've never run before, it can be overwhelming. When I'm working with clients who are trying to learn to run, we take baby steps. Outside, we walk from one utility pole to the next, then jog from that utility pole to the next. We first do this walk/jog exercise for 10 minutes, then work out way up to 20 minutes. Once we build up to 20 minutes, we try and jog for 2 utility pole lengths, so we slowly increase the time spent jogging. This is a great way to get comfortable running!
 
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That's awesome that you're trying it. With your conditioning, and the shooting pain down your leg, I think this plan would work best for you. It allows you to progressively build up your intensity and exercise time. The way to further the exercise, is to simply increase the amount of time that you're jogging. If you're now running 2 telephone poles, make it 3 before you walk. Or if you'd rather use time, try and jog for 2 minutes, and walk for 30 seconds. Be patient with yourself and let yourself build endurance slowly. With your condition, it's not just your heart and muscles that need to adapt, but your lower back and hip structures are learning how to adapt and build. Please do keep me posted!
I've been afraid to run long distances for years. "Afraid" may be a strong word, maybe more fearful than afraid. A car accident left me sometimes severe muscle pain in my back, that can shoot down my leg at times. I've always held back on running, afraid I'd cause more problems to my body (it's a permanent injury, but just muscle-no spine injury, luckily.) I've done something like you suggested, and found it helpful, but I'm wondering how I should further that exercise, if at all. I may try what you've done with your clients if I feel like I can handle it, and keep you posted. Thanks!
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