How to Turn Your Walk into a Run

The best workout/running/j
ogging bra is the Enell Bra. They're a tad expensive ($62), but WORTH EVERY PENNY! I own 2 of them. - 4/11/2013 10:49:30 PM

I've already progressed from an inveterate walker into a runner, but this article was a great reinforcement. Thank you! - 11/16/2012 8:03:53 AM

I was a runner. But the damage my knees endured I payed for later. Now after two complex knee replacements. running is out, fast walks, with some jogging is all I can do. But that's OK, I can do so much more, ski and hike . I am taking up Nordic walking.
I really don't believe we were meant to run as much as we have tried to do in our lives.
As long as I exercise , raises my heart rate., and strength train, I will leave running to those who feel they are physical able too. - 11/15/2012 8:23:34 PM

I tried running back in the '70s when I was a lot younger. Couldn't get the right stride no matter how hard I tried. And after seeing both my sister and niece suffering with knee and back problems from running, I won't even attempt it. So "I don't jog, and I don't do windows". - 11/15/2012 1:52:43 PM

I have tried again and again over the course of this past year with all the appropriate precautions. I added running/jogging slowly and my good knee just cannot take it neither can the hip on that same side. I will continue to speed walk/ jog and strength train and yoga but this is just out of the question for me and it saddens me so because I loved running before my back injury. I think I will focus on what I CAN do.
- 11/15/2012 12:01:01 PM

unfortunately there are no tracks or running trails within walking distance of my house. It's just concrete. I don't want shin splints! - 11/15/2012 11:45:20 AM

You must have read my mind, Nancy - after nursing an injured foot for the past 5-6 weeks and having to walk instead of run, in the next few days I think I'll be just about ready to get back into running again. So this article has come just right for me.
I'm a little nervous about starting out with running again, but after Christmas I'm starting training with a friend to compete in a tri-athlon being held in my village in the Spring, so I've got to start again before too long anyway!
Thanks for this article - most helpful. - 11/15/2012 10:57:51 AM

I like a bunch of you right now have tried "the running thing" and at 64 I feel the same way about running as I did at 24. I "HATE RUNNING" for all the reasons she listed. It's hard on the knees, it's hard on the feet, it's hard on the ankles, shoes are impossible to find at any price, and the ones you do find are so outrageously expensive it's not worth it. Running on grass when you were a kid was a thing to do because you could do it barefoot and nobody cared. Now put on your $200.00 - $300.00 running shoes with your very expensive socks and go run in the grass. Let me know how that works out for you especially wet soggy grass, not too mention depending on where you're running in the country it's very easy to run into a prairie dog hole in Arizona, Or a Red Fire Ant Mound in Texas. I know thousand upon thousands run all the time I see them as I do my walk. I get them it's for them it's just not me. Here's my thought on this whole exercise thing. Do It For You Not Some One Else. I walk at a pretty brisk pace yet I enjoy my walk I try not to make it "WORKMAN LIKE" or "EXERCISE". I see Squirrels, Butterflies, Other Joggers. My Point Is It's Fun It's A Joy It's ME and that my friends makes it all worth doing.... - 11/15/2012 10:24:23 AM

I have two sisters age 59 and 60 who are runners. Both have had all kinds of injuries that have required knee & foot surgery, casts, cortisone shots, physio-therapy, painkillers and more.

I am 61 and I haven't run since I was 12. I walk every day 1-3 times, I do yoga 5 times a week and lift weights 2 times per week. I look 10 years younger than they do, and I am much more flexible. As humans we are meant to move lots, but constant running is not normal, or healthy in the long term. - 11/15/2012 10:23:08 AM

Great inspiration! Can anyone recommend a super supportive yet comfortable running bra suited for large breasted women?
thanks! - 11/15/2012 9:03:00 AM

I tried. I really did. I joined the Running for Rookies page. I stayed away from concrete. I limited my running to no more than 3 days per week for about 6 weeks. I got good shoes. I warmed up first, stretched after. I believe that some people's physiologies are not meant to run. My 62 year old knees and hips told me so and giving it more time would only have them screaming at me rather than moaning.
I can walk a 10K and often do, by the way. - 11/15/2012 6:51:15 AM

An excellent plan for running integrating walking intervals is Jeff Galloway's plan. Google his name and you can find his website. I just ran a half marathon using his techniques and finished in 2 hours 11 mins!! I have steadily lost weight doing this plan and am so happy I found it- the bet part is I actually love running now! I cant wait to find my next half marathon in the spring and maybe- a full marathon. You really can do it- but follow his plan and start slow to avoid injuries. Also the right shoes are absolutely critical, better to find a decent running store and have them look at your stride and fit you with the right shoe. It will possibly save you from joint, muscle, and tendon problems. Good luck everyone! - 11/15/2012 6:10:36 AM

i'm in the same boat with sunny arizona...my knees dont even like jogging, let alone running and having a large bustline makes it painful also...what about ways to change up walking so it doesnt get satale? any suggestions? - 9/11/2012 9:06:51 PM

Awesome. - 8/21/2012 12:18:30 AM

This was very helpful! Especially about the need for a training schedule and picking good running shoes. - 6/28/2012 11:09:59 AM