Today’s Ask a Monican vlog is from the most popular Facebook question of the day, “Is it okay to walk when running?!” and “I hate when I take walking breaks – how do I keep going?”
Here is some more information on the Run/Walk method I mentioned:
The Run Walk Run Method by Jeff Galloway
Walking Breaks for Faster Running. By Runner’s World
Walking breaks can make you a better marathoner. By Active
Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Pinterest so you can get the latest info and ask your questions!
Thank you!! As a beginner runner, when I have stopped and walk I end up just giving up and feel like a complete failure. I know that now it is okay and to get back into it!
I commented on the video, but I’ll say it here as well…run-walks are awesome. Walking during a run helps prevent injury. I’ve heard runners make fun of someone who run/walks races because he or she would pass them, get passed, pass them, get passed over and over.
What I wonder is..what does it matter if you stop and walk? It seems to be just as efficient time-wise if the run/walker is catching up to the runner each time. I feel that the walk can give me time to drink water without choking (I walk the water stations) and then my muscles have been given a tiny break and I can run a little faster.
I agree…you haven’t failed running if you walk just like you haven’t failed healthy eating if you eat a cupcake. 🙂
Great video! And so true, at times you need to slow down for the water stations and other emergencies.
Great information here!
I do crossfit with a woman who does 100 mile marathons and these 72 hour marathons and she says if you need to walk then walk and start running again, she also says the trick is not to run too fast and build up your distance slowly with small walking breaks
I loved your video. I am a long time reader of your blog. I have recently began running again, and running and taking walking breaks has helped me from getting any injurys. I have had trouble with IT band issues in the past. Don’t worry about what others think when you take a walk break. You know what is best for you and your body. Thanks so much for your post!
Thanks for this video. I always get down on myself, especially since starting back . I was hating that I had to stop to walk…but you’re right, no one cares if I take walking breaks except for myself.
I started run/walking while training for a half because I kept getting injured. My coaches suggested 5 min run and 1 min walk. I found the run walk helped me keep my form which meant I didn’t hurt myself. What I didn’t know is that it also made me faster! Because I tired out so quickly trying to maintain the “run” my pace ended up at a crawl. The run portions of my run/walk were so much faster that even with the walk break, I was faster overall.
Becky, I find the same thing happens to me. Some days are just harder than others and I need to walk more than other days. Usually it’s a combination of weather (heat/humidity) and fueling/hydration, but some runs just FEEL better. If I’m not feeling it, and my HR skyrockets, I tend to just slow way down but keep running. If I take walking breaks it takes me forever to get back into my running groove.
And another thing, I find that the first half mile or mile is hard no matter what. On every run, this is the most difficult part and though I’m tempted to stop and walk, I tell myself that it stinks every time and I just need to get through that part. I think a lot of people give up on running because they never get through that first crappy mile. Most of the time, if I get through the first mile, it’s smooth sailing but if I’m still struggling, I revert back to my first point.
This is such a great post! No shame in walking if you need to, as long as you’re out there doing it!
Great post! I use Jeff Galloway’s run-walk method. Ever since I switched to this I am a much happier and FASTER runner. I am a true believer. It can be hard at first because you feel like you’re “cheating” but now I think I don’t care how I finish a race, I finished!
It’s okay to take walking breaks, as long as you are considerate of others. Look behind you before you abruptly decrease your speed and move over to the side.
My problem is that I have a hard time getting moving again if I take walk breaks. Usually the only time I take them is to walk through water stations at races, but that’s just what works for me.
Αwesome post.
Great video. You should bottle up some of that energy and sell it on EBay. You’d make a million bucks!
Yeah, I have some of my friends who are just trying to start running, and they struggle with this. I am recovering from surgery and I lost a lot of stamina so I have to take walk breaks too. The good thing about being a more experienced runner is you know all those mind games are going on – your brain is trying to get you to stop doing this uncomfortable thing. Most of it you can ignore and just keep your focus on the goal. Don’t give up and you will get there.
I like walk breaks but unfortunately a lot of people in my running group don’t appreciate it and sometimes I get the “stare down”. 🙁
Great post! I just started run/walk interval training for some longer upcoming races and I absolutely love it! Good suggestions!
Loved this video! I’ve been using Jeff Galloway’s run walk method as I train for a half marathon. It’s worked well for me so far.
Great video! I love what you said as well about refocusing your perspective! It’s so easy to let your mind get muddled with negativity. Thanks for the inspiration!
I couldn’t agree with your comments more especially the part about walking before running. That’s exactly how I started. I’m glad I did too because after suffering a foot injury I had to start walking before I could run. It does play a mental game with you and you have to be content in accepting the gradual accomplishments your body makes. Not everyday or every run is perfect but that does not mean ever giving up.