running

[niaru]

Diane, my best friend in high school was an avid runner (on the week-ends) and she ruined her knees. She is now in her 40ies and can't run anymore. Even hiking down a mountain, or skiing, is hard for her. So I would think the article is correct. Her doctor told her she didn't have the proper shoes for running and that it exacerbated her problems. I have heard again and again that good running shoes are SO important.
And yes, running burns more calories than walking, you sweat more when you run...
I HATE running, but I take 1 hour walks once or 2x a day (usually with my dog) , very brisk walking, and I try to incorporate "bursts" of running, not on pavement but in the woods or on the beach where the footing is kinder.

[Rusty]

I read an article that spoke to the calories burned walking vs running and the gist of it is that if you walk or run the same distance, you burn more calories walking because your body has time to switch from burning carbs to burning fat. (i.e. if you run, you burn the calories and cover the distance faster, so you spend less time exercising.) If you walk or run for the same length of time you burn more calories running.

I read that a running shoe is good for walking, but a walking shoe is not good for running.

I never imagined myself as a runner, but 2 weeks ago I started the 13 week run/walk program. The big caution is not to overdo the running component. They say that our aerobic fitness will improve more quickly than our muscles, tendons, bones adapt and we can do injury to ourselves that may not show up right away, but can have chronic or lasting effects. So the run a little, walk a little and increase the challenge gradually is the safest way.

[intrepidfox]

The variable that the article's walking v. running math doesn't account for is increased metabolic rate and length of "after-burn" -- the time your metabolic rate remains elevated after exercise. Long slow distance doesn't keep your metabolic rate higher as long as very intense workouts, or interval training (short bursts of high exertion with slower rest periods in between). Recent studies seem to indicate that both length of time spent exercising (more = better) AND peak intensity achieved during the exercise both impact rate of weight loss. The current data seems to indicate that the ideal would be to mix it up, do some slow, some more intense work, and fill in with lower-intensity walking or slow jogging that's comfortable for you so you can extend the duration of your walk-run.

Shoes make a huge difference, but the running community is very divided right now about the best shoe for the job. Motion studies do indicate that a mid- to front-foot strike creates less impact and thus less wear and tear on the knees; my own experience has been that flat shoes are better and cause me less pain and fewer injuries than those with built-up heels. But most of the pricey running shoes have a fat heel, which makes it hard to land mid-foot or forward, and many runners swear by them. it's hard to know who's right.

[diane]

wow, ladies, thanks so much for your imput. its funny, when you first start anything, there is soo much to learn AND anyone doesnt realize just how much there is.. you say running, thinking just walk out of the house and RUN.. lol better not, I will check out shoes first. thanks again

[niaru]

I think since everyone is different feet-wise, everyone will have different needs in shoes, which is why it's so tricky! When I had to replace my sneakers I went online to read reviews etc. and decided on a pair of Asics (got a great price online, too) and man what a difference from my old shoes. It's like walking/running on a cushion of air. I love them.

[Lisa]

I couldn't beleive how much difference ashoe could make, until I had a nice pair of running shoes. I went to 2 different shoe storse and got the same opinion on how my foot strikes the ground. So I got 2 pair to see the difference, and to rotate every other walk/run. I got a pair of brooks glycerin, and I love them. I find I even put them on when going to the grocery, and I have a pair of asics fortitudes. They say they are more cushioned fot the heavier runner. My knees are bad, and one was just relpaced, but I feel great after a walk w/ some running. I run slow, but it is enough to get my heart rate up. If you would have told me a year ago I would be running, I would have said you were a liar!!!!

[healthamit2012]

thanks for this information. you are right running is very helpful for body and health.