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Distance Walking: Running | Long Distance Walking Shoes | Calculator | Speed Walking
By
Patricia | October 19, 2010
Distance Walking - Long Distance And Walking Shoes
Long distance walking is not something that can be easily performed. Walking may seem like an easy thing to do, but when it involves walking for 10 to 20 miles, it can be very challenging, especially because your breathing, pace and strides should not change considerably. There is a lot of strain on the bones and muscles of your feet and legs when doing long distance walking. Your lungs and heart can also be affected with long distance walking. Hence, before you take up long distance walking you should undergo a proper training process.
To perform long distance walking, shoes that are made specifically for the purpose should be used. If you try long distance walking with your regular shoes, a lot of trouble can come your way. Your shoes may start to come apart after the first 10 miles, and this will cause you to walk in a way to compensate for it. This can lead to tendon injuries and ligament tears. Long distance walking shoes need to be comfortable, without posing any restriction to your movements. The sole of your long distance walking shoes must be soft so that your steps are cushioned properly. It should also be strong and durable enough to withstand the many miles. You could also wear socks with thick soles for extra cushioning. You could make use of a distance calculator when walking to enable you to set goals. To use these, you just have to enter the number of miles and the pace at which you walk. It will calculate how long it will take you to walk the number of miles.
Distance Running
Long distance running can be extremely demanding on the body, and it is not recommended if you’ve not had the proper training. However, there are some tips you could follow when performing long distance running. First, you should run the initial miles at a slow pace. Starting out fast from the beginning will tire you out, and most probably, you will not complete the whole distance. It is also essential that you keep rehydrating your body. Drink enough of water even if you aren’t thirsty. That said; you should make sure you engage in training to improve your stamina and endurance before you start long distance running. Following a healthy diet is also important for keeping your body in good condition.
Speed Walking
If you aren’t trained for long distance running, you could try speed walking as it provides a cardiovascular workout similar to that of running. Speed walking is a low-impact exercise, and it doesn’t put much stress on the muscles and joints. The best thing about speed walking is that people of all ages can do it, and it can be very easily incorporated into your regular workouts.