Eric R
Sprint Member
Posts: 35
|
Post by Eric R on Sept 19, 2009 7:57:03 GMT -5
I know for most of the hardcore people on this site this is a lame question, but I'm thinking of finishing the season doing the Towpath 1/2 marathon. I just did the Portage Lakes Olympic, my first Olympic, and I must admit, I walked about half of those aid stations......... The next day, I had the first knee pain I've had all season. 6+ miles hadn't been a problem in training, so it's either because my form broke down or because of the running/walking thing.
So, is walking the aid stations o.k. - either from an orthopaedic standpoint or just in terms of finishing most efficiently?
Thanks
|
|
|
|
Post by Kim Zepp on Sept 19, 2009 8:03:03 GMT -5
I've only run a few 1/2 marys myself, but I'd say OF COURSE it's okay to walk the aid stations! I walked them all at the Portage Oly last week, too.  |
|
|
|
Post by MattCollister on Sept 19, 2009 9:19:07 GMT -5
Eric, there's something about an online forum that amplifies egos, which, themselves, often don't reflect the reality of how we actually perform.
There's nothing wrong with walking.
|
|
|
|
Post by watchman on Sept 19, 2009 11:20:19 GMT -5
Eric, there's something about an online forum that amplifies egos, which, themselves, often don't reflect the reality of how we actually perform. There's nothing wrong with walking. Matt you are right about the egos I have found the actual races have a way of letting the air out a little. I am impressed with anyone who will get off the couch and attempt these races, even if they walk a little they are in a very small percentage of the population who are willing and do it. mike |
|
|
|
Post by birddog1 on Sept 19, 2009 14:14:39 GMT -5
I have special fueling and hydration needs and I found walking 20yds in a aid station to get a good drink of heed without spilling 3/4 of it and grabbing a gel is a good strategy for me.
|
|
|
|
Post by Aussie Rob on Sept 19, 2009 19:49:03 GMT -5
No shame in a little walking if that's what it takes.
|
|
|
|
Post by brycerapp on Sept 19, 2009 20:56:32 GMT -5
Eric, don't sweat it. I've actually been taught to use a run/walk technique which is real effective for longer distances. I run 4 minutes, walk 1 minute. So don't at all feel bad about walking a little! We're also planning on bringing a group to run the 1/2 towpath so even if you walk to aid stations, you won't come in last Bryce |
|
Eric R
Sprint Member
Posts: 35
|
Post by Eric R on Sept 20, 2009 8:59:39 GMT -5
Bryce, do you start out with the run/walk first, or say run like the first 6 and then start with run/walk on the back half?
|
|
|
|
Post by Tiffany on Sept 20, 2009 10:55:47 GMT -5
Eric, I doubt that walking is the cause of your knee pain. Either break from form, overuse, or maybe just simple inflammation - which is NORMAL in response to what we do when we push during a race. If the pain continues, seek medical care. In the mean time, rest, ice, NSAIDS and stretching. Walking the aid stations is absolutely fine in my opinion. It's healthier to stop and drink a water or gatorade rather than throw it back, anyway. I committed myself to doing this - not at EVERY aid station necessarily, but when I felt I needed hydration, sugar - I will slow into the station, take the drink, step to the side so as not to impede other runners, drink it, walk, drink some more, toss it then pick a point about 10 yds up where I'll start up running again. I used to beat myself up if I stopped for anything, but I've learned that it's healthier to take a drink without gulping all that air. Let's face it, I'm not breaking any land-speed records - it's my own race. I do what works best for me, try not to be in anyone's way, and do my best. It's much easier than setting unrealistic expectations. I try to listen to my body and do what's best in response to what it's telling me. I do think that walkers should pull to the outside and be yielding to the runners, though. Just good runner/walker etiquette! |
|
|
|
Post by MarkD on Sept 20, 2009 11:45:58 GMT -5
Exactly !! Do what works for you... over the course of several races, practice different approaches and settle in on your own.
Personnally - I don't stop, 'cause there nothing worse than starting back up late in a longer run !!
|
|
|
|
Post by watchman on Sept 20, 2009 13:47:46 GMT -5
I will take 2 steps to walk just because I end up getting water up my nose when I try to drink while running
mike
|
|
|
|
Post by jimdehner on Sept 21, 2009 12:45:58 GMT -5
Eric - I will walk the aid stations with you - see you at the towpath 1/2 mary
|
|
Eric R
Sprint Member
Posts: 35
|
Post by Eric R on Sept 22, 2009 20:34:13 GMT -5
Thanks Jim! See you there.
|
|
