Princess 1/2 walkers? - Page 4 - The DIS Discussion Forums

ChimneysweepGeorge · 10-24-2011, 01:11 PM

First thing's first, congrats on the progress!

I don't know if walking training correlates directly to running but were I coaching you, I'll send you longer before I asked for more speed. Once you have the aerobic fitness to stay in motion for the two - four hours that most walkers will be on the course, speed is comparatively easy to build. In an 18 week beginner running program, The first 12 weeks is devoted exclusively to building fitness with the overall weekly mileage going up 5% per week. Once I have them to the point where they can cover the distance, then the mileage stabilizes and specific speed workouts start making their way on to the schedule.

Both are true BUT moving your arms does more than burn energy...it also keeps you balanced. The arms move to counterbalance the motion of the legs. So, let them swing as part of the natural motion.

erinna · 10-24-2011, 01:40 PM

I'm curious to hear what other people have to say -- I've read two "welcome to walking" type books. Ones wants you to use an arm motion that I find extremely unnatural. The other one says to move your arms naturally. I like the second opinion better -- but that doesn't mean it's right!

John VN · 10-24-2011, 03:35 PM

As far as arm swing, you have to find what is right for you. If you are not comfortable, you will most likely not be able to relax the rest of your body which is very important whether one walks or runs.

When I walk with DW my arms are usually down straight at my side swinging because we are going much slower than my own pace. As soon as we start to pick up the pace my arms come up to a 90* bend and swing opposite leg stride like CSGeorge mentions. The faster I walk the faster they swing being careful not to over-extend the motion forward or backward. I cannot see how anyone could walk without arm swing. As for straight or bent, if your arms are hanging down straight it will require more effort(energy) to keep them in motion and this is why I bend my arms.

TinksApprentice · 10-24-2011, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dreamer2012

Hi everyone! I am a real "newbie", but have talked my BFF into walking this marathon in 2012. We are registered, made our flights and hotel reservations and have begun "training". I would love to hear from anyone who has walked this before or who like us will be attempting this for the first time. We are terriffied

of being "swept" - I wanted to start this because I have read a lot about the runners and thier super times (wish we could do that...) but have not found a place for the walkers to talk about thier training strategies or get advice from other walkers....I hope some of you will help us newbies!

I too have registered and plan to walk and I've got to up my game just to meet the minimum speed requirement. I have convinced myself that "someone" has to be last across the finish line and there is a certain amount of prestige to be last

The way I see it, if I don't get carried across on a stretcher I'm good

Dreamer2012 · 10-25-2011, 12:26 PM

Ok - so now as far as the arm swing is considered it really comes down to "do what comes naturally!"

Thanks George for the distance/speed advice - I walked today @ 4.2 for 30 mins with no problem and not overly tired at the end either. As far as distance goes should I up that now?

Also I have been doing the 2 miles every weekday and a longer walk (last one was 6.5 - next week is 8.5) every other weekend alternating with a 3 mile walk on the opposite weekend. Should we up the 3 miles on those weekends?

Welcome Erinna & Tink! I agree about someone having to be last - I dont care if its me either - I JUST WANT TO FINISH AND GET THAT MEDAL!! That is the goal!! I hope that by some coincidence we all get a chance to meet while we are there...that would be fun!!

ChimneysweepGeorge · 10-25-2011, 01:20 PM

Rock on Tink! A lot of the races, the last person across the line gets the best cheering. Every runner has started small, every runner knows how tough it is and to have the courage to keep going even when you are bringing up the rear? HECK YEA!

The way I normally progress a plan is with alternating harder and easier days. So if you are doing two daily on week days, I might have those weekdays start looking like: Mon-2/Tues-3/Wed-2/Thur-3/Fri-2
Overall base fitness is a function of your long walks and your total mileage.

NOTE: When you start bringing up mileage you have to be VERY aware of your body and more to the point, listen to what it's telling you. If something is sore or you find yourself fatigued, drop the mileage back or take a day off. Staying healthy is your #1 priority. If you are sick or injured, you can't train at all so a pound of prevention and all that...

princess.april120 · 10-26-2011, 04:35 AM

Wow!!! I just wanted to say hello and thank everyone for participating in this thread. It is totally what I needed!!!

I am a newbie, with the goal of finishing the Princess. I have been training since April, but have gotten very discouraged along the way. I am a walker, and in a panic over being too slow, in June I decided to throw in some running intervals. Big mistake! I stirred up an old back injury and needed a steroid epidural injection to get back on track. Resolved that I can only walk, I got back in the groove a month later. By september I had increased my mileage to 10 miles for my long walk, and then hit another big bump in the road with my walking partner "moving on" and a horrible case of bronchitis.

I have been mostly lurking on the Princess board, but hearing all the runners bemoan their running times, this walker just got plain old discouraged. I have registered, gotten hotel and ADR's scheduled, and was totally bummed that I probably wouldn't actually be doing the race. You all have given me a huge boost, so back to training in earnest today!

Thanks again...looking forward to getting to know everyone here!

John VN · 10-26-2011, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by princess.april120

Wow!!! I just wanted to say hello and thank everyone for participating in this thread. It is totally what I needed!!!

I am a newbie, with the goal of finishing the Princess. I have been training since April, but have gotten very discouraged along the way. I am a walker, and in a panic over being too slow, in June I decided to throw in some running intervals. Big mistake! I stirred up an old back injury and needed a steroid epidural injection to get back on track. Resolved that I can only walk, I got back in the groove a month later. By september I had increased my mileage to 10 miles for my long walk, and then hit another big bump in the road with my walking partner "moving on" and a horrible case of bronchitis.

I have been mostly lurking on the Princess board, but hearing all the runners bemoan their running times, this walker just got plain old discouraged. I have registered, gotten hotel and ADR's scheduled, and was totally bummed that I probably wouldn't actually be doing the race. You all have given me a huge boost, so back to training in earnest today!

Thanks again...looking forward to getting to know everyone here!

Good to hear from you and you should be proud of yourself and your accomplishments.

Many of us are just not meant to run and should feel no shame because we can't. We must focus on the abilities we have and strive to reach reasonable goals while enjoying our walking and avoiding injuries.

Being last across the finish line does not equate to being a failure because there are so many more who have not even attempted the start. If you have questions we are here to help. Hope to read more from you.

ChimneysweepGeorge · 10-26-2011, 08:10 AM

Looks like you've already learned some very important lessons. Not only is moving at YOUR pace a way to stay injury free but in a race it's crucial to being able to finish. As a matter of fact, you see it all the time in big races. People who are trained but since it's their first big race, excitement gets the better of them, they go too fast and have no energy to keep going. If memory serves, when I ran last year's Wine & Dine nearly 3,000 people didn't finish. Even if a third of those were medical, that's still a lot of people who ran out of gas.

The second lesson is to be very selective who you let inside your head. A lot of runners, especially new ones quickly lose context of their accomplishments. I'm sure there are a lot of people here who would sacrifice a digit to be able to run the "bad" run I ran yesterday...that's why I keep that sort of thing out of venues like this. People get excited about how far they are going or how fast they are going and want to share but context is key to keep that kind of sharing inspirational.

You are kicking butt and you are well on your way to crossing that finish line. Do it on your terms and do it strong!

manhattan · 10-26-2011, 03:53 PM

Just wanted to post and say Hi! Have been lurking for a few days. Can't decide if I want to start with the 5K for the Princess and then do the 1/2 for the Wine and Dine - or just jump into the 1/2 Princess and walk it - I have always loved walking. Guess I have another month or so before I fully commit to which one I will do, will see how my training goes

erinna · 10-26-2011, 05:17 PM

I went for a walk this morning in my first "real" running (well, okay fastwalking) shoes. Wow! Did it make a difference in how light my feet felt -- and how supported my foot felt.

If you haven't gotten good (for you) shoes, this newbie recommends it!

TinksApprentice · 10-27-2011, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dreamer2012

Welcome Erinna & Tink! I agree about someone having to be last - I dont care if its me either - I JUST WANT TO FINISH AND GET THAT MEDAL!! That is the goal!! I hope that by some coincidence we all get a chance to meet while we are there...that would be fun!!

Meeting would be fun. Maybe closer to the event we can arrange to meet up at the pre-race events or after the event and compare how we did. :D

I realized yesterday that when in WDW I walk a marathon daily, so endurance isn't an issue, I just need to work on speed. Although somedays our pace is quick while hurrying to a dinner reservation!

TinksApprentice · 10-27-2011, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John VN

Being last across the finish line does not equate to being a failure because there are so many more who have not even attempted the start.

That is SO true! I will keep that in mind when my training gets hard! Thank you so much!

Dreamer2012 · 10-27-2011, 03:03 PM

That sounds great Tink (and anyone else interested!) - When we are nearer to the event we will work out the details!

Thanks again George I will up my mileage on Mon - Wed & Fri - since the other days I go with a friend and she only has 1/2 hour to devote. We usually pick Sat or Sun to do our longer walk and the opposite day I try to do a min. of 3 miles. I am just worried that we are not doing enough to be prepared to finish the race....

Hi and Welcome Manhattan - it is easy to be discouraged if your read too many posts about what long/fast/great distances others are doing and then try to measure our newbie selves against the veterans. But as you have read from the veterans - we need to concentrate on our own progress and find the joy in our accomplishments along the way. And I think it was George who even said he didn't start out a veteran!! We hopefully will all celebrate crossing the finish line at our own time and pace - and be proud of all of us - those who have accomplished it before and have done it one more time - andthose of us who had the courage to try for the first time! Positive thoughts will keep us all going!!

I also want to say how thankful I am that both JohnVN and KingGeorge stay connected to us on this thread! Thier constant advice and encouragement has been a great source of inspiration! "THANKS GUYS!!"

princess.april120 · 10-27-2011, 10:07 PM

Thanks to the warm welcome. Hope everyone is enjoying a bit of lovely fall weather to train in.

I am looking forward to sharing training updates with everyone and would love to participate in a meet up!

Do any of you have any thoughts about runner's retreat? I am anticipating finishing at the end, so I guess I am not sure how much I would get to benefit from the post race perks...Would be interested in anyone's comments!

10-24-2011, 01:40 PM	#47
erinna Mouseketeer Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 182	I'm curious to hear what other people have to say -- I've read two "welcome to walking" type books. Ones wants you to use an arm motion that I find extremely unnatural. The other one says to move your arms naturally. I like the second opinion better -- but that doesn't mean it's right! __________________

10-25-2011, 12:26 PM	#50
Dreamer2012 Mouseketeer Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Connecticut Posts: 281	Thanks everyone! Ok - so now as far as the arm swing is considered it really comes down to "do what comes naturally!" Thanks George for the distance/speed advice - I walked today @ 4.2 for 30 mins with no problem and not overly tired at the end either. As far as distance goes should I up that now? Also I have been doing the 2 miles every weekday and a longer walk (last one was 6.5 - next week is 8.5) every other weekend alternating with a 3 mile walk on the opposite weekend. Should we up the 3 miles on those weekends? Welcome Erinna & Tink! I agree about someone having to be last - I dont care if its me either - I JUST WANT TO FINISH AND GET THAT MEDAL!! That is the goal!! I hope that by some coincidence we all get a chance to meet while we are there...that would be fun!!

10-26-2011, 03:53 PM	#55
manhattan DIS Veteran Join Date: May 2000 Location: South Florida Posts: 802	Just wanted to post and say Hi! Have been lurking for a few days. Can't decide if I want to start with the 5K for the Princess and then do the 1/2 for the Wine and Dine - or just jump into the 1/2 Princess and walk it - I have always loved walking. Guess I have another month or so before I fully commit to which one I will do, will see how my training goes __________________ Caribbean Beach Resort - First Family Trip! September 25, 1995 Port Orleans-French Quarter 10/96, 05/01, 07/05, 12/06 Riverside 04/07, 06/07, 11/07, 05/08 All Star Music-10/99, 01/09 Wilderness Lodge 08/97, 05/00, 09/00, 09/01 Polynesian 10/99, 07/03 Coronado Springs 08/06, 08/07, 08/08 Fort Wilderness Cabins 08/08, 12/10 Gaylord Palms 12/08 Buena Vista Suites 03/09 All Star Music Family Suites 03/10, 05/11 All Star Movies 09/11 Offsite 1980 and 1990

10-26-2011, 05:17 PM	#56
erinna Mouseketeer Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 182	I went for a walk this morning in my first "real" running (well, okay fastwalking) shoes. Wow! Did it make a difference in how light my feet felt -- and how supported my foot felt. If you haven't gotten good (for you) shoes, this newbie recommends it! __________________

10-27-2011, 03:03 PM	#59
Dreamer2012 Mouseketeer Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Connecticut Posts: 281	Meeting? That sounds great Tink (and anyone else interested!) - When we are nearer to the event we will work out the details! Thanks again George I will up my mileage on Mon - Wed & Fri - since the other days I go with a friend and she only has 1/2 hour to devote. We usually pick Sat or Sun to do our longer walk and the opposite day I try to do a min. of 3 miles. I am just worried that we are not doing enough to be prepared to finish the race.... Hi and Welcome Manhattan - it is easy to be discouraged if your read too many posts about what long/fast/great distances others are doing and then try to measure our newbie selves against the veterans. But as you have read from the veterans - we need to concentrate on our own progress and find the joy in our accomplishments along the way. And I think it was George who even said he didn't start out a veteran!! We hopefully will all celebrate crossing the finish line at our own time and pace - and be proud of all of us - those who have accomplished it before and have done it one more time - andthose of us who had the courage to try for the first time! Positive thoughts will keep us all going!! I also want to say how thankful I am that both JohnVN and KingGeorge stay connected to us on this thread! Thier constant advice and encouragement has been a great source of inspiration! "THANKS GUYS!!"

10-24-2011, 01:11 PM	#46
ChimneysweepGeorge Mouseketeer Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 93	First thing's first, congrats on the progress! I don't know if walking training correlates directly to running but were I coaching you, I'll send you longer before I asked for more speed. Once you have the aerobic fitness to stay in motion for the two - four hours that most walkers will be on the course, speed is comparatively easy to build. In an 18 week beginner running program, The first 12 weeks is devoted exclusively to building fitness with the overall weekly mileage going up 5% per week. Once I have them to the point where they can cover the distance, then the mileage stabilizes and specific speed workouts start making their way on to the schedule. Both are true BUT moving your arms does more than burn energy...it also keeps you balanced. The arms move to counterbalance the motion of the legs. So, let them swing as part of the natural motion.

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10-24-2011, 03:35 PM	#48
John VN DIS Cast Member N.Y. Style CHEESECAKE RULES! Old Paramus Boy Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Fl Posts: 4,063	As far as arm swing, you have to find what is right for you. If you are not comfortable, you will most likely not be able to relax the rest of your body which is very important whether one walks or runs. When I walk with DW my arms are usually down straight at my side swinging because we are going much slower than my own pace. As soon as we start to pick up the pace my arms come up to a 90* bend and swing opposite leg stride like CSGeorge mentions. The faster I walk the faster they swing being careful not to over-extend the motion forward or backward. I cannot see how anyone could walk without arm swing. As for straight or bent, if your arms are hanging down straight it will require more effort(energy) to keep them in motion and this is why I bend my arms.

10-25-2011, 01:20 PM	#51
ChimneysweepGeorge Mouseketeer Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 93	Rock on Tink! A lot of the races, the last person across the line gets the best cheering. Every runner has started small, every runner knows how tough it is and to have the courage to keep going even when you are bringing up the rear? HECK YEA! The way I normally progress a plan is with alternating harder and easier days. So if you are doing two daily on week days, I might have those weekdays start looking like: Mon-2/Tues-3/Wed-2/Thur-3/Fri-2 Overall base fitness is a function of your long walks and your total mileage. NOTE: When you start bringing up mileage you have to be VERY aware of your body and more to the point, listen to what it's telling you. If something is sore or you find yourself fatigued, drop the mileage back or take a day off. Staying healthy is your #1 priority. If you are sick or injured, you can't train at all so a pound of prevention and all that...

10-26-2011, 04:35 AM	#52
princess.april120 The journey from Pooh to a princess Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 32	Wow!!! I just wanted to say hello and thank everyone for participating in this thread. It is totally what I needed!!! I am a newbie, with the goal of finishing the Princess. I have been training since April, but have gotten very discouraged along the way. I am a walker, and in a panic over being too slow, in June I decided to throw in some running intervals. Big mistake! I stirred up an old back injury and needed a steroid epidural injection to get back on track. Resolved that I can only walk, I got back in the groove a month later. By september I had increased my mileage to 10 miles for my long walk, and then hit another big bump in the road with my walking partner "moving on" and a horrible case of bronchitis. I have been mostly lurking on the Princess board, but hearing all the runners bemoan their running times, this walker just got plain old discouraged. I have registered, gotten hotel and ADR's scheduled, and was totally bummed that I probably wouldn't actually be doing the race. You all have given me a huge boost, so back to training in earnest today! Thanks again...looking forward to getting to know everyone here!

10-26-2011, 08:10 AM	#54
ChimneysweepGeorge Mouseketeer Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 93	Looks like you've already learned some very important lessons. Not only is moving at YOUR pace a way to stay injury free but in a race it's crucial to being able to finish. As a matter of fact, you see it all the time in big races. People who are trained but since it's their first big race, excitement gets the better of them, they go too fast and have no energy to keep going. If memory serves, when I ran last year's Wine & Dine nearly 3,000 people didn't finish. Even if a third of those were medical, that's still a lot of people who ran out of gas. The second lesson is to be very selective who you let inside your head. A lot of runners, especially new ones quickly lose context of their accomplishments. I'm sure there are a lot of people here who would sacrifice a digit to be able to run the "bad" run I ran yesterday...that's why I keep that sort of thing out of venues like this. People get excited about how far they are going or how fast they are going and want to share but context is key to keep that kind of sharing inspirational. You are kicking butt and you are well on your way to crossing that finish line. Do it on your terms and do it strong!

10-27-2011, 10:07 PM	#60
princess.april120 The journey from Pooh to a princess Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 32	Thanks to the warm welcome. Hope everyone is enjoying a bit of lovely fall weather to train in. I am looking forward to sharing training updates with everyone and would love to participate in a meet up! Do any of you have any thoughts about runner's retreat? I am anticipating finishing at the end, so I guess I am not sure how much I would get to benefit from the post race perks...Would be interested in anyone's comments!

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