Sonnenschein
Cathlete
I wanted to thank Honeybunch and other walkers who have posted for your encouragement--I am learning to love this terrific exercise! I decided to put a lot of emphasis on walking for two reasons: even though I was doing a lot of step workouts and kickboxing, I discovered (while on vacation and away from my beloved videos) that I couldn't walk briskly for an hour without having pain in my back and shins, thus showing me that I didn't have all the "functional fitness" I want; and also, my knees were often complaining about my workout schedule and I figured walking would be a lot easier on them. Well, at first when I started walking for my cardio it felt like really a waste, my legs would only go fast enough to get my heartrate to about 106 except on hills. But Honeybunch posted that racewalking site for me and I got some walking books from the library and just really worked on improving my form and pushing these legs to move faster and boy, is it working! I can now keep my HR in the mid 140's on the level stretches and approach IMAX level on the longer hills. And it isn't because I've lost any of my cardio fitness while working up to the fast walking--I tested that out today by spending my workout on one of my old favorite step tapes and really flew through it--if anything, it seemed easier than usual. Right now my weekly cardio contains 2 hard walks, 2 easy walks, and 1 either step or kickbox day. My knees definitly appreciate it. Thanks guys!!! --Karen