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By Judy Heller

Judy Heller, founder of
Wonders of Walking LLC,
advocates walking for well being and pleasure. Wonders of Walking promotes Walking Events for Walkers by Walkers. Judy Heller is founder and owner of EroFit & Associates, LLC, celebrating Fitness for a Lifetime. Heller offers personalized fitness training and coaching for individuals and groups.
Contact: Judy Heller
at 503-282-1677:
email judy@erofit.com
jheller@wondersofwalking.com

Also visit: www.erofit.com
www.wondersofwalking.com

I only went out
for a walk and
concluded to stay out until sundown,
For going out,
I found
Was really going in.

— John Muir

5k, 10k, Half Marathon, Marathon, Walk-a-thon:
Which to Choose? What’s Right for Me?

There are as many reasons for embarking on a walking program as there are for maintaining one. Each one of us has a reason or reasons for doing what we do and how we do it. We usually have an extrinsic (outside of self) motivation in the beginning. It is the intrinsic satisfaction (how we feel) that keeps us going.

Perhaps you want to lose weight and get in shape. Maybe you look older than you really are and know that exercise will help turn back the clock. Does the notion of traveling to an exotic locale, where you might walk with friends and strangers excite you? Or are you motivated by something like your upcoming high school reunion? Is there a charity that touches your heart and inspires you to give your all?

All these are reasons why some of my clients have sought my fitness coaching services.

Just like runners and cyclists, walkers can be challenged by participating in a variety of events. Such events have become increasingly popular. There are so many choices available to us that we need to ask ourselves, “What is the best for me? What do I want to do?”

Perhaps you want to walk with a friend for fun, measure improvement in fitness level, celebrate overcoming a personal obstacle, or train for a specific distance. As with all goals specific to training, there are steps to be followed. Your reason for doing something helps determine the focus of training.

When making this decision, consider your general health and well-being, current fitness level, available time, lifestyle, support system need and availability, and, finally, the reason behind your motivation. Is it a short- or long-term goal? Add to this equation the amount of coaching you think you might need.

Oftentimes, people gravitate to participating in a marathon (26.2 miles) as their first event or training program. This may not be the best option. Goal setting is important — hitting a series of targets before the actual event is an important way to stay motivated and injury-free. There are plenty of 5k, 10k, and half marathons to choose from, as well as relays, fun runs, and charity walk-a-thons. The longer the distance, the more time is involved in the training.

Events can be divided into two categories:
Short distance, such as 5k & 10k races (run, walk, or both), relays, and fun runs.
Endurance, such as half marathons, marathons, triathlons, and walk-a-thons.

Short distances
Opportunities to participate in shorter distance events are plentiful and easy to sign up for. The distances are measured by the metric system; know that a 5k is 3.1 miles, a 10k is 6.2 miles, and an 8k is five miles.

Many of these events are considered races and are usually timed. Most runs usually accommodate walkers, sometimes with time requirements; that is, you have to be able to complete the course in a set period of time. Many 5k runs will have a non-competitive 5k walk associated with the run, but not on the run course. Look for specific restrictions on the registration form. Fees vary.

Relay is a team event rather than individual. Teams must keep one participant walking or running a specified distance (leg), rotating at specified exchange areas. A leg ranges between 3 and 8 miles (or more). Relays vary in distance covered and number of team members. Total relay distances determine how long the team will be actively walking.

Charity-sponsored run/walks are fundraisers. You may be able to register the day of the event and proceed at your own pace. The event may or may not be timed. Registration fees vary, and some require participants to be sponsored as a way of raising additional funds.

Fun Runs are generally associated with another event such as a longer run or
celebration. Think the Mayor’s Walk during the Portland Marathon. Walkers are usually welcome to these fee-based, untimed events.

Endurance events
Endurance events are generally longer distances, like the half marathon (13.1 miles) and full marathon (26.2 miles.) Triathlons are becoming increasingly popular; this
event includes running, biking, and swimming.

A walk-a-thon usually refers to an un-timed charity event that lasts 2 or 3 days, where walkers cover longer distances. The most common is a 3-day walk that covers 20 miles per day: Sixty miles walked over three days is definitely an endurance event.

Finally, choose wisely. Learn what you like and don’t like about different events. Choose those that support your interests. Most importantly, have fun. When you have fun, you will be more likely to do it again or more willing try something new for the next time.