Guts to Glory

Running to Walk

By Sal Lentini

To walk or not to walk, that is the question; it has troubled so many, true to its physical, mental, and emotional value and image. Has running hurt or helped the vast majority of people in their quest to keep Father Time at bay? Or has walking quietly and slowly joined the rank and file of road, track, and trail warriors?

My desire to bring sense and virtue to this deepening method of physical fitness is a direct result of my 40 years of running, from high school, through college, and the years after. The endless list of races, from full and half marathons to 5k, 10k and 20k’s, had taken a dramatic toll on my body, especially on my knees. After training and completing the rainy New York City Marathon in 1997 and the oppressive heat of the 1998 D.C. Marathon, I required surgery to the meniscus in both my knees. As a result, the shock absorbing qualities of my knees and legs diminished.

My running days had abruptly ended. Days after my second knee surgery, I had decided to continue with Team in Training (TNT) as a cyclist and my quest to complete a century (100 mile) bike ride. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is the world’s largest and fastest growing voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education, and patient services. The mission of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. The desire to still be part of the TNT team made my transition from running to cycling well received by my body and my being.

Walking?
Five century rides later; I decided to give jogging another chance. After four weeks, I came to the realization that it was senseless. But I did notice that when I was walking, between my jogging, my knees experienced little to no pain at all. I found that my body experienced a more relaxed workout when walking, and my mind began to focus greater. Walking gave me a chance to walk away much of my stress, thus prioritizing my thoughts. It was my one and only wireless time dedicated to me.

So in 2009, I entered and completed my first jog-walking half marathon, completing it in 2:39, proudly wearing the purple Team In Training jersey, and surpassing the $50,000 donation mark in my 12 years with TNT. But then again, my jog walking (jogging for a minute, then walking fast for the next four minutes) took a toll on my body. The half marathon made me realize full walking was what my body needed. Walking was for me. Something that differed from all others, a true conglomeration of mindful practices such as diminishing stress, weight control, muscle tone, inspiration, mental acuity, cardiovascular benefits, and just plain simple positive energy for your mind and a happy, long life.

My newly acquired passion for walking is two-fold. Walking is an activity that my soul mate, Kathleen, my wife of nearly 40 years, and I can do together. Often when I was jogging and cycling, it divided my time with her, and I always felt guilty. So now we are a team of avid walkers. Walking in parks, the local high school track, mall walking, walking when we are on vacation, and walking our neighborhood is our time. Our 20 minute sessions expanded to 40 minutes and lately to an hour and more. Our walking time has expanded to a point that Kathleen is contemplating walking a half marathon with TNT and me.

I may have lost my ability to run, but I gained more time with my wife and best friend. And I have given my body a chance to maintain its well being. We have also grown fond of exploring alternate places to walk, and adjusted our eating habits, along with the size of our meals. Walking has placed our gym right outside our door.

My love of walking has ignited my curiosity to help train others. I have contacted the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society on becoming a mentor and/or coach for the walkers. Interesting to note when asked by one of my graduate students as to why would a person run or walk a half or let alone a full marathon, or why cycle a hundred miles when most people get tired driving 100 miles? My response was simple — because I can!

So get out there and walk. Walk away the stress of every day life. Walk away the excess weight. Walk for Leukemia or any other worth while cause. Walk, walk, walk; it’s inexpensive, it’s simple, and consider yourself very lucky for what you can do.

Sal Lentini teaches at Stony Brook University, for the School of Professional Development, and at Brooklyn College. He is a proud father of four and pop-pop to seven grandchildren. Lentini has been with Team in Training for more than 10 years, while also competing in state and out of state at Senior Games, throwing the javelin and the hammer. He enjoys walking and kayaking with his wife Kathleen.