Walking. A Long Way.
Apr. 4th, 2015 02:57 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
rhythmaningIf we're friends over on Facebook, you might be aware that I will be taking part in a marathon-length sponsored walk, the Kiltwalk, in May.
I have been training for this. Kind of. In January, I downloaded a training schedule from the web. And found that I was way ahead of the schedule in my normal activity, so I haven't been sticking rigidly to a routine.
A decade or so ago, I walked the Edinburgh marathon, beating some runners (who took breaks whilst I just keep ploughing on) and clocking up a decent time of 5h 40m, an average speed of 4.58mph. My target for this walk is 5h 30m, needing an average of 4.73mph. Over 26 miles.
My main reason for repeating this is to get fit for mountain expeditions in the summer. After my last marathon, I completed four hill-walks that summer which were each greater than twenty two miles, near marathon length, more when you add in the ascent climbed, too. And if I want to finish my Munros, I need to complete several, very distant walks to remote hills. My fitness hasn't really been up to it in recent years, so I'm hoping doing a marathon in May might kickstart my summer.
Over five miles, I can do 5mph, though it is tough. In general, on longer practice walks, I have been averaging between 4.5 and 4.7mph, which suggests I might reach my target. If it isn't raining. And I can just keep it up.
Training for the Kiltwalk has completely changed my approach to walking. When I did the marathon before, I was walking about seven miles away: my training was walking to and from work, several times a week. Since I'm not working just now, that isn't an option. (I recently turned down a contract; one of their more attractive things about the job world have been the eight mile walk to get there!)
I have picked certain routes, and I know the distances involved. I know how far away two miles is (for a short, four mile walk there and back), I know a two and half mile marker (for five), and five (for ten). I have six, seven and eight mile walks. I need to join some together to make longer walks, up to fifteen miles or so. There aren't that many places to walk to in Edinburgh. The ring road is only about five miles away... (I have been planning to walk to the the Bridges - about ten miles - and get the train back, though I haven't yet. Maybe next week.)
So my random walks are currently on hold. I have only taken my camera out walking when I have wanted, deliberately, to slow myself down.
There are three things I have been focusing on: distance, stride, and rapidity - stride length and speed of stride giving the overall speed. Mostly, though just speed and distance. It is knackering.
The weather has a direct impact on my exercise. More particularly, the weather forecast. It determines when and where - or, more specifically, how far.
I also need to practice walking in my kilt. Kilts are heavy, hang differently from trousers and swing when you move. And I'll need to get over a certain embarrassment, too.
Should you want to sponsor me, you can do so HERE. I really think you should!
I have been training for this. Kind of. In January, I downloaded a training schedule from the web. And found that I was way ahead of the schedule in my normal activity, so I haven't been sticking rigidly to a routine.
A decade or so ago, I walked the Edinburgh marathon, beating some runners (who took breaks whilst I just keep ploughing on) and clocking up a decent time of 5h 40m, an average speed of 4.58mph. My target for this walk is 5h 30m, needing an average of 4.73mph. Over 26 miles.
My main reason for repeating this is to get fit for mountain expeditions in the summer. After my last marathon, I completed four hill-walks that summer which were each greater than twenty two miles, near marathon length, more when you add in the ascent climbed, too. And if I want to finish my Munros, I need to complete several, very distant walks to remote hills. My fitness hasn't really been up to it in recent years, so I'm hoping doing a marathon in May might kickstart my summer.
Over five miles, I can do 5mph, though it is tough. In general, on longer practice walks, I have been averaging between 4.5 and 4.7mph, which suggests I might reach my target. If it isn't raining. And I can just keep it up.
Training for the Kiltwalk has completely changed my approach to walking. When I did the marathon before, I was walking about seven miles away: my training was walking to and from work, several times a week. Since I'm not working just now, that isn't an option. (I recently turned down a contract; one of their more attractive things about the job world have been the eight mile walk to get there!)
I have picked certain routes, and I know the distances involved. I know how far away two miles is (for a short, four mile walk there and back), I know a two and half mile marker (for five), and five (for ten). I have six, seven and eight mile walks. I need to join some together to make longer walks, up to fifteen miles or so. There aren't that many places to walk to in Edinburgh. The ring road is only about five miles away... (I have been planning to walk to the the Bridges - about ten miles - and get the train back, though I haven't yet. Maybe next week.)
So my random walks are currently on hold. I have only taken my camera out walking when I have wanted, deliberately, to slow myself down.
There are three things I have been focusing on: distance, stride, and rapidity - stride length and speed of stride giving the overall speed. Mostly, though just speed and distance. It is knackering.
The weather has a direct impact on my exercise. More particularly, the weather forecast. It determines when and where - or, more specifically, how far.
I also need to practice walking in my kilt. Kilts are heavy, hang differently from trousers and swing when you move. And I'll need to get over a certain embarrassment, too.
Should you want to sponsor me, you can do so HERE. I really think you should!
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no subject
Date: 2015-04-05 09:11 pm (UTC)Also, don't be a true Scotsman if you do decide to wear a kilt. You will be injured somewhere you don't want to be injured due to friction...
no subject
Date: 2015-04-05 09:41 pm (UTC)And I appreciate the advice about a lightweight version. Thank you!
no subject
Date: 2015-04-07 08:41 am (UTC)