Couch Potato to a Marathon Walker-Top 10 Tips

What I wished someone told me about when I decided to do a Marathon event.

As a mom with two kids and full-time college student, staying focused on my families’ needs, school requirements, and my world has been all I feel like I have time for. Running around like a chicken with my head chopped off has been modus operandi. Every spare moment, I fell into the couch potato status of life, sinking deep between “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal”. My entire focus was on how I was feeling so tired, so worn out, so all about ME. Feeling very narcissistic, a change was in order in terms of how I directed my focus and energy. 

Lewis Carrol once said, “One of the secrets of life is that all that is really worth doing is what we do for others.” In an attempt to reach out beyond my small bubble of the world, I decided to walk the Avon39 Breast Cancer Walk in Washington D.C. This walk supports the Avon Foundation’s fight against breast cancer. It is a 2-day 39 Mile walk through Washington, D.C. Inspired by a couple of amazing friends who fought this disease, I realized even though my participation is a small drop in the bucket, it’s still a drop.

So began my training to complete this marathon walk. From not exercising at all to training four times a week, I made lots of mistakes. Twisted muscles, scars, and sore feet still won’t keep me away from my goal. I discovered several great tips out of my own error, and I would love to share them so others don’t make the same mistakes. Here’s to all our RACC fun runners, walkers, and marathoners!

1.       Buy multiple pairs of running/walking shoes. Start any type of marathon training by rotating your tennis shoes. This helps the shoes not to be worn down so fast and rotating allow the memory foam or gel to recover each time.

      1.Buy multiple pairs of running/walking shoes. Start any type of marathon training by rotating your tennis shoes. This helps the shoes not to be worn down so fast and rotating allow the memory foam or gel to recover each time.

      2.Try to drink at least 10-12 ounces of water or sports drink two hours before you exercise. When you’re thirsty you are already dehydrated. Fill the tank before it even has a chance to be emptied. 

           3. Stretch! I know we all ‘do’. It is something so easy to neglect; however, 5 minutes of stretching before and after a workout can help prevent injuries.   

4.Don't attempt to hydrate with something you won’t drink. This is especially for all those I hate water people. Drink something you love during your workout. You will feel better.  

5. Stay fueled during your workout. Each mile walked burns almost 100 calories and builds muscle. If your distance surpasses 4 miles or more, you will want to eat a snack to refuel.

 6. Buy your shoes a half to a whole size larger than your normal dress shoe. This will allow room for your feet if they need to breathe or swell.

 7. Cool Down. Sometimes when we hit our “target” distance it is easy to  just be so glad to be done. Yet, muscles need to be stepped down to prevent the lactic acid buildup and injury.

 8. Workout with a friend. It is easier to run/walk with someone else for more than an hour when you are talking with someone else. By yourself, the hours and miles just drag on.

  9 If your body hurts suddenly or sharply, something is wrong. Do not keep going, if you are injured continuing on can make an injury worse.

 10. When walking down hill, everyone has a tendency to lean back. DON’T! This puts too much pressure on your lower back and heels.