Walking feet

[ShoppinShannon]

So, I mentioned before that I recuited the neighboor into exercising with me every morning, but she likes to walk and I'm cool with that because she goes fast and I'm still breathing hard when I'm done.  Plus afterwards, I sometimes go for a run.  We walk for 4 miles, in one hour.  By friday, I am dying for a break because  my feet hurt sooooooo much from all the blisters and bruising.

How is it that I can run 4 and a half hours with no visible blisters and black nails, but I walk 1hr a day for 5 days and I am covered in blisters and have two black nails????
I'm really confused.  Is it time for me to break out my new shoes from the box?  When I go running, my feet seem to be fine.

Any ideas?  Is my shoes laced to tight, or is it the way I am placing my feet on the ground.
This walking concept is so new to me that it's confusing the heck out of me. Help, my toes can't take it much more soon I'll be hobbling down the road.

[Jane]

I think all your problems would be solved if you moved back to Trenton, Shannon.  We wouldn't force you to do all that walking.....   

I have no idea how to solve your problem.  Beth and I have been walking after finishing running 21K in our marathon training, since we are running the first half and walking the second half.  I haven't had that problem with my feet.  The only problem I have had is with rubbing on the bottom of my foot below my big toe.  Oh, and my fingers swelling up.

All I can think of, like my hands, are your feet swelling up more with the walking?  And the only time I got a black toenail was at the Toad, and I think my big toe was banging into the end of my running shoe, especially on the downhills.   Are you doing lots of downhills?

Maybe you need special walking shoes for walking??   

[Sandy]

Hey Shannon!  You don't need special shoes for walking, just maybe different shoes or different nutritional strategies...afterall walking is a different sport from running.  In some people their feet move differently when they walk versus running.  Walking is a heel strike activity and running should be a midfoot hit.  This causes the foot to pronate differently.  To keep the same shoes for both activities you may just need to change the way you walk.  To walk efficiently keep your feet striking one right in front of the other like you are walking on a tight rope, lean from the ankles; not hips.  Bend your elbows to 90 degrees and swing them as if you are elbowing someone behind you. 

You may need to moderate your fluid intake.  Sometimes when we walk we don't think we need as much, as well as take in electrolytes.  If you think you are doing enough, try more then next time and less the time after that and see what works better. 

You may be sliding more in the shoe, we usually size someone a little smaller for walking then running which gives you a snugger heel feel and less movement front to back.  Try ting your laces with the little loop at the top to snug your heel right back in the shoe.

Let us know how you make out.

[Jane]

Hmmm..... this is interesting information. 

So I guess I should be trying to change my walking style for the last half of our marathon, with my feet striking one in front of the other.   Either that, or change shoes at the half way point??       I also need to practice how to bend my elbows to 90 degrees and swing them, because my fingers are swelling up like sausages when I start walking.

[ShoppinShannon]

Thanks guys,

Walking is so different, I will definitely change my walking posture tomorrow and see how it goes from there.  I still wear my fuel belt and force myself to drink the two bottles before I get home but I do admit that part is hard especially at 5:am.

Jane mentioned, that spot by her big toe and that is exactly where I get the big blister. 
After 1 hr of walking, I get Jacob up and out the door for school, I still head out for a run 3 times a week, and my feet feel soooooo good compared to walking on my feet.

Looking forward to giving my new walking moves a try, I'll let you know how it goes!!

[Sandy]

Maybe Celin our walking expert has some input.

[ShoppinShannon]

Ya Celin what do you have to say? 

I did try the heel to toe method and I survived at the end of the week with no blisters!  It's different concentrating on bending at the heels, I definitely notice I go faster when I do that.  I have to admit, I love my running more.
Miss you guys!

[Celin]

I agree with what Sandy said.  Also, when you walk, because you swing your arms more, people tend to fist their hands too much, which causes them to swell and go numb.  Make sure you relax your hands.  Your arms should be relaxed from the shoulder and not tense.  Makes that lovely nerve that runs through the shoulder socket unhappy causing numbness and tingling.  Your hands should swing to about chin height. 

The other thing that people do when walking is slouch down, almost looking at the ground.  You want to maintain a nice straight posture.  It can cause you to wind more.  All your energy should be in forward motion, not down.

I find that when walking, I can slip more in my shoe.  I have to tie my shoe tighter than when I use to run.  People are amazed how different both are.  If your shoe is fitting well, you shouldn't slip.  Try shay butter on your feet.  Smells good and feels good.  You can get some nice quality Shay at Body Shop and any natural store.

As Sandy said, people think that walking takes less energy and don't fuel enough (electrolytes and water).  If you are walking 5 days a week you might be a little dehydrated which will cause blistering due to dry skin chafing.  Fast walking burns as much calories as a jog, so keep the fluids up.  I also find if I put some Shay butter on my feet before I walk it stops the blisters.  My hubby also appreciates my nice soft feet too.   

[Jane]

Interesting tips to know for my walking part of the Marine Corps!  Thanks Celin!!

And GREAT results at the Toad on Saturday!  You put us to shame!   

[Sandy]

Good points Celin!