Walking And Running
 

My wife and I love to walk around the neighborhood often but still aren't getting enough exercise. We decided to get into running so we have begun the walk to run six week program.
One starts walking one minute and then runs for one minute. You gradually increase the running time until you reach thirty minutes running.

I have read that walking and running are better than just running in some ways(impact). What do you runners think of a mixed plan?

Running/Walking
 

I used to run every day for 8 years when I was in the Marine Corps. I don't run any more. Plus living in Eastern NC during the summer it is damn hot and humid. I had to do something when I got out though, started to get a little wider. Bought an elliptical, 30/40 mins a day in the air conditioning with the boob tube on works wonders.

I haven't run in about 20 years. Then for some reason (OK, the wife talked me into it), I started running about 3 or 4 weeks ago. I run about 2 miles every other day (and usually both Saturday and Sunday). The first couple of times, it killed me. It's amazing how quickly the body adapts, though. I did about 2.5 miles the other day in 90 degree heat (and high humidity) and felt fine when I got done.

Running is excellent exercise. Walking is good, too, but no where near the level of benefit. All of this "low intensity exercise burns more fat" is really not true. I would only walk if you have to. If you start seeing impact related injuries, you'll need to adapt, also. Elliptical trainer is the way to go if impact injuries become a problem.

I simply started running. If I needed to walk at first, I would, but after the second time I ran I didn't need to walk anymore. I think your "walk to run" plan sounds good, though. Any amount of running (even if it's mixed with walking) is probably going to highlight impact injuries.

Mike

Jeff Galloway is a big advocate of mixing running and walking: http://www.jeffgalloway.com/

Don't forget bicycles! Great aerobic without impact. Also most efficent machine in terms of energy thoughput! So it appeals to my engineering side!

The only problem with bicycles is that when you get tired it's really easy to slow way down, but when running I'm still working even if my pace changes a little.

Austin, I have been running since 1973 and I think you have a good plan. The hard part will be sticking with it.

We love being outdoors and have no health/injury problems so were running.

Bikes should have gears suitable for your terrain and abilities. These are easy to change and solve the slowing problem. You must learn to use the systems!