Hiking

[RhoRho]

Hello All,

I hope you can help.

I work out at the gym an average of 3 to 4 times a week, combining weight training and cardio sessions. With the help of one of the gym personal trainers I change my weight training programme every month so I don't get bored, and so far it's been okay. I've lost over a stone (in 3 months) and my inch loss has been phenomenal, not to mention increased fitness and strength.

Not long ago, however, I discovered an interest in hiking, so every weekend I go off into the woods for between 5 and 9 hours at a time, covering between 9 and 20 miles at a time. It can be very intensive, so I decided to tell the gym personal trainer. Yesterday she said that I could make these hikes more effective by part walking and part jogging. I listened patiently but I'm a little worried about this. The hikes I've been doing are part of a 240 mile nature trail so I follow directions from a book for that purpose. It's difficult enough following the directions, but I think it would be near impossible to combine walking with jogging in an area I don't even know. Also, would it be wise to jog in thick woods where sometimes you're hard pressed to find a trail?

I know the personal trainer just wants to be helpful by suggesting this, but am I doing the right thing by sticking to my hikes WITHOUT the alternate walking/jogging thing she's suggested? I REALLY enjoy my hikes and the thought of introducing jogging to them just kinda puts me off. I'd appreciate your thoughts on this..

(PS: I STILL work out 3 to 4 times a week at the gym, combining cardio and weight training)

 

[maleficent]

I think the suggestion of alternating walking/jogging is to make it more of an interval training workout -but in my mind -- that wouldn't work of me - the lengths of the walks you are doing, an the time you are out, is plenty effective for a cardio workout plus you get the bonus that you enjoy it... it doesn't feel like a workout (Im beginnig to feel that way about my 15 - 18 mile traing walkson the weekends) you could probably go faster, not necesarily bring it up to a jog, but just walk a little faster but that might have you missing some ofteh scenery...

I don't believe you are hurting yourself by just walking... and the brain vacation you get by dooing those hikes is probably just as good a benefit... I would't worry about adding in jogging... Just enjoy what you're currently doing

 

[RhoRho]

Great! Thanks Mal, I guess I was concerned at the suggestion that maybe I wasn't doing as much as I could. I walk at quite a fast pace (I hate dawdling about) but I occasionally stop to take pictures, or enjoy the scenery like you said. And yes, it absolutely doesn't feel like a workout, not even when I'm sore for days afterwards. It's nice to be able to totally enjoy something and not have it tainted by the thought of exercise (I DO occasionally run though, such as when a cow chased me...oh yes, I ran then )

I think I've made up my mind now. Thanks for your thoughts.
(Less than a month to your big walk - I hope your preparations are going well )