Pushing it to the limit for me, a middle-aged brisk walker, does not lead to Gatorade ads. But here's what I did. Went down to Town Lake in Austin, the iconic Hike and Bike Trail just at the edge of downtown. It's a great spot to jog and walk. A few days ago, I walked the loop from Mopac pedestrian bridge to the Lamar pedestrian bridge and realized it's a 3 mile course.
My goal for today was to walk 3 miles at a brisk rate, above 3 mph or about 16-17 minutes a mile for the entire 6 miles. I did it!
I got a bit of a shock, but in a good way after completing the first circle. Map My Run said I did the first 2.8 mile loop at an average of 9.57 minutes a mile! I did that lap in just about 28 minutes total. That's almost running, or at least jogging. On the second time around I jumped up to 49 minutes for the loop. I slowed all the way down to 16:42 per mile. I must have gotten weary on the home stretch.
The whole walk, twice around, took me 76 minutes-- an average of about 13 minutes per mile. That exceeded my goal by a decent amount. Break out the champagne-- and the Gatorade!
Showing posts with label Texas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Texas. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Day 2-- how to walk for exercise
Nov. 14, 2013-- 1 hour and 20 minutes (7,000 steps)
Different kind of walk today. Walked around Town Lake in Austin. Town Lake or Lady Bird Lake is actually the Colorado River and runs right through downtown Austin. Today's walk was flat land, less rigorous than the first day. Lots of Austin folks are health-minded and the hike and bike trail, just beneath the Austin skyline, gets plenty of use. We've even got pedestrian bridges across the river to keep walkers, joggers, and bikers protected from traffic. Really an ideal setting for exercise and relaxation!
I found out you take more steps in less time if the ground is level. I clocked about 7,000 steps today-- versus yesterday when I did 4,000 steps on a hilly path. Today I walked with a friend and lasted more than an hour. I guess we did 3.5 miles. He explained how you should walk for exercise. This guidance, he said, comes directly from a guru in the fitness field-- "walk like you're going to an appointment, but are on-time." That means brisk walking but not rushed.
Walking is always about enjoying yourself. No stress. I can walk with another person for exercise but most other workouts-- weights, machines, swimming, etc.-- I prefer to do alone. I don't want to get injured trying to impress another person. But walking is relaxed and easily done with a friend. And you might even learn something helpful-- like how to walk for exercise.
Different kind of walk today. Walked around Town Lake in Austin. Town Lake or Lady Bird Lake is actually the Colorado River and runs right through downtown Austin. Today's walk was flat land, less rigorous than the first day. Lots of Austin folks are health-minded and the hike and bike trail, just beneath the Austin skyline, gets plenty of use. We've even got pedestrian bridges across the river to keep walkers, joggers, and bikers protected from traffic. Really an ideal setting for exercise and relaxation!
I found out you take more steps in less time if the ground is level. I clocked about 7,000 steps today-- versus yesterday when I did 4,000 steps on a hilly path. Today I walked with a friend and lasted more than an hour. I guess we did 3.5 miles. He explained how you should walk for exercise. This guidance, he said, comes directly from a guru in the fitness field-- "walk like you're going to an appointment, but are on-time." That means brisk walking but not rushed.
Walking is always about enjoying yourself. No stress. I can walk with another person for exercise but most other workouts-- weights, machines, swimming, etc.-- I prefer to do alone. I don't want to get injured trying to impress another person. But walking is relaxed and easily done with a friend. And you might even learn something helpful-- like how to walk for exercise.
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