Walk Hard!

Those of you who follow Chuckie V’s blog know that he advocates walking as part of your training – time on your feet equals time in the training log.  You’ll help strengthen your feet, and if you think about proper form you can also engage your glutes and back muscles much like a run stride.
Our number ONE reason for incorporating walking as part of our training is for those three days pre-race that you always end up spending on your feet.  No matter how much you plan it out, have everything ready, and set aside time for naps and relaxation – you’ll most always end up walking and standing on your feet 10 times longer than you had anticipated.  There’s the registration line up, the walk to and from your parking spot or hotel that you thought was only a mile away, the mandatory athlete meeting, bike check in, groceries, finding a restaurant, picking up a piece of gear your forgot or finding your favorite gel.  All that on top of the time you spend checking out the course and going through your pre-race routines.  It’s tiring!
So, add some walk time to your training.  Don’t substitute a run or ride with walking unless injury is at hand, but use it as some extra credit training.  I bet that 15 minute drive to work through town is only a 25 minute walk at a brisk pace.  Once or twice a week in addition to your normal routine is all it would take.