Walking during the "run"?
I received this question from Linda, and wanted to share it on the forum (with her permission):
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One of my issues with a tri is that I have previous injuries that have prevented me from doing the run part. Is that going to be a problem? I know in the Danskin many women will walk.
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My response to her:
No, that is not a problem at all! Lots of people walk the "run" portion of a triathlon. At Danskin, you'll see at least 60 - 70% of the women walking at one point or another. :-)
Walking the tri's
I pretty much only walk my tri's and have done several over the last 5 years. It's never been a problem, especially in Danskin because there are so many women out on the course. (And many many of them are walking!) I have also been at the back of races where the crowd has thinned out, but I've never had anything but tremendous support from the crowds, volunteers and other racers. No matter your speed, you are a TRIATHLETE and that is something a lot of people never attempt. Go for it!!
There is a saying...
Do you know the difference between a runner and a walker?
A walker knows when he/she is going to walk. :-)
We all walk at some point. Does it really matter the percentages?? And most triathletes are just competing with themselves to do better than the last time or better than they thought they could... In that sense, it is just between you and the course... You decide what the 'run' course should be for you... :-)
Cindy
I walked the 'run' on the Danskin!
Last year was my first Danskin/first triathlon - and I walked the 'run' portion except in 3 places: the 30 or so feet when someone was taking my picture, one hill that I 'sing' my way up (the rubber tree/ant song) and the very last bit with all the folks cheering you on (and another picture being taken)! Of course my 'run' was really just a 'bouncy' walk .... so GO FOR IT!! It is a powerful experience and you will be so glad you did it!
The good thing about the run portion..
..of "swim/bike/run" is that you can make it whatever you need it to be. In fact, I think I saw Coach Tracy skipping once. In fact ...it could be considered to be a misnomer because it is pefectly fine to make YOUR race a swim/bike/walk...and you are STILL a triathlete!
Upcoming Races
- 08/03/2008 - 09:00
- 08/03/2008 - 09:00
- 08/17/2008 - 08:00
- 08/23/2008 - 08:00
- 08/24/2008 - 10:16
- 09/01/2008 - 08:00
- 09/21/2008 - 08:00
- 10/05/2008 - 08:30
- 10/11/2008 - 07:00
- 10/25/2008 - 07:00
Running is a relative term
Of course you can walk part of the course, or all of it if you feel like it. We all walk at sometime.. even our best marathoners walk through water-stops.. there's no problem with that.
As long as you are out there moving, we will be cheering you on and supporting you, and if you stop moving, we will be there to help you get started again, manually and/or inspirationally. That's just how we are!