Hi there
I start each day by walking my dog for about 30 minutes. If I record via Garmin, Athletica tells me this comes in as a load of about 15 to 25 depending on duration and intensity.
Is there any merit logging these walks as a contribution to overall load. Or are they inconsequential to be relevant from a training load perspective. Notwithstanding the broader wellbeing they contribute to.
Hi @PhilB. I’m just preparing a podcast with an expert in this area around the benefits of aerobic walking. I push this aspect for many of my athletes and the best example I have is Athletica ambassador Andi Boecherer’s near record setting win (by over 8 minutes) at Ironman Lanzarote in 2021. Just about every day in an already high training volume program was supplemented with aerobic walking. Anyone tuning in, maybe have a think about why that might be the case and discuss? How is it possible that short to moderately long walks supplemented around your training sessions come back to being associated with enhanced adaptation and performance? I’ll dig deeper into this topic in a full length Training Science Podcast (and subsequently an Athlete Compass Podcast in coming months.
In short - yes - record these.
Hey @PhilB hope you are doing well!
I also record these walks, sometimes they are little longer, but in average only about 15mins couple of times a day. Sometimes longer (winter time) when the weather is nicer here in TX and pup can tolerate longer walks. The best thing that happened to my fitness and health was to get a rescue dog (both for me and family).
I’d be inclined to think zone 1 walking is beneficial from Fat oxidation, mental health (stress reduction) and muscle recovery perspective. If you can find a nice trail in the forest, I would love to think there is some sort of immune system benefit as well? Forest bathing is big in Japan and other countries, like my home country of Finland.
I’d go so far and say that just adding walking into my training program has been a game changer, Thanks @Prof !!
MJ
Thats super interesting you’re doing a podcast on walking @Prof. Definitely looking forward to those. I’m a fan of Tim Anderson who is a big proponent of walking, and while there is a clear physical benefit, I’m also sold on the mental benefit I find with walking too.
I am doing well @Marjaana. Yes a four legged family member is a great way to get walk time each day. I’m 10 minutes walk from the local beach so while its not forest bathing, it’s great to get some barefoot in the sand and sea sloshing around the ankles.
Frequently I will take a 16kg kettlebell for a walk too. It does some nice spicy things to the body. Lots of ways to make walking more than just the walk when you want to. Again channeling Tim Anderson I will get some crawling in at the park I walk through in the morning.
Thank you for your thoughts, and I hear you, I will log those walks!
Thanks @PhilB … checking Tim’s work out!
