Benefit of fast walking/running

[PinkFizz]

I have entered the Race for Life , a 5km race in May. I havent ran since school and so have opted for the combined walking and running option and have been training for 2 weeks now and findng it very hard. Anyway, I an determined to carry on so I want to know:

1. What will be the benefit physically on my body of very fast walking/alternated with slow running for 30-40 minutes 3-4 times a week and how long before I see any effects.

2. Would I actually lose any weight or just change shape, or neither.

3. I am planning to keep this regime up long term as even though I am finding it hard, I do feel better generally for it. So are the long terms benefits good??

[xx marti xx]

Im not sure of the exact answers but this is what I do know .
The type of exercise that your doing is cardiovascular,which basically makes your heart work ,which is good !
The ideal heart rate that you should be looking for ,for fat burning is: 220 minus your age,try to keep your heart rate at 60-80% of this range.
You could loose weight doing this ,but you wont if you go down the pub after and down 10 pints.What im trying to say is that exercise on its own wont do it ,you also need to eat healthily.
As for the long term benifits,definately good.
Keep up the good work,you will find it does get easier !

[Bigeye74]

With reference to the fast walking slow running thing. Very good for your heart (IMHO), however your body will get used to it sooner or later. You need to push yourself a little bit more each time i.e. reduce the walk time and increase the run time. Once you are only running look at running faster for short periods of time. If you don't push yourself, your body won't burn the extra calories needed to loose weight as it will become efficient at supplying just the right amount for the job.
By push yourself I mean increase the work load a tiny bit each time so that you look forward to the challenge.
If you start dreading what you are going to do, stop change tactics and build up again.

[melons]

Walking and running are both very good for you. I think that you will loose some weight but it might take a while to move. All of a sudden you will see the benefits.
Like the other 2 comments it is very good for your heart, lungs and brain. The blood will be flowing around your body and can clear up a slightly depressive mood. So it is pretty good. Also good for the self estiame as well. the fitter you get, the more weight you loose the better you will look and the better you will feel!
Just want to say as well, well done you for entering the race for life. Hope you do really well and let us know how you get on.
Melons xx

[888sally888]

Hi

I am not a strong runner but did the Race for Life last year and the atmosphere alone kept me running. I stopped a couple of times briefly but ran it in 28 minutes!! Just chatted to loads of people and they encouraged me as well.

You will be fine!! Sal