Debugging the walk

[mdlbear]

(Cross-posted to healthy_fen.)

I think I cut about 10 minutes off my usual three-mile walk; most of that would have been in the first half, where I was pushing the pace. Pumping the arms felt kind of stupid, but presumably added to the exercise. Tried taking faster but shorter strides; that seems to help. Hip rotation seems to help a lot -- it lets me take slightly longer strides without coming down so hard on the heel. So no shin splints, though I think I came close.

And I think I came closer than usual to getting an aerobic workout, but I don't think I actually got there. I'll have to buy one of those gadgets that measures your pulse electronically; I've never been successful at taking my own pulse.

The Spenco gel insoles that I got yesterday seemed to help, too. The store where I got them, though, was a dreary, depressing place. Hopefully I can find someplace a little more inviting over the weekend where I can buy weights, a pulse monitor, and maybe shoes.

Comments

[fractalwolf.livejournal.com]

I mentioned your shin splint problem to my wife and her first question was "Does he stretch out before going walking?"

I figured you probably do, but it wouldn't hurt to suggest :}

[mdlbear]

Not usually. The last time I stretched thoroughly before walking was also the time I got my absolute worst case of shin splints ever. Not clear whether it would have been worse or better without the stretching.

[lisa-marli.livejournal.com]

Where did you get the Spenco insoles. Moose and I use their foam arch supports, and are always looking for new suppliers, since most of the main stores have gone with Dr Scholls and Tri-something, dropping the Spenco line.

[mdlbear]

Big 5 at the corner of Stevens Creek and Winchester. They seemed to have a reasonable range of Spenco, but I wasn't looking hard.