Hi, all
I have been on a walk/run program for the past two weeks now. Some of you might have seen it in Prevention magazine. Anyway, I 've been doing fine with the running, but if I try to walk more than 3.5 miles an hour, the front of my leg(calves)burn intensely. Its sore afterwards, but doesn't still hurt. Its not the actual calf, just the front of my lower leg. I read that a person should work up to a 15 min mile or 4.0 mph for walking, but as I said if I go faster my legs hurt. Is this normal? I can push through it, I just don't want to injure myself. What should I do? My muscles burn when I lift weights, but I know this is normal. If its the same kind of pain then I can just work through it. But all I need is to injure myself. I have been doing so well.

Also, can all people walk at the same pace? I always thought it was because I am 5ft that I couldn't walk more than 3.5 mph, but after the magazine article I wonder. Does the length of your legs matter?

Thanks

Hi Mary,
It sounds like you have shin splints. Rest, ice and ibuprophen help in the short term. Calf stretches (the front as well as the back) will help. Make sure your shoes really fit well and are appropriate to your gait and foot. Get fitted at a running store, not a general sports or shoe store.

And yes, the length of your leg affects how fast you can walk. Someone with long legs will take a much longer stride than you can comfortably, and will cover more distance faster. I'm 5'3" and 4 mph is a fast walk. By about 4.3 mph, I'm jogging.
Hope that helps,
Mel

One other thing is to make sure that you walk heel toe. That can make a big difference.
With my husband and I if we are walking he can not keep up with me. I am 5.5 and he is 6.2. I think if you just keep at it you will get were you would like to be.
Tanya