After reading (actually I'm still in the middle of it) Ray Jardine's Guide to Lightweight Hiking, and applying a style of pace-walking described therein, I've discovered another gear!
For months I've fussed and worried over trying to combine walking (at 5.5km/h) and running (at 10 km/h) despairing of finding a solution. Instead, I've found another gear. I seem to be able to pad-walk very comfortably and nicely at about 8.4 km/hour (or a few seconds under 3 minutes per 400m lap.
Tried it out today for the first time at the Caledonian, and it was effortless despite my still having some of the effects of a cold.
But I'll need to practise. And there are only 4 weeks to go.
Here's how I see it:
- Train daily to get used to the style and monitor its effect on my calves and hamstrings
- Give up barefoot training 2 weeks prior
- Give up most walking in last week
- Approach the race pad-walking say 4, then jogging 1, then walking 1. Repeat and rinse for as long as possible.
