Deliberate power walking

Quite often I find articles of interest in running magazines. Yes, it’s true. And I always thought runners had so much to learn from power walkers!

At a recent event I received a copy of Canadian Runner. This is a new magazine that is in its first year of publication. The issue that I was given featured an article on "deliberate running".

Even though I read this article just yesterday, the magazine is already AWOL in my endless piles of books and magazines. So, my précis here might be slightly skewed by poor memory and wishful thinking!

What sticks in my mind, was the thesis that a runner can improve performance by being deliberate in the pursuit of speed. This is what we do on a weekly basis in our program and I can unequivocally tell anyone who asks that power walkers who challenge themselves to a weekly coached session of speed drills improve. For some the improvement is dramatic. For others it’s slow, but consistent, improvement.

It takes focus and deliberation to work on speed training. Speed is achieved recruiting the brain, as much as the body. Our interval work is often spent directing mental attention to specific muscle groups or to aspects of technique.

This deliberate thinking, according to The Canadian Runner, can be further categorized: associative thinking versus disocciative thinking. Some people exercise and use dissociative thoughts to distract themselves. They might dwell on the beauty of a sunset or count light poles. Others use associative thoughts - thoughts which are focused and associated with the body's movements. For example, walking as fast as you can while deliberately focusing on landing with the front foot in a strong toe-up position.

It makes sense that people using associative techniques would achieve greater improvement in speed and fitness, but what is also interesting is that these exercisers reported a greater enjoyment from their workout.

Possibly there are times to use each of these deliberations.

This is the place to post any of your ideas on “deliberate walking”. Do you think you use dissociative or associative mental games with yourself? Do you notice any difference in how you feel after the workout?

p.s. speaking of speed, I hope those of you reading this in the GTA are registered for one of the most beautiful 5k events in southern Ontario – happening this Sunday in Oakville, Ontario – the OTMH Classic 5k. Register at www.otmhclassic.com