I have a question for runners and walkers!?

Why do people equate running with a higher level of walking when they are different exercises?

I used to walk because I never thought I was a runner. I'm a runner now, and I won't go back to walking (though I incorporate walking into my longer runs).

I see a significant difference after a year of running, versus a year of speed walking.

Also, runners, why do you sweat so hard after a run? I pour sweat after a run. When I walked, I would just get a bit moist.

Joseph, thanks for the info. My running pace is a lot slower than my walking pace (and I never considered myself a speed walker). On the Nike training runs, the walkers are faster than a lot of runners. At the finish, the walkers are moist but the runners pour sweat.

But why do people think that walking is an extension of running? Running is hard on the body, walking isn't. You need special shoes for running, not for walking. Running wears you out, walking doesn't....etc.

Not to confuse the issue...but.............

I hadn't really thought about it till I read your running/higher level of walking, different exercise, etc. comment.

I agree that walking and running are two different exercises...but what about race walking and jogging? They might be pretty similar. Race walkers may well be faster than joggers...

The fastest race walkers are not as fast as the fastest runners, but they are really fast nonetheless.

I am guessing walkers don't sweat as much because it isn't as aerobic as running. The fastest 10k in the world for a walker is around 38 minutes...but the fastest 10k in the world for a runner is less than 30. Like ohthechemistry said...it is harder to move a body at more speed than at less speed....hence more work being done by the runner, and more sweat produced...

SexyTrojan - I appreciate your comments, but my experience has been much different than yours - running is much quicker than walking, and I don't need special shoes to run (ATTM Polo Sport with 1" sole including tread). Do sweat a heckuva lot more running ;) Report It

tsbr1963 - good answer IMO, but if 30 minutes were the 10K record, I 'd probably be on the track even at my age. Last I heard it was 26:18.

http://www.irishrunner.com/05k... Report It

I have no answer for your first question, but I do know that we sweat more after a run because it takes more energy to move our bodies faster. Walking takes less energy, is less intense.

If you are a speed walker, you should be aware that some people can walk quite fast (the fastest ones can beat me running for anything but short distances, and I am not slow). Yet they IMO are really running in such a way they always keep a foot on the ground.

You sweat more when you run because you obviously exert yourself more and your body temperature goes higher - especially when it is warm & humid like many places have been recently.

Naturally when one walks fast enough it became a run. They are not much different in muscle movement not unless if one power walk without lifting their feet.
Most people like to see results in the shortest possible time in whatever they do, it would be paradoxical for one to walk try catching a on moving bus if he could run.
You would definitely see a drastic difference in weight loss when you compare running and walking because running involves greater energy expenditure, walking probably make your heart beats at 90bpm or less while running normally ranges greater than 100bpm. Our blood carries the necessary fuel to power our muscle, so, faster fuel injection quicker our storage tank depletes. You can equate walking as economical and running as over drive for this instance. But there's always a dynamic of efficiency involve, that's when you over drive to achieve maximum output in the shortest possible time. This dynamic curve varies from individually and is non linear.
Sweating is a cooling process and it does used up some fuel but it doesn't not sum up to running + more sweat = greater fat loss. It is true under normal condition but weather or temperature can be elusive. Sometimes one can't help but think sweating is direct process that comes after exercises but it cannot explain why we sweat during our sleep or while we're clearing our bowel. Sauna and steam bath are good example of how our body mechanic works to cool down, undeniably our heart do beat faster but the efficiency rate doesn't fall under optimal condition. There're some new found ways to help fat loss faster, some professional slimming centres now are using frequencies to moblizes fat cells, work just like the microwave oven. It vibrates the celluite at about 1mega hertz to liquify and taking pills to discharge solidified fats in bowel movements. It's a slippery process!