WALKING

It once was that we hoped to become runners, but after initial training and introspection, we have decided to become more, walkers. We want the physical benefit of a greater quantity of exercise, and we want to lose weight. However, we also want to socialize. As runners, we wouldn’t be talking while exercising for six months!

The goal is to walk at least twenty five miles each week. From week one and over the last few weeks we have easily met the goal. Since we began cruising we had been walking for enjoyment and out of necessity. To reach the goal, we will have to put in additional purely recreational miles.

On the technical side, walking burns a lot of calories. Debbie will burn over 1700 calories in twenty five miles. I will burn over 3300 calories. Simply put, work equals force times distance. Burning these calories while walking, and including the residual benefit of the regimen, mean we should shed weight in a healthy manner. Provided we complete relatively long walks we will shed mostly fat.

Running is surely a better aerobic exercise than walking. Factoring any difference in benefit, injury possibilities, and motivation issues, walking suits us just right.