Walk or Run — Do What Works for You

I have two knee replacements and running is uncomfortable so I walk. Walk for solitude, walk with my wife to catch up with each other, and walk the dog. I also do a lot of strength training which helps my endurance and walking balances this out. Getting outside to walk is relaxing and calms me not to mention having a lot of health benefits as we know.

I used to run when I was younger. Now all I can do is walk.

I like to walk & stop to look at the clouds, trees, birds, squirrels, airplanes & young families with children (reminds me when my boys were young).  It’s a lovely way to get outdoors and be a part of the earth with my husband. Sometimes we pack a snack or lunch, always water.  Clears my mind & helps me sleep better.

I'm almost 75 and very active, but I am not physically able to run. I love to walk though. I enjoy being outdoors and observing all things around me in nature and I'm also a people watcher. I've walked in rain, snow, wind and temps in the 20's. During the summer I'll be challenged by the oppressive heat. I don't walk on snow or ice and I feel a bit in the dumps on days I'm not able to walk at least 2 miles at a bare minimum. I like to go for 4 miles when I have the time. I began walking to help lower my high triglycerides and it worked wonders with my lab work. But, even if I didn't have a health issue to consider I think I'd keep walking since I enjoy it so much. If I had to go to a gym somewhere and do my walking on a treadmill, I would; but as long as I can walk outdoors I'm going to keep on keepin' on, as they say. At present I walk alone because I don't know of anybody who walks as regularly as I do or at the pace I walk. I try to keep my time at a 20-22 minute mile so I can really get my heart and blood pumping. I'm not as concerned about steps as I am getting my cardio up. I use a walking app with GPS and keep track of my daily statistics.

I'll walk cause I sure can't run!

Maggie, Maggie...

It still IS a toss-up, between Running & walking??  BUT if asked swimming Or riding a bicycle. Now you Have MY attention.  Because i am 'wiser' gentleman. I can still run, however i choose to walk. This is due to the 'jarring' effect running has on an older person.  Which is not recommended for Anyone older than 60 years plus, Or who has knee problems.

Toodles!! 

PS  did NoT mean to steal your 'thunder.'

I believe that people should do what they are comfortable doing while following the direction of a good physician.  I am 70 and certainly am not an athlete.  But, I have been running for years and continue to run 5 to 6 miles 4 times each week.  My physician encourages me to keep going as long as I enjoy what I am doing.  Walking is wonderful exercise too and I love to hike and take good long walks.  For me, running is the engine that gives me fitness to do the other things I enjoy in life.  Running coaches often say that the secret sauce is "consistency".  I think that is true no matter what form of exercise you choose.  But, I think running as we age also requires an equal dose of strength and flexibility work too.

I am a strong believer that staying active is a key contributor to a healthy lifestyle. I retired in 2019 at 61. My first day of retirement I made sure I was out of bed early and started walking. The walking evolved to jogging and running to the point that I was running 6 miles 5 days a week. My father and grandfather had heart problems and both died after heart attacks at 60 and 70 respectively. I have lost 70 pounds, BMI 20, BP is on average 110/60 with no medication, total cholesterol below 180. I see my PCP annually and a cardiologist for ongoing screenings. I am more aware of making healthy diet choices. I injured my meniscus a year ago. Physical therapy, no surgery, has allowed me to return to running/jogging 4 miles 5 days a week. I listen to my body and focus on the benefits of staying active. I consider myself fortunate and blessed with good health. I don’t take it for granted. I will continue as long as my body allows. I am encouraged by all those in their 70s that are running, walking, etc. I encourage others to just keep moving.

I ran daily, training for marathons, from age 14 into my 50s. Now approaching my mid-60s, I am unable to run comfortably due to lower back issues. Walking is the next best thing. It's better than doing nothing!

I have always used walking as my go to exercise. After reading about it's health benefits, I learned that it was beneficial to increase speed or at least vary your speed over your distance (mostly 3 miles). So, in January 2021, I started to measure my time via a Runners App. with the initial goal of walking at an average of 4 miles per hour or a 15 minute mile or 45 minutes for a 3 mile walk. It took a few months, but I attained my goal; and, I am now walking 3 miles in about 42 minutes which is about 4.25 miles per hour. Another good feature was meeting other folks with similar goals. That introduced me to running as an additional way to increase my time for 3 miles. Although I do not run as frequent as I walk, I ran four 5 K races in both 2021 and 2022 in the age 70 to 79 age bracket. My best time recorded for the 8 races was 30 minutes 56 seconds. I finished third in that race( September 2022). First and Second were taken by a 70 and 75  year old with times in the 25 and 28 minute ranges. So, I got work to do. I was amazed as to how many folks ages 60 and above are running, in general, and in 5 K races. Both walking and running are excellent exercises.