I’ve heard this before, specifically for marathon running: walk thru the water stops, walk once a mile, etc.

But it never really made sense to me. If you’re RACING, why the heck would you walk!?!

It wasn’t until Christopher McDougal put it in the context of the ultra-runners that it finally made sense. If you’re running a 135 mile race, why kill yourself on a steep incline? Just walk it - and save your energy for another battle. The goal is the finish line. Stop trying to be so manly. Think long term.

OK. I get it.

Then I tried it.

I’m turning over a new leaf. I’m giving up my speed demon days for endurance events. So I’ve been hitting the trails the last few weekends - leaving the watch at home, and just having fun.

This past weekend, I hit a super hilly trail section in town and decided to try the walking thing. Whenever I found my breathing getting out of control, I’d walk for a short while. Whenever a steep hill was blasting me, I walked up the remainder of it.

Come to find out, the walking is a remarkable recovery method - that actually happens quite quickly. Within 15 to 30 seconds of walking, I felt refreshed and ready to go again.

I didn’t feel like a wimp, or less manly - I actually felt smart! Because I knew I was going to be out there a long time, why blow all my energy on a monster hill 5 minutes into the run.

By walking less than a handful of times, I was able to run longer than I normally would have - and I enjoyed it a hell of a lot more.

I’m sold.

I think with this strategy, I’ll be able to run more rugged miles each week and go much farther on my long days.

I’ll keep you posted.