You may have seen the recent slogan tied to the Boston Marathon:
“Runners welcome. Walkers tolerated.”
It didn’t sit well with a lot of people—and honestly, I understand why.
Because for many in this season of life, walking isn’t something to be “tolerated.”
It’s something to be celebrated.
And I’ll go first…
I run-walk.
Not because I must—but because I choose to.
Walking Is Not “Less Than”
Somewhere along the way, fitness started to feel like competition:
- Faster is better
- Harder is better
- Running counts… walking doesn’t
I hear a similar thing in yoga all the time:
“I can’t do yoga because I’m not flexible.”
But that’s like saying you can’t lift weights because you’re not strong.
We don’t wait to be ready—we start to become ready.
Why Walking Matters (More Than You Think)
If your goal is longevity, walking checks a lot of boxes:
- ✔️ Lower risk of injury compared to running
- ✔️ Easier on joints
- ✔️ Supports heart health
- ✔️ Helps with consistency
- ✔️ Boosts energy and mood
- ✔️ Supports fat loss, especially when done consistently
Walking may not feel intense—but it adds up in a powerful way over time.
And consistency is what moves the needle.
Even Elite Athletes Are Shifting
This isn’t just for beginners.
Mark Sisson—a former elite marathoner (2:18) and endurance athlete—shifted away from high-intensity, “no pain, no gain” training.
In his book Born to Walk, he talks about the hidden downsides of chronic cardio and why he now promotes walking as a more sustainable way to support long-term health.
His message is simple:
Walking is foundational. It supports metabolic health, reduces stress on the body, and is something you can do for life.
But Here’s the Missing Piece
Walking is a powerful foundation—but it’s not the whole picture.
As we age, we naturally lose muscle (known as sarcopenia), which impacts:
- Strength
- Balance
- Metabolism
So instead of replacing walking, we build on it:
- Add a little strength training
- Practice balance
- Keep walking as your base
That’s how you stay active, independent, and doing the things you love.
Let Go of the Comparison
Want to run? Run.
Want to walk? Walk.
Want to do yoga? Do yoga.
The problem isn’t the activity, it’s the comparison.
Comparison is what makes people feel like they’re not doing enough… and that’s often what stops them from doing anything at all.
You’re Not Behind
If walking is where you are right now…
You are not behind.
You are not doing “less.”
You are not being “tolerated.”
You are taking care of your body—and that matters.
A Simple Next Step
Keep walking.
And if you’re ready, add just one small thing this week:
- A few sit-to-stands from a chair
- A short balance practice
- Light strength work 1–2 times
Nothing extreme. Just intentional.
Let’s Keep It Real
The goal isn’t to train for a marathon.
The goal is to:
- Keep up with your grandkids
- Travel with energy
- Feel steady on your feet
- Stay strong for years to come
And walking plays a big role in that.
Ready for Your Next Step?
If you’re already walking but feeling stuck—or wondering what to add next—I’d love to help.
We can talk through your goals, your routine, and what makes sense for you.
👉 Reply to this email or message me to set up a free consultation.
