I consider myself a real runner, and I DO walk! When I entered my first half-marathon as a “real runner” (I would NEVER walk!), I cried when I crossed the finish line. These weren’t just tears of joy, but tears of pain! Running continuously, I ended up with an injury. Suffice it to say, I had trouble getting out of my car for days!

When I began teaching local running classes, I decided to practice what I preach. . . and teach! I began training exclusively using the run/walk strategy, and over the next several years, I was able to achieve goals I once thought were impossible. The next half-marathon I entered, using run/walk intervals, I fared much better. I improved my time, and most importantly, I could actually walk the next day!  (This was important since I had to show off my finisher’s shirt!)

There’s no shame in walking. There are those hardcore runners who will never walk, but you’ll be the last (wo)man standing as you run/walk well into the later decades of your life while those who laughed at walk breaks will have long been sidelined by injuries.

Now, I don’t just talk the walk, I walk the walk. . . and running is much more fun!

Dr. Karey Zufelt obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Davis, graduating with Highest Honors. She received her medical degree from the UC Davis School of Medicine and entered a Family Practice Residency at San Jose Medical Center, San Jose, California. Karey practiced medicine in the area of Women’s Health, her patient population spanning all age levels from teens to seniors. Connect to her by visiting her inspirational site, Running for Women.