do real runners walk?

I wrote a post on walk breaks in running which has caused a lot of debate. C25K got me in to running and I used it to return to running after injury. So I'm a big fan of walk breaks, I'd love to hear what you think. See, fitfor365.wordpress.com/201...

[ju-ju- Graduate]

I wouldn't call myself a 'runner' but I do totally think walk breaks are great. On a long run I have one every 30 to 40 mins plus I totally think we should do what we feel our bodies need...

[Oldgirl Graduate]

Ohhhhh yes, I'm with juicyju and believe we should listen to our body at all times. Lets face it what is the point in pushing beyond your absolute limits and ending up either making yourself ill or causing an injury.

[suzybenj Graduate]

Well that was an interesting- if slightly dispiriting read. I am with you on the walk breaks - I think it is ok to do what you need to to and exercise the way you want to. The important point is exercise.

[achydunlin]

A good friend of mine runs half marathons, 10ks etc she says she often does walk breaks if needed - if you don't listen to your body then it's a sure-fire way to injury. Exercise how you want, if people want to go all out and push their body to the max and then strain a muscle that's up to them.

[achydunlin]

PS It's better to run slowly or walk than do nothing at all! These so-called purists in the article should remember that.

[Blom Graduate]

I am glad that other people do this and not just me. Some days I can run continuously and on others I have to have a walk break every 10 - 15 mins. There doesn't appear to be any reason for this, but as Smellydunlin says, "it's better than doing nothing at all".

[Hidden]

I'm definitely in the camp of you're doing this for YOU, do what feels right for you, no one else. I will now step down from my soap box.