Does walking use the same muscles etc as running?

[Moosetgoose]

have had to have a break from running due to ankle/Achilles injury but am able to walk. is this using the same muscles and will it keep my fitness up while I cant run? managed a 4 mile walk today and not in pain so far so hoping I can keep it up and get back to light jogging this week.....any advice?

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

I imagine that they would be -- and walking is commonly used as a preparation for running. However it is interesting to note that Jeff Galloway (of run/walk fame who proposes that people should intersperse short walking segments into their running ) also proposes that walkers should intersperse short running segments into their walking He says that the muscles are different and short running bursts help to avoid repetitive strain injury which can come from long distance walking.

[Tinyrun Graduate]

I do find it odd that running is so much harder than walking, because I'm not even really running, I'm just doing a very slow jog. They'll be a lot on here who know the right answers.