Walk to Run Programs:  Does One Program Fit All?

By Lynn Gray B.A., M.S., RRCA

No two people are alike.   Just ask any teacher who has taught individuals in school or one who have coached students in sports.  Both coaches and teachers keenly realize that each individual is uniquely different both mentally and physically.  Consequently the “one size fits all” lesson plan or fitness plan is impractical in giving the individual the highest amount of success with respect to their individual physical and mental needs.  

More than ever, today’s’ aspiring athletes desire a fitness regiment which addresses their current physical makeup.  The fitness schedule should  consider current disabling illnesses such as stress, diabetes, heart disease and/or eating disorders to name a few.  Today’s fitness participant is advised to seek a professional trainer with a background more knowledgeable than just being able to write out a running schedule to achieve longer distance and/or increased speed.

The notion that today’s fitness participants come to us with pre-existing conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and weight issues cannot be ignored. This is especially true when running stores, personal trainers, coaches, and major shoe companies hand out a duplication schedule for a given distance; which in many cases promises goals which are more than the participant can physiologically handle. The new schedule on the block or the “one program fits all” is contrary to the needs of many of today’s participants who need the professional advice from experienced, certified trainers.  Today’s athletic participant seeks not only to complete a race distance event,  but to accomplish that goal in light of their existing health problems such as high blood pressure, excessive stress, weight challenges, lack of specific walking/running muscle development, agility issues, etc. 

It is indeed the task of the client and the qualified trainer to be prepared to outline a plan together which is more reflective of the client versus an entire group of runners and walkers who collectively have separate existing health challenges.  Considerations such as those listed below should be observed by each individual seeking a qualified fitness trainer.  Consequently a more realistic connection can be made between their current fitness level and where they want to be. 

Consideration #1 – Check to see if your fitness trainer certified by a reputable certification institution such as the RRCA; versus being a fast runner, or one who done “countless marathons”.

Consideration #2 – Is your trainer available for continued support and able to give professional fitness clinics tips to inform you how to practice proper walking or running technique and form, proper nutrition, injury prevention techniques, etc.

Consideration #3 – Have you checked this trainer’s former and present clientele?  Are they still with the trainer or at the very least, still actively walking and/or running?

Consideration #4 – Has the trainer provided you with a “one size fits all” prescription or does he or she have the ability to give one on one progress consultations, give feedback on your heart rate, your weight, your current aerobic ability, your gait, etc.

Consideration #5 – Has the trainer identified your musculoskeletal system so your running or walking form is analyzed and corrected, so the onset of running related injuries are abated?  Likewise is your resting heart rate and maximum heart rate under consideration so effort levels can be accurately monitored?  Also, is the trainer observant of your insulin levels during long runs so you carry proper nutrition and know when to take food in before, during, and after your training?

Consideration #6 – Is the trainer aware of your current lifestyle?  Are they making your fitness plan one which you can live with throughout your life?  Be aware that short term plans bring about short term result if it does not weave into your lifestyle.
Find the plan which you can live with, build upon, and make steady progress so your highest physical potential can be reached in a healthy and positive manner.

Lynn Gray B.A., M.S., RRCA certified Level I, II running coach, teacher of 30 years, trainer of 20 plus years, runner of 80 plus marathons, author of “Fit and Faster” and upcoming book, “Walk to Run”, wellness trainer for firms and major races such as Miles for Moffitt.
Citrus Park Plaza, 7620 Gunn Hwy, Suite #110, Tampa
 (just west of Bally Hoos, and east of Sickles H.S.).

Lgray88@yahoo.com  - website:  www.FirstStepPrograms.com
(813)481-9310-Business or (813)453-7885-Cell