Walking vs Running - set distance, limited time.

[Kelemvor]

OK, let me start by saying I've read a bunch of website and things that state the benefits of one vs the other vary by speed and things like that. I'm going to describe my two specific options and want to see what everything would recommend.

At work, we have a path around our building that's approximately 1.5 miles. I only get 35 minutes for lunch. My current schedule is to eat quickly and get outside to walk within 10 minutes. It takes me about 20 minutes to walk the path and leaves 5 to get back inside and up to my desk. I walk for the exercise but sometimes feel like going for a run.

The reason I don't run is because I sweat like crazy and don't have time to take a shower or anything else before going back to work. However since it's much cooler out now than in the middle of the summer (I'm in WI), I could now potentially run at work. The second option I came up with is:
Not eat. Go from my desk, change clothes and get outside within 3-5 minutes. Walk out to the path and streth a bit (5-6 minutes). Run the path (11-12 minutes). This leaves me 12 minutes to do a +/-5 minute cool down walk, get back inside to change, and get back to my desk.

My question is, how does the ~20 minute walk compare to the 10 minute walk plus the 12 minute run.

I guess I could try to get my heart rate monitor working and just do a test but figured I'd get the take of anyone else that might have already tested or researched this same thing.

 

[mizzou]

i would say, find the time to run and do it justice outside of work

your coworkers will thank you

also, a 11min 1.5 mile is pretty fast! I huff and puff just to make that speed

 

[Kelemvor]

My problem is I rarely make time outside of work. I used to go in the morning but it's pitch black out now before work. Once I get home I just can't get motivated. I figured if I could do it during the day, since I walk anyway, that'd be easiest if I could make it work. I wish I had a longer lunch period and it'd be real easy.

 

[kamper]

Are you able to eat your lunch at your desk after the run? I'm not sure I'd want to skip lunch.

Also, if you're not running hard, you don't necessarily need to stretch beforehand. Jogging is in itself a good warmup. Although as mizzou points out, you're either a really good runner or you will be running pretty hard to get an 11-minute 1.5 miles, since you aren't otherwise a trained runner from the looks of it.

 

[brikis98]

What are your goals? That is, what are you trying to achieve with this workout?

 

[mizzou]

+1 for not skipping lunch.

My last job had 30min unpaid lunch breaks and I HATED it. Give me a hour unpaid anyday.


That job was responsible for.so.much unneeded stress....I often skipped lunch and long story short it took years to get back to normal again

 

[Kelemvor]

Well year, I would just eat at my desk instead of eating during the lunch time. I can run an 8 minute mile for a mile or two without any problem.

My main idea here is to get something done during the day because I rarely get motivated in the morning since it's pitch black outside this time of year, and once I get home from work, family life hits and working out gets pushed to the back burner or completely to the trash.

I walk every day right now and my goal was just to get a bit more of a work out in the amount of time I have available. Not sure if it's worth it since Id' have to rush to fit everything in, but am just exploring my options.

 

[ZOOYUKA]

once I get home from work, family life hits and working out gets pushed to the back burner or completely to the trash.

Have you considered including your family in your fitness goals? How old are your kids? I've seen several small kids run 5Ks with their parents.

 

[RKS]

Well year, I would just eat at my desk instead of eating during the lunch time. I can run an 8 minute mile for a mile or two without any problem.

My main idea here is to get something done during the day because I rarely get motivated in the morning since it's pitch black outside this time of year, and once I get home from work, family life hits and working out gets pushed to the back burner or completely to the trash.

I walk every day right now and my goal was just to get a bit more of a work out in the amount of time I have available. Not sure if it's worth it since Id' have to rush to fit everything in, but am just exploring my options.

I understand the obligations of family life but you got to make time for your health as well. I go to the gym after I read to my kids and get them to bed which is usually around 8:15 - 8:30 PM.

I also understand avoiding 'sweating during lunch' even though we have a shower at work.

 

[mizzou]

Well year, I would just eat at my desk instead of eating during the lunch time. I can run an 8 minute mile for a mile or two without any problem.

My main idea here is to get something done during the day because I rarely get motivated in the morning since it's pitch black outside this time of year, and once I get home from work, family life hits and working out gets pushed to the back burner or completely to the trash.

I walk every day right now and my goal was just to get a bit more of a work out in the amount of time I have available. Not sure if it's worth it since Id' have to rush to fit everything in, but am just exploring my options.

Your fam should understand. With all my trainig lately, i explained to my wife ibcan onlybdobit in the evening due to thebsame reasons , way too dark out.

She understands. I tend to go out right after i get home, that way i can get in and still put dinner on tye table by six or six thirty

 

[Kelemvor]

Yeah, the going out right when I get home thing is about the only time I'd get it to work in the evening. Once the computer gets turned on, TV start going, etc, it just doesn't enter my mind.

Kids are 2 and 5 so they won't be running any 5ks any time soon. Although they probably do the equivalent just going from room to room in our house. heh.

I've also read that it's better to work out earlier in the day as it helps you burn calories ad such for the rest of the day but don't really know how much that matters.

 

[brikis98]

I walk every day right now and my goal was just to get a bit more of a work out in the amount of time I have available. Not sure if it's worth it since Id' have to rush to fit everything in, but am just exploring my options.

Do yourself a favor and figure out some concrete goals. Exercising for the sake of exercising isn't going to get you very far. It'll be much easier to decide whether you should walk or run during lunch - or do something else entirely - if you know what you are trying to achieve. Lose fat? Build muscle? Improve general fitness? Train for a sport?

 

[ZOOYUKA]

Do yourself a favor and figure out some concrete goals. Exercising for the sake of exercising isn't going to get you very far.

Very sound advice.