Walking the Comrades Marathon – a notion that may seem daunting to some, but not entirely out of reach. 

In this article, we delve into this question asked by most Comrades runners.

Exploring the Feasibility of Walking Comrades

Walking the Comrades Marathon is indeed possible. While traditionally associated with running, there have been instances of individuals completing the gruelling ultra-marathon solely through walking. 

However, achieving this feat requires meticulous planning, training, and determination.

Understanding the Challenges

Walking the Comrades presents unique challenges compared to running. 

The inherently slower pace of walking necessitates maintaining a brisk speed for an extended duration. 

Unlike running, where momentum can be sustained more effortlessly, walking demands consistent effort over the course of the race.

Strategic Training Approach

I advise a strategic training approach for individuals aiming to walk the Comrades Marathon

While walking should form the core of training sessions, supplementing with periodic intervals of running can help improve overall speed and endurance. 

This unconventional approach aims to strike a balance between maintaining a brisk walking pace and conserving energy for the duration of the race.

Factors Influencing Success

Several factors influence the likelihood of successfully walking the Comrades Marathon. 

Factors such as 10k walking time, half marathon performance, and previous marathon experiences play a crucial role in determining one’s readiness for such an endeavour.

A thorough assessment of individual capabilities is essential in gauging the feasibility of completing the race solely through walking.

Success Stories and Inspirations

Despite its challenges, walking the Comrades Marathon has been accomplished by several individuals, some even achieving remarkable finishing times. 

These success stories serve as inspirations for those contemplating a similar feat, demonstrating that with determination and preparation, the impossible can become achievable.

Personalized Approach and Guidance

For some individuals, embarking on the journey of walking the Comrades Marathon requires personalized guidance and support. 

Tailoring training plans to individual capabilities and goals, coupled with expert advice and mentorship, can significantly enhance one’s chances of success.

In conclusion, while walking the Comrades Marathon presents formidable challenges, it is undoubtedly within the realm of possibility. 

With careful planning, strategic training, and unwavering determination, individuals can overcome physical limitations and achieve their goals. 

The key lies in finding the right balance between walking and running, paving the way for an unforgettable journey of resilience and triumph.

Author

With a passion for high performance sport – Lindsey Parry is one of South Africa’s most widely recognised coaches. Having led a team to the London, Rio and Tokyo Olympic Games as well as the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, the Gold Coast & Birmingham, and coached both triathletes and runners onto podiums of some of the world’s most illustrious races, Lindsey has a unique ability to understand what it takes to succeed at any level and thrives on coaching, motivating and inspiring others to do the same – whether it’s on the track, on stage or behind a mic.

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