10 years of running led to burnout. Walking helped me feel energized and lean again.

"After 10 years of jogging, I officially ran out of steam. As much fun as I had finishing my first marathon in 2024, the training burned me out. In the months that followed, I had no desire to hit the track near my home, let alone sign up for another race. Plus, my go-to running buddies and I all moved, making running a more solitary and, frankly, boring activity. While I could join a new local run club, I resisted."

"Instead of running 3 to 4 miles almost every day (and taking only two workout classes a week), I started a new schedule. I alternated taking strength-training classes with strictly walking days. That way, I go to a hard workout class about 3 to 4 times a week (still trying to fit in short walks when I can), and stroll for longer stretches the rest of the time, at least 3 miles."

A decade of daily running ended and the routine shifted to alternating strength-training classes with dedicated walking days. Hard workout classes occur about three to four times weekly, while longer strolls of at least three miles fill the remaining days. The change addressed burnout after marathon training, loss of running companions, and plateaued calorie burn from a familiar pace. The new mix increased overall movement and more effectively burned fat, producing about a five-pound loss over six months. Mental benefits included greater calm, reduced feeling of being spread thin, and renewed enjoyment of exercise.

Read at Business Insider