Looking for help with marathon walking or at least a group to walk with.

would like to start learning to walk long distance and get into what they call 5k marations. Can anyone give me information on how to do this. Where do I start. I can walk about two miles. I am not wanting to run or jog. as my knees can not take that. But I love to walk and would like to get into some kind of group or competion thinkgs to get better at this. I want healthy minded people around me. Can anyone help or give me suggestions on how to find these in my area. I have tried to look on the computer and everything I find is in the nothern Illinois region. I am in east central almost south area.

Hey there!! Well this is right up my alley and I can think I can help you. Firstly let me say I was ALWAYS a walker and there is nothing wrong with that. I had surgery 2003 in July and did many "walking 5,8,10K" . Well 130 pds lighter I did the Chicago Marathon in 2005 however I did a run walk though. My goal was to just firstly finish and not be hurt and hey if I made it in the time alotted then great, did it in 6.15 hours (15 minutes before the cutoff). Anywhoo....my point is that I trained, ate good, and had a great experience, was out dancing the following week and back to walkin in two.... Though I am in my forties, my knees are not the greatest because I carried that weight for over 38yrs so I definately cannot nor do I like to run, and pound my knees. So I suggest firstly, talk with your doctor then hook up with a local walking group, you may have one at your church, YMCA, or local gym-try to find a buddy that help keep you motivated on those "BLAH" days, we all have them. The other thing, while I do benefits ect be weary of hooking up with a organization that wants you to raise money AND train... this is very stressful during the beginning of trying to learn how to train for these things... I know from experience. CARA is a great web page to go to also. Make sure you get good shoes, and maybe a new outfit for starters, good music and just start going. You also may want to touch base with your dietation or nutrionionst so that you can make sure that you get in enough food and water while you are training , this is can be very challenging for us with tiny tummies.... Oh yea and ANY type of 5k RUN is ALWAYS a WALK, you will find many many walkers at the back of the line!! So never be intimidated by the "RUN" .... Alrightee take care and most of all have fun!!! Kim

Oh yea.... I almost forgot try this book by JOHN BINGHAM -"Marathons for Mortals" you will love it and it is inspirational!!