About weighted vests: I think it's important to get one that is snug and has removable, adjustable weights (I have an Ironwear vest ), and to both gradually increase weights used, and pay attention to how the weight is distributed.
Last summer, I used a vest for some of my walks, and I started with 2#, distributed at the bottom and center back of the vest. As I made my way up to 4# (in .5 or 1 pound increments), I kept most of the weight at the bottom and back, and made sure the vest was snug so it was like the weight was part of my body.
I also have a backpack that I've used when walking to work, and made sure to get the kind that has a fastener at the waist and at the chest, rather than one that just hangs off the body.
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Kathryn
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2010 season speed-walking 5K PR: 35:47
2011 season race-walking 5K PR: 34:42
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