wlknhome
Wanna get into racewalking 6/16/2012 9:19AM Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
Anybody had any experience crossing over from distance running to racewalking? How does one get into it? Workouts? Weekly mileage? Technique? I have had very modest success (low 17 5k) off of 60+ mpw for the past two years. I am 19 and have some pancreatic and other health issues and think that long term this might be the better option for me as far as health and being a high-end competitior.
teszdf
RE: Wanna get into racewalking 6/16/2012 9:35AM - in reply to wlknhome Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
http://www.racewalk.com/defaultRW.asp


This probably has just about everything you need to know. I'm not a racewalking but I got interested in it for a while and that site has pretty much everything. There are other smaller sites though so just google racewalking and you'll be sure to find something.
wlknhome
RE: Wanna get into racewalking 6/16/2012 7:50PM - in reply to teszdf Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
bump
randomcoach
RE: Wanna get into racewalking 6/16/2012 11:18PM - in reply to wlknhome Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
Is there a group of strong racewalkers in your area? Find a good coach and results will follow.
wlknhome
RE: Wanna get into racewalking 6/18/2012 12:15PM - in reply to randomcoach Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
Anybody out there with any racewalk experience?
wlknhome
RE: Wanna get into racewalking 6/18/2012 7:44PM - in reply to wlknhome Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
bump
Ninja Mask
RE: Wanna get into racewalking 6/18/2012 8:35PM - in reply to wlknhome Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
How very interesting
Bill Murray
RE: Wanna get into racewalking 6/18/2012 8:44PM - in reply to wlknhome Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
Check out letswalk.com
steve red
RE: Wanna get into racewalking 6/18/2012 9:03PM - in reply to wlknhome Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
What area are you in? I used to race walk in the Junior Olympics, went into Army, qualified for All-Military trials in the Marathon and 10K race walk, didn't get to go to the race walk trials, ran 2:38 marathon, had knee surgery, went to race walking only, just missed a couple of oly trials and now too old and overweight. Let me know where you are from and I'll steer you in the right direction.
wlknhome
RE: Wanna get into racewalking 6/18/2012 9:29PM - in reply to steve red Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
I live in Western NC in the mountains where Tennessee, Georgia, and NC meet... basically in the middle of nowhere where running is seen as an abnormality. Can't wait to see what people think about my strange looking racewalking... But any info would be great.
The sea yields to knowledge
RE: Wanna get into racewalking 6/18/2012 10:10PM - in reply to wlknhome Reply | Return to Index | Report Post

wlknhome wrote:

I live in Western NC in the mountains where Tennessee, Georgia, and NC meet... basically in the middle of nowhere where running is seen as an abnormality. Can't wait to see what people think about my strange looking racewalking... But any info would be great.


Back when I went to high school in NC there were a lot of good runners from the mountains. Maybe it was just a different part of the mountains.

Good luck with the racewalking.
Wirnr
RE: Wanna get into racewalking 6/18/2012 10:33PM - in reply to wlknhome Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
Are you anywhere near Belmont-Abbey College? The cc coach Mike DeWitt is a hall of fame race walking coach. Contact him.
GPDW
RE: Wanna get into racewalking 6/19/2012 8:28AM - in reply to wlknhome Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
I made the switch (a long time ago, however). Had a fairly successful running career (e.g. 1:57.5-ish 1/2 mile - not 800 - @ age 16) but bagged it after too many injuries. Very, very few injuries from racewalking.

First and foremost, technique is critical and should be your focus to the exclusion of all else until you have it down cold. To that end, you need to find someone to help you.

Contact Jeff Salvage @ www.racewalk.com and explain your situation and where you live. He can tell you who to contact in your area.

Good luck.
Olympic Trialist Race Walker
RE: Wanna get into racewalking 6/24/2012 9:24PM - in reply to wlknhome Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
Given your modest success in running, expect modest success in racewalking. However, the US sucks at racewalking, so modest success can take you far - especially as you are young


Training for a racewalk is the same as running training, except you do most of your mileage walking. It's good cross training. I don't run any more and can still run -15:30 off of just my walking.

Learning technique is key, it takes time and practice and someone with technical knowledge. Don't talk to anyone without technical knowledge....because they are morons.

There is a fall race in Kingsport TN, in October. Go to that, meet some elites and semi-elites.