Train for Race Walking!

Come learn the proper technique to race walking and get some practice in before the Senior Games. Please wear attire which allows your knees to be exposed. For the trainers to train appropriately, they will need to see the “mechanics of your knees” in order to give you the proper instruction. Facilitated by Betty Allgood.

WHEN: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of each month, 10:00 am

WHERE: Hanes Hosiery Recreation Center indoor track (501 Reynolds Blvd)

What IS “Race Walking?”

Race walking, is a foot race; it is different from running in that one foot must appear to be in contact with the ground at all times. There are two rules that govern race walking. The first dictates that the athlete’s back toe cannot leave the ground until the heel of the front foot has touched. Violation of this rule is known as loss of contact. The second rule requires that the supporting leg must straighten from the point of contact with the ground and remain straightened until the body passes directly over it.

Athletes stay low to the ground by keeping their arms pumping low, close to their hips. If one sees a race walker’s shoulders rising, it may be a sign that the athlete is losing contact with the ground. What appears to be an exaggerated swivel to the hip is, in fact, a full rotation of the pelvis. Athletes aim to move the pelvis forward, and to minimize sideways motion in order to achieve maximum forward propulsion. Speed is achieved by stepping quickly with the aim of rapid turnover. This minimizes the risk of the feet leaving the ground. Strides are short and quick, with pushoff coming forward from the ball of the foot, again to minimize the risk of losing contact with the ground. World-class race walkers (male and female) can average under four and five minutes per kilometer in a 20-km racewalk.

Piedmont Plus Senior Games Race Walk Events are 1500 Meters and 5K. Come on out and meet Betty at Hanes Hosiery to train for these events!