Step On It
Two major areas of concern while race walking involve one's stride and posture. Having the correct stride while race walking is essential, since this is what mainly separates the sport from running. While running, there is a point every stride when the runner has both feet off the ground. In race walking, the racer is required to have one foot remain in contact with the ground at all times. Another one of the many race walking techniques to be mindlful of is posture. Leaning too far forward, or too far backward, can slow a racer down, and can lead to poor form, which, in turn, can lead to injury.
The Highest Form
Race walking events are endurance events. Therefore, many race walking tips are the same as endurance running training tips. Energy systems and fitness are both essential. To coach someone in race walking can be done one of two ways, by the imitation method or the template method. Imition involves showing films and having the walkers demonstrate and practice the technical model they have viewed. The template method allows the walkers to begin with their own familiar movement pattern that the coach modifies systematically until the athlete has good techical understanding.
Is This a New Thing?
There are many race walking events around the country, but the biggest race walking events take place during the Summer Olympic Games. Race walking made its Olympic debut at the Atlanta games, and has since had much more exposure to mainstream America ever since. Still, it is difficult to find many venues or meets that host competitve walking. Search for race walking races on the internet, there's got to be one around you.