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To ask why racewalkers don't simply run is similar to asking why hurdlers don't simply sprint -- or why butterfly specialists don't simply use the crawl stroke. Racewalking, like hurdling or swimming the butterfly stroke, offers an interesting combination of fitness and technical challenges that makes the sport ... well ... interesting. Besides, if raw speed was the only goal, we would probably all be riding bicycles.
• Racewalking provides ALL of the cardiovascular benefits of running. Just as a runner can jog or sprint, a racewalker can walk at any speed - maintaining any heart rate up to his or her maximum. But racewalkers enjoy certain advantages over runners.
• Racewalking is much less injury prone. Because of the smooth and fluid stride, the body lands with much less force than in running -- resulting in less pounding on the feet, legs, knees, hips, and back. Fewer injuries mean more opportunity to train -- and, therefore, the possibility of better fitness. The prospect of fewer injuries also brings many runners into racewalking, allowing them to extend their fitness programs and competitive careers well into their golden years.
• Racewalking provides a much better workout for the muscles in the trunk of the body. Good racewalking technique relies more heavily on the muscles in the areas of the hip, waist, and back. Runners get their speed by using their legs to go airborne during each step. Racewalkers, however, are bound to the earth and must also rely on the large muscle groups of the torso to develop their speed.
• Racewalking generally creates a more knowledgeable athlete. Almost anyone can run (or walk) without instruction -- and, unfortunately, most do. But most people find it hard to racewalk without getting help. In the process, most racewalkers become very conscious of their posture, and the position and action of almost every body part. They tend to know what they are doing (or not doing) and why. Top runners have outstanding body awareness, but most runners (and especially joggers) seldom do.
• And, finally, there are simply fewer racewalkers. There are so many runners out there they hardly notice one another. But racewalkers are part of a much, much smaller family. Racewalkers will always notice one another, and will always try to support each other. (We do have our own family feuds, of course, but just let a runner criticize a racewalker and those feuds tend to be suspended for the duration.) Fewer also mean better for another reason; it is easier to win a prize. For example, to win a berth in the Olympic marathon, a runner has to beat out hundreds of competitors. To win a berth in the Olympic 50K racewalk, however, a racewalker only has to beat a few serious contenders.
Acknowledgement: North American Racewalking Foundation (www.philsport.com)
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