"The Complete Guide to Racewalking Technique and Training" by Dave McGovern is a one-stop resource for those thinking about learning racewalking, entering competition or for those who have been competing and want to get better.
Learn to Racewalk from a Book?
Can you really learn to racewalk from a book? I decided to take the chance and ordered the book. I read chapter 4 on racewalking technique and headed out into the neighborhood. By golly, I was walking faster than I ever have before! I went back and read it again, plus chapter 6 on "Common Technique Problems and How to Fix Them" and after a few practice sessions I was hooked. I finally showed my form to a real racewalker and he said, yes, I had it right.
Dave McGovern is a member of the U.S. National Racewalk Team and a USATF Certified Coach. Besides those credentials, he is a good writer with a clear, informative, and entertaining style.
Besides the basics of good racewalking technique, the book is full of useful information for those who want to compete in racewalking and those who want to improve their technique. Black and white photos illustrate important points. The stretching and dynamic drills chapters are valuable for any walker.
Each chapter includes a page written by other elite racewalkers, giving an additional point of view and a personal glimpse at those in this sport.
Practical and Fun
Practical is the best word I can use to describe the book. Dave gives tips on everything from how to spell the name of the sport - racewalking as a single word - to what to pack to go to a race. The Competition section gives great advice on acclimatization (don't worry if you're awake all night, Dave set a record with no sleep once), travel (driving trashes your hip flexors and hamstrings), pre-race routines, racing strategies, and tips on judges, hills, and turns.
Dave includes some training schedules, considerations for junior and master walkers, and a hilarious section on avoiding dog bites.
Walkers who never considered learning racewalking may be inspired to try the technique after reading this book, I was! Dave had me laughing out loud in some sections and taking notes in others. Dave wears cheap children's Mickey Mouse sunglasses. Read the book to find out why!
