2nd session of race walking last night.

[Realfoodieclub]

Yesterday I went back for my second lesson in race walking. I am really enjoying it. My coach is very patient with me as I am having a bit of trouble getting my form right. I keep thinking I am landing with my heel first but apparent by the time my foot hits the pavement I have landed flat footed, my coach gave me some drills to work on to try and rectify the issue.

He has asked me if I want to do a race later this month, just a 1km but I am not sure if I am ready. It is set up for beginners so he said they would be lenient with me, as I am sure I would get disqualified in a race. The more I think about my form the worse it gets. Still it is early days yet.

Happy health weekend to you all

Rfcx.

[runswithdogs]

Very cool RFC. You should give it a go! Worse that happens is you get a DQ.

[Realfoodieclub in reply to runswithdogs]

I'm weighing things up. My form is wrong at the moment. Just done a 5km walk and got blisters on the soles of my feet which means I was not heel walking. Must try harder 😀 I think I need to stretch my calves a bit more, I think that will help.

[runswithdogs in reply to Realfoodieclub]

Gosh maybe I should start race walking. I'm such a pokey walker, but running or walking, I always grind my shoes down so hard on the heels.

[skysue16]

Sounds like you are doing well, it must be hard learning a new technique. 😊👍

[Realfoodieclub in reply to skysue16]

I'm the sort of person that you can see the concentration on my face, I do look like I am trying hard though 😀 Hopefully it will fit into place soon, I am enjoying it, already I am at the same pace as my running.

[skysue16 in reply to Realfoodieclub]

Wow! That's good!

[Duddles]

How is the racewalking going RFC? It would be interesting to hear your progress. I am doing my first race of the season on Sunday, a 10k, for which I have done little training

[Realfoodieclub in reply to Duddles]

Just got back from my session tonight. I am loving it. I’m slow compared to everyone else BUT, I am already walking faster than I can run. I have dropped over 40 seconds per km already. My coach has devised a training plan for my 2 HM’s next year and I enjoying getting back into training. The time just whizzes past and before we know it, it’s time to go home. Good luck with your event on Sunday, let us know how you get on.

[Duddles]

It sounds like you are making rapid progress - and enjoying it! 40 seconds drop is big so quickly. I have been struggling with motivation to keep running for 30 minutes, so have done a little bit of race walk training. I did a 5k today in just over 33 minutes - I don't think I could beat that much by running. I found the racewalking people are so friendly, and much less 'competitive' against each other. It is all about their personal best on the day, rather than winning the race. Mind you, I am not at the elite end - I suspect their competitiveness is as high as any other athlete - but they hide it much better. I would be interested in your Half Marathon plan if it becomes available. Please keep us updated with your progress - and come to the Isle of Man one day for a race - we do a little 85 mile race each summer, and by we, I mean about 1600 of us. (see picture of foot above for details....)

[Duddles]

RFC - Just got back from my Winter Walking League 10k in the north of the Isle of Man. Sitting here glowing, my first race since last January and it all went better than I hoped. I completed the 10k in 1.08.55, three minutes slower than my PB of about five years ago, but quicker than my walks in the last couple of years. I wonder if the recent Couch running has given me better cardio, or even muscles. I also 'won' my age group - over 70 - but there were only four of us and there are no prizes for being first, or old..... It was, as always amazing to watch the younger walkers just glide past, as if they were floating over the ground.

[Realfoodieclub in reply to Duddles]

Wow what a brilliant time. I can only dream of those sort of times, at least I know I can work on it though, I had got yo the end with my running and increasing my speed, I can ready tell there is More speed to be had in me. I found this article you might find interesting.

active.com/articles/racewal...

Well done on your first, we acknowledge that on here 🏆.

[Duddles]

Thanks for your response. You will find your times improve rapidly the more walking you do. That was a fascinating article - and sounds a justification for what you are trying to do, walking if necessary in your half marathon. From that article it is likely that you will get a PB using both.

I have done little race walk training this year, so was surprised at my time - obviously the benefit of the 'crossover' with the fitness gained by Couch to 5k.

There were about 50 out this morning, and I was about halfway down the list. The winner did the 10k in 48 minutes, and the fastest lady was about 53 minutes. They inhabit a different world in terms of technique, speed and ability. But lots of lovely people just go out there and enjoy racing, on their own terms, and at their own speed. And the cup of tea and chat afterwards is always enjoyable.

[Realfoodieclub in reply to Duddles]

I am sure my times will get faster, my coach is sure I can be faster. I am race walking both my HM’s next year with no running. My heart rate prefers it. It still raises but I am in more of control when race walking than running. That is one of the reasons for the transition. I think my kidney prefers it as well, I feel less tired after a race walking session than a run of the same pace. I find sports people in general have a love of their own sport and want to share. Tom Bosworth pointed me in the right direction for my training after a shout out on Twitter. So nice of him to take the time. I’m sure your C25K and walking are going to fit in so nicely together.