How to Decide Whether to Racewalk or Power Walk

No video

How to Decide Whether to Racewalk or Power Walk - Which is Right for You?

Рет қаралды 13,528

Күн бұрын

Race Walking has been an Olympic sport since the early 1900's, but Power Walking is another competitive option that has recently entered the walking arena. The rules are very similar, and both are judged events. The biggest difference between the two events is that you do not need to land with a straight knee on impact for power walking. The downside is that power walking tends to turn into running around a 10:00 mile (6:15 kilometer) pace and "loss of contact" will get you disqualified in a judged race.
At the filming of this video, the power walking community is still evolving, so if you are interested in entering a power walking race, be sure to reach out to the race director for updated requirements and standards.
If you'd like to do more research on either sport, the governing body for racewalking is www.usatf.org/ in the United States and worldathletics.org/. You can also find more information on technique requirements for U.S power walking at: uspwa.net/.
So which is right for you? The depends on a number of factors such as availability of coaching, time to train and your flexibility. If you have Olympic aspirations, you should definitely learn the racewalk technique. However, you don't have to be seeking the world stage in order to be a racewalker. The technique will allow you to go as fast as many joggers and there are many age group records you can go after throughout your life. Go to usatfmasters.org/records/ for more details.
Power walking is a great sport for anyone who has trouble maintaining the straight knee but loves to walk fast. However, if you choose to stick with power walking simply because you can do it faster than racewalking, consider giving race walking a proper try for a month or two. Once your muscle memory kicks in for the race walk technique, you might find that you prefer it. The bottom line is that it's a personal choice. Whichever you choose, Get FIT, have FUN, walk FAST!
Learn to Racewalk: • Race Walk 101 - How-to...

Пікірлер: 81

@InstructorMike 8 ай бұрын

So I’ve been powerwalking all this time. I’m glad that I saw your video. I lost so much weight powerwalking a lot of miles

@ReshodWalkingShoes 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for your comment. Do you have plans to try racewalking at some point?

@niklanu Ай бұрын

I do race walking for 45 minutes 3 times a week. My cruise speed is 7.5 km/h but I can sprint up to 8.5 km/h for a kilometer. I'm 59 and I feel great! Better than when I was running.

@ReshodWalkingShoes Ай бұрын

Do you compete?

@niklanu Ай бұрын

@@ReshodWalkingShoes no. I just do it for fitness

@johnbee7729 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for this. We have a non competitive 8 KM beach run in a couple of weeks and I hope to try both techniques. I much prefer walking to running, and my knees now say NO to running.

@ReshodWalkingShoes Жыл бұрын

Great idea. If you want more tips on technique, check out my RW101 video. The link is in the description of this video. Wishing you all the best in your race.

@emelless5365 Ай бұрын

Thanks for your info on walking! I am 65 and am starting out.I find my left knee hurts when I try to race walk, so I am sticking to power walking and I love it!

@ReshodWalkingShoes Ай бұрын

Either is a great way to get fit. Enjoy!

@hubmacfan Жыл бұрын

Just based on watching you, race walking more resembles my normal walking stride than power walking.

@ReshodWalkingShoes Жыл бұрын

Well that's great...an easy choice for you. Enjoy.

@dannhu4248 26 күн бұрын

Hi coach Carmen, it's Danno from FB group. Thank you for this video explaining the difference between power walk & racewalk. I'm a runner for almost 40 years & recently switching to racewalk (since earlier this year) due to nonstop injuries I've got for no particular clear reasons. Each time it took 3-4 months to completely heal before I can run again. But with racewalking I can continue with my workout without having to stop at all. I'm trying to sign up for some local racewalk event but have not found any yet. Most of them are for running. I'm training for the marathon this Oct. but only racewalk to entire distance instead. Either that or I will do the 50Km to celebrate my 50th bd in Oct. I notice as I'm improving my walking technique it helps to improve my speed. I was at 14ish min mile. I'm now at 11:30-12:30 min mile average & I'm still trying to work on the technique.

@ReshodWalkingShoes 22 күн бұрын

Hi Danno. Thanks for checking in! We have the Portland Marathon on October 6th, which is very walker friendly. It's hard to find racewalk events, but it's also fun to do road races and chase the joggers. Maybe you'll motivate a few to join you as a race walker. If you check out www.usatf.org, you'll find racewalk events in your area. I hope you find the perfect race to celebrate your big 5-0!

@FulvioGa 5 ай бұрын

I am 59 years old, I have not owned any motor vehicle for about three years, my preferred way of moving myself is walking. I wonder if learning power walking or race walking would improve my walking technic and efficiency.

@ReshodWalkingShoes 5 ай бұрын

I think it might! Give it a try.

@FulvioGa 5 ай бұрын

Yes, I am doing that! Thank you!

@lov2playtn Жыл бұрын

Thank you for another very useful and interesting video. Wondered often which one would be nest for me. My main goal is to walk as efficiently as possible and improve my own personal best pace.

@ReshodWalkingShoes Жыл бұрын

Well, try them both and see where your efforts lead. I'm sure you'll figure it out along the way. Enjoy the journey.

@jamesburian5203 3 күн бұрын

I will run or power walk in events. It is quite a bit less efficient to power walk. I run about a 26 min 5k, but can only push about 33 mins for a power walk. I have no problems maintaining contact because I dont push off like I do when I am shuffle stepping or running. Mainly long stride with heel strike and swinging arms like crazy. I imagine that race walking is closer to my shuffle stepping (pre running) where I do use the hopping push off. Just not enough to loose contact. Somewhere between 9-10 min/mile pace, I will push off enough to start running. That might be why race walkers may need judging to make sure that they dont pass that threshhold. I have yet to see anybody race walking at the events that I go to. But see plenty of people sign up under walking category and run/walk.

@ReshodWalkingShoes 3 күн бұрын

@@jamesburian5203 Yep. That's what I've noticed from coaching walkers. Have you tried the Reshod Walking Shoes? They are designed to support the heel toe motion and might give you a better propulsion what you power walk.

@jamesburian5203 3 күн бұрын

I have not tried any specific shoes for my power walking. My current shoes are neutral. Any recommendations. I don't mind if shoe is heavier if it has more cushion.

@ReshodWalkingShoes 3 күн бұрын

@@jamesburian5203 www.reshod.com. It's my brand. I created them specifically for fast walking or fitness walking or casual walking. Check them out.

@lornaj3310 3 ай бұрын

Honesty never knew there was a difference! Thanks!

@paulan6914 9 ай бұрын

Hey Carmen, I love your videos. They are so inspiring. When my doctor recommended that I give up jogging last June, you helped me live a happy walking life.

@ReshodWalkingShoes 9 ай бұрын

I'm so happy to hear that and glad you found my channel. Do you have any races planned? I have more buddy workouts in the works. Stay tuned!

@paulan6914 9 ай бұрын

@@ReshodWalkingShoes Dear Carmen, I'm competing with myself at the moment. My hip has to heal first before I can think about competing again. But I'm overcoming the biggest challenge right now by learning to be satisfied with what I can do today. 🙃 With your video help.

@mattfitzpatrick4008 4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing this. I'm just getting into RW while I rehab my achilles tendonitis. I jog (when I'm not injured :) but I may try going between these two when I train.

@ReshodWalkingShoes 4 ай бұрын

Great idea. I wish you all the best in the rehab of your Achilles. Thanks for your comments.

@KKmagnolia_runner 6 ай бұрын

Thank you for the video. I’ve been trying to race walk and did not know the proper form. I’ve been doing Galloway walk run for years but I prefer to walk. I’m doing the Boston marathon in 2024 and want to race walk most of it. Your video really helps.

@ReshodWalkingShoes 6 ай бұрын

It's my pleasure. Thanks for your comments. You can still do the Galloway method for your marathon training if you want to swap out racewalking and Powerwalking. I wish you all the best in your training.

@rondochu5339 10 сағат бұрын

i am a player of a new sport - WALKING SOCCER with the charteristics of SOCCER game, we need to stop and turn frequently. As you are professinal race walker, may i ask you opinion, is it much harder for race walk to do some STOP and TURN motion?

@juancarlossanchezsantos4469 Жыл бұрын

Gracias, Carmen

@ReshodWalkingShoes Жыл бұрын

De nada!

@RodSimmons Жыл бұрын

Great video, coach! Thank you! Good hearing from you!

@ReshodWalkingShoes Жыл бұрын

Oh thank you! Let me know if there are other topics that need covering.

@RodSimmons Жыл бұрын

@@ReshodWalkingShoes Will do, coach! Just shared your video on my fb page. Thanks again!

@benbazli 5 күн бұрын

I change frm running to racewalking due to my age turn older (57). But i find its challeging to find a correct step

@yui_mikai 7 күн бұрын

Can racewalking have detrimental effects over a long period of time due to the abnormal hip movement?

@weedermann 16 күн бұрын

Powerwalking is a bit less demanding, but (UNLIKE racewalking) it is not (yet) nationally or internationally sanctioned. Not many races available to powerwalk and your times are not officially recognized. All of my Masters racewalking buds just finished up at the Pan-American Masters in Cleveland and are preparing to travel to Sweden for the World Masters Athletic championships. If I want to go, I have to risk that my technique will survive being DQ'd - 🤔😟😒

@ReshodWalkingShoes 16 күн бұрын

@weedermann Yep. Racewalking offers more race opportunities and more risk for penalties. I guess it's a matter of what motivates you. Are you a risk taker?

@weedermann 16 күн бұрын

@@ReshodWalkingShoes Costs practicality. The Pan-American Masters in Cleveland would have cost $225 registration plus airfare and lodging. That is A LOT of money to spend to run the risk of getting DQ'd. I'll be at the Huntsman Senior Games in Utah, come October to powerwalk.

@ReshodWalkingShoes 15 күн бұрын

@@weedermann Agreed. Get some local judged races without a DQ before spending money on travel.

@lisaa718 5 ай бұрын

Hi Coach. I'm new to race walking and I think it will be better on my knees. But I need a coach to get me started and to make sure I'm doing things correctly. Do you know of anyone in Oklahoma?

@ReshodWalkingShoes 5 ай бұрын

I'll check. What part of Oklahoma?

@FayziyevFirdavs Ай бұрын

What can you say about backward walking? Any benefits?

@ReshodWalkingShoes Ай бұрын

Yes, backward walking works different muscles. It's great to do with your walking drills. I've never walked backward for more than 50 meters, so if you try that, let me know what you think.

@FayziyevFirdavs Ай бұрын

@@ReshodWalkingShoesGood morning! I usually try backward walking when I take my morning and evening long walks. When you walk backward, you step on the ground with your toes I mean with the front part of your feet and this makes feel my feet and legs relaxed and massaged. Backward walking relieves of your leg pain muscle. Your calves get massaged and I have to admit that you feel a bit pain on your back if are not used to backward walking. The pain on your back passes soon untill You get used to backward walking. These are what I felt and experienced while backward walking. But I would also add that it is a lot of fun and improves your balance and coordination.

@gordono672 11 ай бұрын

I've thought that racewalking would be a good alternative to running since there is less downward stress on the leg joints. However, I have read that the straight leg action in racewalking also causes stress. Do you know if racewalkers still get less injuries overall than runners despite the stress of the straight leg?

@ReshodWalkingShoes 11 ай бұрын

Thanks for the question. Where did you read that the straight leg causes stress? Not all stress is the same and some is beneficial. I'm curious what that context is for this statement. As far as I know, racewalking is still a lower impact activity than power walking or running, but impact is not necessarily the same as stress, so I'm curious. Send more information please. 🙂

@gordono672 8 күн бұрын

Hi Coach Carmen, thank you so much for your response and I'm sorry for the extremely slow reply. I researched and didn't immediately find any easy to follow articles addressing the effect the straight leg has on the leg. I might have remembered what I had read earlier as having specifically talked about the straight leg when it actually talked about race walking form in general having potential injury risk. I do remember someone saying that when I stand I should keep my leg slightly bent for health's sake so this has led me to wonder what effect the straight leg in race walking has on the body.

@gordono672 5 күн бұрын

@@ReshodWalkingShoes It doesn't appear that the straight leg has major injury risks based on what I have read. It is reassuring when I think about it from that perspective. Overall, it does seem like race walking is a great exercise with minimal risk of injury. I enjoy watching different kinds of races including race walking. If race walking changed its name to something like shuffling and required a general technique (like with breaststroke swimming) without the foot-on-the-ground (to the naked eye) requirement of walking, it seems like that would allow race walking to have shorter distances at the elite level. I say this because judges wouldn't be faced with the more difficult task of seeing lifts when racers are going faster.

@ReshodWalkingShoes 5 күн бұрын

@gordono672 Yes, standing for a long period of time with a hyperextended knee is problematic. You can pass out. However, walking is a dynamic activity, so it's not a problem unless you reach far forward with the lead leg and put a lot of torque on the knee. The goal is to let the lead leg land close to your torso as it passes over your hip for less stress on joints.

@ReshodWalkingShoes 5 күн бұрын

@@gordono672 You bring up a good point. It's an ongoing conversation in the racewalk world.

@Burps___ 10 ай бұрын

Hi, Coach Carmen. Thank you for the video demonstration. Question please: If race walking is faster than power walking, as you state at the finish of this video, then why is there not simply one competition rule that feet never leave the ground.always at least one point of contact (i.e. the definition of walking) and leave it at that? Athletes would naturally gravitate to the fastest technique.

@ReshodWalkingShoes 10 ай бұрын

That DOES seem like a simple solution but the reason it's not in effect is more complicated. First of all, racewalking has been an Olympic sport since the early 1900's, while power walking is relatively new and still being defined. Secondly, each sport has a different governing body in charge. World Athletics oversees racewalking. The purpose of their straight legged rule is to distinguish the sport from running. Power walking events have recently been created by race organizers to help manage walking competitions. Since many walkers prefer the bent knee style of walking, they're allowing it as long as they don't run. However, the power walking technique can easily become a run and I haven't seen any rules about how to distinguish the two. I'm watching it play out, too, so thank for your question. Let's see how the sport of walking evolves.

@Burps___ 10 ай бұрын

@@ReshodWalkingShoes Wow, thank you, Coach Carmen, for that wonderful answer. I’ve not heard about any of that from watching any other videos on KZfaq, but you’ve spelled it out quite clearly. Might be an idea for a video that would help others with similar thoughts to mine…I didn’t know about the two governing bodies and the evolving sport. But you’ve answered well, and I thank you. I took a screenshot so I can remember. lol. Walk on!

@ReshodWalkingShoes 10 ай бұрын

@@Burps___ Good idea for a future video. I'll do that when I get more updates. Meanwhile, enjoy your walking.

@dmariehij 11 ай бұрын

Hi - the treadmill in this video is very nice. What is the model? Thanks!

@ReshodWalkingShoes 11 ай бұрын

I had to ask my videographer for the answer to this question, since it belongs to him. The treadmill is a True 500 soft system. He said it's pretty old, but I really like it, too!

@michaelcarman4875 4 ай бұрын

what about chi walking???

@ReshodWalkingShoes 4 ай бұрын

Chi walking has many of the same cues I give to racewalkers when I teach technique. As far as I know, it's not a specific category for competition, but many walkers follow that method.

@htinternational2474 11 күн бұрын

I just want to be able to walk faster 😊

@mstreamm 6 ай бұрын

If Power Walking is slower, why is knee bending not allowed in Race Walking?

@ReshodWalkingShoes 6 ай бұрын

Great question! There are instances where an athlete can gain an advantage in racewalking with a slight knee bend, which tends to look like a hybrid of the two styles. At this time, the rule makers want to see a clear distinction in race walk competition.

@mstreamm 6 ай бұрын

@@ReshodWalkingShoes Could you please tell the deeper reason why such slight knee bending is not allowed? Isn't Race Walking more about the evolution of walking fast itself than about referees and strict rules which lead nowhere?

@ReshodWalkingShoes 6 ай бұрын

Jeff Salvage at www.racewalk.com is a better person to answer this question. He's a racewalk judge who knows that side of the sport very well.

@mstreamm 6 ай бұрын

@@ReshodWalkingShoes Right now I would love your insight as a professional racewalker :)

@ReshodWalkingShoes 6 ай бұрын

@@mstreamm Power walking and race walking are two different styles. Athletic events that involve racing against another person for time are generally done separately. For example, XC skiing has two styles: classic and skate skiing. They are held as separate events. In swimming, you can race from one end of the pool to another in various modes: freestyle, backstroke, etc. but they are contested as separate divisions within the sport. The same is true in walking races. You can be a power walker or a race walker, but they are separate divisions.

@DougBeach-q1m 7 күн бұрын

I am disappointed you do not give a better demonstration of power walking. Your bias is obvious. You can indeed power walk quite fast (9-10 min. miles) without getting into a run or having both feet off of the ground at the same time. Just check out the power walking times at the Huntsman Senior Games. It is a shame that a number of racewalking coaches are not more receptive to teaching powerwalking technique.

@ReshodWalkingShoes 7 күн бұрын

@@DougBeach-q1m There's no bias. I'm just not great at it. That being said, I coach walkers who DO powerwalk very efficiently and hope to showcase them in a future video. Stay tuned!

@ReshodWalkingShoes 7 күн бұрын

Half of my athletes are power walkers these days. If you go to my website, you'll see that I offer powerwalking technique classes. I'm not sure about the other coaches. Remember that powerwalking is a relatively new sport. Please allow it to take root before passing judgment. 😀