Race Walking
Never Ever Ever Give Up
Berkeley Race Walkers
2022 Kansai, Japan
I was a runner - for 35 years. Foot injuries, arthritis and other impact related problems ended my running career. I missed running so much, regular distance walking just didn’t give me the same peace, then I discovered race walking. Like running, race walking has a painful start up period. There is a specific technique to conform to when competing, one foot must be on the ground at all times, the front leg must be straight at the heel hits the ground and stay straight all the way back. Speed is achieved with rapid steps, moving from the hips and rotating the torso like doing the twist, engaging the abs and arms. It takes practice, starting slowly, mastering form and gradually moving faster.
Race walking events are held all over the USA and the world. The World Masters Games (Senior Olympics) are held every four years with the next games to be held in Kansai, Japan, May 14-30, 2022. I will be there, don’t have to win...that time. There will be another chance in four years. Fifty thousand participants are expected in Kansai with lovely weather in the low 70’s. The region offers antiquities and beautiful scenery in Kyoto and Nara, as well as the bustling cities of Kobe and Osaka.
Training for the World Masters Games doesn’t happen overnight. Perfect technique, time yourself, and start shaving off seconds, then minutes. Cross the finish line cheered on by family, friends and fellow competitors.
