Chris, I have been doing what I call racewalking for 5-6 years
(occasionally). I believe I am legal. I am very slow and want to go faster.
At my best I was around 12 minute miles. Now, after not walking except on
the tread mill at the gym, for the last several years, I am 14 minute miles.
One of my goals is to be a "real" RW. To me that means getting to 10 minute
miles. Sunday I made 6 miles. I am pretty sure I held my form to the end. My
pulse hit 180 close to the end. I know I have to get a better base.
Hopefully I will stay the course and get fitter. The reason for my question
is I do not feel a noticeable hip drop like a lot of the pictures of elite
walkers. I wanted to make sure that the hip drop is not one of the pieces to
make you go faster. After all the generous comments I do believe I have to
have some hip drop. It only makes sense if you take the leg away the hip has
to drop. I now think I do not need to exaggerate the hip drop, so maybe that
part is OK. This morning I thought about keeping the back foot on the ground
longer and getting more rotation of the hips. When I could focus on this I
believe I got a longer stride. I hope as my fitness gets better I will be
able to increase my cadence and maybe go faster. I don't think the big guys
have much to worry about from me. It is fun and healthy. Steve







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