Customer Reviews

The Complete Guide to Racewalking: Technique and Training

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is chock full of information on how to racewalk. I have racewalked for 6 years, but found the information to be outstanding from training tips to stretching and flexibility drills. Walkers who don't actually compete in events would benefit from the information provided and would become better, more efficient walkers. Runners would also benefit from learning the how to racwalk and use it as a cross-trainer. A highly enjoyable read.

I've been to Dave's clinics, I've spoken with him personally, and reading "The Complete Guide to Racewalking Technique and Training" is just like having him right next to you, cracking jokes and commenting on everything. If you do not have the option of working out with other racewalkers regularly, definately pick up this book and re-read it a few times. You'll always pick up something new.

If you care about walking fast, and especially if you care about your place in walking races (judged racewalks or otherwise) then this book is for you.

This book isn't designed to sell anyone on walking as a sport; this is written for readers who already know that they want to spend time and effort into learning to walk fast.

There are sections on many of the aspects of walking; e. g. technique, drills to perfect technique, common racewalking errors, and a few workout schedules. The book is written in a conversational style. He also includes interviews with elite racewalkers.

There is also a handy chart which outlines: "if you have problem X, correct it with Y" which is VERY helpful; this helped me in getting zero cautions or redcards in my last 4 judged walks.

If there is a downside it is that some of the photos are a bit small; I'd also recommend that he upgrade his "poor technique" example photo to look a bit worse; perhaps he could use a photo of a thick-skinned novice walker.

As well as writing a very entertaining book, Dave has written the best description ever of the technique needed to be a competent racewalker. The profiles of other walkers and their stories add a lot of interest.

Even though I have a coach I found his ideas on training and race tactics really helpful. During the current Australian winter series I have been more motivated and have improved my performances greatly.

Thanks Dave!

If you can't get to a Dave McGovern racewalking clinic then buy the book. It's the next best thing. Dave's knowledge and sense of humor come through in his writing. This is one of the best books ever on racewalking

The Complete Guide to Racewalking covers the whole gamut of racewalking from how to do it, to how to train, what to eat, how to compete and even discusses the physiology and psychology of walking. Racewalking differs from athletic walking, power walking or fitness walking. These are fast ways of walking for recreation or fitness. Racewalkingis an Olympic sport and has an official definition and rules by the USATF. Good racewalkers achieve amazing speed and endurance.

The author is a former cross country runner and has been a world class racewalker and coach for over 25 years. This book is the straight scoop. I got interested in racewalking because after years of running I developed knee and hip problems. Racewalking was reputed to be injury free and excellent exercise. I had attended a couple of racewalking clinics but still hadn't got the hang of it. I wanted a detailed description of racewalking technique and found it in this book. While there's no substitute for having an experienced racewalker show you in person how it's done, this book is the next best thing

I bought this book based on the Amazon.com reviews and I was NOT disappointed. I wanted to learn how to walk faster and have been able to achieve my initial goals in the few months I have been following Dave's training and technique advice. The book is well written, has many amusing bits, so is a good read as well as being of immense practical value. I keep referring back to it over and over.

"Dave has written the ultimate competitive racewalking book. The Complete Guide to Racewalking Technique and Training is a book of answers - a one-stop resource for those thinking about entering competition and for those who have been competing and want to get better. It is well written, punctuated with humor and uniquely informative - an encyclopedia for serious racewalkers." Elaine Ward Managing Director, North American Racewalking Foundation

This book is for you whether you are a beginner or a serious masters competitor. Dave is a great teacher. He teaches clinics all over the country and has taken everything that he has learned about racewalking instruction and distilled it into this fantastic book! Part of Dave's talent is that he has a great sense of humor. He enlivens topics that might ordinarily be boring or dry. My club, Inland Empire Racewalkers, hosted one of his clinics when he was editing his final proof and we couldn't wait to get our own copies!

dave has written a masterwork with insite, clarity and humor. his clear explanations will have you out racewalking in no time, and will have you comming back to the book time and again for reference as you inprove.