30/11/2021
Sports walking: a brief history, rules and features of training
A running journalist and a healthy lifestyle practitioner. I study sports in all its manifestations. I have been doing orienteering and running for 20 years.
Walking is not associated with something fast and dynamic, rather with a leisurely walk in the park or square, but in no way with sports. Meanwhile, sports walking as a sport has been more than 100 years old! What kind of competition is this, what rules exist, who can participate – we will discuss all these issues in the article.
Natural sports
Like many sports, walking emerged from a hobby. At the end of the 19th century in England, they loved competitions for long walks or long-distance walking. Often these walks were the result of betting – people bet and walked long distances by brisk walking.
The first competitions date back to 1882, when athletes walked for five hours without a break. Since then, the sport began to develop faster, the first rules appeared. They have not changed much over time, and now some provisions from the first set of rules still apply.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, sports walking debuted at the Olympics as a discipline of all-around, and then as a separate sport. Since 1932, the program includes a 50-kilometer distance, since 1956 – a 20-kilometer distance. Women have been competing since 1992.
Rules of walking competitions
The main difference between sports walking and running is that the athlete must constantly be in contact with the surface of the earth. It is impossible to tear off the big toe until the heel of the other foot has touched the surface. Otherwise, there is a phase of flight, which is already characteristic of running. Another rule is that the leg brought forward should not be bent at the knee.
walking technique
On the track, the judges monitor the athletes' equipment. If an athlete violates the rule, the referee shows him a card with a special symbol. For three violations, the athlete is disqualified. They are trying to lay the track in such a way that the judges can constantly see the athletes and control the technique of movements.
Walking competitions are held both on the highway and on the 400-meter stadium. The most frequent distances are 3, 5, 10 km, as well as 20 and 50 km.
At the international level, athletes from China and Russia are strong, to a lesser extent European runners.
Features of competitions and trainings
Athletes develop a very decent speed even by the standards of runners. World leaders can move at a speed of 15-16 km/ h, or 4 minutes per km, which corresponds to a good amateur level in ordinary running. Almost all muscle groups are involved. Unlike running, walking does not have such a shock load, as well as the technique of movement "from the heel".
sports walking competitions
Source: Getty Images, by Mark Brake
Walkers conduct training both in the mountains and on the plain. Attention is paid to strength work and the gym. Trainers work a lot on walking techniques, especially in children's groups and with beginners.
The consumption of calories in sports walking is not inferior to the consumption in running. And due to the fact that a person is not so tired, he remains quite active even after training. By the way, when walking, it practically does not matter what a person's complexion and height are, dependence on these factors is minimal.
As for running, you need to choose the right shoes for sports walking. As a rule, these are sneakers with cushioning and good grip, sports uniforms are comfortable shorts with a T-shirt. Clothing for athletics is also suitable.
The biggest obstacle in the competition that walkers face is hot weather and dehydration. In this regard, the list of equipment also includes a headdress and sunglasses.
A useful habit
Sports walking gave an impetus to other types of this activity. For example, Nordic walking with sticks or exercises and walking on a step platform. Walking is democratic and suitable for participants of any age. Doctors and scientists from the WHO (World Health Organization) recommend walking at least 10,000 steps a day – we also owe this research to walking. Any walking in this regard reduces the risk of developing many diseases, especially those related to the heart. 30 minutes of activity will help to keep yourself in good shape and give a useful load to the body.
