The Complete Guide to Competitive Walking: Racewalking, Power Walking, Nordic Walking and More!

Oftentimes the title of a book may be an attempt to grab attention where it is not warranted or perform a bait and switch on the intended reader, The Complete Guide to Competitive Walking, by Dave McGovern, does none of those things. As 3x Olympian Philip Dunn states “you have a treasure trove of walking information in your hands. You’ll learn more than you thought you ever could about how to put one foot in front of the other”.No statement could more accurately describe what you receive in the 300+ pages of detail on how to accomplish any type of walking program. Dave’s decades of bringing walking training, through his world-wide schedule of clinics, has given him specific insight into the variability in training needed to complete and compete in many different variations of walking races.As multi-sport and other endurance activities have become more popular with recreational athletes, more of those competitors have sought to integrate walking into the race for various concerns over doing so as a runner. This encyclopedia covers everything one could possibly contemplate in the competitive and fitness arena, and does so in a way that disarms the reader to the point where it’s like having a conversation with the author. This is why Dave has been the pre-eminent clinician in the event for so long. He’s able to translate the science and nuance of training to the regular person in a way that puts them on the path to success from day 1.I’ve read both of Dave’s previous works, and even supplied photographs for one version of the Race Walking book, so the content is something that I am very familiar with. Even with that, and knowing the author for over 30 years (yes, we’re that old now), this was a must have addition to my coaching library, if just for the additional training plans alone. Add in the stories, history, photography, sport science and other sections and it’s a bargain at the price.Seriously, if you walk as any part of your health and fitness routine, buying The Complete Guide to Competitive Walking is the best purchase you can make in 2021.

Just a shoutout to Dave McGovern for putting together a great book - The Complete Guide to Competitive Walking. My old copy of The Complete Guide to Racewalking showed lots of wear and tear, and I was sorely in need of a little motivation and a plan. Last September, I was using a walker following a bike accident (dog collided with my bike). I knew that if I could just resume racewalking, I would be a few steps (not at a high cadence) closer to feeling like me. Over the winter, I got your new book, was inspired and amused (love your irreverence and self-deprecating comments) and attempted to follow the base plan. I took to heart your advice, particularly as it pertained to recovery and rest. Today, I started the training program for the Huntsman Games. I don't know if I will get back to my times in 2019 Senior Games, but I have started thinking about competing again. Thanks, Dave, for providing one very valuable piece of my rehab - physical and mental.

I highly recommend this book for those of you interested in competitive walking. After almost 40yrs of practicing and competing in race walking, I refer to it any time I'm in doubt of something on how to improve technique, speed, stamina, etc. This is a very well thought out from beginning to end book. A jewel for your beginners or advance walking reference library.

Complete says it all. Not only does this book give you all the information, it does it in a way that is enjoyable to read. Have been racewalking since 1996 and this has inspired me to do even more. Thanks, Dave, for keeping up the interest in a great sport.

This book is a well thought out, thorough book on racewalking and competitive walking from an experienced racewalker. Great information, history and training schedules written with a good sense of humour. Worth adding to your library.

I've been racewalking for about 12 years, and as far as I know I have all the books available on the subject. Dave McGovern's book is simply the best, most comprehensive book ever on racewalking (and Power walking, and Nordic walking)...it is very well-written, and most of all FUN to read. You can tell that the author had fun writing it as well. I learned a lot about Power walking and Nordic walking, but reading the race walking part of the book I discovered a technical mistake I have been making and didn't even realize I was making. Now THAT'S what I call useful!

Informative and entertaining, it’s a perfect all-in-one place to find everything you need to know about history, technique, schedules and, especially, shoes. I read it straight through twice and I’ll use it for years as a reference. Thanks, Dave!