RACE WALK LIKE A CHAMPION (the Set)

Race Walk Like a Champion is more than just a book; it is a complete package when you order the set and get the two accompanying DVDs. The combination of the printed page with a complete audio/video presentation is the best way, short of a live-in personal coach, to master race walking.

Price: $64.95 + $6.50 S&H

RACE WALK LIKE A CHAMPION (the Book)

Printed with 8 1/2 x 11 full-color pages, Race Walk Like a Champion is the single best compilation of information on the technique, training, and history of race walking. It combines approximately 400 photographs with charts and diagrams to explain every detail of race walking. Never before has race walking been covered with such complete, aesthetically pleasing detail. 

Race Walk Like a Champion starts with a thorough explanation of how to select race walking shoes and warm up; then describes every aspect of race walking technique, judging, and training philosophy in extensive detail. Other chapters include stretching, racing, strength training, mental preparation, injury treatment, and nutrition.

Race Walk Like a Champion also includes a comprehensive chapter on the history of American race walking. Each era of walking is broken up with an introduction and bios on the greats. 

Race Walk Like a Champion is the culmination of 20 years of race walking, as well as the combined experience bestowed on me by coaches and mentors. It picks up where Walk Like an Athlete, co-authored in 1996, leaves off. Walk Like an Athlete was aimed at the recreational race walker. Race Walk Like a Champion is focused on instructing the competitive race walker. However, if you are a newbie walker and do not intend to compete, have no fear. Race Walk Like a Champion assumes no prior walking experience or knowledge. Whether you are a novice race walker or an elite competitor, Race Walk Like a Champion will provide all the information you need.

While race walking has not changed much since my first race walking book, the technology utilized to explain race walking has changed dramatically. Eight years ago, black and white computer graphics provided effective illustrations for Walk Like an Athlete. Today, however, the advent of digital photography--rivaling film-quality photos--and improved color-printing production facilities make possible professional, full-color photographic explanations of race walking technique and training. In addition, my own knowledge of expository writing has grown considerably. Since the publication of Walk Like an Athlete , I have written three computer science textbooks, while continuing my teaching career at Drexel University. Thus I have learned much about the art of precisely explaining seemingly complex concepts.

RACE WALK LIKE A CHAMPION (the DVDs)

The Race Walk Like a Champion DVD set is like a coach in a box. Spanning two DVDs, the set brings the descriptions from the book to life while explaining all aspects of race walking in DVD quality video. However, the benefits of the DVD format do not end there; the interactivity makes it a coach in a box. Its friendly menus allow you to watch exactly the section you wish, over and over, with no rewinding! Have a technique problem? Just drill down through the interactive menus and your ever-present coach is there to assist.

Here's what each volume has to offer:

VOLUME I

The first DVD starts off with a definition of the rules that govern race walking. Once you know what you have to do to be legal, the DVD then presents every aspect of race walking technique.

Your shoes are your single most important piece of equipment. The DVD demonstrates all aspects of good and bad race walking shoes, so that you can make an educated decision about your shoe selection.

Add in the audio/video photo stories of the all-time best walkers in America along with a documentary of the top athletes training at the ARCO Training Center--many of whom will be part of our 2004 Olympic Team--and you will have a new appreciation for our sport. Learn all the lessons this set has to offer, and maybe you'll be in the next DVD.

Finally, additional books, videos, links, as well as other resources are available at the click of a button.

VOLUME II

The second DVD contains all the stretches, drills, and exercises to make you a complete race walker. Walking alone isn't enough. Without warming up properly, improving your range of motion, stretching, and strengthening the proper way, you will not reach your full walking potential. The step-by-step instructions contained in Volume II are sure to help you on your way to being the best race walker possible.

Nowhere before have so many detailed training schedules (over 100, from 5K to 50K) been available at the click of your remote. Simply select your race distance and then your race time, and a day-by-day training schedule appears. The DVDs guide you from the first steps of a base phase all the way through your race day.

A wonderful documentary is included on the race walkers training at the ARCO Training Center at Chula Vista, California. Many of our 2004 Olympic race walkers are included in the documentary.

Finally, additional books, videos, links, as well as other resources are available at the click of a button.

Advanced Praise for Race Walk Like a Champion

Jeff Salvage has written an invaluable guide for the competitive race walker. Blending years of coaching experience with the latest in digital photo technology, Race Walk Like a Champion is a vivid display of technique instruction, training advice and historical and contemporary athlete profiles in a bright, easy to read format. With this tome, Jeff brings race walk instruction into the 21st century!

Dave McGovern - National Team Member, Dave’s World Class Race Walking

This book, with its two companion DVDs, is a splendid and important contribution to the sport of race walking. Focusing on the competitive walker, Race Walk Like a Champion should--must--be read by walkers of all ages and abilities who are serious about competing. With clearly written and illustrated explanations including color coded graphs and training schedules, this book and its videos provide a complete, one-stop resource of reliable, expert information.

Elaine Ward - President, North American Race Walking Foundation

Race Walk Like a Champion has an excellent overall presentation with its written explanations of each technique component enhanced by the great photographic examples. I am certain the combination of the book and DVD will provide the novice or beginning race walker the tools necessary to master the technique.

Of the many race walking books and videos I have reviewed during my career, this is hands down the best and most thorough presentation of race walking technique offered. I will recommend the book as the definitive guide to athletes who consult me for advice on race walking technique.

Curt Clausen - Three-time Olympian & National Record Holder

Race Walk Like a Champion’s training chapter is amongst the best I have ever read. Coach Salvage did a great job addressing each component in a way that can be easily understood.

Amber Antonia - National Team Member