From extreme cold to snow and near 50-degree temperatures on occasion, it has been a pretty wild winter in terms of weather, which is why I wanted to check in with local racewalker Jay Diener.
"For the most part, the roads have been OK," he said. "However, racewalkers push off with their toe at the end of every stride, so trying to racewalk on snow or ice is just inviting a slip and a hamstring pull."
On the iciest of days, Diener said he has opted to stay home, stretch and do core work.
"I keep from slipping by staying off snow and ice," he said. "Even YakTraks don’t help all that much when the surface is just a bit slick."
As for his experience with racewalking on trails, he said that is simply not something he can entertain due to the fact racewalkers keep their feet fairly low to the ground when they swing forward at the end of every stride.
"Uneven surfaces and obstructions, such as rocks, roots, and branches make it almost impossible to be efficient," he said. "Racewalkers stay away from trails unless they are well-packed and groomed."
In terms of distance, he said he averages between 25 and 35 miles each week, provided the roads are clear. If they are not, he said his weekly totals dip down to 10 to 15 miles.
"I only go to an indoor track a couple of times a month in the winter when we have group racewalking training sessions," he said. "Otherwise, I prefer to be outside."
Regarding his goals for the winter, he said he would like to head into the spring in good racewalking condition. He said he usually schedules a mid- or late-winter race, such as the Mid-Winter 10 Mile Classic in Cape Elizabeth, which takes place on Feb. 4 this year. Such winter races, he said, help keep him focused.
"I also usually go for a mid-spring half for the same reason, but haven’t signed up for one yet," Diener said.
In commenting on racewalking from a health perspective, he said it has been great for him, as he noted that it is not as hard on the hips as it may look.
"Racewalking is also easier on the knees than running and is more of a full-body workout, so I think it helps keep me pretty healthy," he said.
In looking ahead to his race calendar, which includes the aforementioned Mid-Winter Classic, he plans on signing up for the Out Of Hibernation 5K in the spring.
"They are adding a competitive walking division this year," he said. "I also plan to do the Seacoast Road Race Series races, all of which also have walking divisions. I’ll likely fill in a few more races as the season moves along."
Rob Levey is an avid runner and Somersworth resident who works in Portsmouth. He can be reached at roblevey@gmail.