For most people, walking 5 miles per hour (a 12-minute mile) is a sensible target with good health benefits. Most people can walk 4 miles per hour (a 15-minute mile), so why not train for better skill and efficiency to accomplish the faster speed? You're not setting any records other than your personal best, so why not enjoy walking fast? Let's call this fastwalking.

A highly competitive level walking exists for those who like track & field events. It's called racewalking, and it's strictly regulated for style. In fact, you can get thrown out of a judged walk race for pedestrian walking. A footstep must land on the heel with a straightened leg. Top racewalkers can walk 8 miles per hour (a 7.5-minute mile) with proper form.

For most walkers, it is sufficient that they keep one foot on the ground at all times, without bothering unduly about the "bent knee" rule. Let those who are walking with less than perfect form be called freestyle fastwalkers. And let those who aim for a pace of 6 miles per hour or better (10-minute miles) with "legal" form be called elite racewalkers.

Road race officials probably encounter controversy in the walking division from time to time. Without trained racewalk judges, they would probably do well to advertise the walking division as freestyle fastwalking - simply keep one foot on the ground at all times, and use the honor system.

~ Charlie Duane