Speed walking is by definition a progression of steps so taken that the walker makes contact with the ground so that no visible loss of contact occurs. This is what sets speed walking apart from running; the necessity of one foot being on the ground at all times.

While there is something slightly humorous about the concept of speed walking, it is certainly taken seriously. It has been an Olympic sport, and was featured in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, with Yelena Lashmanova winning the gold medal. There is also a world wide speed walking challenge organized by the IAAF which has been happening annually since 2003 with a first place prize of $200,000. So those who laugh at speed walkers, they’ll be laughing all the way to the bank, which they’ll reach promptly thanks to their speedy walking.

For those who run, the speed walkers may have something on you. Speed walking is capable of burning more calories in an hour than jogging would, without the abrasive shock of hitting the pavement, because when speed walking, one foot is always touching the ground, making the shock one’s knee absorbs much; any runner with a knee brace can surely see the pro’s of speed walking.

Speed walking hits home with the local favorite Mark Fenton. Many have seen him featured as a consultant for exercise in the health oriented movie “Super-Size Me”, and has written a book on the science of walking called “The Complete Guide To Walking”.

At the root of this article one thing is clear; speed walking can do no harm, and it can very possibly do some good. So keep your mind open, lace up them sneakers, and get to walking.