Power Walk!: My Step by Step Journey to Competitions Across America

by Patricia Vicary

Power walking, also known as fitness or speed walking, is gaining popularity as an aging population looks for workout options that are good for their bodies and good for their wallets. This book includes expert tips and techniques for starting or expanding a power walking practice. Covering the author's journey from non-athlete to dedicated power walker, it is entertaining, motivational and jam-packed with information. Here, power walking practice is contextualized through the author's goal to complete a half marathon in each of the United States. The journey includes encounters with sketchy porta-potties and terrifying mini-planes, confessions of dubious road-trip food choices and tales of finish lines reached through sheer determination--all told with wit and wisdom. Part travelogue, part power walking guidebook, this engaging text will entertain, motivate and enlighten readers who are looking to start a fitness program or change up their workout routine.

220 pages, Paperback

Published December 21, 2021

Reviews

[David Klingenberger · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you’re interested in techniques, training, injury prevention, or anything about how to start and grow as a power walker, look elsewhere, but should you be interested if the author had a banana or a muffin after the Montana half marathon, this is your book.

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Power Walk! is broken into three sections: How-To, Race Reports, and Resources. The race reports are part memoir, part travelogue so there are fun stories about half-marathons in each of the fifty states. I enjoyed the tidbits about Waffle House and Cracker Barrel restaurants, visiting Ma Ingalls' gravesite, and shotskis. It's more about the events than the racing. It's not just about walking; runners and anyone who enjoys athletic events will like this book. There's more about racing and training in the How-To section along with useful advice on selecting shoes or socks, and other exercises to help avoid injuries. The resource section has book and movie reviews as well as organizations to help runners and power walkers.
Overall, it's a fun book with lots of laughs as well as useful information.

[Mark Clegg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun read, even for those who are not committed walkers or runners. I ran "event" races from 5Ks to marathons for 25 years, but my body gradually wore out from the constant pounding on asphalt. Now in my 60's (like the author), I learned that power walking offers a less physiologically abusive alternative to the body than running while still providing most of the cardiovascular benefits. But most of all, I enjoyed the seemingly more mundane features of the author's travels — airport, rental car, and hotel hell. We have all been there, and I will no longer feel alone when I can't figure out how to start a rental car, or when the front desk assigns another person my room after I am tucked in for the evening, or when airport security takes interest in an innocuous but embarrassing piece of carry-on luggage.

[Janis L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really enjoyed this book! I literally couldn’t put it down. It was both entertaining and informative, the author has a great sense of humor too. She brings her travels to each state for each race to life and the accompanying pictures help you get an idea of what the various race routes could be like. Additionally there is information on shoes, apparel, training. It’s very comprehensive, I think she covered all the information you could possibly want. Anyone, no matter their age, who wants to increase their walking pace for health, recreation or to enter half or even full marathons should definitely buy this book.

[Patrice · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read! Celebrate strength & endurance while enjoying the author's laugh-out-loud personal tales. Practical advice on racing competitions, combined with travel tidbits shared with a great sense of humor. My son bought this for me and I loved it. Whether you "power" along quickly or amble for pleasure, this book will be an inspiration to all those who love to walk.

[Tim Sinnott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read on walking the walk in every state!

Patricia appears to put as much energy and passion into her book as she did in walking all those half marathons. It's an enjoyable read!