Frequently Asked Questions About Sole Steppers Race Walking
How do I get started with race walking?
Race walking is a technical sport that requires practice and proper form. The best way to get started is to consult with a qualified coach who can identify any natural talent and teach the proper technique and provide guidance on training. They can help you develop a plan that suits your curent fitness level and goals.
How do I join Sole Steppers?
Athletes wanting to join Sole Steppers will need to undergo a simple assesment session where we get to know you, your goals, your sporting/life load and do a basic assesment of your current technical form. You don’t need to be outstanding or even anywhere near perfect – this assesment lets our coaches know how and where we can help you! As spots for the 3 Sole Steppers squads are limited, we like to make sure new families are a good fit for the squad and that we are a good fit for you. After the assesment a squad place may be offered immediately or within 24 hours. If no places are currently available athletes are placed on a waitlist for squad places and can choose to book one-on-one sessions in the mean time.
Where are training sessions held?
Training is held in North West Sydney at various locations including the world class Mondo track at Blacktown International Sportspark, Grantham Reserve Seven Hills with it’s grass fields and 540m circular footpath, CV Kelly Field Girraween which is expecting a $2.5m upgrade soon.
Why are Sole Steppers squad places limited?
We like to keep squads small as it benefits the athletes. With fewer athletes, individuals get more attention, more technique analysis and correction and more support overall. With each squad session, it customised for each individual athletes’ fitness, skill level and goals. We also respect that parents are paying for our services and with fewer athletes and therefore more focussed coach attention, we like to think we are giving exceptional value for money.
I’ve been offered a squad spot, now what?
Once you have been offered a squad spot, it’s important to keep attending frequently (either Summer season, Winter season or both). As we often have a waitlist we feel it is unfair to hold spots for athletes that don’t attend frequently, while other athletes are waiting to join. So athletes that are regularly not attending for a reasonable reason may find their squad spot in jeopardy at which point a discussion will happen with parents. We recognise that some of our athletes have a Winter sport that keeps them busy, so Summer squad positions are held over the Winter season even if the athletes dont train with us over winter. Generally we find about 2/3 of our athletes choose to train all year.
What are the different Sole Stepper squads available?
There a 3 Squads arranged by ability not age*. Coach Alissa’s squads are the Advanced squad of 8 and the Skills Development squad of 6. Coach Laelia has a Skills Development squad of 5. All current squad members are members of NSW Little Athletics or Athletics NSW and some also NSW Race Walking Club, to enable competition opportunity.
*NOTE: More squads may be introduced in the future as current athletes progress and if there is a waitlist.
What is the squad fee schedule?
Due to our low squad numbers, we offer exceptional value for money as athletes receive lots of individual attention. our fees are a fraction of what you’d pay for music or educational tutor fees. Fees are paid week to week to allow for temporary flexibility in routine eg or an athlete being unwell. Fees can be paid in bulk in advance if desired. Payments are via cash, Square, bank transfer or PayID.
What equipment do I need for race walking?
The essential equipment for race walking includes a good pair of walking shoes: flexible at the forefoot, light, preferably with a 4-6mm heel drop and no more than a 40mm heel height. Breathable clothing that leaves the knees visable, and a possibly a watch or fitness tracker to monitor your pace and distance. Many race walkers also use easy access water bottles, hats or visors, sports sunglasses, racing gloves and long sleeved thermal tops for winter training, a spray jacket for rain, and cooling neck scarves for warm weather. These all help you stay hydrated and protected from the elements. Younger athletes with small feet that only compete in the Summer track season will often opt for ‘Waffle’ shoes. More experienced athletes that have perfected their form often choose to wear rigid carbon fiber plate ‘super’ shoes to enhance their speed.
Do I need a squad uniform?
Yes, it is required that squad members purchase a squad t-shirt or singlet. These can be easily ordered online and customised with a name or nickname on the back. It is not a requirment that this is worn to training, but the majority of athletes do choose to wear it to training. They also like to wear the squad shirt over the competition singlets on race days to protect from the elements and proudly display their squad affiliation. The team shirts help engender a feeling of belonging and community within the athletes.
What does a training session involve?
Squad sessions involve a comprehensive warm up of a jog, dynamic exercises and dynamic stretches, strength exercises, drills, followed by the main session, then an effective cool down including stretching, muscle lengthening and mobility exercises.
Private sessions are customised to what the athlete would like to work on and include a warm up and warm down.
How much training is needed to be competitive?
Our 1500m State level athletes will train 2x/week plus at least 1 home session totaling approximately 9km/week. Our National Level 3km Athletes will train with us and their own sessions totalling approximately 17km/week. Our National level 5km athletes will train approximately 30km/week. National level 10km athletes will train approximately 40-50km/week. Athletes will also generally do their own strenghth and conditioning program at home and incorporate 2 rest days/week while also balancing school/uni/work. Athletes generally become really great at time management!
What does the squad uniform look like?
