To encourage and develop young race walkers, the NE Walkers board of Directors voted last November to donate $250 toward travel expenses for Valia Vaitones to attend the Elite Junior Race Walk Camp in Texas.

Valia contributed the following article about her experiences while in Texas:

I attended the National Junior Race Walking Camp in Pharr, Texas, which lasted for a week, beginning December 28, 2013. It was a great experience being among so many athletes who enjoy race walking, and to be taught by such great coaches. The other walkers were very encouraging to everyone there—from different parts of the USA, and from four other countries, over 65 in all— all just sharing the sport we love. It was a great youth camp experience without any youth drama! There was lots of time to get to know everyone, and to get to know the other girls as friends and as future competitors.

Valia Vaitones (with red cap) attended the RW camp in Pharr TX.

The second day there, most people walked a 3 km track race. Before the race, we watched the older athletes do 10 and 15 Km races—Rachel Seaman set a Canadian record! It was a bit overwhelming to be around so many good walkers. In my race, I decided to stay with a small group in the middle to start. Then I broke off and found that I had the will to set my own pace, and I caught up to Kaitlin who competes in college. We walked together for the 2nd half of the race—I paced off of her, and I in turn pushed her. I had strong last lap—but my legs were burning! I ended up with a personal record of 17:13, which makes me the first New Hampshire high school walker to be nationally ranked! That time was a 40 second improvement from this summer.

The evening after the race, we saw race films and got feedback on our form. The next day we did lots of mobility and form work, and I learned some new things to practice. Ian Whatley set up a treadmill with two cameras and a screen. Most athletes don’t get to see themselves “live”, but we got to see ourselves walk in real time from two sides! We were critiqued on our form, and could adjust and see instantly how we corrected things.

Valia Vaitones (center) and friends.

We had evening talks about walking after high school, and how to keep up the motivation, and about the NAIA schools that have good walkers. Tim Seaman talked about excellence in training. He challenged us to incorporate workouts that challenge us!

Unfortunately, a few of us got the flu, including me. But it was still a great event! I thank the New England Walkers for supporting me this year! I can’t wait for next year!

“Dream it, walk it, live it”
Valia Vaitones