Anne van Andel (33) from Drunen does speed walking. And she set a special Dutch record on Sunday afternoon. In 3 hours and 40 minutes she ran 35 kilometers during the National Race Walking Championships in Tilburg. It was the first time that a record was registered for that distance among women. Afterwards, she collapsed exhausted in the mown grass and immediately felt a cramp in her leg. “Why am I doing this,” she laughed.
The love for speed walking comes from the home front. “My parents walked a lot and I started doing that too. For example, I have participated in the Nijmegen Four Days Marches several times. I then started speed walking at the DAK athletics club in Drunen and one thing led to another. I try to get the best out of myself every time. See how far I can go and what my body can handle.”
No, walking super fast to the supermarket is going a bit too far. But she does put a lot of hours into her sport. “One time on the athletics track, another time on a cycle path, you can race anywhere. I now walk a little less than before, but that’s because I want to run a marathon. I have one body and have to make choices.”
There is a big difference in speed walking and running in terms of technique. When speed walking you always have one foot on the ground, while you ‘float’ while running. Furthermore, a certain technique is required, whereby the knee may only be bent when the leg is directly under the body. “I found the technique super difficult at first.”
“Running is technically much easier.”
“Running is technically much easier. Moreover, there is no one to check whether you are doing it right. While speed walking, you must remain constantly alert to your technique, despite your fatigue. A mistake can cost you a penalty.”
Anne won the national title eight times. There was no ninth gold medal on Sunday at the cycling track in Tilburg. “I could compete for prizes in the 20 kilometers, but I wanted to run 35 kilometers just like the men. Since January 1, 2023, you can set a recognized Dutch record for that distance for women. There was no record in the books yet, but I wanted to run a fast time.” Although she is not completely satisfied. “Because of the heat and because I trained a little less, my time was a bit disappointing.”
In addition to Anne, about sixty race walkers took action, many of whom competed for the Dutch or Belgian titles. There were also participants from nine other countries who often participated in the shorter distances.
There was a Brabant winner among the men’s 35 kilometers. “For the first time in recent years I came fifth,” said Edwin van Wijngaarden from Hank. “I started walking, but thought it could be faster. Speed walking is so much fun, it’s a shame that few people do it. You will have mastered the technique within a year.”
