Walking and Rolling with America’s Race-Walking Queen Robyn Stevens

In this episode, America's race-walking queen Robyn Stevens and I talk about her 2022 walking adventures. Robyn is spending three months training and racing with other Spanish and Ecuadorian race-walkers. Robyn enjoys training with all of these walkers. Robyn is competing in several events around Europe this Spring. This past weekend, Robyn set a new American record while finishing fifth in the 35K with a time of 2:49:29 in Dudince, Slovakia. Robyn explains how a tight hamstring almost her a chance at breaking the record. She explains how the injury management helped her manage the injury. Six days before the 35K in Dudince, Robyn actually stopped and was not 100 percent confident her hamstring would make it. Unlike runners, race-walkers could be disqualified for getting too many yellow or red cards. Until the last 8-10 kilometers, Robyn's hamstring felt fine. Then, her hamstring tightened. Despite the pain, Robyn toughed her race to not only break the American record, but she also achieved the World Championship automatic qualifier. Robyn also knew she would in all likelihood have to grit her way to the finish. The day after the race, Robyn limped her way around Budapest. She also learned how important stretching is for all race-walkers and runners. We then talk how injuries affect athletes in different sports. In May, Robyn will be competing in the World Athletics Race Walking Tour with races in Madrid and Coruña. We then look forward to the 2022 World Athletics Championships, which will be America's first time hosting this event in Eugene, Oregon. Robyn has already qualified for the 35K walk on July 22. and could attempt the 20K a week earlier on July 15. Robyn also calls Eugene Heaven for American runners and athletes. Robyn is so excited for a running city like Eugene to finally host the World Championships this July.