My name is Rob Robertson. My home is Burneyville, Oklahoma USA. In 2013 at the age of 50 I changed my life by Walking for Exercise and Eating Whole Foods. I started walking half
Marathons. Moved up to Marathons and then 12-hour timed races. Found out
my forte was walking 24 hour – 100-mile Centurion races. I became a United
States Centurion in 2015. By October 2018 I had become a member of all six active
World Centurion clubs. The only person in the Western Hemisphere that belongs to six Centurion Clubs. Every Centurion Club around the World holds the same high standard for membership. You must walk 100 Miles judged within 24 Hours.
United States Centurion C78. June 2015 United States Qualifier, Fort Snelling, Minnesota.
Australian Centurion C68. April 2016 Australian Qualifier, Coburg, Victoria, Australia.
British Centurion C1169. August 2016 105th British Qualifier, Redcar, North Yorkshire, UK.
African Centurion C11. October 2016 African Qualifier, Robben Island, South Africa.
Continental Centurion C454. June 2017 Continental Qualifier, Weert, Netherlands.
New Zealand Centurion C25. October 2018 New Zealand Qualifier, Mairangi Bay, NZ.
My Wife and I. August 2016. The morning after I became a British Centurion.
Hello Cyndy,
So happy you did not let your knee injury keep you indoors. The best improvement I got for walking speed was, I bent my arms to 90 degrees at the elbow. The faster you swing those arms the faster your legs have to go to keep up. The idea is short fast steps to match the short fast swings. At my peak form I could take just over 160 steps per minute. Fast steps rather than long over striding steps. As you already know build speed and mileage slowly. Keep walking the speed will come.
Enjoy your walks,
Rob Robertson
Hello…
I have just started to read, and I am sure you have referenced this is several places…
but what is the best method to increase my walking pace?
I am a runner (slow), and after a very lengthy recovery from a knee injury with very little training and running, I am having a hard time getting back into the running groove.
I love hiking, walking and rucking – but a decent pace for me is just over 16 minutes per mile.
I’d love some advice on how to better train for a speedier pace.
Thanks!
Hello Jeff,
I wrote a short race highlight on the Past Race Results and Report page at United States Centurion walkers https://www.unitedstatescenturionwalkers.com/?page_id=123 This year I assissted FANS racewalk judge Bruce Leasure. Bruce and I walked the course backwards to the racers. We each walked 30.8 miles. That allows us to see the walkers many times. They never know where they will see us. When FANS counts the book totals Bruce and I will be in the results. The hills at Lake Normandale and the heat of the afternoon took a toll on the walkers. Starting out too fast took a toll on the best walkers there. Have to pace a 100 mile attempt.
Personally I have taken eight months off from training. I am not hurt just mentally drained. Turns out walking six Centurions in six Countries in 40 months took a toll on me. Judging FANS has re-sparked my Centurion interest. I am training again. I will race FANS in 2020 and Owego, NY in late September 2020. 100 miles the goal in both races. The down time was nice. I miss racing.
Thanks for the interest,
Rob Robertson
United States Centurion Walkers (keeper)
Hello, I was wondering if we’d get an update on the FANS 24 Hour race? No one broke 100 miles in the 24 hour walk and I saw you had just two laps. Was there an injury? What were your thoughts about the new course and did that prevent walkers from joining the Centurion list?
Thanks,
Jeff
Hi,
I’ve enjoyed your site, I’m booked into the UK Centurion qualifier this coming August so have binge read your story from start to finish.
I was wondering if the ‘The Walking Site’ is still a thing? I can see it’s up but a lot of the links (community, contact for example) show a 500 error when I click on them so perhaps it isn’t being actively maintained any longer? I’d ask them myself but with the contact link currently down that’s not an option
I was after accessing the forum (if there is / was one) to say hello and get some advice as and when I need it – to begin with what tech anyone might recommend for accurate pacing and distance / lap counting on solo walks. I’ve been looking at Garmin watches but there are mixed reviews about the accuracy.
How much walking do you do these days by the way? I find it hard to believe you’ve completely stopped.
Much respect to you, Don.
You are to kind.
The donation site is: Walk.stjude.org/pjmcelroy410
I match $10 for every donation of at least $10 to the donor’s preferred non-profit to promote philanthropic giving. Please let me know where i can send a match.
I found the Link Patrick. Walk Well! Rob
Congratulations Patrick,
You have done well. Send me a link to your St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital fund page. I would like to contribute to your cause.
Thank You for the kind words. Keep on walking. Our paths are sure to cross at some point.
Rob
Rob – thank you for this resource! I recently stumbled upon your blog and have been soaking up all your content as best I can. You are an inspiration. I have been fundraising for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Walk/Run to End Childhood Cancer since 2014. Last year, I decided to do a little more, and instead of walking at the 5k event…walk the 70 miles from my house to the event in additin to the event. In hindsight, I had no idea what I was doing but it was a life changing experience. I ended up raising $16.5K for that walk and eclipsed $30K through 4 years. This year I decided to walk 100 miles over 4 days from Philadelphia, PA to Harrisburg, PA with a goal of raising $25K. My “training” started slow in May/June and I was not focused. Your blog has been a tremendous resource in helping me refocus and get prepared. While our current goals are slightly different, the idea of being a Centurion is growing. But first – gotta knock out these 100 miles #ForTheKids. I was disheartened to hear you would be stopping the blog, but I understand and I appreciate all you have put into it the past 3 years. I’m cheering for you from PA as you get ready to crush New Zealand. Just Keep Walking!!!
Thank you Debbie. I am pleased you found my blog helpful. Any way I can help just let me know. Rob
I spent all afternoon reading your blog. Awesome job! I’m a personal trainer and avid trail runner in California. I have been looking for a new BIG goal as you put it and I think I found it! Would love to hear more personal tips you may have discovered throughout your journey.
Hello Peter,
A Big job recording all the racewalk results. If this is the site http://www.wakkee.nl/ I am very familiar with it. Well Done. I am NOT affiliated with any club. I will race again in The Netherlands in a few years. We very much enjoyed our trip.
Rob
Hello Rob. First congratuilations with completing all six titels. My name is Peter Hopman and i live in the Netherlands. I am the man who has the archive of all result off racewalking. in cluding the centurion race’s.
i have question for you and you don’t hav to anwers it. If you are a member of an athlecits club is it possibel to say wich club. Becuase you have scored points for the dutch racewalking cup.
Thank your for your help en maybe il will see you next year in Schiedam when the next race is in the Netherlands.
Thank You Jay. I have seen your blog. Congratulations. Walking changed my Life. Wishing you much success. Rob
Hi Rob,
I’ve just started distance walking. Your advice is very helpful and I’m inspired by your achievements.
All the best for your training and events.
Thanks,
Jay
Hello James,
Thank You for the kind words and congratulation on your active walking. My training route is the 8 tenths of a mile road loop around where I live. My loop has a couple of small hills. I like the fact I am never more than 4 tenths of a mile from my water, snack or supplies if I need to fix a blister. The short loop also allows my 13 year old Labrador to bail on me when he gets tired. I do go through spells where I listen to music. I Mostly use music at night when I can see the lights of any cars that come up from behind me. I have not had a problem with boredom. Training for and walking races keeps me going. I tend to set walking goals so high that the goal overrides the boredom.
Walking is the perfect exercise as you have found. You might consider training for and walking a half marathon. My first half marathon race changed my life.
Walk well,
Rob
Hi Rob,
I recently came across your site and have found it very inspiring. I’m 65 years old and started a (for me) active walking program a couple of months ago. I’m an Air Force retiree and did a lot of fitness running during my active duty years. But I’ve found walking is so much easier on my knees! I’m currently walking 4 miles per day at 13-14 min pace. I have a couple of questions for you: (1) What kind of route do you do your daily training walks? One big loop, or several small loops. I walk a 1-mile loop around my neighborhood, but sometimes head “out in the country” just for something different. (2) Do you ever listen to music or podcasts when you walk? If not, how to you handle the boredom? I listen to podcasts to help pass the time. Is that a sign that I wouldn’t be very good at long distance walking? I’m fascinated with how ultra runners and walkers manage the boredom factor.
Thanks for your site, and for inspiring a walking ‘hack’ like me. 🙂
Hello Shane. Email sent.
Hi Rob, I found your site by doing a search on 100 mile walk. Because of some physical limitations, I am relegated to walking instead of running or even jogging. I have an event that I am trying to train for. Is there an opportunity that I can email you privately to discuss? I find your story and accomplishments inspiring! I really want to finish this event. Thank you!
Hello Sean,
What a Great cause The Snowdrop Foundation. What a Great Goal to walk 100 Miles. A Goal I know you can achieve. The best news is You have plenty of time to build up slowly for the Big day. That will be the secret for your success. A SLOW build up. You have around eight months. I started out and recommend walking 6 days per week. I started with 4 miles per day. After A month I started walking farther one day per week. For me I would do a training plan similar to this.
May
Monday — 4 miles
Tuesday – 4 miles
Wednesday-4 miles
Thursday -4 miles
Saturday- 4 miles
Sunday — 4 miles
June
Monday — 4 miles
Tuesday – 4 miles
Wednesday-4 miles
Thursday -4 miles
Saturday- 4 miles
Sunday — 6 miles
July
Monday — 4 miles
Tuesday – 4 miles
Wednesday-4 miles
Thursday -4 miles
Saturday- 4 miles
Sunday — 8 miles
August
Monday — 4 miles
Tuesday – 4 miles
Wednesday-4 miles
Thursday -4 miles
Saturday- 4 miles
Sunday — 12 miles
September
Monday — 4 miles
Tuesday – 4 miles
Wednesday-8 miles
Thursday -4 miles
Saturday- 4 miles
Sunday — 12 miles
October
Monday — 4 miles
Tuesday – 4 miles
Wednesday-8 miles
Thursday -4 miles
Saturday- 4 miles
Sunday — 16 miles
November
Monday — 4 miles
Tuesday – 4 miles
Wednesday-8 miles
Thursday -4 miles
Saturday- 12 miles
Sunday — 12 miles
Fist Half December
Monday — 4 miles
Tuesday – 4 miles
Wednesday-8 miles
Thursday -4 miles
Saturday- 8 miles
Sunday — 12 miles
Up to Your Race
Monday — 4 miles
Tuesday – 4 miles
Wednesday-4 miles
Thursday -4 miles
Saturday- 4 miles
Sunday — 6 miles
I would not worry about pace. Just get all the miles walked. You will want the time on your feet. Get your feet ready for two long days.
55 Hours on race day is plenty of time for a nice steady walk. You are not thinking about speed. Your only thought is the 100 Mile Goal. I would try and walk 60 miles the first 24 hours. If you can do that in 18 hours I would eat a good meal and sleep for 6 hours. I would try for the last 40 miles in the next 24 hours. To finish in the first 48 hours would give you time to enjoy your success and cheer on the others all working toward the Cause. It will be comforting to know you have 7 hours in the bank for anything unexpected. Be sure and eat and drink a little something about every 30 minutes.
Train well. Rob
Hi Rob!
A friend of mine sent me a link to your blog as I need some advice. I hope you might be able to help me. There is a charity event at the end of this year called the Snowdrop Foundation Ultra 55. http://snowdropfoundation.org/event/ultra55/
I’m on the board of Snowdrop Foundation. We raise money for pediatric cancer research and also give away academic scholarships to current and former pediatric patients. It’s very special foundation and cause to me.
Participants have 55 hours to complete as many miles as they can. You can run, walk or both but the “goal” is to hit 100 miles. I’m not able to run any more due to a condition in my spine but I can walk. I’d like to try and walk 100 miles in the 55 hours. I completed a half-marathon in January of 2015 (before I found out about my back) but have never been a runner despite years of competitive athletics.
What I would like to ask you is a recommendation of a training regime and even a day of strategy to walk 100 miles in 55 hours. You can take as many breaks for as long as you want and even go home/leave if you’d like. While it is official (the lap distance and race is certified) I want to complete the 100 miles and am not worried about the time, performance, etc. I just want to finish. However, I know I can’t just show up and start walking.
If you could help me or at least give me a place to start I’d appreciate it.
Thanks and God Bless,
Sean
Hello Ivo C48
Congratulations on your very fast U.S. Centurion time. I wish I lived in beautiful Colorado. My wife and I were in Colorado visiting our oldest Son. We live in Oklahoma. Good luck with your Racewalk training. I have a 100 mile race in November at the UltraCentric in Texas. For 2016 I signed up for the Australian Centurion qualifier in April. The Britsh Centurion qualifier in August. Yes I will be in New York late September for the U.S. Centurion Qualifier. The U.S. Race should have several of the worlds top long distance walkers in it. I am very much looking forward to that race. Let’s stay in contact. I sent a friend request on Facebook. Rob
Hi Rob,
I have found your web page and it is really interesting. I see that this week you are in Colorado. Do you live here or in Oklahoma? If you live in Colorado, we could walk some days together.
Congratulation to become US Centurion last year. It is a big accomplishment. I know what I am talking about, I am C48.
I did not racewalk ultra since 1999 but I am in preparation for season 2016 and I am thinking even to do Paris-Alsase again. Have you thought about that race? Do you plan to walk some 24hour/100 miles races in US in spring 2016? Do you plan to walk 100 miles in New York in September 2016?
Regards,
Ivo Majetic