If you visit the Beavercreek Target store in Ohio, you may see team member Susan Randall racing through the aisles. That’s because Susan is training to qualify in racewalking for a spot in the 2012 Olympics.
An ancient sport originating in Europe, racewalking was added to the Olympics in 1908 for men and 1980 for women. The rules are simple: One foot must be on the ground at all times and the leading knee has to be locked when the foot touches the ground.
Susan qualified for her first national competition when she took fifth place at the U.S. Outdoor Track and Field Championships in 2007. Since then, she’s been treading tracks across the world as part of the U.S. Pan American Cup team.
In between Susan’s intense training schedule before her July 1 Olympic trial, we talked to the Olympic hopeful about going for the gold.
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Do you remember the first race you ever won?
Yes! It was best feeling in the world, but I am always thinking ahead to what I can do better in my next race.
Where do you keep your medals?
I won a Team Bronze Medal at the 2009 Pan American Cup in El Salvador, which is currently hanging in my kitchen breakfast nook so I can see it every day to remind myself what I am working toward.
How long have you been training for the Olympics?
Since 2007 when I qualified for the 2008 Olympic trials.
What is your training schedule like?
Most days, I have one workout in the morning and another one in the afternoon. I always get Sunday off to rest. I usually do about 60-80 miles of training a week along with skill drills, weight training and conditioning.
Who are your biggest supporters?
My husband is my biggest fan. He will ride his bike with me on long training walks to keep me company. He also makes sure all the household work is done so I can concentrate on training and not worry about other things. And my Target team has been a great source of support—always asking how I’m doing, and allowing me to be flexible so I can travel for races and training. Sometimes other team members want to race against me, but they want to run while I walk!
Check back soon for another story of a Target team member going for the gold.
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