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I''m 90 years old and still walk competitively. You can get hooked, too

At 85, Alan Poisner Strides On: The Unyielding Spirit of Competitive Walking

PHILADELPHIA — In the predawn haze of a humid July morning, Alan Poisner laces up his well-worn sneakers and steps onto the cracked asphalt of a suburban track. At 85 years old, he is not here for a leisurely stroll. Poisner is a competitive race walker, a discipline that demands precision, endurance and an almost obsessive attention to form. His hips sway with rhythmic purpose, his arms pump like pistons, and his feet glide forward in a straight line, never fully leaving the ground — the hallmark rule of race walking that distinguishes it from running. For Poisner, this isn't just exercise; it's a lifelong passion that has carried him through decades, defying the conventional wisdom that age must slow us down.

Poisner's journey into competitive walking began in an unlikely place: the bustling streets of New York City in the 1960s. Born in Brooklyn in 1940 to immigrant parents who fled Eastern Europe, he grew up in a world where physical activity was a necessity rather than a hobby. As a young man, he worked as a postal carrier, pounding the pavements day in and day out. It was during those long shifts that he discovered the joy of efficient movement. "Walking was my escape," Poisner recalls, his voice steady and reflective during a recent interview at his modest home in Philadelphia. "I'd see runners huffing and puffing, but I could cover the same ground without breaking a sweat. It felt like a secret superpower."

By the 1970s, Poisner had transitioned from casual walking to organized competition. Race walking, often overshadowed by more glamorous track events, was gaining a niche following in the United States. The sport requires athletes to maintain contact with the ground at all times — one foot must always be planted — while achieving speeds that can rival jogging. Judges patrol the course, ready to issue warnings or disqualifications for "lifting," the term for when both feet leave the ground simultaneously. It's a test of discipline as much as athleticism, and Poisner excelled. He joined local clubs, competed in regional meets and even qualified for national championships in his age group.

What sets Poisner apart today is not just his longevity but his refusal to accept the limitations imposed by time. At an age when many peers are content with golf or gardening, he trains rigorously five days a week. His regimen includes 10-mile walks at a brisk 12-minute-per-mile pace, strength training with light weights to maintain core stability, and flexibility exercises to keep his joints supple. "Age is just a number," he says with a wry smile. "But it's a number that keeps getting bigger, so I have to work harder to ignore it." Nutrition plays a key role too; Poisner adheres to a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like berries, nuts and leafy greens, supplemented by protein shakes to support muscle recovery.

The competitive walking community has taken notice of Poisner's tenacity. At the recent U.S. Masters Track and Field Championships in Sacramento, California, he placed third in the 80-and-over division for the 5,000-meter race walk, clocking a time that would impress athletes half his age. Spectators marveled at his form: the straight posture, the efficient heel-to-toe roll, the unwavering focus. "Alan's a legend," says Maria Michta-Coffey, a former Olympian in race walking who now coaches young athletes. "He embodies what this sport is about — persistence and technique over raw power. Watching him compete reminds us that walking isn't just for the elderly; it's a serious athletic pursuit."

Yet, Poisner's story is also one of overcoming adversity. In 2015, at age 75, he suffered a severe hip injury during a training session on icy sidewalks. Doctors warned him that surgery might be necessary and that his competitive days could be over. Undeterred, Poisner opted for physical therapy and a gradual return to the track. "I told the doc, 'I'm not done yet,'" he recounts. "Walking saved me then, just like it has my whole life." His recovery was bolstered by a supportive network: his wife of 55 years, Eleanor, who prepares his meals and cheers from the sidelines; his two adult children, who live nearby and occasionally join him for walks; and a cadre of fellow walkers in the Philadelphia Masters Athletics Club.

The broader appeal of Poisner's pursuit lies in its challenge to societal perceptions of aging. In a culture obsessed with youth and speed, competitive walking offers a counter-narrative. It's accessible, low-impact and inclusive, attracting participants from all walks of life — pun intended. According to experts like Dr. Ellen Casey, a sports medicine physician at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, activities like race walking can significantly benefit older adults. "It improves cardiovascular health, builds bone density and enhances mental well-being," she explains. "For someone like Alan, it's not just about competition; it's about maintaining independence and vitality."

Poisner's influence extends beyond the track. He volunteers at local senior centers, leading walking groups and sharing tips on proper form. "I tell them, 'Don't shuffle — stride with purpose,'" he says. His sessions often turn into impromptu life lessons, where he discusses resilience, goal-setting and the importance of community. One participant, 72-year-old retiree Susan Ramirez, credits Poisner with reigniting her love for movement. "He makes it fun and challenging," she says. "I never thought I'd be racing at my age, but Alan showed me it's possible."

As the sport evolves, Poisner remains a bridge between generations. Race walking has seen a resurgence in popularity, partly due to its inclusion in the Olympics and growing awareness of its health benefits. Events like the World Athletics Race Walking Tour draw international crowds, and grassroots programs are sprouting up in cities across the U.S. Poisner has even mentored younger athletes, including teenagers who view him as a grandfatherly figure with wisdom to impart. "They ask about my 'secrets,'" he laughs. "I say, consistency and listening to your body. Oh, and a good pair of shoes."

Looking ahead, Poisner has no plans to retire. He's eyeing the 2026 World Masters Athletics Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden, where he hopes to compete in the 10,000-meter event. Travel might be a hurdle — at 85, long flights aren't ideal — but he's already mapping out his training schedule. "Why stop now?" he muses. "Walking has given me purpose, friends and a way to measure my days. As long as my legs keep moving, so will I."

In an era where aging is often framed as decline, Alan Poisner's story is a testament to the power of perseverance. He walks not just for medals or records, but for the sheer joy of motion, proving that the human spirit can outpace the calendar. As the sun rises over the track, Poisner completes another lap, his shadow stretching long and determined. For him, every step is a victory, a defiance of time itself.

But Poisner's impact goes deeper into the fabric of competitive walking's history and future. The sport, which traces its roots to 19th-century England where "pedestrians" would wager on long-distance walks, has always been about endurance over spectacle. In the modern era, it gained Olympic status in 1904, though it has faced criticism for its quirky rules and perceived lack of excitement. Advocates like Poisner argue that its subtlety is its strength. "It's chess on feet," he describes. "You have to think ahead, manage your energy, avoid penalties."

Experts in gerontology echo this sentiment, pointing to studies that show how sustained physical activity like walking can mitigate age-related declines. Research from the National Institute on Aging indicates that older adults who engage in regular aerobic exercise experience slower cognitive decline and reduced risk of chronic diseases. Poisner's routine aligns perfectly: his walks incorporate interval training, where he alternates between fast bursts and recovery paces, enhancing both aerobic capacity and muscular endurance.

Moreover, Poisner's story highlights the social dimensions of the sport. Competitive walking fosters camaraderie, with events often featuring post-race gatherings where stories are swapped over electrolyte drinks. For Poisner, these connections are vital. After losing his brother to heart disease in the 1990s, he found solace in the walking community. "We support each other," he says. "It's not just about the race; it's about the people you meet along the way."

Challenges remain, of course. The physical toll of aging can't be ignored — Poisner manages minor arthritis with over-the-counter remedies and regular check-ups. Climate change poses another obstacle; hotter summers in Philadelphia mean adjusting training to cooler hours. Yet, he adapts, using apps to track weather and performance metrics.

Inspiring figures like Poisner are drawing more seniors to the sport. Organizations such as USA Track & Field report a 15% increase in masters-level participation over the past decade, with race walking seeing particular growth among those over 70. Poisner's visibility — through local media features and social media posts by his grandchildren — amplifies this trend.

As our conversation winds down, Poisner reflects on legacy. "I don't walk for fame," he says humbly. "But if I can show one person that age doesn't define you, that's enough." With that, he stands, ready for his next outing. In the world of competitive walking, Alan Poisner isn't just participating; he's redefining what's possible, one deliberate step at a time.

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Read the Full The New York Times Article at:
[ https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6499941/2025/07/21/competitive-walking-alan-poisner-age-challenge/ ]