Parkway Central senior breaks school record for walked mile

By MIA KWESKIN

To run a mile in less than 8 minutes and 45 seconds is impressive, but to walk a mile in less than 8 minutes and 45 seconds – well that’s record-breaking.

In early October, senior Ivan Miller broke the Parkway Central High School record for fastest walked mile when he clocked in at 8 minutes and 32 seconds.

“I was shocked to hear Ivan’s time, because I run a lot of races but I’ve never run a marathon at that pace. I pictured myself out on a training run and Ivan walking past me,” science teacher Jen Meyer said.

Miller has taken Walking Fitness three times and is signed up for the class again next semester. In his first semester of Walking Fitness he walked the mile in 9 minutes and 45 seconds. In his second semester he hit 9 minutes and 10 seconds. This year, he dropped his time an astonishing 38 seconds.

“It’s creepy because it’s just natural to me,” Miller said.

Physical education teacher Aaron Mueller, who believed no one could challenge Parkway Central senior Justin Bradshaw’s 8-minute, 45-second record, thinks this is a perfect chance for a walk-off.

“We need to seize this opportunity to have a showdown between Justin and Ivan,” Mueller said.

Naturally a fast walker, Miller says his strategy is simply walk as fast as you can. Music often helps, but he’s convinced it’s really a mental game.

“I think to myself, ‘Almost done! Almost done! One more lap!’” Miller said.

This summer, in hopes of improving his mile walk time, Miller walked in neighborhoods, parks and even on the outer roads. While he’s now a walking celebrity at Parkway Central, Miller actually credits a complete stranger for his natural speed.

“I learned how to walk fast when I was 5 years old and walking through a neighborhood. There was a 50- or 60-year-old lady power walking so I acted like I was passing her on a racetrack. She was my original inspiration,” Miller said.

[Editor’s note: Contributor Mia Kweskin is a senior at Parkway Central High.]