MORE THAN A CASUAL STROLL : AT 37, RACEWALKER FROM CASTAIC SHOWS THAT SHE HASN'T LOST A STEP.

Byline: Scott Wolf Daily News Staff Writer

Her sport is a walking contradiction, but there is universal agreement on Victoria Herazo's designation as a world-class athlete.

It's just hard to get recognition when your Olympic event seems based on compromise, or at least, appears slightly confused.

But Herazo has gotten well past all the jokes reserved for racewalking, a sport that is a cross between walking and running, but strays from completely relying on either motion.

A simple rule to remember is that racewalkers are not allowed to lift both feet off the ground simultaneously during a race.

A well-grounded individual herself, Herazo has demonstrated a single-visioned determination with racewalking. The 37-year-old Castaic resident is flourishing in a sport that often loses its athletes to other pursuits.

``The way Americans operate, I have trouble keeping young women,'' said Herazo's coach, Jim Bentley. ``The girls get a boyfriend and take off.

``Victoria doesn't let anything get in her way.''

Although she was the oldest runner at the Olympic Trials, Herazo finished third in the 10,000 meters and qualified for her second straight Olympics. She finished 27th of 110 competitors at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.

Herazo's ascent in the event has been impressive, considering she took up racewalking only nine years ago when her curiosity peaked after watching Bentley coach young children in a Burbank park.

When she qualified in Atlanta last month, it was not pain free. She discovered she had tendinitis in her left leg four days before the race and was bothered the entire 10,000 meters.

``I was a little panicky,'' Herazo said of the trials. ``I had a great race considering I had tendinitis.''

Her leg was throbbing throughout the race, but Herazo managed to hold on to the final Olympic berth.

Overcoming an injury is nothing new for Herazo.

Two years ago, she suffered a compound fracture of the fibula after falling in the snow during the world championships in Toronto. Four months later, she won the national title in the 15,000 meters.

Herazo's best event is the 20,000 meters. She holds the American record (1:35.39) and also holds the world record for distance walked in one hour.

But the only Olympic event for women is the 10,000. And Herazo is so serious about her second Olympiad, she relocated to Georgia in March to acclimate herself to the oppressive Atlanta heat.

``It's very exciting being in Atlanta. I think I have an advantage over most of the Europeans because I know the course,'' Herazo said. ``I've been training in the middle of day and it didn't affect me at all at the (Olympic Trials).''

If being a racewalker weren't enough, Herazo leads a bit of a double life. Although she has traveled throughout Europe and Asia for competitions, she also has a full-time job as a veterinary technician for the Los Angeles City Department of Animal Regulation.

Herazo performed what may have been the only racewalking leg of the Olympic Torch's trek across the country. She crossed Hoover Dam, going from Arizona to Nevada. There was no question she would racewalk, instead of just walking or running.

Even after the games, Herazo has no plans to slow down.

``Age has no bearing in my event,'' Herazo said.

She has also claimed her own share of fame in her family, even though the best-known sibling is her sister, actress Cristina Raines, who starred in the television series Flamingo Road and mini-series Centennial.

``I've always been used to that,` Herazo said, when asked about being in her sister's shadow. ``I definitely feel I'm happier now. I'm in my own light.''

PROFILE Age: 37.

Event: 10,000 meter racewalk.

Occupation: Veterinary assistant, Los Angeles City Dept. of Animal Regulation.

Of interest: Oldest female racewalker at U.S. Olympic Trials.

When to Watch Final: July 28, 5:30 a.m.

?Photo: (1) Victoria Herazo moved to Atlanta from Castaic in March to become accustomed to the sweltering conditions of the racewalk course.

Daily News File Photo

(2) Victoria Hurazo

(3) THROUGH THE YEARS

1987: Finishes sixth in mile race at Times Indoor Games, one month after taking up sport.

1989: Wins bronze medal at Olympic Festival. Wins Times Indoor Games one-mile race.

1990: Sets American record for 1-hour racewalk and American record for 20,000 meters. No. 1-ranked American in 5,000 and 15,000 meters.

1991: Finishes ninth at Indoor World Championships in Spain.

1992: Competes in Barcelona Olympics. Finishes 27th in 10,000 meters.

1994: Wins national championship in 15,000 meters.

1995: Wins gold medal in 10,000 meters at Olympic Festival.

1996: Finishes third in Olympic Trials. Makes second Olympic team.

Box: (1) Profile (see text)

(2) When to watch (see text)

CAPTION(S):

3 Photos, 2 Boxes