This is the Ballarat racewalker's first major event since taking the Victorian women's open 20km championship at Albert Park mid-year. That was her first test over the distance and tomorrow's walk will be her first since.

Ruddick will meet Australia's best female walkers, including Olympian Claire Tallent - wife of Ballarat dual Olympic racewalking medallist Jared Tallent - in a support event to the Australian 50km

Road Walking Championship at Fawkner Park.

Jared Tallent, who won the title two years ago and was a silver medallist over the distance at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, clashes with the likes of fellow Australian representatives Luke Adams and Adam

Rutter.

Rachel Tallent will contest a junior 10km event.

Ruddick's preparation for the new elite season has been far from ideal.

The mother of four had six weeks off with bursitis at the back of her right knee.

She has been back in training three months and represents Ballarat Harriers on a weekly basis in the Athletics Victoria Shield.

"I walk with the men for Harriers every week ... and beat them."

Not long ago, she set a new personal best for 3km.

Despite this regular competition, Ruddick says she is underdone for tomorrow's challenge.

"I can't do the miles others do. Some girls do 100km-plus a week. I get excited if I get 50km,'' she said.

Ruddick said she was still pleased with her progress and with the backing of a strong support team, including her father and coach Kevin Ruddick, would increase her training program significantly for the Commonwealth Games trials in Hobart in February neared.