X/C dry land training – Star Tribune has article on how & where

Dee DePass wrote a nice article about her experience with sisuskiers.org dry land X/C training in the Star Tribune titled; “Get Your Ski Legs On” on Dec 7, 09.  If your already are a Nordic Walker and want to take your exercise regime to the next level, you may want to give this a go.  Typically, those that have been doing dryland training use their X/C ski poles, however, you can use your Nordic Walking poles too.  If you have the adjustable model, you can lengthen them.  As with X/C skiing, Dry land training is excellent for  your cardiovascular system.  Please get Dr. permission to try anything that exerts yourself more than usual. The article also provides many more links for X/C enthusiasts.

Holiday / Christmas Gift ideas for Nordic Walkers

Some great gift ideas for that Nordic Walker in your life.  By something for yourself too!

Replacement rubber tips would be a great stocking stuffer. Or perhaps you would like a travel pair of Adjustable Nordic Walking Poles. Good brands that offer travel poles are, Gabel and Leki. See eBay for NordicWalkThisWay if you’d like some Gabel poles, 1/4 zip baselayer shirts, or rubber paws. In stock, will ship out asap.

Gabel Stretch 31" for travel

A great ID wrist band that one can wear while Nordic Walking or anytime for that matter. A great safety item for anyone. Super easy to order on their web page  Road ID

If you Nordic Walkers enjoys walking in the colder weather, wicking fabric base layers would make a much appreciated gift item. Popular brands are Dri-Release and Cool-Max. Other nice items to search out our quality gloves, see blog below for more info on them. Gore-tex lined shoes would be another nice item. Quality socks are always a great gift. In colder climates go for wool or wool blends.

Sigg water bottles are a forever product, but environmentally friendly because they are made of aluminum. Recommend .6L / 20oz size. Waist belts to hold keys, phone, water and etc. is another idea.

Maybe you are looking for a gift item for a Nordic Walking enthusiast or something fun for yourself.  Try this web site for some nice items: CafePress/NordicWalkingGifts and CafePress More Items & yet more items from the Queen of Nordic Walking.  Shirts run a bit small, so you may want to order the next size up.

Help Lebanon Hills decide how to improve your park

The Star Tribune reported that Dakota County Parks, Lebanon Hills, is having an open meeting to solicit ideas from the public on the best ways to spend some funding to improve the park.  Meeting is Tues, Nov 24 from 5-8om @ 860 Cliff Road in Eagan.  Is it time for some Nordic Walking poles to be available for rent? Have any other great ideas?  More info on the Dakota Parks site.

Winter Indoor Nordic Walking & Snowshoeing Classes posted

Nordic Walking training is being offered in Prior Lake at Hidden Oaks Middle School in January.   Snowshoeing, Nordic Walking style is also being taught  at Ritter Farm Park in Lakeville.  Come join in on the fun.  Please click here for more info on all classes.

Contribute to the Parks & Trails Council. Do today and a matching program helps it grow!

Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota

Support Parks & Trails on November 17

If you ever wanted to maximize your support for Minnesota’s parks and trails, then tomorrow is the day to do it! For one day only, from 8 a.m. on Tuesday, November 17 until 8 a.m. on Wednesday, November 18, all contributions made to the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota through Gi…veMN.org will receive a portion of a $500,000 match.

For more than 55 years the Parks & Trails Council has been at the forefront of the movement to protect, enhance and expand Minnesota’s beloved parks and trails for the public’s use and benefit. In that time we have added nearly 10,000 acres valued at $29 million to Minnesota’s vast network of parks and trails. Obviously, we couldn’t have accomplished so much on behalf of our outdoor treasures without the generous support of people like you.

During challenging economic times like these it makes sense to give where your money is worth MORE. By making a contribution to Parks & Trails on Nov. 17 you will be stretching your dollars so they can accomplish MORE. Please maximize your support of our work by making a donation at http://givemn.razoo.com/story/Parks-And-Trails-Council-Of-Minnesota.

New Richmond, Virginia Marathon, 1/2, & 8K held, sister, Mary Jo did great! New Walking event coming up May 15 2010 in MN

My sister, Mary Jo, finished her first official 1/2 marathon  in 2:16 and was 165th in her age group (40-44).  There were, 5, 572 people participating in the 1/2 marathon and 16,000 in the all 3 events in Richmond Virginia called the SunTrust Marathon.

All smiles at the 1/2 point.

She’d do it again,  because it was a very well run event and she felt good afterwards!  Way to go!!  The 8K welcomed walkers for sure and if you can maintain their pace requirements one could probably walk the marathons too.  I don’t know about Nordic Walkers, but if you are interested just email the race director prior to registration.

In MN we have our own Walking event coming up.  Lake Wobegon Trail on May 15th.  Nordic Walkers allowed in all events.

New trail proposed for Scott County

Star Tribune contributed a write up on the prosposed Scott County trail contecting Murphy Hanrehan to Cleary and then South for many miles to future parks in the County.  Tribune map is not featured online, but was in the paper dated, Nov. 11, ‘09.  Here is what appears to be the same map found on Scott County.  More links to the 2030 Comprehensive plan here.

MN Ski & Snowboard Expo Nov 6-8 and Midwest Mountaineering Expo Nov 20-22

If you are looking for X/C, downhill & snowboarding equipment at reduced prices, check out the MN Ski & Snowboard Expo at the convention center this weekend.  Linda Lemke, Queen of Nordic Walking, will be present and assisting clients with their winter sport needs. Sign up online to save $2. on ticket.

The Fall Midwest Mountaineering expo is a great one to attend.  It is free and chalk full of interesting exhibitors and presenters, such as snowshoeing. Lots of products on sale too.  A great time to buy winter attire.  Nordic Walking guide, Brian Glader, is leading a walk on Sun, Nov 22 @ 11:15 am for 1 hour.

Nordic Walking Photos from Switzerland trip

Thanks to Vicki Olson of Faribault for sharing these awesome pictures of herself and 3 friends, (Laura, Vicki & Char) enjoying their adventure in Grindelwald,  Switzerland this Summer.   They reported that they used their Gabel Nordic Walking poles every day while there.  Does anyone want to go next June 28 – July 8th ‘10?  I have some details, please email for more info. nordicwalkthisway@gmail.com Need to act quickly for best rates.

Is it an early Winter? Nordic Walkers, where are you?

Ok, it hasn’t been the nicest weather to enjoy a stroll, but I think it is starting to look better now.  Keep checking the emailed walking calendar for changes.  Soon, we’ll give in to ‘old man winter’ and meet indoors at Burnsville Center in the a.m.

Brave souls on 10/10 @ Ritter Farm Park

If you are looking for a nice get away weekend that incorporates Nordic Walking and a relaxing atmosphere, check out my friend, Amy Okaya’s offering.