Nordic Walking books are available. Happy 4th of July!

Two Nordic Walking books are now available for purchase thru Barnes and Noble and others.  Malin Svensson was the first to hit shelves in May, titled, “Nordic Walking”.  It is a nice book, by an INWA instructor who has a lot of knowledge about Nordic Walking.  Many color photographs inside.  Nordic Walk This Way is listed in Appendix B on page 176.  Many photos of Gabel poles are throughout the book.  Claire Walters book also titled, “Nordic Walking” is also a nice book.  Claire has authored many books geared to the sports enthusiast and the message is loud and clear in her book:  Get out and try Nordic Walking! Nordic Walk This Way is on page 132 where it discusses my commitment to Nordic Walking and the social benefits of this fitness phenomenon.

Had my camera along today while Nordic Walking at Ritter Farm Park.  Albino squirrel was spotted.  Have a great 4th of July.  Birkie training starts July 18th.  Contact me for more details.  nordicwalkthisway@gmail.com   See events on top of page for Heart of Summer on July 25th, and Birkie on Sept 26th.

In product news;  longer lasting Gabel rubber paws are now available thru Nordic Walk This Way.

Back in the swing of Nordic Walking after fever subsided.

Last week was rough for me.  I haven’t been that sick for years.   Some sort of strange virus drove my temp as high as 102.6.   Thankfully after 3 full days of misery, the fever broke.  Was it the antibiotics or did it just run its course?   Dr. doesn’t know for sure either.  Try to stay healthy folks!

Friday, I trained a group of 10 over at Ritter Farm park, thanks to Jeannine for organizing.  Photo here is of some of the group. It was a bit hot and humid but everyone seemed to enjoy learning how to Nordic Walk.  Water is now imperative when walking this Summer.  I have been wearing my Nordic Walk This Way hip pack with an Aqua Clip water bottle holder latched over the belt.  Each time I teach, someone asks me where I got my Aqua Clip.  I got mine at a tourist shop in Florida.  Should have bought a bunch.  However, you can buy one online for $3. that includes shipping.  Some walkers may find that a hip pack with a built in water carrier is more practical and it can usually hold a larger volume of water.  You can find these at running stores and sporting retailers.

Class instruction in Prior Lake on Aug 20.  See top tab for class offerings.  Come join me on a walk this week. Email me for details> nordicwalkthisway@gmail.com

Back in Shape 5K Walk in Bloomington MN was great.

We couldn’t have asked for better weather.  What a beauty!  Andy, Jessica, Tea and I Nordic Walked the 5K route.  This year the route was around Girard Lake (84th & France).  It was such a nice wooded trail that we decided to go around twice.  We were the last ones in, but we wanted to get a least an hour walk in, and we did.   The breakfast type food afterwards was awaiting us when we returned as well as a massage.  Massage tables and chairs were setup outside this year.  One would think that was enough, but we headed for Hyland Park in Bloomington and tried out the Kayaks that Hoigaard’s brought out.  It was my first time, and I loved it.  Hyland is very weedy (already) but it still was nice and very nice of Hoigaard’s (Mike) to bring out all those demos.  After that, we headed to Zeke’s in Bloomington for lunch and then Scoops for Ice Cream.  Home by 1:30 with still plenty of time left to still enjoy the rest of the day.  Happy Birthday to Jessica!  She is the consummate Nordic Walker.

The next event is Heart of Summer on July 25th.  Either a 5K or 10K.   So, an hour or two.  Look ahead too for the Birkie Trek on Sept 26.

Nordic Walking socks and shoes. Thorlo and Asics brands

Months back I bought some socks and they have become my favorite socks for Nordic Walking.   However I didn’t recall where I got them or the brand name.  Unlike shirts, socks usually don’t have a brand sewn into them.  The other day at a Nordic Walking class two students identified my socks as a

Thorlo Trail running sock

Thorlo brand.   Thank you Jayne and Missy.  I put that to memory and just today I searched online for them.  They are a Trail sock with Cool max technology.  No wonder why I like them so much.  Well, I ordered them up and now my feet will be happier.  I rarely find a sock that doesn’t leave fabric impressions around my ankles.

Asics Gel-Trabuco 12 G-TX

These socks are perfect!  Here is an online merchant that I found that have a nice price.

My new Gortex lined Asics Gel-Trabuco shoes arrived from Zappos.  Amazing overnite service!  These are described as a Trail running shoe with Gortex lining.   I find the Asics shoes to be comfortable and well constructed.  On this model I found I needed a 1/2 size larger than what I’d normally wear in a Asics running shoe.  These shoes will keep my feet dry in wet conditions.

Oh, the nature you may see while out Nordic Walking! Bring your camera! More Walk event info

Yesterday, two friends and I Nordic Walked over at Cleary Lake Park.  We had decided to enter the trail at the end, but as we  got into it, we discovered that it has not been mowed.  That didn’t stop us,  but we decided to pick up the pace at times because the bugs were getting to us due to the tall vegetation.   It was all worth it when we turned a corner and two SandHill Cranes took off.  Those birds are huge.  While we were stopping to take their flight in, a buddy looked down and spotted a very young

Sandhill Crane and her offspring by Betsy S. Franz

SandHill Crane and then we spotted a second one.  Usually I carry a small camera with me but I did have my cell camera, and took a picture but in all the excitement I forgot to save it.  I looked online and found a photographer that agreed to let me post her picture here.  Take a look at her gallery, she has a lot of great photos of birds and other animals in their natural habitat.  Click on ‘photos’ to see them. I learned to ALWAYS bring my camera because you never know when you’ll see something like this.  A once in a lifetime opportunity to see those young ones.

The “Back in Shape” 5K Event is upcoming on June 13.   It starts at 9am at NorthWestern College in Bloomington.  Nordic Walking poles are permissible.  It is a well organized event and they have a nice route and feed us healthy food at the end and even provide massages.  I’ll be there.  If you commit to this event I will give you a Gabel Nordic Walking shirt.  Limited supply.  You can register online or print a form and send it in.  Act soon.   Heart of Summer, July 25, and Birkie Trek, Sept 26 are also upcoming.  Nordic Walk This Way will be participating in these events as well.  Please come join me.  I’m offering traininng for the Birkie on select Saturdays starting in July, please contact me for details.  nordicwalkthisway@gmail.com

What a beautiful day to walk to support MADD @ Hyland Park. WAMXC.org

A great event by MADD.   The super part is that they achieved their goal of raising $80,000.   If you still would like to make a donation you may still do so up until June 5th.  Just click on MADD logo on the right side of this page.  The event was well attended and myself, my daughter and a new nordic walker, Shelia, Nordic Walked the 5K route.   Their were a good many groups that walked in honor of a lost family member or friend.  I have not come upon those circumstances, but MADD reports that 1 out of 3 people will be affected by a drunk driver sometime in their life.  Scary! 

Everyone was upbeat, including mascot, Goldy, who took to Nordic Walking for a moment.  Along the route were stars on pylon cones of names of the teams.  Here you see us with our star.  After the walk, their were many things to do/watch including learning more about the services that our police departments perform.

Shortly after the walk, we wandered over to another area of the park and witnessed a large group of pole walkers (about 20+) that were just finishing up a two hour walk.   For a moment they thought I was possible paparazzi chasing them down.  Yea, I get excited to see others with poles!   We got to meet them and found out they are a X/C training group called “Women and Men who X/C ski & drink coffee”.   Visit their site to learn more.  www.wamxc.org

Lakeville Park and Rec added 2nd Spring Class – June 3 – 6:30pm

Come try out Nordic Walking for yourself thru Lakeville’s Park and Recreation program class offering on Weds, June 3, from 6:30 – 8pm at Antlers Park, 9740 201st St W, Shelter A. Call to register at 952-985-4611 or register online $19.00 fee.  Demo poles for class use.  Poles will be available for purchase too.  Any other questions contact:  nordic walkthisway@gmail.com   See other class offerings by clicking the tab above “Nordic Walking ‘09 Classes”.

MS Walk in Faribault MN was a beauty of a day. Next event May 30 MADD at Hyland Park.

Nordic Walk This Way for a KURE team

Nordic Walk This Way for a Kure team enjoyed a sunshine, bug-free 4 mile walk at River Bend Nature Center in Faribault MN for the MS Society.   Web site still open for donations.  According to a volunteer there it was the best turn out ever for that location.  I’d estimate between 350 – 400 people were there.  Many, many teams.   River Bend Nature Center is a wonderful place to Nordic Walk.  It has both asphalt and natural trails to enjoy.   I happen to be offering a Nordic Walking Intro class there on Weds, May 13th from 6:30 -8pm.  Call the Faribault Community Center to register 507-384-0516.

Nordic Walk This Way for MADD has formed a team.  This walk is  May 30, with a 9 am start time at Hyland Park in Bloomington.  Bring the family.  Poles optional.  450-500 should be in attendance.  Parking on site.  Should be wrapped up by noon.  Lunch provided. Any donation amount or goal is appreciated.  On the right side of this page is a MADD logo to click on to either join the team or to make a contribution.

Burnsville Nordic Walking Class – another great group

Nordic Walkers at Burnsville training.

Due to a windy evening, class instruction was held indoors on carpeting at Nicollet Jr. High in Burnsville.  We did go outside for just a bit so they could try the poles out on asphalt and grass too.  This group caught on quickly about swinging out from their shoulder.  Good opening their hands too.  With practice the technique will improve.

Great Nordic Walking class in Lakeville

Here is a picture of just part of the group of 19 that took Nordic Walk This Way Intro to Nordic Walking Class tonight.  They are all on their way to being avid Nordic Walkers!!