Snowshoe Shuffle and Loppet was great fun. Awesome day!

You know you had fun when you say “I’m coming back next year”.  The Snowshoe shuffle in New Brighton, MN had 231 participants, (a record) who all seemed to being having a great time either doing the 5k or 10k. The event was well organized and the course was beautiful because it went thru the woods and then on to the lake.

Jess and I then headed back towards Minneapolis to catch the Loppet, but we first had to grab a bite to eat and we got super lucky when found ” Yum” in Minneapolis.   After we had our lunch we made our way to Lake of the Isles and explored what that event was all about.  We saw skijoring, x/c skiers of all ages, studded bike tire races, food vendors, ice sculptures and much more.  The weather was perfect in my opinion.  25F.

More snow on the way.  Get out and play in it!!

Snowshoeing in Lakeville MN Nordic Walking Style..great snow conditions this week

Yesterday, Lakeville Park and Recreation, interviewed me at Ritter Farm Park regarding Snowshoeing Nordic Walking style.  What’s that all about?  You need poles to snowshoe?  First off, poles are optional when you snowshoe, but at times they become important if conditions such as hilly terrain or icy conditions prevail.  Typical snowshoe poles are 2 or 3 part adjustable hiking/trekking poles which are fine for more forward planting of the poles as you snowshoe.  If you want to engage more of your upper body, then you could try your adjustable Nordic Walking poles and its technique.  I find that the trail conditions that are most condusive to using Nordic Poles is when the trails are somewhat packed.  Tweak up your overall length of your poles to match the distance that the poles tend to engage the snow. Do you need  snowbaskets?  Not necessarily.  I find that they get in the way of the push back of the pole, unless you have flexible baskets.  Look for me at the Lakeville Winter Fest on Feb 28th from noon-3.  Demos and short snowshoe walks available as well as many other fun winter outdoor activities.  Read previous blog posting where you can rent snowshoes.

Events upcoming Snowshoeing, X/C sking, skijoring

Snowshoe event called the Snowshoe Shuffle in New Brighton on Feb 6th at 10 am.  5K/10K walk/run with snowshoes at Long Lake Regional Park.  Chili feed and silent auction follows.  $35 if send in registration soon. After Jan 25, $40.  Registration on race day too. 200 people attend & it is a qualifying event but you don’t have to be an expert to participate, beginners are welcome.  They even rent snowshoes.  campbovey@esns.org or 612-787-4030 for more info.  See Jan 25 Star Tribune article on local snowshoe racer, Erin Ward.

Feb 6 & 7 is the two day Loppet X/C event which includes many races including skijoring (dogs pull the skier). 5K for those 19 & under, 10K, 25K & 33K options for ski skaters and X/C skiers of all ages and abilities.

Snowshoe class in Lakeville at Ritter Farm Park on Feb 7,  1-2:15pm.  For those that have never Snowshoed or those that are looking to have a nice outing.  3 spots remain.

From indoors to the great outdoors…fun for all. Nordic Walking & Snowshoeing

Nordic Walkers continue to enjoy indoor walking at Hidden Oaks Middle School in Prior Lake.  Indoor Nordic Walking is a good alternative to

Nordic Walking at Hidden Oaks

outdoor walking when conditions are not ideal for outdoor walking. All you need is a building with carpeted areas and good condition rubber paws on your poles.  Of course, prior permission to walk in the building is also necessary.  See previous blog about places that allow indoor nordic walking.

Over at Ritter Farm Park, ten folks joined me for a most pleasant snowshoe class.  Some tried the traditional snowshoe poles (trekking poles) and others tried the Nordic walking poles

Snowshoeing at Ritter Farm Park

and its technique.  We were surprised that we seemed to be the first to break a trail thru the wooded area that is deemed for snowshoeing.  The wooded loop doesn’t take that long but it is sure a nice trail.  We snowshoed out on Lake Marion a bit all the while looking for the American Eagle but we did not spot it, but did see the nest.  On a side note, walking is allowed at Ritter on the ski skate side of the groomed trails.

Today, some friends came over to snowshoe our property and enjoy each others company

Group ready to snowshoe

and good eats after a great playoff win by the Vikings over the Cowboys.  Would love to see some fresh snow to keep the trails in good condition.

Great articles to inspire you to stand tall & get going!!

I like the Monday edition of the Star Tribune where I can almost bet I’ll be enjoying an article or two about health and fitness.  Jan 11th  front page of the Variety section, “Don’t Slouch” by Sarah Moran, is an excellent motivating article about your back health.  No specific reference to Nordic Walking and its known benefits for improvements of overall posture, but if you are a Nordic Walker you already know that it helps your posture.  The article highlights many points of contention of back health.  Two of thirteen  noted here: Appearance. Standing tall makes you appear younger and thinner and helps clothes fit better. Poor posture collapses the midsection, adding a couple inches to your waistline. Also, studies show that poor posture conveys weakness, poor health and insecurity while good posture indicates strength, good health, vitality and confidence. Stretch and exercise. Once you’ve learned proper posture, regular exercise, especially yoga and Pilates, will build your core muscles and help maintain or improve your posture.  A great local studio in Lakeville is the Green Lotus.  Tell them that Nordic Walk This Way sent ya.) If you’re looking for free weights, yoga mats, or exercise equipment,  Fleet Farm’s current ad has a good sale right now.  You may have seen the discounted Target poles in their ad this weekend, however they are what I describe as ‘low budget quality’.  They do not have the proper rubber feet, straps, or grips.  They also lack cm markings that would allow you to set up your poles correctly to your height.  Start out with quality Gabel or Leki poles and you’ll have a product that will perform for years.

Another inspiring write-up by Harvey Mackay is titled “Physical fitness is a key to leadership, and not just for soldiers”, in the business section (Jan 11).   Excerpt:  According to the Franklin Institute, “walking is especially good for your brain, because it increases blood circulation and the oxygen and glucose that reach your brain. Walking is not strenuous, so your leg muscles don’t take up extra oxygen and glucose like they do during other forms of exercise. As you walk, you effectively oxygenate your brain.” The research suggests this is why walking can “clear your head” and help you to think better.

So maybe a walking club at lunchtime would be a good place to start.  (I couldn’t agree more.)

Cold enough for you? Places to Nordic Walk Indoors in MN

Where can we Nordic Walk in this deep freeze we are having in Minnesota?  First off,  Prior Lake Community Education is offering FREE Nordic Walking for those that have had previous training at Hidden Oaks Middle School starting this Monday Jan 4th at 7:00 pm.   Weds are also the same time.  These free walks are held indoors on their carpeted hallways thru mid- March.  Bring  your rubber paws with.  If your paws are in rough shape, I’ll have new ones on hand.  If you are new to Nordic Walking, I’ll be offering a class over two consecutive Mondays starting on Jan 11th with another round starting on Jan 20/27.  Please register here.  Class is from 6:30 -7:15pm and then join in for the FREE walk.

Another place to NW indoors is the Burnsville Mall on their carpeted areas before the stores open.  If you are going to use your NWing poles, then walk before the mall opens,  but you can walk without poles anytime.

• Burnsville MALL HOURS:
• MON – FRI 10am – 9pm (open to walkers at 7 am)   SAT  10am – 9pm (open to walkers at 8am)  SUN 11am – 6pm (open to walkers at 8am)

I have checked with Mall Management and it is fine to use the poles, again make sure your rubber paws are in good condition.

If you like to be part of a walking group, try the Mall Stars at the Mall of America. Nordic Walking is permissible.   See past blog for more info on MOA.More indoor walking are    Eagan Community Center has an indoor rubberized track that you can NW on.   Public is welcome for a small fee of $2.00.   No public walking M-F 4pm-7pm, otherwise hours are: M-F: 5:45am-9:45pm, Sat 8:00am-8:00pm, Sun 10:00am-8:00pm.  Other indoor walking places in Dakota county can be found on their web site.  Ask if Nordic Walking is permissible.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year…Get those Snowshoes out..plenty of snow in MN

Major snow fell in the Minneapolis area last night and thru today.   I got the snowshoes out and gave it a go.  Start training for the Snowshoe Shuffle on Feb 6th in New Brighton.The snow was so light and fluffy on day one of the snowfall that you’d find yourself sinking to the base,but it is still fun.  That has changed two days later due to the rain. Crunchy snow! Poles are optional but many folks like to use them.  The temps are perfect to get out and play in the snow.  So whatever it is you like to do, go out and get some fresh air.  Some places that rent snowshoes are listed in the blog posting below this one.  If you are a X/C or skating enthusiast, check here for local trail conditions.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year everyone.

Snowshoe rental offerings in Minnesota

If you ever wanted to try snowshoeing, this is a great winter to give it a go.  You can snowshoe with or without poles and if you want to get more of a workout try using the Nordic Walking techique while Showshoeing. Many parks rents out Snowshoes.  Some even offer a class or two, sign up early because classes fill up quickly.   Here are a few locations that do offer rentals.  #1 Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Dakota County, open weekends and some holidays for rentals.  #2 Lakeville Park & Recreation. Classes listed too. Need to pick up equipment at Lakeville City Hall by 4:15 on Friday for a weekend rental.   #3.  Valley Bike and Ski, Apple Valley (Rent X/C too) #4 REI, all 3 MN  locations (Rent X/C & Ski/Skate too).  #5. Three Rivers Parks, 4 locations, Baker, Carver, Elm Creek, Hyland.   #6.  Hoigaards,  St. Louis Park (Rent X/C & Ski/Skate too) . #7. Voyagers National Park – Rainy Lake #8.  Baylor and Lake Minnewashta Regional Parks – Carver County.  #9. Wargo Nature Center, Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park, and Bunker Hills – Anoka County -call 651-429-8007 #10.  MN State Parks, 25 out of 71 Statewide locations rent Snowshoes.  Local  Fort Snelling park does not rent SS, however they do offer programs from time to time where SS are available to try out. #11. Winter Trails Day offers a couple of locations in MN to try snowshoeing on 1/9/10 & 1/16/10.

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.