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.

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.

Nov 21, 8am, 5K Turkey Trot @ Dakotah Sport & Fitness, Prior Lake, on golf grounds asphalt path( can walk along side path too. Poles and strollers allowed!   For more info click on their brochure.  $20 for signup by Oct 17. Contact nordicwalkthisway@gmail.com for more info.

Have to admit that Nordic Walking 13.1 miles is a bit taxing, but when you are surrounded by others that are doing the same thing, time flies, you find yourself kicking it up a notch, and before you know it, you’re done.  Nordic Walk This Way had 11 out of the 95 or so participants in the 21k. Half of the 95 were from MN, equal men to women.

21K Nordic Walk This Way group

We had (non-timed) times of less than 3 hours (some running)- 4.5 hours.

Sharon, Tea and Ernie enjoying post 5K treats.

We also had 5 participants in the 5K whom generally finished in an hour.

Toni crossing the 5K finish line.

I’m proud of all my attendees.  They did super! You can see Birkie.com for more photos and information about next years event on Sept 25, 2010 in Hayward, WI.

Renee enjoying the 5K.

21K Start line

Another beautiful day and this one was more than that, it was “awesome” to quote my sister, Ali.   The June E. Nylen Cancer 15K walk/run preceded the 5K in which a total of 605 folks had preregistered for.  Adams Nature Trail consists of crushed limestone with mowed grass on each sides for probably 50% of the course.  No hills on the route, but it is very picturesque in this 1500 acre park.

Klaudt Cancer Kickers

Part of the trail follows the Lewis and Clark State trail.  I was the lone Nordic Walker but felt welcome and few made those “where’s the ski’s?”, comment.  $36,000 was raised.  More info here in the Sioux City Journal.

Nordic Walk This Way led a group of 10 thru beautiful Ritter Farm Park in Lakeville, MN yesterday.  We worked up a sweat after 2.5 hours of Nordic Walking, but we are better prepared for the Birkie Trek now.  You too can join the Birkie Trek.  It is not too late to register.  Any types of poles are welcome.  If you have been active this summer with your walking/running  & especially if you have encountered hills in your physical activity you probably could master the 21K and if you are unsure, you can do the 5K and work up towards the 21K for next year.  Look for other events in the Twin Cites area next Summer as well.

We're Birkie Trek ready!!

A couple of side notes.  Green Lotus in Lakeville is offering Free Yoga classes, Sept 17-20 in honor of Nat’l Yoga Month.   Great instructors, nice studio.

If you would like to make a donation to the June Nylen Cancer Center for whom I’m Nordic Walking a 15K route next week,  I thank you in advance.   More info here too.

Nordic Walk This Way has posted all Fall Classes that are available in the South Metro and outlying areas.

Instruction from a certified Nordic Walking instructor is advised so you will have the knowledge of how to effectively Nordic Walk as well as getting measured  up for the right size poles proportioned to your height and stride length. 

Today a group of 8 of us enjoyed the challenges that Murphy-Hanrehan park presented.  Many hills to conquer, but we did it and felt great.  If you are interested in this training which most are doing to prepare for Sept 26th Birkie Trek (need to have prior Nordic Walking instruction), please click on tab above marked “Kick it Up Training”.

September 19th marks the 13th annual “Race For Hope” a June E. Nylen Cancer Center Fundraiser Event.  You can join me and either walk or run either the 5K or 15K course.  Nordic Walking poles are also permitted.  I have walked this course 2 years back and it is very nice with a natural path.  My sister, Ali Langseth,  a 5 year cancer survivor is this years ambassador.   If you can not attend, please consider donating what you can.  100% of the proceeds go directly to the Center to benefit patients and their families.   This link is for registration (by Sept 2nd for better rate) and donation purposes.  If you prefer to send a check, please contact me for a mailing address. nordicwalkthisway@gmail.com

I can hand deliver the $ at this years event.  My whole family is attending!! Another story here in the Sioux City Journal.

Please click here to see current classes.  Come get the training and join us for the upcoming Birkie Trek in Hayward, WI on Sept 26th.  You can do either the 5K or 21K event.  Please contact me for more information. nordicwalkthisway@gmail.com

Well, you had to be there to see why we call ourselves “Troopers” or “Super Troopers”.  I can tell you that Myrna is a “Super Trooper”.  Way to go!

It was a beautiful day to Nordic Walk the 10K at Lake Nokomis.  The event was “Heart of Summer” sponsored by Boston Scientific.  100% of the proceeds help fight Cardiovascular disease right in our own community. Most folks ran the 10K or 5K, but some walked as well.  Come join us next year probably on July 24, 2010. 

Nordic Walk This Way is extending a welcome to any Nordic Walker that would like to partcipate in the Birkie Trek in Hayward WI on Sept 26, 2009.  A 5K or 21K.  If you’d like a registration form, let me know. (Save $ going thru me).   nordicwalkthisway@gmail.com Also, if you are looking for accommodations, I can let you know of a nice place.