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.

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.

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.

Come and try Nordic Walking for yourself.  You can Nordic Walk year round outdoors and even indoors at certain public buildings that are carpeted.  Nordic Walking Demo poles are provided for your use in class.

October 13, Bloomington Jefferson High School  6:15 -7:45 pm

New page link added to the very top of this page quickly listing some indoor and outdoor walking venues.  Also some tips on proper clothing for this Fall & Winter.

Talk about two great places to Nordic Walk on two great “Walking on Sunshine” nights.  I taught at Richfield’s Woodlake Nature Center last night and enjoyed the class attendees as well as the venue.  You’ve got to see it for yourself sometime.  All hard packed nature paths there. 

Tonight I went to Faribault to instruct a group out at River Bend Nature Center.  Nature trails with some asphalt as well.  You’ve got to bring your kids/grandkids to these interpretive centers that both of these centers have.  So much to see and learn.  While teaching tonight a group of three deer fed from they back area of River Bend.

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.

Hoigaard’s introduced Lynda Stuber via their HOW newsletter as a group leader for a new X/C ski training group that will meet at local South Metro parks such as Cleary,  Murphy, and Hyland Parks.  In a phone converstaion I had with Lynda she told me that they  invite novice to the experienced to either do Ski-Skating or Classic Style.  You should have some basic skills to particpate.  If you need to rent equipment Cleary rents Classic Skis (return by 9pm).  Hyland rents both types, (again return by 9pm).  Hyland and Cleary have lighted trails, so if they group meets in the evening then one of those two parks will be the place to meet.  ‘Chicks with Sticks‘ has their first meeting on Sept 17 at 6:30 – 7:30 pm at Cleary park.  Bring your Nordic Walking poles if you have them.  The wooded path now has the lights on at dusk til 10pm at Cleary and Hyland.  To reach Lynda, email her at:  jlstuber@charter.net 414-732-9566  The schedule will be developed after the first meeting.   They may have clinics and a common goal to participate in X/C events.

Vacationing 20 miles or so North of the Wisconsin Dells this week gave me the chance to see a couple of great State Parks and a Wildlife Refuge that one could enjoy Nordic Walking within, not to mention all the other perks that such places offer. Roche-A-Cri State Park in Friendship, WI is one such park.  We first tackled the 320 steps to the top of the Mound for an awesome view of the area.  A nice wide nature trail is just across the way from this Mound which loops around the park.  The Acorn Trail is 3.55 miles long with more mileage to be had along the way. Buckhorn State Park is also a nice park in the area.  It is on the Castle Rock Flowage so it is a  great place to canoe or kayak.

We also had a chance to visit Necedah National Wildlife Refuge where the Whooping Cranes are featured.  We were lucky enough to spot a few from the observation tower.  In fact they have a Whooping Crane Festival coming up on Sat. Sept 19, 2009.  To see the other 550 refuge preserves see this site.  Many are free of charge and offer hiking trails and of course nature at its finest.

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”.