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.

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 11th.  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.

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

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.

SmartWool Ragster Crew

These socks are perfect!  Here is an online merchant that I found that have a nice price.  Another brand I like for a crew length sock that doesn’t leave impressions on my skin is the SmartWool Ragster sock.  76% wool.  I hang dry mine to avoid shrinkage.

I’m liking my Gortex lined North Face Ultra 105 GTX XCR shoes   These are described as a Trail running shoe with Gortex lining.  I found that a men’s model worked better for my feet.  Plenty available styles to choose from in both women’s and men’s.   These shoes will keep my feet dry in wet conditions.  North Face stores in Mpls and St Paul.  Gander Mtn carries some of the line.

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

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.

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.

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!!

Lucky enough to visit Longboat Key, FL and enjoy the beach there.  Nordic Walking

Nordic Walking at Longboat Key, FL

on sand is fun and easy to do.  Take off your rubber tips and off you go.  I advise to wear tennis shoes, but a hardy sandal would do.  Here is a pic of me Nordic Walking using the Classic European technique.  Remember to swing from your shoulder and take a nice stride length and plant your poles and push off whilst your hand is passing your hip and then open your hand when completing the push off.  Toned arms will be yours as well as overall toning!

Head to any magazine stand this month and you’ll find articles about Nordic Walking and its benefits.  All of these are April ‘09 issues.  Better Homes & Gardens,  Health,  Natural Health, & First have page space dedicated to the topic of Nordic Walking.  Walk It Off (a Winter ‘09 Reader’s Digest speciality pub) has a photograph of two people Nordic Walking but it does not discuss it, however the magazine is a great source for everything else about walking.  Weight Watchers,  Arthritis Today,  Fitness,  Prevention &  Stressfree Living all discuss the benefits of walking and provide great tips to get started and keep with a program.  I like this from “Walk It Off”;  “Any Weather is walking weather if you have the right gear — and the right spirit.  As well as this;  “Walking is like a best friend who always makes you feel good”.  “The sum of the whole is this:  walk and be happy; walk and be healthy.”  Charles Dickens.