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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.