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.

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.

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.

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.

The Star Tribune reported that Dakota County Parks, Lebanon Hills, is having an open meeting to solicit ideas from the public on the best ways to spend some funding to improve the park.  Meeting is Tues, Nov 24 from 5-8om @ 860 Cliff Road in Eagan.  Is it time for some Nordic Walking poles to be available for rent? Have any other great ideas?  More info on the Dakota Parks site.

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.

Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota

Support Parks & Trails on November 17

If you ever wanted to maximize your support for Minnesota’s parks and trails, then tomorrow is the day to do it! For one day only, from 8 a.m. on Tuesday, November 17 until 8 a.m. on Wednesday, November 18, all contributions made to the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota through Gi…veMN.org will receive a portion of a $500,000 match.

For more than 55 years the Parks & Trails Council has been at the forefront of the movement to protect, enhance and expand Minnesota’s beloved parks and trails for the public’s use and benefit. In that time we have added nearly 10,000 acres valued at $29 million to Minnesota’s vast network of parks and trails. Obviously, we couldn’t have accomplished so much on behalf of our outdoor treasures without the generous support of people like you.

During challenging economic times like these it makes sense to give where your money is worth MORE. By making a contribution to Parks & Trails on Nov. 17 you will be stretching your dollars so they can accomplish MORE. Please maximize your support of our work by making a donation at http://givemn.razoo.com/story/Parks-And-Trails-Council-Of-Minnesota.

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.

Star Tribune contributed a write up on the prosposed Scott County trail contecting Murphy Hanrehan to Cleary and then South for many miles to future parks in the County.  Tribune map is not featured online, but was in the paper dated, Nov. 11, ‘09.  Here is what appears to be the same map found on Scott County.  More links to the 2030 Comprehensive plan here.

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.