Chicks with Sticks to start up X/C training group in South Metro

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.

Wisconsin State Parks and Wildlife Refuges offer great trails for Nordic Walking.

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.

Fall Nordic Walking classes now posted. Great walk at Murphy-Hanrehan

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”.

Race for Hope, McCook Lake, SD, Adams Nature Preserve 15k & 5K

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.

Pleasant Nordic Walk at Centennial Lakes led by Linda Lemke

Hoigaard’s, Linda Lemke, has quite a following at her local walks around the Minneapolis area.  Just this last Tuesday, 25 people joined her at Centennial Lakes in Edina.  We just happened to have about the nicest weather ever.  See their web site for more walking dates.

We beat the rain out Nordic Walking at Cleary Lake Park

We hope you can join us some time Nordic Walking at this great location.  Cleary Lake park has a nice 3.5 mile paved walkway as well as a short wooded summer trail.  Tonight it was a little too buggy in the woods to enjoy so we hit the pavement and Nordic Walked for 85 minutes.  Many of us are gearing up for the Birkie Trek that is coming up on Sept 26th in Hayward WI.  Still time to register for it.  Contact me first to receive a discount on registration for either the 5K or 21K. nordicwalkthisway@gmail.com

If you’d like to be a part of the “Kick it Up Training” that NWTW is holding on select Saturday  mornings, please contact me or click on the tab above for more info.  Please see the poll in the right sidebar asking where in the Twin Cities that you Nordic Walk.  I’d love to hear from you as well as to your favorite place to walk.

If you are looking for a class, they’ll be posted soon.   Class dates are in mid Sept thru mid Oct.  Classes usually start at 6:30pm  (sometimes a little earlier) and go for 1 .5 hours.   If you and your friends would like a private class, drop me a line and perhaps we can find a date that works for all of us.  Minimum 5 participants, max of 15.

Nordic Walking Training dates in Minnesota

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

Troopers & Super Troopers Nordic Walk at Heart Of Summer

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.

Nice cool temp to Nordic Walk at Ritter Farm Park

Eight of us enjoyed a nice cool Nordic Walk over at Ritter Farm Park on Saturday.  A couple of us first enjoyed Vinyasa Yoga over at the Green Lotus which is just 5 minutes from Ritter.  It  prepares you nicely by stretching your muscles so that the Nordic Walk seems like a breeze.  Many of us are pumped to participate in the Birkie Trek this

Nordic Walking at Ritter Farm Park

coming Sept 26 in Hayward WI.  Some will do the 5K others the 21K.  Either way, it is a lovely mini overnight away.  Lots to do and see in Hayward WI too.  They happen to be having their Autumn Fest downtown that same weekend.  Few can pass up the wonderful bakery that they have.  Just don’t eat a gooey cameral roll before the event!

Come join us for more training walks on upcoming Saturdays.  Our next walk is Aug 1st at Ritter.  See link for more info. You haven’t need to worry that you didn’t make the earlier dates.  And this training is for everyone, not just those striving to gear up for the Birkie.

Last call for Nordic Walkers that would like to join 4 others Nordic Walking at the Heart of Summer 10K this Saturday, July 25, 7:35 am.

Superior Hiking Trail – A must do for any Nordic Walker or Hiker in Minnesota

Just returned from a pleasurable few days in and around the Gooseberry Falls area of the North Shore.  My rubber paws off to the Superior Hiking Trail Association for providing and maintaining such a wonderful

Gooseberry Falls State Park trails map

trail of 235 miles from Two Harbors to Canada. The trail connects 8 state parks, 3 state waysides, several state forests & Superior National Forest.  You can access the trail from 44 different trailheads. Superior Shuttle Service can pick you up after your hike.  SHTA offers guided hikes lead by naturalists. Upcoming dates are 7/18,  8/22,  9/26,  & 10/3/09.  Meet at their designated area and car pool to the start area.  They have it all figured out.  Adventure Vacations is a service that organizes Lodge-to-lodge hiking and/or biking destinations along the North Shore.

On an off shoot trail. No bugs!

The Superior Hiking Trails would also be superb for snowshoeing.

If biking is what you like to do, the Gitchi-Gami State Trail is a wonderful system.  It has 22 of 87 miles of paved trail completed.  Gooseberry to Split Rock Lighthouse boosts the most paved miles at this time.  Check out the 9th annual bike ride on Aug 15 ‘09 by Gitchi-Gami Trail Association which offers a 28 or 55 mile option and shorter if you’d rather end it sooner than 28 miles.