Outdoors: Nordic Walking schedule sent via email once you have taken a class.
Out your front door, any Three Rivers Park, Nat’l Park, State Parks, City Parks, & Cross Country Trails.
My favorite nature trails: Cleary X/C trail, Ritter Farm Park in Lakeville (Nov+ it is muddy), Terrace Oaks X/C trail in Burnsville, Murphy-Hanrehan in Savage, Hyland Park in Bloomington, Fort Snelling (Pike Island) Mpls, Centennial Lake in Edina (paved). Dakota County parks web site listing.
Cleary and Hyland have lighted X/C trails Sept 1 +. Can walk on them up until enough snow to groom the trail for X/C.
Indoors: With rubber tips on carpeting.
MOA(past blog) 7-10am Mon-Sat, 8-11 on Sun, Burnsville Center, Eden Prairie Center before stores open. Generally 8-10am M-Sat. 9-11 on Sundays.
Hidden Oaks Middle School in Prior Lake this Jan-March ‘10 on Mon & Weds evenings. Email for times. Eagan Community Center (past blog) rubberized track. Dakotah Sport and Fitness rubberized track.
What to wear once the temp starts dropping:
Shoes: A Trail running or hiking shoe is easily crossed over for Nordic Walking. Gortex lined ones keep your feet drier, but a sandwich baggie over your socks helps too. Specialty stores, such as REI, Hoigaard’s, Midwest Mountaineering & North Face will handle Gortex lined trail shoes. You may find a few models at Gander & Dick’s too. Past blog has more info on shoes and clothing tips.
Long sleeve wicking shirt with 1/4 zip if mock or turtle neck. Next layer could be wool, full zipper best. 3rd layer if necessary, could be wind repellent with a hood if possible. If base layer needed on legs, again it should be a wicking form fitting fabric, followed by a pant that has some wind repellent properties with a narrow leg towards ankle, preferably ones that zip near the base of the pant.
Ear muffs or hat. Gloves should also be layered. I like a wool first, followed by a light nylon type glove. See past blog. Running stores & outdoor outfitters typically have a nice selection of all of the above. I do sell wicking 1/4 zip shirts for the ladies. A few crew styles on hand for men. Knit caps too.
