It’s amazing what a difference a year makes. Last year I got up on April 1 to an inch of wet snow and heavy gray skis. We were kicking off our Nordic Walking season out at the Arboretum and I had visions of being out there all day by myself. After all, who would come to try Nordic Walking in the wet and the cold. Who but Minnesotans! We had about 50 walkers with hats, mittens and Nordic Walking smiles.
This year it was sunny and 75. An amazing day in both weather and attendance, we interfaced with somewhere around 100 curious individuals from the ages of 6-86 during the afternoon event. It was so much fun!
It’s different this year. There’s a level of energy, enthusiasm, and interest that hasn’t been there before at our demo’s. No one asked what the poles were, they all knew that we had “those walking sticks” and they wanted information about them. “Does it really make a difference?” “I have a bad knee, sore hip, weak ankles, can I walk with the poles?” “I’m finding myself unbalanced and unsteady, will the poles help?”“Do we really get to walk with them today?” All great questions that we were happy to answer. And yes, they did walk; 51 at 1:30 and 22 more at 6pm. YES!
Maybe this really is the year it all takes off. I can only hope.
You bet….this is the year! For those that haven’t tried it, you are about to be sworn in as official Nordic Walkers!! Love this picture too.