Gail and I have been double poling, . . . → Read More: Nordic Walking Interval Training]]> I’ve spent the past five days skiing in Colorado at Winter Park and Vail.  I was a bit concerned about how I would do in the mountains since I’ve not done much skiing this year.  I am pleased to tell you that all of my Nordic walking training paid off.

Gail and I have been double poling, skipping, lunging and “picking up the pace” all fall in preparation for the ski season.  We were hoping to use some of our increased strength and stamina for some Nordic skiing but winter here has been disappointing at best.  Even our downhill skiing has been limited.  But in the mountains my legs were strong and I skied well!

My dear hubby will tell you I kicked his butt.  I’m not sure about that but I did ski longer than him and was not sore at the end of the day.  Tired from long days on the slopes and ready each morning to do more.

Yea for Nordic walking!

Thank you to the Arboretum for being such a gracious host.  Thank you . . . → Read More: Tubbs Romp to Stomp MN]]> It was a beautiful morning out at the MN Arboretum on Saturday for the MN Romp to Stomp out Breast Cancer.  Pink was everywhere!  The sun was out, the energy was high, and the event raised almost $10,000 for the Susan G Komen Foundation.

Thank you to the Arboretum for being such a gracious host.  Thank you Mother nature, there was just enough snow on the trails for snowshoes.  Thank you Tubbs for all the snowshoes.  Thank you Hoigaard’s for all the support.  From the itty bitty rompers to the older and wiser rompers a good time was had by all!

A recent study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology shows that “physically active individuals experience less chronic pain than those who are inactive.”  A special note of . . . → Read More: Daily Exercise keeps the Doctor Away!]]> When I don’t exercise I really start to feel my age.  I’m stiff and achy, just don’t feel quite right.  I guess it’s not all in my head.

A recent study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology shows that “physically active individuals experience less chronic pain than those who are inactive.”  A special note of interest:  “The occurrence of chronic pain among individuals who exercise moderately for at least 30 minutes one to three times a week was close to 10% lower than for those who do not exercise at all.  The difference was even greater among older women…20-40% less in active individuals.”

This study used water aerobics and Nordic walking as part of their protocol.  How exciting!

The article goes on to show a connection between moderate exercise and mental health and pain associated with cancer.  Similar to the studies of walking and brain health it’s all about moderate exercise, 30 minutes 3-5 times per week.

Once again, studies show what we already know, when we move we feel better in body mind and spirit!

We tried hard to balance . . . → Read More: Hanging out in Hawaii!]]> Today is the last day of a beautiful week in Kauai with my entire family; Dan, Laura, Mike, Sam, Danny and his girlfriend Sara.  For my birthday Dan was able to trade in time share weeks and airline points to get us all to the islands for a wonderful week of adventure.

We tried hard to balance beach time and special activities, not an easy balancing act with 7 adults.  We went to a Hawaiian Luau, did a catamaran trip to the Napali coast complete with whales, dolphins and incredible scenery, kayaked up the Wailua River and hiked to a waterfall and today the guys are all going up in a helicopter.

My only regret, I caught a cold just as I was leaving for the trip and have been sick the whole week.  Didn’t keep me from doing things but I certainly haven’t felt up to doing much extra Nordic walking or swimming in the ocean.  Perhaps it was nature’s way of telling me to just slow down!

Tomorrow evening we head back to winter.  I’m looking forward to getting home but it’s certainly been a nice break from reality!

The paths were slippery so we walked in the snow. The poles added stability and balance . . . → Read More: Poles for Parkinsons]]> On a balmy Wednesday I had the pleasure of walking with a group from the Pedal and Roll for Parkinsons.  Liz, their fearless leader, has recently been introduced to Nordic Walking and wanted to share it with all of her friends.

The paths were slippery so we walked in the snow. The poles added stability and balance even on the uneven ground and wintery conditions.

We walked around the park for almost an hour.  I’m excited to say that they are changing their name to include Nordic Walking.  Watch for the Pedal and St-Roll or perhaps Pedal and Pole on September 22, 2012 at Cleary Lake Regional Park.

Thank you Liz and everyone for a very inspiring afternoon!  I look forward to walking many miles with you along the way.

The good news is that there are a multitude of indoor walking opportunities throughout . . . → Read More: Winter Indoor Walking]]> When the weather turns frightful during the Minnesota winter we all begin looking for a safe indoor place to walk.  Although I prefer to walk outdoors, in reality it’s Minnesota and it’s winter so we often need alternatives to the icy, cold trails.

The good news is that there are a multitude of indoor walking opportunities throughout the city.  One of the biggest venues is the Mall of America.  Not just for shopping and dining it hosts the Mall Star Walkers program and the Mayo mile. Centrally located it’s a great place to meet other friends to enjoy a walkie talkie as Lindy would call it.

Most likely your local mall offers indoor walking.  Ridgedale in Minnetonka opens at 7am for walking.  We always recommend that you nordic walk before the mall opens at 10am to avoid becoming tangled with moms and strollers.  Check with your local mall for their walking hours.

Plymouth Creek Center’s field house is open for indoor walking.  If you live in Delano check out the Delano Tiger Activity Center and their indoor elevated walking track. For those of you in the northern part of the cities White Bear Lake’s Hippodrome is open for free walking Monday through Thursday 6-9pm.  Stillwater has indoor walking at the High School.  Your Community Education offices will have full information on walking hours and programs.

The important thing is to not let winter defeat your commitment to be active and healthy.  Grab those poles and go for an indoor walk.

Over the course of the afternoon we had about 45 walkers come out to try the poles. Everyone from young children to grandmas . . . → Read More: Arboretum Outdoors with Hoigaards]]> The plan was to snowshoe at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum on Friday.  But mother nature had other plans and we had no snow.  What to do?  Take out the Nordic walking poles of course!

Over the course of the afternoon we had about 45 walkers come out to try the poles. Everyone from young children to grandmas and grandpas looking for something fun and different to try outdoors.  It was a great way to walk out the old year!

The first is to change out my shoes for a gore tex model.  My well ventilated shoes work well when it’s . . . → Read More: Walking on ice and snow!]]> We haven’t had much snow and ice yet this year in Minnesota but my winter survival gear is ready to go!  Once it turns cold and slippery I have some specific changes I make for safety.

The first is to change out my shoes for a gore tex model.  My well ventilated shoes work well when it’s warm but my toes get cold with all that extra frigid air flow.  Once the trails are snow packed or icy we add “Get a Grips” to the bottom of my shoes.  It’s a simple stretch to put them on and the ice picks on the bottom are perfect for the extra grip that I need.  It also lays enough rubber on the ground when the path is clear.

The final recommendation is to pull those rubber tips off of your poles!  You have to put up with the annoying clicking noise but it will assure that you don’t fall if you hit some unexpected ice.

Don’t forget to dress in layers and put on less than you think you need.  Regardless of the temperature you will warm up as you walk.

We stare at computer screens of all sizes processing and responding throughout the day.  Our brains are synapsing from dawn to long into the night.  Do . . . → Read More: Be creative, Resolve to walk unplugged!]]> There’s worry in the world that the constant streaming of information and communication does not allow our brains any downtime which ultimately could lead to our being less creative and imaginative.

We stare at computer screens of all sizes processing and responding throughout the day.  Our brains are synapsing from dawn to long into the night.  Do you turn on your computer or check your smart phone before you make the coffee in the morning?  How often do you check emails and facebook during the day?  Do you go online one last time before you go to bed?

Our brains need quiet time to refresh and reboot.  Creativity, the source of all things new and imaginative, requires an open space in which to begin.  If we are always plugged in we have no time to simply let our minds wander into new directions and possibilities.

Let your poles take you away from technology for part of each day.   Go outside, breathe deep the fresh air and open yourself to the world around you instead of the world inside your computer. The rhythm of your walk will free your thoughts and let them soar into spaces unknown.

Who knows, you might just come up with the newest, best idea while you’re out Nordic walking!

Blessings of the New Year and hopes for lots of new creativity in your year !