Nordic Walking at Camp Du Nord

Posted on July 30, 2012 by Linda

Even on vacation I find the time and opportunity to share the joy of Nordic walking with those around me.  I was up in Ely last week and spent time at the YMCA Camp Du Nord.  It’s a family camp in the north woods.  We had a beautiful morning and there were five willing walkers that came for their first Nordic walk.

We got to take the tips off, always nice to walk on softer ground, and there’s a lot of that up north.  My small group quickly fell into rhythm and we walked for the next hour enjoying the connection of the poles with the ground.

Thank you Camp Du Noir for inviting me in.  And thank you to the YMCA’s for partnering with Great Lakes Nordic Walkers to bring summer Tasters to a Y near you.  Remember that you don’t have to be a Y member to come to have a taste of Nordic walking.  Check the my calendar for complete details.

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Walking with Joy!

Posted on July 18, 2012 by Linda

In 2006 Nordic Walking was featured in an article on the front page of the Star Tribune on July 3.  There was a tremendous response to the article and in many ways Nordic Walking was born in the Twin Cities on that morning.  To date, through programs at Hoigaards, community ed and special community events, we have put poles in the hands of over 300o walkers.

Today the Good Life Section of the Star Tribune had an article on Nordic Walking once again.  It’s a follow up article from our Great Lakes Nordic Walkers Open House in May and does a good job of describing the fun and fitness of walking with poles.

We may look like we forgot our skis but for those of us on the inside we know that the poles are the key to the kingdom of fitness for today and the rest of our lives.  Thank you to everyone who has walked with me over the past 6 years.  It’s been a great joy to walk with all of you!

If you haven’t had a taste of the poles yet, join us for the Taste of Nordic Walking going on at local YMCA’s over the next few weeks.  Check out my calendar for times and locations.

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Nordic Walking Press

Posted on July 17, 2012 by Linda

It’s always fun when your google alert finds you!  There’s an article in the Minneapolis StarTribune about Nordic Walking, featuring the wonderful and unique Great Lakes Nordic Walkers.  I’m not too sure that I like being coupled with Race Walking but one can’t be judgmental when it comes to putting one foot in front of another.

I hope you enjoy the article and if you’re in Minnesota check out one of the Tastes of Nordic Walking that we’re hosting at area YMCA’s.  Free event, poles provided for your first taste and no membership required. If you don’t see your Y on the schedule let us know and we’ll give them a call.

Taste of Nordic Walking, it’s better than ice cream 🙂  less calories, full body flavor, easy on the taste buds!

Hope to see you out there soon!

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Pedal and Roll for Parkinson’s Nordic Walks

Posted on July 7, 2012 by Linda

A few months ago I was shanghaied by a young woman named Liz to do some Nordic Walking.  Not an unusual request except that Liz is the organizer and energy behind the Pedal and Roll for Parkinson’s event and she was looking for a Nordic walking demo for Parkinson’s patients. Did I mention that it was January in Minnesota when she called me?  and that she had an outdoor demo in mind?

I have to work fast and furious to keep up with Liz.  She inspires me and pushes me to do more than I thought I was capable of doing.  She challenges me to dig deep and try new things with the poles, to learn about possibilities and respect limitations.  Her mantra is “movement is therapy”  and I know it’s true for all of us, not only those of us with Parkinson’s.

I’m learning about inclusiveness on a brand new level.  And I’m loving the support and care that walkers are showing to each other.  It’s not just about the walk.  It’s about those we walk beside. It’s about those on the trail with us.  It’s about having the confidence and strength for daily activity.

Keep up with Liz and our walks on Facebook Everyone is welcome, I’ll have poles for newbies!

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Nordic Walking featured in Midwest Events Magazine

Posted on July 3, 2012 by Linda

The July/August edition of Midwest Events came out this week and there is an article on Nordic Walking written by Marie-Christine Leisz DO.  The wonderful part about this article is not so much the information included but the simple fact that it is in a magazine featuring race and event information for the Midwest. There are always articles on training for running, biking, and swimming so we are excited to have Nordic Walking included in this publication.

Anticipating a great surge in curiosity and interest in trying out our favorite way of walking, Great Lakes Nordic Walkers, together with the Edina and Eagan YMCA’s is offering a Taste of Nordic Walking on Friday July 20 9-11am.  If you’d like to try Nordic walking please come to this free event.  As always we will have instructors and poles available to help you get started with safe and effective technique. Make your walk the best walk – add some Nordic walking poles today!

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Mayo Clinic Health Letter includes Nordic Walking

Posted on June 21, 2012 by Linda

The May issue of the Mayo Clinic Health Letter from Rochester, Minnesota included an article about Nordic Walking and the benefits of walking with poles.  yahoo!

When I first started Nordic Walking in 2005  I was convinced that Nordic Walking would grow in the US just like it had in Europe and I was excited to be one of the people making it happen.  Alas, it’s taking me much longer to infiltrate the walking community with poles than I thought it would and I often feel like no one is listening to me.

When Mayo Clinic, a renowned leader in the health care field, does an article endorsing the benefits of Nordic Walking I get very excited.  It’s just the shot in the arm that I need to keep the faith and continue with my mission to empower everyone to walk tall with less stress, more energy and strength.

The good news, people are listening.  I’m working closely with Struthers Parkinson’s Clinic in Golden Valley, leading “Parkinson friendly” Nordic Walks and hoping to open those walks up to others with mobility limitations.

People are calling for private lessons.  Corporation Wellness programs are seeking lunch and learn demo’s to promote healthy workplace habits.  Active older adults come to classes hoping that the poles can ensure them the strength and confidence for independent walking for the rest of their lives.  Small walking groups are forming after classes are finished.

I have hope and energy again!  Thank you Mayo Clinic for your support.  Let the Nordic walking continue!

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Nordic Walking at the Arboretum

Posted on June 13, 2012 by Linda