Trail Loppet to Birkie Trek

Posted on September 21, 2011 by Linda

Hold onto your poles!

From 41 Nordic Walkers at the Trail Loppet a week ago we have 135 Nordic Walkers registered for the Birkie Trail Run and Trek this Saturday.  Can you believe it?

City of Lakes Trail Loppet was a warm and beautiful morning.  If you’re looking for a challenge this is it!  Lots of hills that meander through the forests of Minneapolis.  You’ll think you are in the north woods somewhere but when you look to get your bearings you’ll find a freeway or city tower to set yourself straight.  Mark your calendar for 2012 now to come and push yourself.  You won’t be disappointed.

The Birkie Trek this weekend offers no such landmarks.  You’ll be on trail with only trees and sky to mark the way. It’s a wonderfully wide trail thru the woods so you won’t get lost.  Half Marathon with your poles.  The first year we all wondered how long it would take:  15 minute miles for 13.1 miles = 3 hours and 15 minutes.  If you’re coming I’ll see you there.  If not, do something rash and register right now to come and do the “Birkie”.  It’s a tradition,the Birkie Trail, and full of history.  Come and listen to it’s story first hand.  If not this year, put it on your calendar for 2012!

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People are starting to move!

Posted on September 6, 2011 by Linda

Something is changing.

Maybe it’s fall in the air, a new season and we’re ready to make some changes.  Perhaps we’re finally listening to the “just move” “do it” “10,000 steps” and all the other programs doing their best to motivate us to make healthy choices about activity.    I’m beginning to believe it’s all starting to make a difference.

I get daily phone calls and emails about Nordic walking.  The common thread is “I have to do something!”  I’m in a rut and I have to make some changes and I think Nordic Walking is what I need to be doing.   Some have been thinking about it for over two years and have just now found the energy to make it happen today.  My blog stats are off the charts, higher than they’ve ever been on a daily basis.  I couldn’t be more excited.

Remember:  a rut is only a grave with both ends knocked out.  Are you in a rut?  What are you going to do to get out of it?         You could always try going outside for a walk, perhaps with 2 long poles.

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New Nordic Walking Instructors

Posted on August 31, 2011 by Linda

I forgot to take the after picture but I want to introduce you to the 4 newest certified Nordic Walking Instructors, Nancy Taylor, Malla Corbett, Mary Scheppi, and Dan Lemke aka Mr Linda Lemke.  They all completed the Nordic Walk Now Instructor Training this past weekend.

It was a perfect day for Nordic walking and the group was full of enthusiasm, energy and visions of  how they will use Nordic Walking to help people use poles to change their lives.  I was inspired and energized from their participation and look forward to sharing many miles of walking and talking with them.  Watch for their bios and class information to be posted on            Great Lakes Nordic Walkers.

I love sharing my knowledge and joy of Nordic Walking and especially when it pays forward to creating so many new Nordic Walkers, one walker at a time.

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New Nordic Walking Videos

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Linda

Prepare to be inspired!

When you think world class downhill skiers Lindsay Vonn is the first one that pops into my head.  She has a new Nordic Walking you tube video just launched through LEKI.  It’s a beautiful walk with world class athletes sharing how they’ve used Nordic Walking for recovery and cardio training.

My dear friend Anne Pryor also posted a new video sharing her Nordic Walking story.  She is a local Nordic Walking Instructor and a truly beautiful woman.  Her story will open you to new possibilities for making changes in your own life.

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Intructor Training isn’t just for Instructors

Posted on August 18, 2011 by Linda

Next Saturday, Aug 27, I’ll be leading a Nordic Walking Instructor Training through Nordic Walk Now.  Suzanne Nottingham has a powerful accreditation program.  It’s designed for the enthusiast who wants to know more about Nordic Walking; history, technique, biomechanics, teaching options as well as for the fitness trainer or group exercise instructor that would like to include Nordic Walking in their offerings.  It’s a 3 hour course, all materials provided, 3 CEU’s available for $99.  Training will be at Hoigaard’s in Minneapolis.

Registration is easy, just shoot me an email.  It’s the perfect opportunity for anyone who loves Nordic Walking and all of it’s benefits.

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BWCA – in Minnesota that means Boundary Waters Canoe Area

Posted on August 16, 2011 by Linda

I’ve just returned from guiding 6 women into the BWCA, Boundary Waters Canoe Area, on a five day wilderness canoe trip.  If you’ve never been to the BWCA you don’t know what it’s like to have the quiet broken only by the call of the loon.  The air smells so fresh, the water is so clean, the woods are so deep.

It’s really a magical place.  One where you can take the time to find yourself again.  You carry everything with you in the canoe and depend on the group to work and play well together.   Once the hard work of getting there and loading up is done we all settled into the rhythm of the paddling as we got to know each other.  It was a very good.

Pink was our color and we were the only women’s trip in the area.  We really were awesome!

Anne made up a poem for us

Women in The Wild

Pink Shirts Shine Bright

HOW Chicks Rock!

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The best poles for beginners?

Posted on July 20, 2011 by Linda

I’m often asked which pole is the best pole for a beginning walker.  A good question and a bit of a complicated answer.

I always assume that if someone is asking about the right pole they are excited about Nordic Walking and ready to purchase poles.  I then walk them through thinking of poles as an investment in equipment and how performance  and quality affect your final purchase decision.  Purchasing equipment is different from deciding what to have for lunch.  It’s an investment in your health, for most people a one time purchase, you want to make the best choice so that the poles will walk well for you.

I don’t believe that there is a designated beginner or advanced pole.  I prefer to think about matching your pole purchase to your activity level and budget. As long as you purchase a quality pole  you will make a good decision. I want my customer to be happy for many years with the pole that they purchase today.  Hence I pose some questions that will help define their purchase parameters.

1. Are you a walker?  how many times per week, miles per week do you walk?

2. What is your interest level in Nordic Walking?  Do you see yourself adding Nordic Walking poles to your daily walks? Do you want to be a Nordic Walker?

3. What is your primary purpose for using Nordic Walking poles ?

4, How would you benefit from the more expensive pole?

5. What is your budget for purchasing poles?

I walk with a LEKI Speed Pacer Vario.  I have the traveller version so I can take it with me wherever I go.  I love the way they dance with me on the trail, their responsiveness and their quiet touch on the pavement.  I can’t imagine walking without them so I seldom do.

Your pole should be fun to walk with, it should invite you and motivate you to get out for a Nordic Walk!  Enjoy!!!

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Women on the Move

Posted on July 15, 2011 by Linda

Heart Disease is the number one killer of women.  We have the power to turn that around with education and exercise.  That’s what Women on the Move, a program through the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation is all about.  It’s an 8 week training program for women that ends with everyone participating in the Heart of Summer 5K on July 23.

I’ve done a presentation on Nordic Walking for the group the past 3 years and this year Nordic Walking was one of the choices for training, along with walking, walk to run and running.  There are over 100 women signed up for the program and the Nordic Walking group grew every week with women taking the opportunity to try the poles.  We had converts from all the other groups, some looking for more of a work out, some looking for relief from the pounding effects of the running, and many simply curious about what the poles offered.  No one was disappointed.  It’s been lots of fun!

That’s what it should be, fun to make life changes that improve your overall health and lead to changing the devastating effects of heart disease on women.  I’m looking forward to celebrating with all of my new friends next Saturday.  Perhaps you’ll consider joining us with your poles! It would be wonderful to have a really big group of Nordic Walkers and remember, all funds raised from the 5K stay right here in Minnesota.

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Nordic Walking Queen seen in Big Sky 5K

Posted on July 5, 2011 by Linda

Who could resist? Nordic Walking a 5K in Big Sky on the 4th of July! I was the only one with poles but as I wore my expo T shirt inviting people to “ask me about Nordic Walking” it was an educational walk for anyone who could catch up to us. I finished in 43 minutes. Not a record shattering time but a fun morning walk in the mountains.

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Step Outdoors into My World

Posted on July 2, 2011 by Linda

One of the things I love about Nordic Walking is that it invites me to step outdoors to begin my day.

My yard is surrounded by gardens.  I am treated to color and texture as soon as soon as I open the door.

A deep breath as I listen to the songs and greetings from the resident birds: woodpeckers, cardinals, baltimore orioles, chickadees, and many more.  Gail comes through the gate and we’re off for our walk.  Our favorite route is towards the Carlson ponds to enjoy the great blue herons standing sentry at the edge of the water.  We’ve had up to 6 Heron mornings of late!  With an occasional egret and green heron mixed in.

Upon our return there’s time for a quick garden walk to see what’s blooming today.

Enjoy the holiday weekend!  May you spend it outdoors with joy and wonder.

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