The Nordic Walking Queen

It was a dark and stormy day but the rain stopped, the clouds broke, and the wind died down in time for us to enjoy the 2nd Annual Nordic Walk for Wolves last evening.  We celebrated the summer solstice with a 5K Nordic Walk at French Regional Park to benefit the International Wolf Center.  Our pack included young and old, experienced Nordic Walkers and first timers, friends of the Wolf Center and lovers of nature.  Our original trail was very muddy and wet so we changed our route and walked down to the lake and back up the hill.  Thank you to everyone who came out to make this a great evening on the trail.

A special thank you to all of our sponsors this year:  LEKI, National Camera Exchange, Sexton Printing, Ciceron, Caribou Coffee,

And to all the staff and volunteers from the Wolf Center who helped organize and present this fun event – a howling good thank you!

Minneapolis Heart Foundation Institute does an amazing thing every summer.  They offer an 8 week training program for women, the goal is the Heart of Summer 5K Run / Walk the end of July.  Women have an option of walking, walk to run or running for their training choice.  Wednesday evenings start with a 20 minute talk on various health and fitness topics followed by getting out on the trails around Lake Nokomis in Minneapolis.

For the past 3 years Nordic Walking has made a guest appearance at Women on the Move.  This year we are a choice for the training.  There are 105 women registered, 13 chose Nordic Walking.  The first week we were excited to be there and to have 13 willing participants.  Hoigaard’s is providing their demo LEKI Nordic walking poles so everyone can give it a try.  Tonite was the second week and we had an additional 6 join us.  Pole envy!  How can you resist the opportunity to try this great way of walking?

It’s wonderful to be truly a part of this program this year.  Women on the move, making lifestyle changes for a healthier tomorrow.  Healthy Outdoor Lifestyles – Yea!

After the winter we had and the late cold spring it might be hard to call it Paradise, but that’s where we were on Thursday night.  Paradise Inn on Mt Ranier with a 40 foot wall of snow in the parking lot.  I guess we’re the lucky ones, our snow is all gone, their’s will be with them for weeks to come.

We flew into Seattle for the holiday weekend, time with my daughter and son in law with a little extra to play at Ranier. We just didn’t realize that it would still be under snow.  But the lower elevations offered green and lush old, old forests.

Forests protected so that for generations to come they may know the “peace, tranquility and solitude of the forest”

One of my favorite things about Nordic Walking is meeting so many wonderful people. I’ve had classes this week in Plymouth, Minnetonka and Wayzata and feel like I have lots of new friends.

The other favorite thing is the natural wonders we encounter along the way.  Here in Minnesota the birds are making their come back after a long winter.  From ruby breasted humming birds to the Great Blue Herons there are delights and surprises on every walk.  Last evening in Three River’s Regional French Park we were treated to Great Blues, Green Herons and a pair of red tailed hawks along with Canadian Geese, red wing black birds and smaller winged friends through the wetlands and woods.   The peepers are out of the winter hibernation and serenaded us from the marsh as the sun set on a beautiful spring day.

The Spring Nordic Walking Open House is Monday!  Join us at Wood Lake Nature Center in Richfield.  Come for the Nordic Walking, come for the natural wonders that await you there.  You won’t be disappointed.