What do runners do when running is not an option?  It may be an injury, age, or simply use and abuse of those knee and hip joints that take running off your training schedule.  When that happens many runners turn to walking to fill in the gap.  It’s a great low impact workout but walking just doesn’t offer the same “runner’s high” that comes from the heart rate and energy level of running.

As a Nordic walking instructor I’ve had many “recovering runners” come to classes.  They are always surprised by the workout level they are able to achieve with the poles.  Engaging the upper body not only increases heart rate and calorie burn it also supports those lower joints allowing one to take the workout to a higher level in comfort.  Nordic Walkers often report that the high energy levels along with the rhythm of the poles will move them into a kind of moving meditation zone, similar to a runner’s high.  Check out what the American Running Association says about Nordic Walking here.

You don’t have to be in recovery to enjoy walking with poles.  Nordic Walking is a great choice for your “rest”  or non running day of your training schedule!  You can even Nordic Walk at most 5k and 10K and even longer distances.  See the event list.

You don’t have to take my word for it, come and try a class or demo.  To view what the different Nordic Walking training techniques look like check out this 2 min video.  Experience for yourself the other runner’s high.

I got home from work on Wednesday and was desperate for a walk.  I usually walk early in the morning but had slept in that day.  I grabbed my husband and we started off to walk up to Parkers Lake.  It was a beautiful evening for a walk, the last of the fall colors with lots of red oaks and hard maples in full array, and the sunset was spectacular.

After the sun set we were still about a mile from home and finished our walk in ever darkening dusk.  Alas I had forgotten to grab a headlamp and didn’t have my reflective vest on either.  We were dark figures on a dark road.  Great reminder that you really need to dress and accessorize for the dark this time of year.  Head lamps and reflective clothing are a must.  I also add blinking bike lights to my poles in the early morning.  There’s even a blinking red light on the back band of my head lamp.  Never assume that people can see you on the trail!

As we came to the end of the trail we stopped to observe a coyote who had stepped out of the woods ahead of us.  Another good reminder about walking in the dark, you never know what critters may be around you.

Be safe out there!