Nordic Walking, the other runner’s high

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.

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 don’t have to take my word for it, come and try a class or demo.  Experience for yourself the other runner’s high.

Spring Challenges!

It’s time for some spring resolutions to get outdoors now that winter is loosing it’s grip.   The good news, there are lots of fun programs that can help motivate you to step it up and get back into your Nordic Walking routine.  Here are just a few ideas

Hennepin County Step To It May 9-June 5

Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation’s Women on the Move June 1-July 20

American Heart Association’s Start!Walking April 6

Map My Walk Spring Challenge, Walk a Marathon in 30 days! goes until May 15

Dakota County’s Simple Steps Program begins May 1

With the exception of Women on the Move these programs are free!  Women on the Move includes training and entry into the Heart of Summer 5K hence the $40 fee.  Pick the one that fits best for you and have fun!

Frosty Morning

Feeling a bit of Holiday overdose I pulled myself out of bed on Monday morning at 5:30am for my Nordic Walk with Gail, my walking buddy.  It was cold and quiet out on the road and we could see stars and a quarter of a moon – good omens for a sunny day.  It was hard to get moving but wonder happened as we walked along.  A heavy morning frost settled out of the air onto the trees and the rest of the world around us.  By the time we got home it was a winter wonderland all around.

Just never know what you’re going to encounter on an early morning walk!

Midwest Mountaineering Fall Expo

There’s lots of Nordic Walking going on at Midwest Mountaineering’s Fall Expo next weekend. Check it out!
Free Nordic Walking Demo’s with Brian Glader:
9:15-10:15am on 11/20
11:30-12:30 pm on 11/21
Mike and Kate will be presenting on their recently completed Full Circle Superior experience
11/21 @ 12:45-1:45pm @ U of M Humphery Ctr
Amy Okaya will be talking about Nordic Walking @ 7pm on 11/19. Look for her at the Cascade Lodge booth.
Grab a friend and head out to this great weekend event.

Nordic Walking Hat Trick

Last night there were 3 successful Nordic Walking events in 3 different locations in the Twin Cities. First a new Community Ed Class in Chaska, second the weekly Nordic walking Tuesday with Hoigaard’s and finally a demo for a Girl Scout Troop working on their Fitness Walking Badge.  You could you just feel the energy!
Check out the listings of classes and events in your area, we’re out with poles all over the cities!

Nordic Walk for Wolves in Plymouth MN.

The first annual Nordic Walk for Wolves to celebrate the International Wolf Center’s 25th Anniversary will be Tuesday, October 19 at 6pm. This is a Nordic Walking Event! There will be LEKI Nordic Walking poles available to use for free with a picture ID. We’ll meet at Three River’s Park District’s French Park in Plymouth, Minnesota, at the Skyview Picnic. There will be a quick Introduction to Nordic Walking at 5:30 and then we’ll take off “walking on all fours” with our Nordic walking pack and howl at the moon for a 5K on the trails. Trails are lit so all will finish safely. Registration is $25 donation to the Wolf Center. Details and to register.

Push Those Poles

Planning on doing the City of Lakes Trail Loppet or the Birkie Trek?  If you are interested in doing some training for these half marathon events “on trail” please join me on the next 6 Thursdays for “Push those Poles”.  Andy Turnbull, head coach for the Edina Cross Country Team will be leading these clinics.  We are planning on alternating locations between Hyland Ski and Snowboard area and Theodore Wirth Park to give us a variety of trail conditions.  It’s best to get some experience off the pavement before you do one of these events. Cost of the series is $50.  You can register by calling me at 952-475-0891, email at lindamlemke@aol.com or on line with Hoigaard’s.

Late getting into this?  You are still welcome to join us!  We’ll be meeting this week at Theodore Wirth Beach parking lot.  Call with any questions or to register.

Hope to see you on the trail!

New Walking Group in Brooklyn Park

There’s good news! Shelley Gunn, newly certified Nordic Walking Instructor, is starting a Nordic Walking group at the Emma B Howe YMCA in Brooklyn Park, also known as the Northtown YMCA. Join her on August 14,21 and 28 at 10:30 am for this free group walk. Shelley has a few extra sets of poles so if you’ve never tried it she would be very happy to help you get started. Questions? give her a call at 612.382.1995. Shelley is hoping for a great turn out and will schedule walks into September and October if there is enough interest.

Nordic Walk at Silverwood Park

If you live north of the cities may I suggest a visit to Nordic Walk at Silverwood Park in St Anthony.
It’s just off 694 and Silver Lake Road and it’s a delightful surprise.

Silverwood is the newest and most unique of the Three Rivers Park District Parks. The buildings and grounds all share a deep respect for the earth. The visitor center is made with wood from the white oaks that once stood on the property and is designed to use the sun for day-lighting and the earth for heating and cooling. Rain from the roof and the patio is all collected in an underground cistern which in turn provides water for the outdoor landscaping. The Sliverwood Coffee Shop specializes in organic and local foods. The whole experience is good for you and for the planet.

The walking path is paved and circles through the park. It’s just over a mile, do it both directions and do take the bridge over to the island and wander along the lake shore a bit. The iced mocha at the end of the walk was perfect!

Energy Begets Energy

Today there was a large blue heron sitting on the bridge to Carlson Towers, waiting to say good morning to us. He flew off and down the length of the pond, delighting us with a big relaxed circle before landing by the small island, the best fishing spot. It was a beautiful sight, a great way to start a day.

We’re now just 3 days to the expo and I’m looking forward to seeing some of my favorite people. Sometimes when you meet someone there is a definite connection, an exchange of energy that makes you feel like you’ve known them forever, not just a few moments. My Nordic Walking friends are in that category.

I think it goes beyond the fact that we all share a love for Nordic Walking. We are passionate about helping people to make changes in their lifestyles, getting people to move again, taking them outdoors to reconnect to the natural world. And we know what is possible. We’ve seen it happen time and again.

This kind of energy keeps me going, fighting the battle to get America moving. On Saturday there will be an abundance of that energy at Hyland Lake Park. People sharing their passion, their visions, their knowledge and it’s all about Nordic Walking.

I hope you’ll come and share your energy. It will be a unique opportunity to connect with other Nordic Walkers and maybe even find that elusive walking partner or group for which you’ve been searching.

Don’t forget that you can still register for Suzanne’s NordicWalkNow Training on Friday or Tom Rutlin’s Exerstrider Training on Sunday afternoon!

See you Saturday!

Linda, the Nordic Walking Queen