Nordic walking

It was different than I expected. On a cold, damp, windy day in May a group of us met by the lakeshore trail to attend a clinic on Nordic walking. Our leader gave us some background on the activity. Cross country skiers use this form of walking with poles as training during the off-season. It is a cross between cross-country skiing and power walking. It adds an upper body component to a fitness walk. After being outfitted with the appropriate length of pole, we practised using the poles. The important action is to push off the pole when it is behind you. My friend and I thought you pushed off when they were in front so we really had to concentrate on the action to get it right. After a few tries and some pointers from the instructor, we headed down the trail. I guess it seemed a bit odd to others along the trail. People couldn't help but make a reference to snow in a joking manner. It was so nasty that morning, it could have snowed! Well, I think I might invest in a set of poles. Although it seemed awkward, I think I can get the hang of it. Nordic walking works more muscles and is supposed to burn 40% more calories. Now I just have to decide whether to get LEKI or EXEL poles.

If you want to learn more about Nordic walking there are lots of sites with information. Here's one you can try:
http://intraspec.ca/nordic-walking.php/
It has links to LEKI and EXEL as well.

Got in a 10k walk Sunday with my sister, Patti and a friend, Laura. Enjoyed a 6k walk with Ian on Victoria Day under a cloudless sky.

Congratulations to Cam and Brenda on the completion of their first half-marathon (running) in Victoria, BC!