Nordic Walking News

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Thanks to Charles Sproson for this article on using Nordic Walking poles whilst training for & running in The LAMM (Lowe Alpine Mountain Marathon). The LAMM was held on the weekend of 18th/19th June on Isle of Mull, just off the west coast of Scotland, in the United Kingdom. Charles & his business partner David run The Outdoor Warehouse, Windermere, UK.

Charles says...

I never thought that I would concede to the idea of using Poles. I have always laughed and scoffed at people using them. However, Gareth Thomas, my LAMM partner, and I have now used Nordic Walking poles to help us achieve a 13th place finish in the 'B' class of the LAMM.

Just to put this into context, the previous year we had entered 'C' class and come 30th, we may well have done considerably better this time had we not made a bad route choice on the 2nd day.

Originally we had big plans of training hard and winning the 'C' class but by the time we got round to registering the 'C' class was full, our options now were 'B' or 'D'. We couldn't go backwards so 'B' it was. With 4 and a half weeks left to go and unlike last year with no real training behind us, Gareth and I were doing 'B' class. Were we MAD ?

As I panicked in the shop, sweating more each day, Paul Cosgrove a rep. from Montane called by. I knew he was doing the LAMM and had been out training with poles. When he'd first told me I'd laughed, but this time I was very interested in what he thought about the use of poles, as he'd just done one of the LAMM courses the weekend before. He said they were great, " you power up the hills, like a machine" he said...

I thought - "we need all the help we can get and if we can turn into machines up hill then to hell with the snide remarks and funny looks we might get, there had to be something in this. As in George Orwell's Animal Farm " four legs good, two legs bad".

The handles on Leki Nordic Walking poles have a cleverly designed strap system. The strap system is detachable from the pole so it allows you to click in or out as you please thanks to the quick release button on top of the handle. This is very handy feature.

So, on the up hills you click in and as you hit the top and as it flattens out you click out and you can hold the poles as you run the flats and downs and then click back in when you hit the hills again. So I thought why not give it a go at least on a training run.

So off we went, and yes you could power up the hills, and it was all right running with poles in your hand. On rough ground they were a great help steadying yourself, saving a few falls. A couple more training runs and we were confident that they would make a difference.

Another benefit of training with poles is that they increase aerobic fitness much quicker than normal, so although we hadn't trained extensively we got fitter quicker. Nordic Walking like Nordic Skiing uses more muscle groups than most other sports and burns more calories pro rata, depending on how hard you train, so your fitness levels increase far quicker than say just walking or running.

So came the big day, or should I say weekend and off to the Isle of Mull we went. One thing we hadn't really been able to test was would the poles get in the way navigating?

...Our training runs hadn't been under pressure or the stress of a race, and not in low cloud and clag. The answer I think we both agreed on was not really. We ran and poled our way to 13th place, which blew us away.

So did the Nordic Walking poles make a difference...? For my money, without a doubt yes and next year we'll be at the LAMM again, using Nordic Walking poles.

Charles Sproson

http://www.outdoorwarehouse.co.uk

Interested in reading more about the LAMM ? Then visit:

http://www.lamm.co.uk/

But don't forget to use your browser 'back' button to return to this Blog.

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Hi David

"I have been using my poles for about a month, and am amazed how invigorating it is to walk with them"

Patricia Smith
North Vancouver, Canada

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Nordic Walking across the world is in urgent need of new instructors - If the idea of teaching this wonderful pastime / sport to enthusiastic learners appeals then...

The American Nordic Walking Association (ANWA) is conducting a Nordic Walking Basic Instructor Certification Course on August 20-21, 2005 in Los Angeles. The full details are available on ANWA’s website at:

http://www.anwa.us/index.php?Workshops%20and%20Seminars&id=22.

Nordic Walking UK's next two training courses to become an INWA qualified Nordic Walking Instructor will be held on August 6 - 7 and September 24 - 25 in Richmond, London.

For more details contact Martin Christie, Education Director of Nordic Walking UK, on + 44 (0)20 8211 3512 or visit www.nordicwalking.co.uk

IMPORTANT

When making your enquiry or placing a booking please let ANWA or Nordic Walking UK know that you have been recommended by Nordic Walking News

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Two of the most frequent enquiries I receive are from people wanting to know:

1) Is there is a Nordic Walking DVD / video I can buy ?

2) Where can I buy quality Nordic Walking poles and accessories ?

Well... There is an excellent 40 minute DVD / Video that I believe all Nordic Walkers will find valuable. If you haven't received training from an instructor then this DVD / Video will be particularly valuable to you - I love it !

Also... Yes I can recommend where to buy your poles and accessories too...

For your DVD / Video and equipment requirements I am happy to recommend you visit:

http://www.nordicwalkingonline.com/ and go to SHOP

IMPORTANT NOTES:

1) If you make an enquiry via Nordic Walking Online it would really be helpful to me if you would mention that you have been recommended by 'Nordic Walking News'.

2) If you place an order it would also be helpful to me if you would enter the name 'Nordic Walking News' in the “SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS” box when completing the online order.

Thank you...

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Many people who visit this Blog for the first time are new to Nordic Walking and are keen to find out more about our wonderful pastime / sport.

A great way to get a feel for something new is to read testimonials from people who already have experience. Now you can share your experiences with Nordic Walkers in over 18 countries around the world via Nordic Walking News.

Send your testimonial (not too long - A few sentences is fine) to: david.bh13@virgin.net Please include your first name and surname plus the town and country where you live.

Talk about the benefits you have experienced; how Nordic Walking has helped you etc. I am particularly interested in health related testimonials eg from people with medical conditions, injuries etc that have been helped by Nordic Walking. It would also be great to hear from any athletes or sports people who have benefitted from including Nordic Walking in their training program. Please help me to get the good news out there to as many people as possible.

Photo: Yes it's me 'yours truly' coming down the very steep 'Ballard Down' towards Swanage in Dorset's Purbeck Hills on the South Coast of England.

For scenic photos of Ballard Down visit:

http://www.imagesofdorset.org.uk/Dorset/089/intro.htm

Remember to come back to this webpage afterwards by using your 'Back' button.

Note: When Nordic Walking down a steep hill you need to adapt your technique. This is an occasion when the pole tips will be placed in front of the body. Bend your knees and dig your leading heel into the ground on each step.

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Here is a photo I took on my recent holiday to Canada. If you have never visited The Niagra Falls go there ! They are wonderful. This photo shows the famous 'Maid of the Mist' that takes the tourists up close to the falls.

To the right of the photo you can see part of the Canadian (Horseshoe Falls). In the distance you can see the American Falls. The rainbow is spectacular.

As well as going on the 'Maid of the Mist' my 85 year old mother and I also stood beneath the falls, walked behind the falls and flew over the falls in a helicopter. The only thing we didn't do was go over the falls in a barrel ! Well, maybe next time ?

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Yesterday someone said to me: "David, here's an advert (In a UK National Daily Newspaper) for your Nordic Walking poles... and they are only £14.99 (approx $27 US)

Note: Proper Nordic Walking poles from a quality manufacturer will typically cost between about $80 (US) - nearly $200 US

In fact when I read the article the company weren't actually claiming these to be 'Nordic Walking' poles (did you notice that the title actually says Nordic 'Hiking' not Nordic 'Walking' ?). The article said: "Perfect for all who love walking this Telescopic Nordic Hiking Pole will etc etc. They then go on to say: "And remember when you buy one we'll send you another one absolutely free !"

So it is quite clear what they are selling... isn't it ? Yes... Of course it's clear - They are selling you two Nordic Hiking Poles for £14.99. Now is that by any chance 'Nordic Hiking' as in 'Nordic Walking' or Hiking as in Hill Walking ? See the confusion this advert can cause intentionally or otherwise !

I have to admit I was taken in myself by this advert (ok.. only for a second or two) , but what chance has the person who knows little if anything about Nordic Walking got ?

I wonder how many people wanting to take up Nordic Walking have placed an order with this company for these Nordic Walking (sorry - I meant to say Nordic Hiking) Poles ?

At a casual glance the poles (and yes the picture shows two of them just like for Nordic Walking) might look identical to real Nordic Walking poles but they are not and they will not do the job that specially designed Nordic Walking poles do. For a start they have a simple wrist loop and not the proper Nordic Walking strap that is key to the Nordic Walking technique.

I would also point out that there are companies who manufacture Hiking poles (which is what these poles clearly are) but they also manufacture Nordic Walking poles. If Hiking poles and Nordic Walking poles were the same they wouldn't need to bother.

So don't get caught out, don't buy Hiking Poles thinking you are buying Nordic Walking poles. Always buy the proper equipment for the job.

Note: When I was just getting started I phoned my local outdoor activities shop. They said "Yes we sell Nordic Walking poles". I jumped in my car only to find when I got there that they were infact single hiking poles. I was told "yes some people do buy two to use together !"

So what can we take from this story ? I guess it's that as consumers we always have to be on the look out because everthing is not always as it seems - So... Buyer Beware ! Remember just because something is cheap versus the 'real thing' doesn't mean that it is a good bargain - It could be that it's false economy because you will only have to buy again when you have been let down by your original purchase.

Note: Also see my article posted on Friday July 15th entitled 'What Poles Should I Buy'.

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Whilst Nordic Walking gets most of the publicity, did you realise that you can also run, jump, bound and skip with your poles too ? Nordic Blading is also popular, where you travel along on a pair of 'inline skates'.

In my last posting I promised some Nordic Running tips, so here goes.

* Because you tend to move along faster when you run, you do not have so much time to co-ordinate the arm leg action. So to get used to running with your poles, keep to a slow running speed to start with and take longer strides.

* Until you get used to the running technique do not be surprised if you fatigue quicker than expected, so alternate between Nordic Running and Nordic Walking.

* As you increase your speed do not expect to be able to complete the same range of arm movement.

For Nordic Walking I teach planting the pole with the arm reaching forward in the handskake position with the elbow only slightly flexed (not 45 degrees). Then you push through taking the arm back behind the hip. At the point where you open the hand to release the pole handle the arm is straight.

The speed you are running will dictate to some extent the range of arm movement. The faster you are running the more the elbow will be bent as you 'plant' the pole and the less extension behind the hip you will achieve.

* One little technique that you can try is to reduce your running speed and give yourself more upward lift on each step, like a little bounce in effect. That extra moment of time in the air will allow you to work your arm through a larger range.

Note: I do not recommend sacrificing technique for speed, so keep to a sensible running speed. The extra benefits you will experience running with poles will more than make up for sacrificing a little speed.

Whenever possible take the opportunity to work a joint through a large range of movement. Ultimately working a joint through a small range of movement is likely to limit the range of movement in that joint and thereby restrict your movement ability in the long term.

I'm a great believer in that you either "use it or you lose it" but remember to use it through a large range of movement whenever possible.

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Readers of a more energetic disposition may find this short article interesting. I have just arrived home following an exilarating Nordic Walk / Run along my local beach front. Following the beautiful summer weather of last week in the South of England,the last few days have been disappointing, overcast and even a few spots of rain (typical English Summer!).

Anyway it was glorious sunshine again this afternoon and as I set out along the sea front with my trusty poles I had the urge to have a little run.

I decided to do some 'Fartlek' training combining Nordic Walking with Nordic Running. Strange word 'Fartlek' I know but it always gets a smile here in the UK - Well us Brits do have an interesting sense of humour sometimes.

So what is Fartlek ? Ok - Glad you asked. Simply Fartlek is a Swedish term meaning 'speed play'. It is a very informal, fun and effective way of adding some intensity to your training.

Note: You don't have to run with your poles but if you would like to have a try, see my tips in the next posting I make.

In a Fartlek session you vary your speed, typically a mix of fast pace, medium pace and slow pace (recovery). You simply mix these different paces up and you do each for as long as you like and as many time as you like. You can go by time or distance eg distance between trees, street lamps etc... Just make it up as you go along, that's how informal it is.

A Fartlek session may look something like this:

* Medium pace for 4 street lamps
* Fast pace for 2 street lamps
* Medium pace for 6 street lamps * Fast pace for 3 street lamps
* Slow pace (recovery) for 2 street lamps
* Fast pace for 2 street lamps
* Slow pace (recovery) for 3 street lamps
* Medium pace for 2 street lamps
* Fast pace for 2 street lamps * Slow pace (recovery) for4 street lamps
* etc etc etc.

Notice there is no pattern to a Fartlek session it is completely random - That's the beauty and fun of Fartlek. You can make it even more fun if you are Fartleking with a friend or two:

Lets say there are 3 of you. First number yourselves 1, 2 and 3. Ok, number 1 starts and says for example: "2 street lamps fast" and off you all go. As you come up to the 2nd street lamp person 2 choses what comes next eg "2 more street lamps fast", then it's number 3's turn who might say "4 street lamps slow (recovery)". You then start again with person 1... Get the idea?

Note: In my Fartlek session along the beach front, I simply alternated between fast Nordic Running and slow Nordic Walking (recovery) over a distance of about 2.5 miles. At the end of the session there is a great little hill leading up from the beach towards my home which gets pretty steep at the top and I love to lean in to it and 'take it on'.

Here is an example of a one hour Fartlek session which includes one 10 minute Fartlek:

* Warm up walk - 10 mins: Start slow and build up to less than medium pace.
* Mobilise and stretch your muscles 10 minutes
* Walk at medium pace for 10 minutes
* Fartlek session - 10 mins
* Cool down walk - 10 mins: Start at medium pace and reduce to slow
* Cool down Stretch - 10 mins

Here is how you could change this to a 90 minute session including 2 x 10 minute Fartleks:

* Warm up walk - 10 mins: Start slow and build up to less than a medium pace.
* Mobilise and stretch your muscles 10 minutes
* Walk at medium pace for 10 minutes
* Fartlek session - 10 mins
* Walk at medium pace for 10 minutes
* Fartlek session - 10 mins
* Walk at medium pace for 10 minutes
* Cool down walk - 10 mins: Start at medium pace and reduce to slow
* Cool down Stretch - 10 mins

Warning: Do not over do it ! Listen to your body (it normally knows best). If it is telling you to stop or slow down then please do so. It is your responsibility to get any medical permissions that may be approprite before you take part in this or any other exercise program. If in doubt consult your physician, he / she is the one who is medically qualified to give you best advice.

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David

Just wanted to thank you for the referrals in the US for Nordic Walking classes. I took the class in Stowe, Vermont with Chad and it was wonderful. My sister who is a registered nurse also took the class with me. We both plan to start instructing and getting involved with Nordic Walking in the States. Keep the newsletters coming, they are full of great information!

Debi Splaine
Long Island, New York

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When you are getting started with Nordic Walking it is not uncommon to experience an issue with arm and leg co-ordination - You know the feeling ? The arms and legs just don't feel in sync with each other ?

Note: This can be more of a problem for people who have not been trained by an instructor, as an instructor will always help resolve this problem.

In correct Nordic Walking technique the arms and legs work in opposition with each other, so as the right arm comes forward so does the left leg and vice-versa. But it can so easily go wrong and all of a sudden the right arm and right leg are coming forward together, followed by the left arm and left leg and you just know that you must be doing something wrong !

Note: If you have ever been in the military you may have experienced or been aware of this problem with arm / leg co-ordination when learning to march.

Here's a little tip for instructors: On your instructor training couse you may have been taught that before you start your clients walking with their poles, first explain to them that the arms and legs work in opposition. I don't do this because it can actually create the problem; here's what I do instead:

I get my clients strapped into their poles and ask them to start walking, using the 'drag' technique. I just ask them to walk like they would normally walk and if they feel comfortable to let their arms swing naturally. For most clients this is all it takes and they walk correctly in opposition from the off.

A little later in the session I will point out 'opposition' and re-assure them that they have been doing it quite naturally all along.

If you are not an instuctor and 'opposition' is a problem for you then here's what to do:

• Strap yourself into your poles and start walking, whilst letting your poles drag along behind you
• If / when you feel comfortable let your arms swing naturally
• If it goes wrong, stop swinging and just drag again until you are ready for another try
• As it starts coming together increase your arm swing until ideally you have a full arm swing from the shoulder with the elbow slightly soft (eg slightly flexed).

If you are still struggling STOP and start again, this time just let your arms swing a little. Once it starts coming together do not be in a hurry to increase your arm swing. Give your brain time to get used to this pattern. Above all relax and don't think about it. Go for a stroll and let it come naturally. Start increasing your arm swing only when you start feeling more confident.

Note: Until you have mastered 'opposition' and feel comfortable with it, do not attempt the full technique - There's no hurry, the last thing you want to do is re-inforce bad technique ! There is no point in going on to the next stage - the 'plant'... until you have first mastered 'opposition'.

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Hello David

We really enjoy our Nordic Walking. Our fitness level has markedly improved. Most days we do a fast session in the morning and a more normal paced session in the afternoon.

I have recut the groves in the feet of the poles on two occasions with a hacksaw. I am sure that the feet will stand regroving a few more times yet.

With hindsight in the learning curve I now know that I was putting too much effort into the poles instead of a perfectly natural balance. I am aged 70 and my wife is 65 years of age and in doing 4 laps around our lake with a circumference of about 1 km we lap most people at least once and some twice.

It seems such a gentle way to exercise the whole body and work up to a sweat without any feeling of exhaustion. Sylvia has a lower back problem that causes discomfort when walking up hills but when using the poles she has no problems.

Regards

Reg & Sylvia Hansen
Australia

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Many thanks to 'Nordic Walking News' subscriber - Richard Mathews, for alerting me to this interesting story:

Richard was watching a television program one evening which featured the "Long Man of Wilmington" a figure etched into Windover Hill in East Sussex on the South Coast of England. Richard said:

"It made me wonder, was this the Worlds first Nordic Walker ?"

Some authorities believe the figure dates back to Roman times, others to the Bronze age whilst others suggest, the 11th century. ...

And we thought that the origins of Nordic Walking dated back only to the early 1900's when cross country skiers were known to use their poles for summer 'snow free' training ?

You will see what Richard means when you view the photos at:

http://www.hows.org.uk/personal/hillfigs/lmw/lmw.htm

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As Nordic Walkers we all know that it takes less effort to walk with poles than without and also that poles very much come into their own when walking up hills.

Out in the Purbeck Hills the other day, along the coast from my home in Poole, Dorset on the South Coast of England is the picturesque coastal village of Lulworth Cove. Just along the coastal path from Lulworth Cove is Durdle Door and just after that, Heart Attack Hill (no explanation needed).

I wanted a friend of mine to come along and walk the coastal path taking in Heart Attack Hill with our poles - The reason ? Simply because on previous occasions when we had done this walk without poles she had always had to stop to catch her breath at least a couple of times whilst climbing the hill. Inevitably she would also have to sit down on the way up and at the top to avoid fainting.

I'm pleased to say that with the poles she didn't need to stop once on the way up and when we reached the top she was able to stand without feeling faint to recover her breath. Need I say more ? What a great example of how Nordic Walking poles are fantastic when walking uphill.

For some wonderful photos of Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door visit:

http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~dta/lulworth/lulworth.html

Note: On the Durdle Door page the top right hand photo shows Heart Attack Hill in all its glory - It's more impressive when you click on it to enlarge the photo. It's actually looks far steeper when you are climbing it for real !

If you have a Nordic Walking experience that you would like to share, then why not reply to this posting.

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Like any sport or recreational activity you need the proper equipment for the job and as you would expect you tend to get what you pay for. Avoid the temptation to buy cheap poles. For a decent quality pair of Nordic Walking poles expect to pay anything from about US$80 up to about US$200. If you want your poles to be a once only purchase then invest your money carefully.

Look for genuine ‘Nordic Walking’ poles with the proper ‘Nordic Walking’ wrist straps. Avoid cheap imitations that you may sometimes see eg in a catalogue or newspaper. These are usually ‘hiking poles’ without the proper Nordic Walking wrist straps. They are being sold as Nordic Walking poles and sometimes for less than £20 (US$36) a pair.

Pole Types:

One Piece Poles

One-piece poles are manufactured either in carbon or aluminium. Carbon poles have the advantage in that they are lighter in weight, a factor that you may want to consider particularly if you are planning long walks.

Carbon poles tend to absorb the vibration generated when pushing off better than aluminium poles. Vibration is a factor to consider because it is felt most in the joints of the hand and wrist. Over time this could lead to 'repetitive strain' injury (RSI).

With carbon poles the price generally reflects the quality of carbon and lightness in weight. The better quality the carbon, the lighter the weight, the higher the price.

Cosmetically the finish of a higher priced pole may be more pleasing to the eye versus a cheaper pole. Cheaper poles may eg have ‘stick on’ logos whereas a quality pole is more likely to have a smooth laser type finish.

Some people prefer a one-piece pole because there are no moving parts. One-piece poles tend to have the edge over adjustable poles with regards to ‘fine balance’ and ‘swing’.

One-piece poles come in a variety of lengths. Here's the formula you will need to work out the correct length for you:Take your height in centimetres x 0.68 and then go to the nearest 5 cms.

Have you checked your bare foot height recently? Please do so before buying fixed length poles - It really is important!

It may be better for a beginner to round down rather than up. However, it should also be noted that if you do round down, you might find you would want to purchase longer poles when you are more experienced.

Note: Until a year or two ago the industry was using a figure of x 0.70 x height in centimetres but things have moved on and 0.68 is now the universally accepted bench mark.

Adjustable Poles

Adjustable poles are manufactured either in aluminium, carbon or part carbon and part aluminium.

Adjustable poles are useful if more than one person wants to share usage and each person is a different height. If as a beginner you buy a set of adjustable poles, when you become more experience you will not have to buy another set of poles if you decide you require more length.

When walking on hilly terrain with long inclines and declines, it can sometimes be useful to shorten the poles when going uphill and lengthen the poles when walking downhill.

There are 3 types of adjustable pole:

Semi-Adjustable Poles:

These poles have a small range of adjustment at the handle end of the shaft, typically over a 10-centimetre range. Semi-adjustable poles tends to have a better ‘swing’ and ‘balance’ versus 2 or 3 piece adjustable poles, although generally not quite as good as quality one piece poles. Semi adjustable poles are useful for pole sharing with people of a similar height. They are also useful when walking in hilly terrain.

Note: Be careful when buying semi adjustable poles for the purpose of pole sharing. Consideration must be given to which length poles best suit the height range of the intended users.

2 Piece Adjustable Poles:

These poles have a large range of adjustment and in addition to the benefits already listed, when reduced to their shortest length they can be easily stored and carried.

There is a suggestion that adjustable poles may be prone to collapsing when you bear down on them. From my own experience I have not had an adjustable pole collapse on me yet, even when I have applied my full body weight (182 lbs.) eg when doing standing press ups against the pole handles or when hanging my full body weight from the handles. However, do make sure the locking mechanism is properly tightened before each use.

3) 3 Piece Adjustable Poles:

In addition to the benefits already mentioned for adjustable poles, 3-piece poles will reduce down in length small enough to fit in a medium size suitcase or large bag.

Note: When you adjust a 3 piece pole – start with the distal shaft before you adjust the mid-shaft.

Note: To adjust adjustable poles to the correct length:

• Stand with your feet together and take the right pole (see strap for right and left) in your right hand.
• Hold your elbow against the side of your body and place the tip of the pole on the ground, just in front of the outside of your right foot with the pole perpendicular to the ground.
• Adjust the pole so that there is a right angle (90 degree) bend at the elbow when the pole is placed in this position.
• Adjust the other pole to the same length and there you have it. Just strap yourself in and you are ready to go.

Lifetime Shaft Guarantee

Something well worth looking for is the 'lifetime shaft guarantee' that some manufacturers offer. Be aware that the guarantee may not apply to their full range of poles, so remember to ask before you buy.

Replacement Parts

Make sure you can easily buy replacements for the parts that will naturally wear over time eg wrist straps, spike tips and asphalt paws.

Wrist Straps

The specially designed wrist straps on Nordic Walking poles are 'key' to the Nordic Walking technique. If you don't have proper Nordic Walking wrist straps, you will never be able to master the full technique and achieve the full benefits and enjoyment. I have heard suggestion that wrist straps can be uncomfortable in hot weather but I have to say that I have not found this to be the case myself.

Cork & Synthetic Handles

If you are new to Nordic Walking I do not think that you need to worry about this. I have tried both and I am happy with either.

Try Before You Buy

Depending where in the world you live this is not always possible. Here in the UK there are currently only a few stores in the whole country that stock Nordic Walking poles. If you do find a store then question the sales assistant using the information I have given you here. It is usually a lot easier for most people to buy ‘online’.

Where to Buy Poles Online

A great place to buy poles online is at the following website:

http://www.nordicwalkingonline.com

Here you will find a fantastic range of quality poles from different manufacturers.

Note: If you contact ‘Nordic Walking Online’ please mention that David Downer has referred you. If you place an order please write ‘Re: David Downer’ in the ‘special instructions’ box, that way the guys at Nordic Walking Online can track the source of their enquiries.

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Hi...

Welcome to my new 'Blog' for Nordic Walking enthusiasts.

Q) So what's a Blog ?

A) Well, the word Blog is short for weblog. A weblog is a web based journal that is regularly updated and intended to offer general public information, in the case of this Blog on the subject of Nordic Walking.

Whereas with my Internet Newsletter - 'Nordic Walking News', you receive information once a month, with my blog you should check back regularly for the latest postings... Please feel free to leave your comments / questions too.

If you haven't yet subscribed to 'Nordic Walking News' - You can do so FREE at:

http://www.nordicwalkingtoday.com