Nordic Walking News

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Following the successful introduction last year of Nordic Walking as an official division of the Portland (USA) Marathon (one of the biggest and most established Marathons in the world), the event committee has increased their support for Nordic Walking by hosting the Nordic Walking World Marathon Championships (26.2 Miles) at this years event to be staged on 1st October.

The Nordic Walking World Marathon Championships is open to Nordic Walkers of all skill and ability levels. Nordic Walkers will all start together and be chip timed like all other participants. It is anticipated that the event will attract Nordic Walkers from all over the USA as well as a strong contingent from Europe.

The Portland Marathon events committee believes Nordic Walking is a natural fit for a marathon that welcomes walkers and is held in a city that is often considered the most walker friendly city in the US.

Says Race Director Les Smith - " Nordic Walking is extremely popular in Europe and I've noticed a dramatic increase in the US in recent years. Nordic Walking is experiencing the most growth as a fitness activity for numerous reasons, the competitive aspect is a natural evolution of this increased awareness".

US based Nordic Walking pole manufacturer 'Fittrek' who also have a strong background in education will facilitate this years event.

Fittrek President Dan Barrett says - "In addition to recruiting participants, Fittrek will provide the resources to allow them to make it to the finnish line. First and foremost we want participants to have a fun and safe experience".


To learn more about The Portland Martahon visit: www.portlandmarathon.org

For training tips and questions contact: tony@nordicwalkingclubs.com

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I love Nordic Walking. I bought my poles in February and have been using them almost every day since. I am 87 years old and have always been into fitness. I have always wanted to participate in cross country and now I feel I am doing it. Thank you for your newsletter. I sure look forward to it.

ED Dillon
Northern California

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Thanks to Nordic Walking News Contributor - Jeanne Goldberg for sending me this photo of her team of Nordic Walkers at the "Strides for Stroke" 5K Walk organised by Delaware Valley Stroke Council in Philadelphia, USA.

This is the first time that a team of Nordic Walkers have entered this event. Jeanne Goldberg (team captain) is the lady to the left of the photo, wearing the number 453.

Note: I am always pleased to receive newsworthy items / photos for posting.

David

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I'm now back from vacation and pulling out all the stops re: Making that "Major Announcement". My vacation Internet access challenges are behind me and I've made alternative arrangement to work around one of my key team players who is suffering with health issues... So,I'm now back on track.

All being well - I am hoping to make my announcement very soon - I am keeping my fingers crossed.

As a thank you to you all for your patience, I have arranged for a free Nordic Walking gift for you, which I will tell you about as soon as I make the announcement.

Best Regards

David Downer
Editor

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Following on from the recent announcement that pole manufacturers Exel have formed a strategic partneship in the USA with Reebok... Now pole manufacturers Leki have announced a strategic partnership with The Wacoal Sports Science Corporation, makers of CW-X® Conditioning Wear (www.cw-x.com)

The agreement begins immediately and focuses on the growing popularity of Nordic Walking and trekking.

Another - Excellent bit of news for Nordic Walking!

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With thanks to Special Correspondent - Jeanne Goldberg, ANWA instructor in Philadelphia for this information. For information on Jeanne's classes email: nordicwalking4u@aol.com
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Hi Everyone...

I'm posting right now whilst on vacation in the Sun! Just wanted you to know that I have just placed an update re the "Major Announcement" mentioned last week (see previous posting below) - Over at Nordic Walking eCommunity..

To check it out visit:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nordicwalkingecommunity

Have a great day...

David

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Back in January (only 5 months ago) - I set up Nordic Walking eCommunity:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nordicwalkingecommunity .....

... As an Online Forum for Nordic Walkers across the world - One of the early postings mentioned a Dutch Nordic Walking Forum that had 300 members - Wow - 300 members I thought! I wondered how long it would take me to get 300 members - I now know the answer - Less than 5 months - I'm really pleased...

300 members and nearly 400 postings / replies in less than 5 months!

A big thank you to all members of Nordic Walking News who support and continue to support Nordic Walking eCommunity... Actually the 300 members of Nordic Walking eCommunity only represents a fraction of the membership of Nordic Walking News (I accept that not everyone is into Forums)...

But - If you haven't registered and taken a look... why don't you pop over and see what it's all about?

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nordicwalkingecommunity - Check it out...

As always - Thank you everyone for your support - It's really appreciated...

THANK YOU!

David