Often I have proselytized about treating  yourself to running shoes and also suggested ways to donate your old ones to charity.  However, after months of running on tired old Asics in the woods, I realized that I had not been practicing what I preached -- and so I went online and ordered a new pair which came yesterday.

(I believe in buying locally but given my very large feet, can not find shoes at any nearby running stores.  I have had excellent experience with Road Runner Sports and like that I can look over my past orders and keep track of when I really did buy that tired pair I strapped on this morning.)

So my new "boats" came yesterday and I took them for a run with the Vizsla this afternoon on a local out and back route on dirt roads.  What a difference!  Even with these aged legs, I took over a minute per mile off my recent training paces and even the dog, who was running beside me (or wherever she chose), enjoyed the slightly brisker pace.

It was just a nice morale booster as we lose the leaves and head into "stick season."  Again, I learned the benefits of investing in good fitness gear. It's great to be well-heeled again.  Now to decide which of the loyal, albeit muddy crew shown above, will get the axe.   Who do you vote for?

shoe photo by author

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Any sport becomes more fun when you have good gear and good equipment.  A new pair of running shoes or a lightweight bike adds a little speed and a lot of enjoyment to your workout.  The same goes for nordic walking.

 In my first post on nordic walking, I allowed how you probably have gear in the attic that will help you get started -- especially if funds are tight. However, for a modest investment, you can add zip and energy to your walks.  A book or video might also give you some good pointers.

Equipment

     Poles

Probably the best investment for making nordic walking more enjoyable and by doing so, give you a better workout, is a good pair of poles. I'd suggest that you stick to adjustable poles unless you have walked a lot with poles and know the length you like best.  Leki is one of the more popular brands and their Supreme model might be a good bet at a cost of about $100 US. 

Search Amazon.com and you'll find many options for walking poles from Swix, Colman, Power Walker, and others. You'll also find a book, The Ultimate Nordic Pole Pole Walking Book. There's also a DVD, Poles for Hiking, Treking, and Walking.

     Shoes

You can nordic walk in running shoes, walking shoes or hiking shoes.  I'd tend to use whatever is already comfortable and supportive and not spring for new shoes until you need replacements.

Nearly every active footwear company carries a women's walking shoe, but fewer make men's walking shoes and even fewer designate them as nordic walking shoes. Reebok has a specific nordic walking shoe for men.

 Technique

 While there's a lot to be said for just getting out and walking and not worrying about how to do it, some coaching or instruction can make your nordic walking more efficient. Here's some common sense instructions from the American Nordic Walking Association:

Every step should begin with the heel touching the ground and rolling forward to the ball and toe area, where you will push off to propel yourself forward.

The hands should constantly be in a “grip-n-go” state with the pole. They should grip the pole every time the pole hits the ground, then let it go as it is drawn back behind the body, finishing up with an open hand.

As the arms continue to move the poles, the torso and hips should be involved in a counter-swinging motion from the lower body. This effectively works the mid-torso muscle groups.

 Other Resources

Nordic Walk Now

Nordic Walking USA (contains long list of blogs and websites)

pole image from Leki website   shoe image from Reebok website

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