Still Walking with a bum thumb!

I had thumb surgery on Nov 11th which has temporarily put a stop to using 2 poles for walking, but I have started to walk again using 1 pole! Hopefully, the thumb will be usable by the first ski day and there after for Nordic walking!

10,000 Steps "It is easier than you think"

Why walk:
• The Surgeon General recommends 30 minutes of exercise per day • Easy most popular form of exercise • Free, no cost • No equipment needed (although good walking shoes are helpful) • More likely to eat healthy too • Requires no special skill • No special clothing needed •

You can walk anywhere at anytime Benefits:
• Exercise increases basal metabolic rate (BMR) • Maintain muscles • Reduces blood pressure • Reduces blood lipids • Increases self esteem • Improves your mood • Reduces stress • Reduces tile risk of osteoporosis. -' ". ' *,.,., • Strengthens back muscles

The challenge: 10,000 steps or 15 ways to leave your sofa (and get moving)

Shared by: Joan Clan ton, Nutrition Teaching Cornell Cooperative Extension
WARREN COUNTY
Cooperative Extension
WARREN COUNTY

10,000 STEPS
It's Easier Than You Think"

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Warren County 377 Schroon River Road Warrensburg, NY 12885
Tele: 518-623-3291 518-668-4881 Fax: 518-668-4912
Email -warren@cornell.edu
http://counties.cce.cornell.edu/warren/

For the complete article click here and select "10,000 Steps"

Have Fun and Get Fit & More

Places to walk in the Lake George, Queensbury, Glens Falls, areas in New York State. Published by the Warren Washington County Healthy Heart Program.

Information provided by The Warren-Washington County Healthy Heart Program New York

TAKE A WALK ON THE LOCAL SIDE:

Indoors:

AVIATION MALL: FREE OPEN 7 AM -1 O PM MOST DAYS

3 TIMES AROUND = 2 MILES

INFO: 798-O366

Civic CENTER:
$ 1 O YEARLY FEE
OPEN 7AM — 7PM MOST DAYS
6 TIMES AROUND = 1 MILE
INFO: 798-O366

YMCA:

SENIOR SWIM-FEE $ 1 FRIDAY FROM 3:OO~5:OO

INFO: 793-3878

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL SCHOOL TO
SEE WHAT FACILITIES THEY HAVE OPEN FOR PUBLIC USE! TRACK FIELDS, TENNIS COURTS, BASKETBALL COURTS, SWIMMING POOL, PLAYGROUNDS, ETC.

Outdoors:
HOVEY POND PARK QUEENSBURY

3 1/2 TIMES AROUND = 1 MILE

INFO: 761-8216
FEEDER CANAL PARK GLENS FALLS, HUDSON FALLS &
FT. EDWARD
7 MILE STONE DUST TRAIL
INFO: 792-5363

CRANDALL PARK GLENS FALLS
4.7 MILES OF EASY NATURE TRAILS

INFO: 761-3813

UP YONDABOLTON LANDING 2 MILES OF TRAILS ON 72 ACRES

INFO: 644-9767

For the full article click here and select "local places to walk"

Nordic Walking in Washington DC

Nordic Walking,running,biking or just walking is a lot of fun in Washington DC. Not only do you get your exercise you can get "educated" as well. There are so many historical sites and places to visit in the DC area such as the Lincoln Memorial at night.
On a recent trip to DC in Jan., which included the presidential inauguration, I walked every where. Just within the National Mall itself there are many of the famous museums, monuments and parks. Walking from the US Capital building to the Lincoln Memorial is 1.9miles. The Washington Monument is about halfway between the to 2 points.

One of my favorite routes is walking through Arlington National Cemetery.This area has many hills which is nice to add to your route.
It is a very "sobering" place as you reflect into your thoughts as you walk past the Tomb of the Unknown Solders, the memorials to the astronauts who perished in space, the graves of former presidents and mostly the thousands of graves of military people.
The most chilling aspect, to me, of this Cemetery, is the vastness of the white grave stones, they are lined up as far as the eye can see in most places. It really makes you wonder about the United States, its history, the present day and its future.


So next time you head to Washington DC, grab your Nordic Walking poles and enjoy your walking and all the sites.

Winter Nordic Walking

Don't let winter stop you from enjoying Nordic Walking. Add some traction (ice or snow cleats) to the bottom of your shoes or boots and add studded tips to your poles and you are set for walking on snowy or icy trails with safe , secure footing.

Nordic Walking with Snowshoes ....by "nordicwalker of Minnesota

Check it out , Nordic Walking with Snowshoes!

Nordic Walkers look like confused skiers!

Nordic Walking in the land of the Kiwi's.

By LAURA JACKSON - Manawatu Standard Tuesday, 25 November 2008

Nordic Walking at Moreau Lake State Park

Enjoy some great trails for Nordic Walking, snowshoeing or cross country skiing this winter at Moreau Lake State Park in Ganesvoort, NY.

Nordic Walking at its' Ultimate Level?

Racingtheplanet.com sponsors a world class sporting event called the 4 Deserts.
Here is their mission statement.

"MISSION
To challenge individuals to go beyond their athletic frontiers through two world class sporting events: the 4 Deserts series and a fifth ‘roving’ race, while exploring the most remote landscapes and ancient cultures on the planet.
To provide the knowledge, innovative products and services to enable all aspiring individuals to succeed in RacingThePlanet events and to inspire them with a life-enhancing experience.
To document and contribute to improving the lives of ethnic minorities and tribes in the areas we explore, and to encourage and support competitors in raising funds for their charities. "

What caught my attention to this "ultimate person challenge" event was an article and photograph in my local newspaper, The Post Star today, about a local doctor, Doug Girling, who participated in the "Sahara Race" one a of 4 of the 4 Desert. What really caught my eye was the people in the photograph, they were all using walking or trekking poles! If you look at some of the photos posted in their site you will see many used poles in these events.

I would say the 155 mile race through the Sahara Desert using poles is the ultimate Nordic Walking trek!

Check all the races in this series! This is truly inspiring!

Nordic Walking in historic Saratoga Spa State Park

Nordic Walking in Saratoga Spa State Park is like taking a step back in time.

The park is full of natural springs and geysers. There are many miles of walking trails that wind through the park,along the river and past many springs and geysers.

"By the mid 1800’s bathing in the mineral waters had become a popular health treatment with several bathhouses in operation in Saratoga Springs. Saratoga had become the seasonal “Watering Hole” for the rich and famous, and was referred to as “The Queen of Spas.”

Saratoga Springs is also famous for it's horse-racing tack.

If you are in the Saratoga Springs area check out the Spa State Park and the track.

"A Big Piece of History" by Claire Walter

Interesting article by Clair Walter. "A Big Piece of History on YouTube"

Nordic Walking featured in advertising!

This e-mail came across my computer recently. If you look closely you will see the people in the photograph are using Nordic Walking poles!

"Poles for Mobility"

Please check this article and web site about "Poles for Mobility"

JAYAH FAYE PALEY is a mobility coach and personal trainer. She's the creator of the only comprehensive education on how to use poles – 2 DVDS: POLES for Hiking, Trekking & Walking and POLES for Balance & Mobility. She teaches pole, walking & fitness seminars for National Parks, senior centers, Parkinson's & MS groups, and leads hikes for the Sierra Club. Her company and websites focus on helping people to improve mobility and to more completely enjoy their outdoor experiences and lives.
Jayah is a breast cancer survivor; she has and manages lymphedema. She is the co-founder of the Lymphedema Education & Exercise Group at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco.

In their own words, "How Nordic Walking has Benefited My Life"

In their own words........

"Several years ago, I began walking to help deal with a medical condition. I reached the point were I was averaging 3 mile walks, six or seven days a week. In July, my doctor suggested that I needed to increase the amount and/or intensity of my exercise in order to maintain the medical benefit. I took Jeanne's Nordic Walking class in early October and have been Nordic Walking ever since. I have found that my walking pace has increased (probably due to having to swing my arms with the poles). I have also been able to walk longer distances as the poles bear some of my weight and keep my feet from getting tired. An additional benefit has been a loosening of my upper back so that I can turn my neck and shoulders more easily when backing my car. I believe that Nordic Walking has had a positive affect on my health. Thanks for introducing me to Nordic Walking, Jeanne."

Tom D. Queensbury,NY

Nordic Walking at Night and Safety Visibility

In the Eastern part of the United States, where I live, we have just gone onto Standard Daylight Time. That means it is dark when I get out of work. I still Nordic walk.

However, it is import to be seen by motorist and others when Nordic Walking at night.

I wear a reflective vest with a blinking red light on the front. I have reflective stickers on my poles. I have reflective strips on my shoes (that are part of my walking shoes). There are many items of reflectivibilty you can add to your wardrobe so you are seen at night.

The main thing is to be seen and avoid any accidents.

Please be careful, be smart and be seen at night when Nordic walking.

Remember to walk on the sidewalks or the side of the street and walk facing the direction the vehicles are coming.

Take care and enjoy Nordic Walking at night!

Shoes for winter Nordic Walking

If you are serious about keeping up with your Nordic Walking in the winter you might consider a pair of Icebug's made specially for those hardy winter Nordic Walkers and runners. These shoes have a studded sole so you can maintain your natural stride on icy, snowy surfaces.

Nordic Walking in Zermat, Switzerland

Nordic Walking can be enjoyed in any season. If you are heading to Europe there are thousands of places to Nordic Walk. One of them being in Zermat, Switzerland. I visited Zermat in Feb. of 2008 to ski but also saw many wonderful trails for hiking and walking as well. Next time I am back in Europe, I will definitely Nordic Walk(and ski too).

Wintery Weather and Nordic Walking.

It is October 27, 2008 and it is time to get out the shovels and warm outerwear! Mother nature is going to provide to us with a taste of winter, early!

No fear, one can Nordic Walk all year round. Nordic Walking poles have a metal tip to use on the snow and also one can use a rubber tip with metal studs too! So dress in layers and head out in the snow.

If it is too icy you can add a pair of Yaktrax to your boots or shoes. http://www.yaktrax.com/

"Yaktrax practically eliminate slips on ice and packed snow because of the fantastic traction you get...with hundreds of biting edges...in all directions.They work like tire chains for your shoes."

In any event, get outdoors and enjoy!

Stretching Before and After Exercising

A few helpful hits on stretching before and after exercising from the good folks at Nordic Walk Now.

Dressing for Cool Weather Nordic Walking

Now that the weather is turing cooler, you might need to add a few extra layers of breathable, moisture wicking clothing,. These types of clothes(ones made of moisture wicking materials) allows sweat and moisture to be moved away from your skin to help keep you warm and dry.

Adding a hat also helps keep warmth in.

You might also want to wear a light pair of gloves.

By layering your clothing you can always remove a layer if you at too warm or after you have started your activity. Once you finish you can put it back on to avoid becoming cold.

Make sure to keep hydrated even in the cooler weather as your body is still perspiring!

Nordic Walking the Book by Claire Walter

Nordic Walking - The Book
Nordic Walking, a comprehensive book about all aspects of Nordic Walking, will be published in 2008 or 2009 by Hatherleigh Press.

Quote from Claire Walter on her soon to be released book.

"I'm a journalist, not a Nordic Walking instructor, so my book is objective and factual. I discuss instruction and technique (and there's more than just one !) but do not advocate one over others. I write about equipment (again without bias for or against any brand or type of pole). I also include wellness/fitness issues, clothing, competition, Nordic Walking groups and travel."

Nordic Walking on the Betar Byway

Oct 19, 2008

A great afternoon on the Betar Byway in South Glens Falls, NY. Close to Glens Falls and Queensbury yet you feel like you are out of the city.
Check it out and I understand this is plowed in the winter so happy Nordic Walking winter style!
Jeanne
ANW
The Betar Byway
and the SGF Beach Bikeway Extension
in the Village of South Glens Falls, NY
The Betar Byway is a paved path that follows the shoreline of the Hudson River in the Village of South Glens Falls for approximately .6 mile. The SGF Beach Bikeway extension is a 1.3 mile gravel road on a wooded bluff overlooking the river. Together they offer a pleasant half-day of birding through several types of habitat. Birding the entire trail system will take you through mixed woods, riverfront, a small wetland area and the beach itself. Pets must be leashed at all times.
Directions
There are two entrances to the Betar Byway. From the southern entrance you may also access both the SGF Bikeway Extension and the beach area. To reach this entrance, use exit 17N (South Glens Falls exit) of I-87 and proceed north on Rt 9. Travel 4.5 miles north on Rt 9 and take a left onto Beach Rd - directly across from the intersection of Rts 9 & 32. Straight ahead you will see the Village of South Glens Falls DPW garage. You may park in the cleared area near the sign to the left of the roadway at the southern end of the garage. The Bikeway extension trail starts here. Continue on Beach Rd down the hill and park at the bottom of the hill and walk to the right to access the Betar Byway trail; continue on the road to the left to access the beach area. Do not trespass on the SGF reservoir lands! Alternately, travel 5.6 miles north on Rt 9 after exiting at 17N, turn left onto First St - watch for a small blue sign "South Glens Falls Historical Park" on the corner. Go to the end of the road and park in the parking lot adjacent to the trailhead near the gazebo.
The Betar Byway paved walking/biking pathThe path overlooks the river for much of its lengthWood Ducks and kingfishers love this spotView from the overlook on the bikeway extension trail

Birding the Byway
The paved Betar Byway meanders along the river and is flanked by pockets of predominately deciduous trees with tangled undergrowth, providing good habitat for ground and low elevation nesters. Forty-three different species of trees provide a wide variety of nesting places and food sources. Commonly seen during the summer months are Eastern Wood-Peewee, Eastern Phoebe, Great-crested Flycatcher, Cedar Waxwing, House Wren, Eastern Bluebird, Wood Thrush, Brown Creeper, both Warbling and Red-eyed Vireo, Scarlet Tanager, Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Song Sparrow and Northern Cardinal. Chimney Swifts are seen frequently in summer as well. Blackbirds, both nuthatches, chickadees, titmice, catbirds and mockingbirds are seen year-round. As might be expected in this habitat, Downy, Hairy and Pileated Woodpeckers will be sighted year round; Northern Flicker as well. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker has been sighted in spring and summer.
Birding is generally slower in the fall and winter months. Resident jays, cardinals, goldfinches, nuthatches and chickadees will be sighted along the path and Mallard, American Black Duck, Bufflehead, Ring-necked Duck, Common and Hooded Mergansers may be seen on the river. Northern Flicker, Belted Kingfisher and Eastern Bluebird have over-wintered here the last two years. Bald Eagles have been sighted as well. The river trail is cleared of snow in the winter.
Late winter and early spring migration will bring Green-winged Teal, Common Goldeneye, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, both Hooded and Common Mergansers, and American Black Ducks as well as Mallards and Wood Ducks that remain to nest. Pied-billed Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Spotted Sandpiper, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, may be sighted during April and May. The spring migration period will find the woods harboring a large variety of songbirds - warblers in particular. Blackburnian, Canada, Black-throated Green, Blue-winged, Yellow-rumped, Magnolia, and Black-and-white Warblers have all been sighted. Also returning during this period are several species of vireos, flycatchers, and both Tree and Northern Rough-winged Swallows. Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat and American Redstart remain to nest and summer can be an interesting time to visit as well.
The South Glens Falls Beach Bikeway Extension is a mixed oak and pine woods, and as expected, woodpeckers, creepers, titmouse, and chickadees are prevalent. Also sighted here in the past have been both Sharp-shinned and Cooper's Hawks.
Check the flooded area near beach entrance for gnatcatchers, woodpeckers, ducks and warblers. Northern Flicker families are often seen on the grassy areas. The wet areas and river setbacks adjacent to the beach concession stand building have yielded Wood Ducks, Great-crested Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, and House Wren during nesting season. In early winter, Snow Buntings have been sighted on the beach and Spotted Sandpiper is often seen during migration times. This oasis of mixed habitat can be very productive.A birding brochure, which includes a checklist for this site, is available in the literature holder at the First Street entrance, courtesy of Southern Adirondack Audubon.

Nordic Walking at Hovey Pond

October 19, 2008

What a beautiful day for Nordic Walking. In the morning I walked at Hovey Pond .

The weather is turning cooler yet I like it this way! I know winter will be here soon.

If you have a chance and are in the Queensbury NY area check out Hovey Pond.

Jeanne
ANW


Hovey Pond
Lafayette Street
Hovey Pond is situated in the heart of Queensbury between Lafayette Street and Glenwood Avenue, and offers a variety of passive recreational activities. The pond offers a handicapped-accessible fishing platform and is stocked with brook and brown trout. The 12-acre recreational area is ideal for fishing, bird watching, walking, or just enjoying the beauty of nature - especially the floral gardens which were created and maintained by the Friends of Hovey Pond. A historical timeline, located at the northeast corner of the park, traces the evolution of the park and details the history of the site back to the French & Indian War (1755). Visitors to the park will enjoy the landscape which is dotted with a variety of soft and hardwood trees, indigenous to the northeast. In the winter season, a portion of the pond is cleared and maintained for ice skating.
A group of over 20 volunteers gathered in the fall of 2004, under the direction of the Staff from Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District, to install a 200' long by 6' wide elevated wooden walkway that extends out into the marsh area and terminates at a 12' by 12' observation platform. A large gazebo is located at the trail head and will function as an educational kiosk for applicable information on aquatic wildlife and wetland habitat. A park master plan is nearly complete ( designed by the architectural firm of Miller Associates - Queensbury).

Getting in Shape for Skiing

(Photo shot in Switzerland)

Fall is near the weather is turning cooler and thoughts turn from walking and hiking to skiing! So what do I do to increase my fitness for the up coming ski season. I take a hike using trekking poles! Hiking the local ski trails or mountains is fine for me.I love to hike in the fall and can also enjoy the beautiful colors of the leaves, especially here in the East of the US. Hiking really gets the quads(thigh) muscles in shape which is a big part of "being in shape" for ski season. A bit more work-out for the arms and abs as well are added to my program as well! During the week days, I still Nordic Walk after work but come the week-ends I head for the hills!