Tried out my Nordic Walking poles today with a 3k route with hubby. Hubby joined me without poles, but his company helped with me being a bit self-conscious, walking awkwardly with my two new poles.
It reminded me of when I started running more than two years ago, and probably the first two weeks of C25k: I got up before 6 am to run, to run when no one was looking!
I’m confident this feeling will pass, also currently with my new poles. But having hubby here really helps at the beginning of this journey.
The NW UK website has a Bingo sheet able to be downloaded, and that can be used on your various NW walks, where you tick off the numbers that represent how many times you get asked, “Where’s the snow?” It all helps a bit when starting to Nordic Walk, which can feel a bit funny.
So how did it go?
A Full-Body Workout: Well, first, I think it’s true what they say about NW being a full-body workout! It is like, and even feels a bit like using a cross-trainer while moving through the landscape.
It is surprisingly effort-intensive, as you push yourself forward by pushing back with your arms on your poles. Now it was after midday and very sunny, so this contributed to the sweat level I was experiencing. But I can certainly confirm: full-body workout! 😃💪👍
Trail-ness: And it is surprisingly good for walking up hills, or stepping up ledges, both in terms of speed and keeping one’s niggling knees completely happy.
On the narrow winding paths, it was a bit difficult keeping the poles on the path while giving my feet enough space. Putting the poles in long grass verges has its own resistance that slows the walk down. I tried double poling in these sections, which works better than the alternate tic-tocking of the poles.
Supporting your Back: the biggest reason for me to try Nordic Walking is my niggling back, which aches when walking for short periods (but strangely not when running). But on this whole 3k run, my back held up without any aches, so this is a big win.
Feet: I had my New Balance by Hierro Foam running trail shoes on. I allocated these to my walking some time ago. I reasoned that I needed good cushioning in the heel anyway, as well as being designed for trails. They are also flexible enough, and I can feel how walking with poles allows me to have a wider stride. With smaller strides, I still need to get the hang of it as it needs a quicker turnaround of both feet and poles. I will have to ask in my training session what is better, smaller or larger stride.
So overall, a great start to my NW exploration. It’s more exhausting than I thought but demonstrably gentler on my knees and back!
I refrained from any more fancy techniques; I still have the Advanced Nordic Training session to come at the end of May. So I’m saving up the things I still want to try out, the more fancy techniques and also Nordic Running. It will need to wait for the future.
First, my goal is to get used to walking with NW poles. It’s a different posture and movement pattern and needs a bit of practice.
Happy walking, everyone!
Race walking for those who want to give it a try.
First walk for 3 days 😐
