Dear Fellow Nordic Walking Enthusiast

Some of you might think that the gent on the left is not a particularly good role model for the nation’s children! After all he is clearly over weight – even clinically obese! Should he be Nordic Walking during the larger part of the year when he is laid off?

Photo credit:www.dailybreeze.com

When you open this week’s issue of Nordic Walking News Weekly it will be Christmas Eve or perhaps even Christmas Day! Or, you might have been busy and decided to wait a few days (assuming you are that patient!) Come what may, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to read our publication over past weeks. It’s quite amazing to think that this is the seventeenth edition!

We have had a significant number of emails so far during our run. All have been supportive and the many and various attachments have helped populate the photo gallery over on the Nordic Walking eCommunity forum! I have always felt that the gallery was a resource which we were not utilising, so keep your photos coming.

I received an email last week from Manfred Latein of Karlsruhe, Germany. Manfred was simply letting me know that he applauded the international status of NWNW and that for him, being a part of the world wide fellowship of Nordic Walkers was very re-assuring.

Readers who are also members of the forum might recall I posted an item a few weeks ago which listed the many countries from which members come. I would guess that our readership here will be very similar in scope. At the last count there were seventeen nations represented on the forum. That’s quite staggering.
So, David and I would like to thank you, and to wish you all a Happy Christmas.

Please keep in touch by emailing me at:

malcolm(dot)jarvis97(at)yahoo(dotcom)

Alternatively, you can post a message in the comments box at the bottom of this page.

I’ll now hand you over to our owner/publisher (David Downer) who has a very important video message for you regarding a special time limited ‘Founder Member’ offer in connection with our brand new project NordicWalkingMagazine.com which is due to launch in January.”

Look after yourself and have a great Nordic Walking Holiday week.

Malcolm Jarvis
Editor

NordicWalkingMagazine.com Launch – Just Weeks Away!

nordicwalking_davidportrait3Hello everyone it’s David Downer (Publisher). Last week I announced the forthcoming launch of our new paid subscription “gateway” website NordicWalkingMagazine.com which will incorporate Nordic Walking News Weekly; NordicWalkingeCommunity.com (our Forum) and our brand new periodical Nordic Walking Magazine. I ended by saying that this week I will announce details of a special Founder Member offer.

Everything to know is included in the video (below). If it fails to load on your computer, or you’d simply prefer to read the announcement, I have posted the text version on the “News” page, which you can access via the “News Tab” at the top of this page.

You can also watch the video on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=El0dKJkAOY0 Perhaps you’d do that anyway? I could do with some nice comments in the “comments box” after the video on that page :-)

Before I go, may I take this opportunity to wish you, your family and loved ones a Very Happy & Peaceful Christmas. Thank you so much for your support this past year, I couldn’t do any of this without it! I really appreciate it! – David.

Help Us to Help You

Please help us to provide you with the best service possible, including email notification as each edition is published and occasional important updates, by simply registering your “first name” and “email” at www.nordicwalkingnewsonline.com Your details will be treated with 100% confidentiality and not passed to anyone.”

The Portland Marathon

I’m sure that many of you will have heard about the marathon hosted by the city of Portland, Oregon US. The Marathon Event Committee included the first Nordic Walking section in 2005 and the event looked set to be very popular. However, since that time, the numbers taking part have diminished; I gather that entries in 2009 were around twelve.

Photo credit: www.ctf.org

You might think that such competitions are of minority interest and even might consider that Nordic Walking is not a suitable candidate for long distance events. For my part I would prefer to always see such occasions run along non-competitive lines yet providing participants with an opportunity to set a personal challenge…

Importantly, city organised events help to showcase our activity. My growing concern is that eventually the organisers might think that it’s not worth the effort and eventually withdraw the option. That approach might then spread to other locations where similar events take place.

Postings over on the forum have offered numerous speculations as to why the Portland event has lost ground. Perhaps it’s the economic climate, or that there has not been enough publicity, or simply that the full marathon distance is just too far. I have been in touch with Judy Heller who is the co-ordinator of the walking components of the event and in her reply Judy says:

“…..As with most things physical, our population has ebbs and flow. I don’t think NW has been embraced enthusiastically in general. There are pockets of interest, but not long term. What would help the division is if there were a company engaged with Nordic Walking business that wanted to be a sponsor, support and market it. I haven’t met with the race director, so I don’t know the future for 2010……..”

Thanks to Judy Heller at: www.wondersofwalking.com

I suspect that many Nordic Walkers have taken up the activity as a form of exercise have no expectations to “extend the envelope”. There will also be a number of former runners who have perhaps developed joint problems and shudder at the prospect of long distance events.

Given that Nordic Walking is still very much in its infancy and very much underdeveloped at this level it might be more realistic to offer the half marathon distance. Also, it is clear that sponsorship and promotion is greatly needed. Regarding the latter please contact the Event Director, Les Smith on: lsmith(at)bulardlaw(dotcom)
If you have any thoughts about this issue then please feel free to contact me at:

malcolm(dot)jarvis97(at)yahoo(dotcom)

February 2010

nortyIn the UK, the heart charity, British Heart Foundation, or BHF, has declared February 2010 “National Heart Month”. The BHF is encouraging us all to take part in some way; challenge your office to have a “wear red day” and start a collection on behalf of the charity. Or, you could organise a sponsored Nordic Walk.

Check out Nordic Walking UK to see if they are arranging anything for that month www.nordicwalking.co.uk

The BHF have a free fundraising kit which you can get at www.bhf.org.uk/red or call 0845 241 0976.

Image of Norty courtesy www.nordicwalking.co.uk

Exel Poles – Some Clarification?

A fellow Nordic Walking instructor brought to my attention a reference on a web site which suggested that the Finnish manufacturer Exel was making Nordic Walking poles once more. The site had included the words “Exel Sports Oy, based in Finland………..”

Exel Sports Oy was a subsidiary of Exel Oyj and records show that “Exel Sports Oy” no longer exists. Exel Oyj sold its outdoor sports business to Karhu Sports Oy in 2008 along with the licence to use the name “Exel” on their poles. After this, Exel Oyj rebranded itself “Exel Composites Oyj” and now focuses on producing carbon fibre products for industry.

What does seem to be causing some confusion is the appearance on the scene of a company called ESB Sport GmbH. ESB stands for “Exel Sports Brand” and as yet I have not established its exact relationship to Karhu. It does not, however, have anything to do with Exel the company. What does seem evident is that movement in the sports goods industry seems to be very rapid and complicated.

As Exel played such a key role in the development of Nordic Walking I have always taken an interest in the twists and turns of that company. An article explaining this interesting history is planned for a future edition of Nordic Walking Magazine.

Photo credit: www.nordicwalking.co.uk

Our Tee Shirts Find Favour in Florida

You might recall that in Issue 12 of NWNW I included correspondence received from Lindy Smith, a Nordic Walking instructor based in Fort Myers, Florida US.

Lindy’s recent email to us includes photos of her sporting the very latest trend in “I Love Nordic Walking” tee shirts (as obtained from the shop of your favourite publication). It must be nice to be able to currently wear one outdoors!
Needless to say, it’s too late to purchase for Christmas, but Easter isn’t far away!

Photo courtesy Lindy Smith

‘Waterproof Trousers’ Strikes Again!

Do you remember last week I included an extract from an internet posting which had been discovered by Claire Walter – it contained the reference to “dignified blood pressure”? It looks as if “Waterproof Trousers” has struck again! This time the text includes gems such as:

“This to all intents can eyeball to eyeball in defiance of inasmuch as a jammed aeon so is understandably sympathetic if you are hypertensive (have collected blood pressure).”
And……

“Last week David mentioned our developing Nordic Walking contemplate and today he lets the cat broken of the two- bagger.

Claire thought this stuff was a mechanical translation…… I wonder?

First Aid – Keep Up To Speed

I recently received the usual Winter newsletter from the organisation which provided my first aid training here in Leeds (for fitness instructors a recognised certificate in first aid, which includes skills in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation or CPR, is a requirement).

Photo credit: www.cityu.edu.hk

Both my course and certification was organised through Underwood Training at www.underwood-training.co.uk and Helen Underwood likes to alert us to developments in the world of medical first aid.

In her seasonal newsletter she mentions some of the general causes of people having to attend accident and emergency facilities at the local hospital over the Holiday, so beware:

* Electric shock from watering the Christmas tree with the tree lights still plugged into the power supply.
* Accidents after using a sharp knife instead of a screwdriver.
* Testing 9V batteries on the tongue has caused cardiac arrest.
* Visits to casualty after trying to open beer bottles with teeth.

We all know that if you reside in the UK the emergency telephone number is 999. However, the number 112 is the European equivalent and Helen advises it is better at picking up mobile networks than is 999. So, if you are in an area of poor reception and are having difficulties with 999 try 112 instead.

Helen also suggests including at least two ICE (In Case of Emergency) numbers in your mobile phone. Paramedics often find an injured person’s mobile phone but often do not know which logged number to call if the casualty is unable to tell them. More than one number is needed in the event that the one choice is not available. Simply call them ICE 1, ICE 2 etc. Do this now and also get the rest of your family to do the same with their phones.

Helen’s timely information reminded me that doing the first aid course, getting the certificate and then resting on one’s laurels is potentially dangerous. As with most skills, first aid is something which needs frequent revision and practice. Hopefully as an instructor you will never need to put the skill into practice but you do need to be ready and up to speed. However, imagine coming across a non Nordic Walking related accident and not being able to act because you have forgotten what to do!

Every once in a while re-read your manual and mentally rehearse some of the procedures. What do you do if one of your clients suddenly “folds up” on you? Can you remember what anaphylactic shock is? Should you carry aspirin in your first aid kit? Do a brainstorm and write down some procedures. Last but not least, it’s good practice to keep up to speed with the latest thinking in first aid protocols.

Talking of Christmas Trees

The United Kingdom was introduced to the Christmas tree in 1841 when Queen Victoria’s consort, Prince Albert imported the custom from his native Germany. The first tree was put up in Windsor Castle and then, as now, what the Royal Family did quickly started a trend. The well off of the country soon started having trees and the practice quickly spread throughout the colonies.

Decorations for trees were developed in the latter part of the nineteenth century and the first tree to be illuminated by electric lights was in 1882 when Edward Johnson, a colleague of Thomas Edison, illuminated a tree using 80 small electric bulbs.

The Jarvis household has used an artificial tree now for many years, but I do miss that evocative smell of the real thing.

Photo credit: www.sacramentoscoop.com

Nordic Walking Gifts (with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee)

frontwomenLooking for some unique Nordic Walking Gifts for family members and friends or even yourself? As I mentioned earlier it’s now too late for Christmas but even so why not check out David’s “Nordic Walking Merchandise” Website. There is a large range of gifts & apparel to choose from. All include one of a unique range of Nordic Walking graphics commissioned especially for David.

Choose from Nordic Walking T-Shirts; Sweatshirts; Baseball Caps; Mugs; Buttons / Badges; Bumper Stickers and a whole lot more besides. Items for men, women, children and even dogs. Each item is competively priced and can be shipped worldwide. However; please be aware that all items are shipped from the “USA”. If you are not USA based please allow extra time for international shipping.

These gift items are only available from: www.nordicwalkinggifts.com

Note: For Money Back Guarantee Terms see: http://shop.cafepress.com/satisfactionguarantee

Erratum

I’m afraid that last week both David and I made a few typing errors in various places in the text. The poem from Australia contained a couple of mistakes (which have been corrected). In the last line of my article “DragonFly Bytheriver” which was about a trip to San Leonardo I stated it was ‘San Lorenzo’.
So, apologies for the errors.

Photo credit: www.liquidmatrix.org

On This Day In History

On another Christmas Eve some ninety five years ago Christmas for some in part of Europe was spent in a very different way. The evening of 24 December 1914 saw the start of an improvised truce between the combatants on the Western Front of World War One. The truce was not organised by governments, generals or officials but by the ordinary soldiers themselves and provided a brief interlude of sanity.

Men from both sides left their trenches and joined together in the middle on “no-mans’ land” where they exchanged cigarettes and showed each other pictures of their loved ones. A German soldier recorded in his diary:

“The English brought a soccer ball from the trenches and pretty soon a lively game ensued. How marvellously wonderful, yet how strange it was. The English officers felt the same way about it. Thus Christmas, the celebration of Love, managed to bring mortal enemies together as friends for a time”.

And Finally – The End of the Countdown

At last here are the last two “tips” provided courtesy of the American College of Sports Medicine: www.acsm.org

Think on that it’s far harder to shed pounds than it is to put them on. I ought to know!

Photo credit: www.stockvault.com

9. Don’t deny yourself the pleasures of eating desserts. It’s too hard to resist the delicious desserts that are set out at holiday time. Love pie – top it off with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream. Prefer cake – don’t forget to get as much icing as you can. Crave holiday cookies – keep them handy so you can eat them whenever the urge arises.

10. Don’t exercise. You hardly have enough time to do the whole array of festivities that typically occur during the holiday season. Why be physically active when you have more important things to do. The only purposeful movement that makes sense is reaching for more food or another drink. What’s a few extra pounds? You can lose them whenever you want. How hard could that be?

Note: To read “Tips 1 – 8″ check out issue 14; 15 & 16 which you can access via the “Recent Posts” section in the right hand column on this page.

Nordic Walking Step By Step

Have you read David Downer’s book “Nordic Walking Step by Step”?

This popular enthusiast’s book was the first Nordic Walking book to be written and published in English. It includes David’s easy to follow beginners “10 Step Nordic Walking Training Program” (excellent for all who are just getting started and / or for those wanting to get the most out of the technique). It also includes advanced techniques; information on poles and other equipment; FAQ’s and so much much more.

For more details and / or to download your FREE 4 chapter excerpt, please Click Here!

Your Contributions Are Welcome!

Please remember that your contributions to this newsletter are always very welcome (wherever you live!); e.g:

* Your Questions
* Brief Articles
* Photos
* Event Reports
* Event Notifications
* Reader’s Letter’s
* Product reviews
* Nutritional tips

Please email your contributions to: malcolm(dot)jarvis97(at)yahoo(dotcom)

Events: Help Needed!

Do you know of any forthcoming Nordic Walking or Nordic Walking “friendly” events / races. We need new content for our Events pages (see Events tab at top of page). We will include events in “any” country! Please send event details to:

malcolm(dot)jarvis97(at)yahoo(dotcom)

Other Publications By David Downer That May Interest You

* “Nordic Walking eCommunity”: Popular ‘English Language’ Nordic Walking Forum: Visit: www.nordicwalkingecommunity.com

* “Nordic Walking Gifts: Nordic Walking Merchandise Store. Large range of items, including, T Shirts; Baseball Caps; Mugs; Buttons; Bumper Stickers and much more! Visit: www.nordicwalkinggifts.com

Contact Us

To contact us about anything to do with Nordic Walking!

Please email: malcolm(dot)jarvis97(at)yahoo(dotcom)

Courteous Reminder

If you are not on our subscriber list yet; please help us to provide you with the best service possible, with priority notification by email, when each edition of Nordic Walking News Weekly is published. Occasionally we may notify you between issues, if we have Nordic Walking news that may be of interest to you.

Don’t worry; we won’t bombard you with emails! Of course you can unsubscribe at any time. To subscribe (it’s FREE) visit:

www.nordicwalkingnewsonline.com

Signing Off

Thank you for taking time out of your busy week to read Nordic Walking News Weekly; I really do appreciate it!

Until next week…

Happy Nordic Walking!

Malcolm Jarvis
Editor

“Published by David Downer
Copyright © Nordic Walking News Weekly 2009

Filed under: Uncategorized

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!