Hello Nordic walkers and friends of Nordic walking,
I reformatted the newsletter so it’s more readable and contains more information. I hope to get into a routine of sending it every couple of weeks.
Expect to see some additional free group walks added.
Leroy Hurt, Nordic Walking Guy
Table of Contents
Coming up
Nordic Walking Masterclass at Randall Family Park and Trailhead
Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 8:30 AM Central
Randall Family Park and Trailhead
201 Rice Mine Rd Loop
Tuscaloosa, AL 35406
Paid coaching. Master Nordic walking technique with tailored coaching and feedback.
Nordic Walking Together at Randall Family Park and Trailhead
Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 8:30 AM Central
Randall Family Park and Trailhead
201 Rice Mine Rd Loop
Tuscaloosa, AL 35406
No charge. Register ahead of time to provide a headcount.
Calves are your second heart
Out and about: Calves are your second heart
The calf muscles are easy to overlook, but they help support nearly every step we take. They contribute to walking propulsion, ankle stability, balance, and the ability to move confidently through everyday life.
Check out this Relive video about our recent group walk at Aldridge Gardens.
Calves are your second heart: Understand the function
The calf muscles perform two roles that help explain why they matter so much to active living.
They help move the body forward, and their contractions help move venous blood upward from the lower legs.
These functions give meaning to four guiding statements:
Power lives in the push-off.
Movement keeps the pump working.
Do not just stand—activate.
The soleus is built for the long road.
Need to gear up?
Nordic walking poles
I carry Nordic walking poles with me for sale to people who want to get poles right away.
York Nordic 2-section adjustable poles like the training poles I provide for Nordic walking sessions. $80/pair
Nordixx 3-section adjustable poles for travel. $100/pair
FitStar 2-section adjustable poles. These are older generation poles that work well but don't have conveniences like quick release gloves. $40/pair.
Cash, check, Venmo, Paypal.
You can order Nordic walking poles online via York Nordic. Use the discount code LEROY10.
You can also get premium Leki poles from Amazon. #CommissionEarned
Round out your kit
Some other things I’ve found useful
I looked through the product description and customer reviews before ordering these Geococcyx Wide Toe Box Running Shoes, and they largely delivered what I expected. The most noticeable feature is the wide toe box, which really does allow your toes to spread out naturally. I was able to wiggle my toes comfortably, which is something I specifically look for when choosing walking shoes.
These very budget-friendly running shoes have a wide toe box and are great for walking and fashion. They're cushioned, lightweight, and breathable. #CommissionEarned
The sleeve is very comfortable to put on my arm and feels cool and soothing against the skin. The gel insert adds a reassuring sense of heft, which makes me confident that it is doing its job.
It provides consistent cooling relief and is easy to wear during daily activities. The stretchable fit works well, and the design allows coverage for both the wrist and thumb area.
These elbow ice packs are a must-have for those sore muscles. #CommissionEarned
The blue light glasses are important devices for looking at monitors and screens. A convenience is the set of clip-on sunglasses, something that allows you to go outside right away.
Protect your eyes with these blue light glasses, perfect for long hours on the computer or outdoor activities. #CommissionEarned
For the cool down part of your playlist, this piece is focused on relaxation, meditation, and positive atmospheres. It blends ambient soundscapes, acoustic instruments, and electronic synthesizers to reduce stress. Its soothing, non-disruptive melodies make it perfect as a background to winding down after a stimulating Nordic walking outing.
A quiet, ambient instrumental that facilitates a calming cool down period. #CommissionEarned