Boulder: Basic Questions, My Answers

I received the following E-mail:

"Hi I am in Boulder(gunbarrel) as well and found your blog through google.
Boulder+Nordic walking.I am interested in buying a pair and have been
researching different poles. Any advise? Thanks. "

Under the assumption that my answer might also interest other Boulderites looking to get into Nordic Walking, here is my quick response:

"I know that Fleet Feet (same shopping center as Moe's Bagels and Boulder
Wine Merchant on Broadway, I think between North and Alpine) and Foot Solutions
(shopping center on 28th Street behind Video Station) carry Nordic Walking
poles. Best advice I can give is not to go too cheap (don't buy bargain poles
off the Internet), and to try the poles to see whether they feel comfortable in
your hand and have an easy swing weight. Beyond that, your decision is whether
to buy one-piece or adjustable poles. Each has advantages and adherents.

"If you can wait a month, Gottfried Kuermer, one of the top Nordic
Walking trainers in the world will be in Colorado giving a variety of workshops,
including an intro class for $25 incl use of poles and a slightly more elevated
program called a Guide Workshop for $149, incl poles to keep (probably LEKI) See
www.anwa.us for details.

"With all those wonderful recreation paths, Gunbarrel offers some great
doorstep Nordic Walking. If you click on "Trails" under "Labels" on my blog, you
can find other recommendations for local routes. Please let me know if you
have any other questions.

"Colorado dates and locations for next month's introductory sessions follow (register at www.anwa.us):

Thursday, April 24, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
LOCATION:
Belleview Park - Shelter #2
5001 S. Inca
Englewood, CO 80110

Friday, April 25, - 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Lee Martinez Park (by the West Baseball Field)
600 North Sherwood St.
Fort Collins, CO 80521

Saturday, April 26, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Expo Recreation Center - Parkview Room
10955 E. Exposition Ave
Aurora, CO 80012