Je me promène

A friend (Cathy Kramer, who writes The Life and Adventures of Cateepoo) introduced me to Urban Poling.  Urban poling manufactures high-quality walking poles.  After reading Cathy’s description of her experience of using Urban Poles, I was intrigued, and then the more I thought of it, I was willing to take a chance with the hope of walking with Sheryl once again.

Because I am over 6′ I decided to purchase the Activator 2 poles.  These poles are fully adjustable, and I felt they could grow with me as I learned more about the sport.  My poles arrived in early December, and I wanted to get right to it.  I watched the helpful videos on the Urban Poling website so I could learn how to begin.  Unfortunately, my first walk was a disaster.  I did not have the poles adjusted correctly, and my technique was off. On that walk, I must have looked like a deranged Weeble people with two sticks.

J'ai passé les deux marches suivantes à ajuster mes bâtons et à apprendre à les utiliser. Je devais prendre le rythme de mes mains et de mes bras travaillant ensemble avec mes pieds. Mais une fois que j'ai pu marcher en cadence bras gauche / pied droit, bras droit / pied gauche, j'ai pu garder un rythme régulier en utilisant ces bâtons au mieux.

La marche est redevenue un plaisir

Ceux qui me connaissent savent que le rythme n'est pas mon truc. Mais j'ai compris et depuis le 9 décembre 2020 (nous sommes aujourd'hui le 8 janvier 2021), nous avons marché au moins 45 minutes presque tous les jours. Au fur et à mesure que j'y travaillais, ma force et mon assurance se sont accrues. Le mieux que j'ai fait, c'est 2 miles sur un sentier local. Cela aurait été inimaginable il y a encore deux ans.

But with my new poles, I am walking faster, straighter, and with far more stamina.  I cannot tell you the difference these poles have made in my life.  I love that the Urban Poles website has instructions, walking tips, and even classes to maximize the experience.

My poles came with bell tips, which added stability as I was leaning to use them.  But I quickly wanted the boot tips, which are fitness tips.  They make me faster, and I use less effort to go straight.  But on those days that might have a little ice on the path, I switch back to the bell tips and enjoy the wonderful stability.  All urban poles also have standard carbon tips for use in snow.

I also love that the poles use incredible wide ledge handgrips without straps that make the poles safer in case of instability and an antivibration core that makes walking more comfortable.  I was so impressed; I arranged to acquire the accessory combo right away.  This package included the boot tips, carrying bag, and some extra items for snow, which I likely will not use, and I received the Pole Clips, so I can hang the poles in my garage fully extended and ready to use.

J'adore mes bâtons Urban Poles ; ils sont extraordinaires. Merci à Cathy Kramer de m'avoir présentée et merci à Urban Poles de fabriquer un produit exceptionnel.