Week commencing 2nd September 2019

A massive thank you to all the walkers who came along to the Charity walk today.  With other walker’s donations and from those attending today, we raised £280 for the Bedford Day Care Hospice!   That is just a fantastic amount and will make a huge difference for those who have long term health conditions to help make their lives a little easier.  So again, thank you so much. 

POP UP WALK – FRIDAY 6th SEPTEMBER, 2019 – 10:30am
This coming Friday we have another Pop Up Walk, this time a lovely circular walk from the village of Lilley.  With substantial views and beautiful countryside, this is a beaut.  There are hills that will get the heart rate up but the reward for your effort is the views!  Afterwards, and optional of course, we can have lunch at the Lilley Arms Pub.  6 miles £7

Have a fantastic week everyone!
Many thanks,
Elaine

Week commencing 26 August 2019

Nordic Walks commencing 26th August, 2019

We had a great week of walks with some great views in our beautiful countryside.  Some great effort being put in at Barton Springs this week with the POP UP Hill class so well done all of you.  This weeks photo’s have some images I took on the risk assessment for the upcoming Charity walk this coming Sunday, including Bunyan’s Oak which I hadn’t been to since I was 6.  So many memories flooded back to me as this walk took us through all the fun places I played as a child.  I’m pleased to say it was mostly unchanged (apart from the cave I dug out in the Chalk pits in Sundon Hills which now seems to be completely hidden with Brambles!  I must get up there with my secateurs so I can once again sit in the cave and eat my jam sandwiches!) 

CHARITY WALK
Our Charity Walk this Sunday will begin at 11am in the Sharpenhoe Clappers car park on Sharpenhoe Road, Streatley.  The distances have changed a smidge so there is a 3 mile walk from the Clappers to Harlington and then from there it’s approximately 4 miles to Pulloxhill.  From Pulloxhill it is 5 miles to the finish.  If you wish to do part of this challenge, let me know if you need a ride from either Harlington Village hall car park or Pulloxhill Cross Keys Pub.  You will then be taken to the start to begin the walk.  As mentioned earlier it is a great walk with wonderful scenery throughout.  YOU WILL NEED TO WEAR LONG TROUSERS FOR THIS WALK.   If you haven’t yet registered, just let me know by Friday 8pm.  £12 or £10 registration collected on the day.  Many thanks. BRING WATER AND SNACKS.  We will be stopping at both pubs for 30 mins for refreshing drinks.  Soooo looking forward to it and seeing you all then.  Yipeee! 

BANK HOLIDAY WALK
Denise and Gordon are doing a Bank Holiday Walk tomorrow at 10:30am in Cranfield.   Enjoy this amazing weather with a lovely stretch of the legs with stunning views.  

Have a fantastic week everyone!
Many thanks,
Elaine

Week commencing 19 August 2019

Nordic Walks commencing 19th August, 2019

How amazing is nature?!  I hadn’t been to Coopers Hill in one week and on my return the Heather has blossomed to a magnificent magenta hue and a sweet scent surrounds the whole beautiful expanse.  It’s not to be missed if you are out walking and we only have a good two more weeks before it sadly diminishes.  We are so lucky to live in such a wonderful area….

LAKE DISTRICT HILL PRACTICE SESSIONS
I took a few pictures from my few days Risk Assessing the Lake District with Rachel for our upcoming trip in September.  For those coming, you will get a separate email about the itinerary.  Very excited for you to see for yourselves the beauty of the Lakes….To prepare you for the challenge you will encounter in the Lakes, I am offering some Hill walks during the next three weeks.  See the Weekly walk list for details.  These walks are also open to walkers not going to the Lakes. 

Have a fantastic week everyone!
Many thanks,
Elaine

Week commencing 12 August 2019

Nordic Walks commencing 12th August, 2019

What a blustery weekend!  Fab walks though and great paces in all the groups.  Love to see you stepping it up and giving it your all in the classes. I love the saying: “Do something today that your future self will thank you for.”  This is what you are doing when you come to classes and work hard.  So you should be very proud of yourselves….

BOOKING ONTO CLASSES
Some of our classes require BOOKING and are highlighted in YELLOW on the Weekly Walk list.  This is crucial as I have a minimum number of 3 walkers needed for walks to go ahead, so failure to BOOK ON can mean the class is cancelled if I don’t have enough. It also means if you have not booked on and show up you could have a wasted journey.  If you could BOOK ON by 8pm the night before the class you wish to attend, that would be great and things will run smoothly.  IT’S JUST THE WALKS HIGHLIGHTED IN YELLOW THAT NEED BOOKING!   Do this by emailing me, texting 07894791527 or using the contact form on the website.  Many thanks everyone.    
HIIT class is not on this week as I’ll be returning from Risk Assessing the Lake District walks.  Only a month away for our great walking trip!  On my return I will arrange a meeting with you all to discuss the itinerary, food, car sharing etc so we are all organised before we go. Woohoo! 

Have a fantastic week everyone!
Many thanks,
Elaine

Week commencing 5 August 2019

Nordic Walks commencing 5th August, 2019

 We had some fantastic speeds last week despite the heat!   I have noticed a few dodgy techniques on the hills of late so I will be offering a Free Hill Technique Workshop this coming Saturday at 11am in the West Car Park. This Workshop is to concentrate just on the Hill Technique and will last 30 minutes.  Please let me know if you’re interested by texting or emailing me this week. Cuppa afterwards, of course! 

ANNUAL CHARITY HALF MARATHON PUB WALK
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1st, 2019

Yes, it’s that time of year again where we challenge ourselves for a great cause….raising funds for the Bedford Daycare Hospice.   This Charity provides a haven for those with long term health conditions and terminal illnesses.  I have been there and have to say it was the most uplifting place where attendee’s can take part in activities and have amazing support from the staff and volunteers.  Our Carol is the chef there, giving her time and talents so kindly and our Caron goes there regularly too to treat the folks to a pamper which they so enjoy and otherwise wouldn’t do.  

If you would like to challenge yourselves to this awesome walking challenge and help raise funds for the Hospice, you have options: you can do 5 miles, 9 miles or the whole half marathon.  We will be walking from Sharpenhoe Clappers to Harlington where we will quench our thirst at the Carpenters Arms.  We then will head to Pulloxhill via Bunyans Oak where John Bunyan was arrested for preaching and thrown into Bedford jail.  At Pulloxhill we will definitely be needing more sustenance at the Cross Keys Pub to finish the last stage back to Sharpenhoe. 

We will be risk assessing this walk shortly to make sure the route is okay for you all and to check on the distances.  I will then give you an update on the terrain etc.

Registration is £12 for the 9 miler and half marathon and
£8 for the 5 mile walk.  Please register by Friday 30th August.  

Those doing the shorter distances will need to leave their cars at the pubs where we will pick you up and drive you to the start.  Really looking forward to this fun challenge with you all. 

Thanks everyone!

Have a fantastic week everyone!
Many thanks,
Elaine

Week commencing 29 July 2019

Nordic Walks commencing 29th July, 2019

Okay, it was bloody hot last week!!  So impressed so many of you came along to do your classes in these uncomfortable conditions.  Thank you.  You are so amazing and I really appreciate your effort.  This week is a mixed bag of weather but definitely more comfortable than last week, thankfully! 

MONDAY – CRANFIELD
So with several road closures into Cranfield, the best way to get to the Cranfield classes is by using the A507 all the way to junction 13 and sneaking in via Salford.  This means a left off A507 into the right lane and taking a right towards Salford.   Follow this for a couple of miles until a right hand turn to Cranfield.  Hoping this is for only this week.  Thanks. 

NOTIFICATIONS
Always check the website before you leave for up to the minute notifications of class changes or cancellations.  www.walk2fitness.co.uk.  


Even in the rain you showed up and powered through the classes! 


Have a fantastic week everyone!
Many thanks,
Elaine

Week commencing 22 July 2019

Nordic Walks commencing 22nd July, 2019

Just this minute got in from my holiday in Bordeaux and so this will be a rather brief one!  Thank you to my Super Walk Leaders, Paul, Gordon, Martin and Denise for keeping the walks going in my absence.  Really appreciate your support always.  

So, I understand we have some scorching weather this coming week so we will walk in the trees as much as possible.  But with the warm temperatures it is essential you have water to hydrate and we will stop a couple of time during the walks for the usual nose blows and a drink!  A hat would be a good idea too. 

HIIT
Because the HIIT class on Thursday evenings is a “High Intensity” class. if the heat is extreme, I will cancel due to the nature of the class.  Book on as normal as I won’t make a decision until we see what the temps are like.  Thanks guys. 

Great to be back with you all and I’ll look forward to a good catch up this week! 

This Thursday’s walk will be at Aspley Woods which lies between Woburn and Woburn Sands, where we can stay cool amongst the trees.  With the scent strong with pine and wildflowers, the ground soft underfoot and the sound of birdsong all around; this is a great place to walk. The car park can be found by taking Longslade Lane (sign posted for the Woburn Golf Club) On entering the car park go left and follow to the end of the car park.   Please bring a drink and I will be supplying fresh cherries for us after the walk at the picnic tables!  Yay! 

Have a fantastic week everyone!
Many thanks,
Elaine

Week commencing 15 July 2019

Nordic Walks commencing 15th July, 2019

THANK YOU!
Thank you everyone for all your kind Birthday wishes today! I am moved by all the cards and pressies, so thank you for making my Birthday so special  xxx

Book onto our POP UP walk this Friday!  It’s a fab flat 7 miler in stunning countryside around Old Warden, Northill and beyond. Bring a picnic/snack for the stop half way at the pub!  
Have a fantastic week everyone!
Many thanks,
Elaine

Week commencing 8 July 2019

Nordic Walks commencing 8th July, 2019

Some lovely walks last week and even a snake spotting on Thursday!  With all the new walkers joining us, I want to just mention tips on looking for Nordic Walking poles.  Always get poles that have the correct strap for your hands, these straps enable you to do the correct full technique.  Trekking poles have a loop so the technique will be limited.  For more stability I recommend the Urban poles which have no straps or loops but they have an ergonomic handle for comfort.   You can only do Nordic Trekking with these poles, but is a great option for those who want more support.   A good place to look for poles is at https://nordicwalking.co.uk/products/2/  If you want advice on poles, please let me know.   

ALL THE LATEST INFORMATION ABOUT CLASSES (cancellations, changes etc) CAN BE FOUND ON www.walk2fitness.co.uk

BOOKING ONTO A CLASS
Certain classes require booking onto and these are highlighted in yellow below.  Booking needs to be done by 8pm the night before the walk you wish to attend.  You can book on via the website, text me or email.   Many thanks!
I want to take a Walk2Fitness Team to the British Nordic Walking 10K Exel Challenge series in September at Burnham Beeches!  If you would like to come along you can register here: https://
britishnordicwalking.org.uk/
pages/british-nordic-walking-events
  Just make sure you put Walk2Fitness as your team as we will get a prize for largest team attending!  Yay!  This 10K is for all abilities and speeds and is a really great event.  You will get a medal and the satisfaction of knowing you completed the event with lots of Nordic Walkers from all over the country!  Hopefully I will have got around to designing our new T-shirts by then! 
Have a fantastic week everyone!
Many thanks,
Elaine

Week commencing 1 July 2019

Nordic Walks commencing 1st July, 2019

Well done to Paula who again triumphed as First lady finisher at the British Nordic Walking 10K event in Wales today and getting a personal best time for this venue!  A fantastic win for our Paula who trains so hard for these events. Great job Paula. Woohoo! 

I’d like to welcome some new walkers who will be joining in our walks, they are: Kerry, Caroline, Bernadette, Helen, Holly, David, Jan, Miriam and Mary.  Welcome to our fun Nordic Walking groups!  All the very latest info regarding the walks will be on our website regarding changes or cancellations www.walk2fitness.co.uk

To all my walkers, please remember to bring water with you as it is easy to dehydrate when exercising outdoors.  Thanks. 

Unfortunately there is no HIIT class this week as I have a ticket to a show. Sorry HIIT guys. 

POLES
For my new walkers looking for Nordic Walking poles, check out https://nordicwalking.co.uk/products/2/ Feel free to ask me for advice on buying poles and also google the pair you want to get the best deal.  Also this site has options for light gloves which are good if you get sweaty hands and prevents slipping.  
CHECKING OUT THE NEW PLACE IN AMPTHILL

11:15AM – This Wednesday we’re going to do a walk in Ampthill Town (paws needed) and afterwards we’ll sample the renowned coffee and yummy offerings of the new venue called Market Square. Gentle walkers welcome also. £5
Have a fantastic week everyone!
Many thanks,
Elaine