I heard about Strolls With Poles by a chance reading another former runners review. After 50 years as a long distance runner, in recent years I had concentrated on marathon and ultra running events mostly on coast path, moors, hills and fells. Unfortunately I suffered a (without warning or prior symptom) life changing incident whilst running, which left me with total right sided paralysis, I’ve now relearnt to walk, write and live normally but I’m a bit right side wonky. I had a 1-1 intro to Nordic Walking with Julie today, with a view to support the progress I’ve made to get back into distance events and group activities. Julie was clearly knowledgable, enthusiastic and very patient. I was initially a little nervous but was quickly put at ease and started to get the idea once I stopped ‘over thinking’ things. As the period progressed Julie encouraged me, offering alternative ways of doing things, finding the best way to overcome my right sided weakness and giving me the confidence to achieve. It is my intention to have a further 1-1 period. Whilst I can’t change what happened, I can take every opportunity to put what happened behind me. After today, I honestly believe this was one of those positive opportunities that can’t be ignored!

I had a great afternoon with Julie in Herrington Park learning Nordic Walking. Julie was friendly, patient and tailored the session to my needs. She has given me confidence and I am looking forward to talking Nordic Walking further!

I Learnt to walk properly with the use of a Nordic poles in the grounds of Wallington in Northumberland. The hosts Julie and Martin were great. Julie was patient and explained again if not understood and had all of us in stitches at times. After an hour of building up our skills in small steps up and down and round and round the courtyard green we set off on a gentle hours walk around Wallington itself. Martin & Julie told of the changing seasons to Wallington and even pointed out a gooseberry bush and the blackberries.

I lagged at the back but this was not a problem and I was not left out of the group because of this.

Professional business ran by two great people.

Thank you Julie for a lovely day out. Having only previously done the training at Wallington was concerned that this walk might be too difficult. However the pace was manageable and the whole group were very friendly and supportive. We were fortunate with the weather and the scenery lovely . Hope to see you again soon

Thank you very much for an enjoyable refresh on the Beginners Strolls with Poles walk last Sunday at Wallington.

I have found that the Nordic poles have increased my confidence after my recent hip replacement and have helped me to extend the distance I can walk comfortably.