WoW - What's Up in June?

Friday, May 30, 2003

Smiles of excitement and accomplishment! WoW power walkers have been strutting their stuff on the marathon courses this spring.

We had a great contingent of 41 power walkers registered in the National Capital event in Ottawa on Mother’s Day. Thirteen of the 23 women registered for the marathon walk were WoW-trained. In the half marathon, we know that there were 28 WoW power walkers. Sadly, we don’t know how many walkers entered that event as it was not identified in the results.

At the Burlington Rock’nRoll Half Marathon on May 25, twenty-one WoW power walkers were seen tearing up the course with their excellent technique. We look forward to a time when walkers will have their own category in these events. In the meantime, everyone should be proud of a strong finish – testament to committed training!

New courses! If you’re thinking of a fall marathon, we have some courses that could help you get there. In Oakville, we're holding a compressed WoW! Marathon Training program starting June 2 - this is perfect for anyone out there thinking of walking The Weekend to End Cancer - and on June 28 the next WoW! First Steps will begin. For those of you in Toronto, WoW! Marathon Training will start in High Park on May 31.

You can register for any of these programs, as well as fall sessions, on our website, www.wowpowerwalking.com!

Back by popular demand… coffee and muffins…oh, and a walk too! Here’s a new idea…a walk in the park! Yes, on Sunday, June 8 WoW is hosting a coffee and muffin walk in High Park, Toronto! Rachel Thurley, our fantastic High Park coach says the walking there is beautiful (great hills, too!). We’ll meet at 7:45 and there will be maps for 7km and 14km walks. If we are going to have enough muffins, marathon cookies, and coffee for everyone, we will need you to RSVP info@wowcompany.net. Then we’ll give you the exact location where we will meet! We welcome anyone who receives this newsletter, whether you’ve taken a WoW course or not!

WoW Tip! Get faster - no shoes required!As a power walker, an effective way to get faster is to strive for race-walking style hip drop and rotation. Here’s an exercise that can help you get the hang of it: Head to your staircase. Stand facing the banister on one foot. The inside of your foot should be at the outside edge of the step with your other leg hanging down to the step or floor below.

Squeeze your gluteal muscle group (butt!) in the leg that is on the higher step to pull the hip at the top of that leg back. The hip of the leg that is hanging down should drop and rotate forward slightly. This technique gets your hips to do the work increasing stride length without increasing the distance between your upper legs.