Last June one of our intrepid power walkers had her training plans derailed when a horse fell on her. Yes, it’s true. Some of us have to deal with plantar fasciitis, others are hit by falling horses. Almost exactly one year after this devastating accident - a year that included 3 months in hospital, months of rehab, and many more months of slow return to familiar activities - Agnes Keenan walked the OTMH Classic 5k on Father’s Day. To see Agnes’ smile as wide as Canada at the finish of that race was to witness the joy of overcoming challenge. The smile grew even wider when she saw her results. Her time, she said, was the same as last year. Well, our WoW results show her actually finishing faster than last year but in some ways it’s a moot point.

The real point is that Agnes believed in the ability of her body to be healed by physical challenge and she believed her strength and speed would return. And she worked at it. I’m sure she had discouraging days along the way just like we all do. Hers is a story of inspiration.

Of course, you don’t need a horse to fall on you to have an inspiring story. In fact, I hope you don’t. Truly, each one of you who pushes yourself into a sweat is pushing beyond the bounds of your body’s ability today making it stronger and more resilient for tomorrow. Our coaches have seen you do it. Take time this long weekend to reflect on your story. We know you have one and we know you can be your own best inspiration.

Stretch tip: IT band stretch – the power walker’s friend. Now that the warm weather and green grass is here, take a moment at the end of your walk to really enjoy it? Sit down on the nearest grassy patch after your walk. (This is something we’re not likely to do in the middle of winter!) Extend one leg straight out and cross the opposite foot and leg over the extended leg, so that the sole of the crossed over leg is on the ground. The knee of that leg is bent. Sitting upright, walk the foot that is crossed over away from the leg that is straight and feel the stretch through the IT band. You may want to gently press the crossed-over leg away from the extended leg just below the knee. You do not need to twist the body as this does nothing to improve the stretch of the IT band.

Nutrition tip:Summer walking in the heat can lead to sweating out of valuable electrolytes especially sodium and potassium. These electrolytes are salts that keep your heart, muscle and nerve cells operating efficiently. When you are power walking in the heat this summer consider taking fluids that will maintain the electrolyte balance in your body’s fluids. Many people drink sports drinks to replenish electrolytes but you could also drink fruit juices high in potassium such as orange or mango juice.

Classes :: We have classes starting this week and the second week of July. Sign up today! We know those lazy days of summer can be enticing but a good interval class once a week can help you maintain your fitness level. If you are planning any fall events, a class is essential. Also, we are offering our Walk Circuit class through the summer in both Oakville and High Park which is a great cross-training activity. The focus is on upper body, core, and all those sadly neglected stability muscles in the legs.

We’ve had interest expressed in 3-hour workshop where we do some videotaping and analysis of walking style including drills that can improve our walking. We are tentatively thinking of setting something up for a weekend toward the end of summer or early fall. Let us know if you are interested, including time preferences.

Note: "A View from the Back" will return next newsletter.

Strength tip: Join one of our Walk Circuit classes!

Join the conversation! I have been having a great time writing a blog for WoW Power Walkers and any other interested walking parties. A new post is published every Monday and Thursday, so join the conversation. It’s definitely one of those situations where the more the merrier! It can be found under Walkers Forum on the website.

Words to walk and live by :

Why run pathetically, when you can walk athletically! - Lee Scott, from the DVD-CD “Simple Secrets for a Great Walking Workout”.

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