Sometimes we walk alone…
Selfie at the Volkswalk
And that’s what I did this weekend. While hubs was winging his way to sunny Florida, I was invited to participate in an AVA sponsored 10k walk. The sun was bright and it was a balmy 45 degrees so I joined a group of 100+ hearty souls for the Pre-Super Bowl Walk sponsored by the Columbia River Volkssport walking club. This walk was very easy and rated 1A. There is a rating system that goes all the way to 5. This event was well organized, the volunteers were friendly and helpful. I wasn’t looking for credit stamps so I walked for free. I haven’t investigated how the whole IVV/AVA system works yet, but there are clubs and walks all over the the world. Members have books and get stamped for each walk they compete. I think it’s $3.00 if you are going for stamps and I’m here to tell you that there was lots of stamping going on. Most people came with a walking buddy or two, but there were lots of single walkers too. It was an easy-going, friendly group. The average age was somewhere mid-50′s. Lots of gray hair, but these folks were fit and energetic and many well into their 70′s were passing me on the street.
I’ve been thinking about doing one of these walks for a long time and I am so glad I finally found one that fit my schedule. Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. doesn’t work if you are still chained to the office. I wonder how long it will take after I finally retire to not think I have to cram all my fun activities into the weekend.
Hubs doesn’t know it yet, but I’ve already signed us up for another Volkswalk. This one is on February 15. It’s called The Heartbreaker Walk. And the route is sure to get the old heart muscle pumping. It’s 11km and rated a 3C – for the hills and stairs.
I also picked up a flyer for the Columbia River Gorge Biennial Classic – 13 walks and 1 bike – June 19-22, 2014. Walks range from 5km to 25km, rated 1A to 4C (straight up?). What a great way to enjoy a weekend in the beauty of the gorge. In addition to all of the walking, this is also a social weekend with picnics, potlucks, a buffet dinner and a cruise on the Sternwheeler. And, it’s hub’s birthday weekend. Happy Birthday, honey!
Sound interesting? Click here to find out more about the IVV (International Volkssport) and the AVA (American Volkssport) associations, their walks and all of the other non-competitive events they sponsor worldwide.
Then lace up your shoes and get going. If you want to walk in the Portland area and need a walking buddy, call me.
See you on the road (or the trail),
Nancy
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