Test Drive #2 : Icebugs High Traction Shoes

(NOTE: This is not a paid promotion. I just love these boots.)

I think I may have finally discovered the perfect winter boots, thanks to my colleague Mandy Johnson of Active By Nature in Canmore, Alberta. After reading the review of her Icebug Ivalo3 boots, I visited Icebug Canada and purchased a pair of their Stride boots. (They also make high-traction running shoes.)

I’ve been wearing my Strides for the past month in all kinds of wintery weather around the neighbourhood and for fast-paced Nordic walking ventures. I’m happy so say my new boots are doing what seemed to be the impossible just a short time ago: keeping me on my feet in even the iciest conditions.

Their secret weapon is 16 carbide tip studs that cover the sole of each boot. The studs are quite short and flat, which is great for 3 reasons:

• They bite into any icy surface I may come upon and keep me from slipping.

• They project into the ice just a minimal amount, so I’m able to slightly pivot my planted foot if need be. If they were longer, I would worry about twisting a knee.

• They are minimal enough enough that I can easily and safely walk on dry pavement and sidewalks and into a store with tile flooring. (They are slightly noisy on these surfaces, but not slippery.)

Other pluses:

• When driving, I find it easy to move my foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal. I actually appreciate that the studs keep my foot firmly on the pedals. Snowy soles on other boots can sometimes make for a slippery connection.

• I think they’re a good looking boot, they feel great on my feet, and they appear to be very well made.

• The permanent position of the studs is a plus. Several friends have boots with retractable studs, and they report that flipping them out and into position isn’t always easy.

Potential negatives:

• Icebugs are expensive. My Strides were purchased directly from the company for $269.99 (free shipping). I justify the price by hoping that they will last for many years (I expect the sole may experience less wear-and-tear than other boots due to the studs; replacement studs are available), and I place a high value on my health.

• They aren’t the warmest boots I’ve owned, but cold feet haven’t been an issue so far for 90-minute walks in -12C weather. FYI, I always wear double socks for winter workouts and and always buy my athletic shoes one size larger than my dress shoes.

• Though I’ve just recently discovered them, they are very popular. When I first tried to buy a pair, they were sold out at every retailer and even on the company website (supply chain issues may also have factored in). The company notified me three weeks later that my style and size were finally available, and I quickly grabbed a pair.

Note: As with all of my Test Drive blog posts, I’m sharing simply because I love the product—no sponsorships or renumeration involved!

PEI Women's Retreat (September 12-16, 2022) March Update

Sea, Sand & Soul Nordic Walking Women’s Getaway

APRIL 4, 2022

BARB GORMLEY

Prince Edward Island
September 12- 16, 2022
$1,399 CDN*
20 spots available

Join us for an energizing five days of fitness and fun as we explore the beauty of Prince Edward Island’s North Shore!

We’re inviting you to step away from the fast pace of life & come with us to wonderful Prince Edward Island., to Nordic walk in the fall colours, alongside the Atlantic Ocean, and in the company of like-minded others. This is an ideal opportunity to re-energize & reconnect with the natural world.

We’ll be based at Shaw’s Hotel, a charming country inn in Brackley Bay. (Great grandfather Shaw opened the Inn in 1860, on the family’s pioneer farm originally settled in 1793. Four generations later, the Shaw family continues the tradition.)

• Days will start with a refreshing yoga session and healthy breakfast. Then we’ll be off with our Nordic walking poles -- along a quiet seaside trail to Covehead Harbour Lighthouse, or into P.E.I. National Park with a local bird & photography expert, or along the nearby beach, which boasts the longest sand dune system in the western hemisphere.

• After a delicious lunch at our hotel, get ready to kayak in pristine Brackley Bay, or to cycle and visit local sights & tiny shops, or to explore quaint Charlottetown on foot.

• Dinners will be at our lovely ocean-side hotel or at nearby history-steeped restaurants. Lots of options for seafood lovers!

• We’ve also made time for relaxing, post-dinner fun & a special session for Urban Poling instructors.

•  There will be two groups for Nordic walking & cycling, so everyone can move at their preferred pace.

We’ve taken care & time in choosing this location & designing a program with everything that we love in a holiday: healthy doses of physical activity, nature, relaxing & exploring, & the opportunity to make new friends. We can hardly wait. We’d love to meet you there!

YOUR HOSTS & FITNESS LEADERS:

Barb Gormley is director of education for Urban Poling Inc., a personal trainer & group exercise instructor.  She is the author of The Urban Poling Ultimate Guide to Nordic Walking & teaches a popular Zoom Fitness with Poles exercise class.

Nina LePage is a longtime personal trainer, a group exercise instructor, & master trainer for Urban Poling Inc. She is a Hatha Yoga teacher, holistic nutrition educator & Heart Wise fitness instructor. She teaches on Zoom, at local community centres, senior centres & at Ottawa’s Rideau Sports Club.

PRICE INCLUDES:
1) all fitness activities & outings, including daily Nordic walking & yoga, kayaking, cycling, etc..; loan of Nordic walking poles, yoga mats, kayaks & bicycles (including water bottle, water bottle cage & helmet); professional instruction for Nordic walking, yoga, birding & nature photography; transportation to two restaurant dinners; post-dinner activities; (& professional development session for Urban Poling instructors).
2) 4 nights accommodation: (shared double occupancy; for single room, add $340) at Shaw’s Hotel, Brackley Bay, P.E.I.
3) healthy meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners at the hotel (all dietary needs can be met)

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
1) airfare to and from PEI
2) transportation between the hotel & airport (20-minute trip)
3) medical or trip cancellation insurance (highly recommended)
4) 2 optional restaurant dinners (approximately $60 each)
5) any alcoholic drinks

* PRICE:
- $1,399 CDN (Earlybird rate, until June 1, 2022; based on shared occupancy) + HST
- $1,499 CDN (Regular rate, after June 1, 2022; based on shared occupancy) + HST
- Single occupancy: add $340 + HST
- Shared occupancy: If you like, we will do our best to connect you with another participant for sharing.

NOTE:
- Check ahead re the availability of taxis from the airport (it’s a small island!). But don’t worry, we will try to coordinate participants as you arrive.
- If you are extending your holiday before or after this event & are planning to rent a car, book asap since there are very few available.

For more information, call Barb at 416-543-2606 or Nina at 613-290-4285 or email us at ___@gmail.com.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

March 17 Update

Thank you for your responses to our 3-Mintue Needs Assessment! We are continuing the planning process and are excited to share the most current info we have. More details around cost, etc., will be coming asap.

Your responses:

• 35 people have responded to date

• Re Nordic walking: many feel very confident with their Nordic walking skills, many feel somewhat/quite confident & a very small number are new to Nordic walking

• Re Nordic walking pace: about half walk at a slow/moderate pace & half prefer a moderate/fast pace

• Re water activities: everyone is interested in kayaking (NOTE: we won't be able to offer a boat trip this year unfortunately. Hopefully next year!)

• Re cycling: everyone is interested; about half like a slow/moderate pace & about half a like a moderate/faster pace

• What you're excited about: the variety of activities, exploring the PEI scenery and nature with your poles, making new friends, yoga, visiting/revisiting PEI…

  Your questions:

• "What will the age of the group be?" We're not sure. Our best guess is 50ish to 70ish.

• "I'll need a lifejacket for kayaking." Yes, we will all need them, and kayaking will be supervised by hotel staff. It's in a quiet bay with shallow-ish water. Your safety and enjoyment are our two biggest concerns.

• "I'm a non-drinker...what will the social aspect be like?" We're not sure. Our guess is that most of us will likely be tired after a day of fresh-air activities and may not have energy for late-night carousing. There will be wine and non-alcoholic options at evening get-togethers and dinners.

• "Will there be food options?" Yes, options to suit all dietary needs, and yes there will be PEI seafood!

• "Will there be something specifically for Nordic walking instructors?" Yes, we will have an afternoon session just for you. More about this once we see how many instructors register.

  That’s it for now!

Barb & Nina

February 12, 2022 update:

Thank you for your continued interest in the Women’s Fitness Retreat, September 12-16, 2022 in Prince Edward Island!
We are still working on the final agenda and cost, but we want to share the latest information.
FYI, we are easy-going, well-organized and friendly people. We are looking for like-minded people to join us in PEI! Our ideal participant loves being active (especially outdoors), is easy going, is interested in meeting new people, and has a positive attitude.
Also FYI, there are just 20 spots available...and we have had a very enthusiastic response. One of our future steps will be to ask for a deposit to hold your spot. We will give some warning before this email arrives. The 20 spots will be filled first-come-first-served.

Current Trip Details (cost is not yet available):

1. Vaccinations: All participants and instructors must be fully vaccinated.

2. Getting to PEI: Participants will responsible for making their own travel arrangements to PEI and to Shaw’s Hotel (20 minutes from the airport).

3. Accommodation: Shaw’s Hotel has a mix of single rooms, double rooms and small cottages. Participants can choose the option that works best for them (but rooms/cottages are first-come-first-served). We believe that many people may be coming as individuals. If you would like a roommate, the hotel may be able to help with this.

4. Meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 1 dinner will be included in the cost. There will be 3 dinners at three different local restaurants (this expense is not included in the Retreat cost).

5. Mornings: Each day will begin with Nordic walking, and the location will vary. It could be on the hotel property and the nearby seaside Confederation Trail; or it could be in the nearby National Park; or we could take a walking trail into picturesque Victoria-by-the-Sea and visit some lovely local shops. A Nordic walk could include a bird expert or a photography expert to help enrich the experience. All walks will likely be 60 to 90 minutes with rests along the way. Mornings will also include Yoga and/or a Strength & Stretch class. Depending on the weather, these classes will happen outdoors or in a large bright room.

6. Afternoons & other times: One afternoon will include some cycling (perhaps with a picnic lunch), one afternoon will include some kayaking, and there will be a sunrise or sunset relaxing boat ride/tour (on a flat-bottom boat in calm waters). There will be time one afternoon to explore the shops and sites of Charlottetown before dinner at a restaurant.

7. Varying fitness levels: We know that some people like to move at a relaxed pace and some like to exercise more vigorously. We will do our best to accommodate a variety of fitness levels. For example, for Nordic walking there will likely be one moderate-pace group and one faster-pace group. For cycling, one instructor will lead a leisurely slower-paced ride on quiet bike paths, and a second instructor will lead a faster and longer ride. Kayaking will likely be two groups as well. Not interested in cycling or kayaking? See the next item…

8. Personal time: Participants are welcome to attend as many or as few sessions as they like. For example, instead of the organized cycling session you may prefer to cycle or walk to the nearby ocean/beach on your own or with a friend. Instead of kayaking you might prefer to find a comfortable spot outdoors to read. Instead of the sunset/sunrise boat trip you may prefer to sleep in, go for a Nordic walk on your own, or have a relaxing evening in the hotel’s small bar.

   
   Next step:

   • If you are no longer interested, please email one of us with a quick note and we’ll remove you from the mailing list.

   • If you are still interested, please CLICK HERE for a 3-Minute Survey.

   • Just hearing about the Retreat today? Please email Barb to be put on the distribution list and be kept up to date with details. And CLICK HERE for a 3-Minute Survey.

   Cheers,

   Barb & Nina
   
   Barb Gormley & Nina LePage
   bgormley@rogers.com
   nina.lepage@gmail.com

November 30, 2021

When I visited Prince Edward Island this summer, I discovered a Nordic walking paradise! Quiet paved trails by the ocean, fresh air, friendly people, delicious food, and much more.

The September 5-day retreat that I am with my colleague Nina LePage planning will have lots of options, including Nordic walking (of course), cycling, yoga, a shopping excursion to lovely small shops, sightseeing, healthy meals, relaxing time, the wonderful company of like-minded women, etc. Special sessions for Urban Poling instructors.

Special guest presenter/fellow participant will be Mandy Shintani, founder of Urban Poling Inc. Lucky us!

Accommodation will be at the lovely Shaw's Hotel, a five-minute walk to the Atlantic!

If this sounds appealing and you would like to be kept up to date as plans progress, please click here.

Barb

Winter Nordic Walking - Interview with Mandy Johnson

Questions about using your Nordic walking poles for winter workouts? Mandy Johnson has the answers! In this 30-minute interview, the longtime Urban Poling Nordic walking instructor gives lots of tips, shares some of her amazing photographs, and entices us to visit her in beautiful Canmore, Alberta.

CLICK HERE to view the video interview.

Resources:

www.activebynaturecanmore.ca (Mandy’s website)
An Introduction to Canmore
Canmore: Month-by-Month
Travel Tales of Life: Blog about their Nordic Waking Experience
Snowshoeing & Nordic Walking
Snowshoeing Magazine Article
Winter Footwear Recommendations
How to Dress for Winter NW
Nearby Nature
Icebug Canada
Alchemy of Ride (the brightly-coloured technical activewear that Mandy wears in many of her photos; discount code: ABYN for 5% off)
Back to Nature Apparel (discount code: ABN5 for 5% off or 10% off a first order with newsletter sign-up)

The One-Word Secret to Happiness

The one-word secret to happiness? It’s not money, power or fame.

According to self-help guru Tony Robbins, the secret to happiness is progress.

That is, taking consistent, positive steps toward the things that matter most to you.

The problem is that, despite our best intentions, on our own many of us don’t make meaningful progress.

We’re busy with work and family obligations and distractions of all kinds that keep us from moving steadily forward with new goals.

Fortunately, learning new skills and habits is always easier with a friend, a partner or a group.

• Think about how many more books you’ve read (and how much more deeply you understand each book) because you’re part of a book club.

• Think about the delicious confections you made at your cooking classes— and how you went to each class even after a tiring day at work. (You paid for them after all and wanted to get your money’s worth!)

• Think about your children’s impressive swimming/tennis/skating skills, thanks to all those childhood lessons.

Of course you can read, learn to cook and pick up the front crawl on your own. But your chances of real success skyrocket when you add some sort of external support.

It’s your external support system that encourages you to keep moving forward when obstacles begin to get in the way.

Keen to make positive steps to improving your health and fitness?

Then get out there and join a join a group or buddy up with a friend—or really speed the process by teaming up with a personal trainer.

Don’t Cancel Your Plans, Change the Tire

When clients experience a dip in motivation from a missed milestone or some kind of slip up, I share this anecdote that a wise person shared with me many years ago:

Imagine you were on a really special trip headed to a wonderful destination and that you had worked hard to make it happen.

But along the way you got a flat tire.

What would you do? Throw your hands up in frustration, and turn around and go home?

Of course not. You’d be frustrated I’m sure. But of course you’d change the tire (or get help to change it) and then carry on toward your amazing destination.

Yes, you’d arrive a little later than planned. But you’d still get there, and you’d be happy and proud of yourself for persisting.

Moral of the story: If you’re on a fitness journey, realize that there might be bumps in the road. Do your best to avoid them, but don’t let them stop you from reaching your goal.

Exercise Well-Armed!

My friend Louise & I love our removable sleeves.

Here’s a great item to add to your outdoor exercise wardrobe: removable sleeves.

While they’re usually used by cyclists, I find them ideal for any kind of outdoor activity.

They’re perfect for an early morning workout when you know a jacket or long sleeve top will eventually be too warm…but it’s too chilly to start out in just a T-shirt.

Just pull on your removable sleeves. Once you get warmed up and/or the air temperature goes up, simply peel them off and stuff them in a pocket. Brilliant!

No bulky jacket to tie around your waist, no too-hot long sleeve top to deal with for the remainder of your workout.

They’re also perfect when you want to protect your arms from the strong rays of the sun.

You can find sleeves at most cycling stores and at www.mec.ca, www.rei.com (in the U.S.) and www.columbiasportswear.ca.