Post by North Cheshire Nordic Walker, Margaret.
New Year’s Eve 2014 found me standing on a snowy pavement in Vienna with my daughter, Kate. We were cheering on my son-in-law and two grown-up grandchildren as they ran by in the Silvesterlauf, a New Year’s Eve fun run 
held annually. I commented on the Nordic Walkers taking part. “I’ve often thought about entering for the walk,” said Kate, “but I didn’t fancy doing it on my own.” She laughed, “How about you and me entering next year!” Without thinking and looking her straight in the eye, I said,” You’re on!”
Back home I thought I ought to find out a bit more about Nordic Walking.
June 2015
At last I found a Nordic Walking group close to home and I arranged my taster session with Bev. Dear Reader, I was hooked. The Friday walk is between 5 and 6 miles. The Vienna Ringstrasse is just over 3 miles – sorted. When I explained my interest to Bev she was at once positive and encouraging. The humid summer months were difficult, but I persevered, only missing about one walk. As the weather grew cooler my pace and stamina increased allowing me to keep up with the ‘front group’ on the odd occasion. Everyone in the group was so encouraging and confident in my capabilities I knew I could not let them down.
Vienna, New Year’s Eve 2015
Weather: Below freezing and windy but dry with blue sky and sunshine! Clothing: Thermal vest, long sleeved T-shirt, wicking vest, microfleece, waterproof and windproof anorak and over all that a large short-sleeved T- shirt to pin my number on. Warm trousers plus waterproof/windproof over-trousers, two pairs of socks and a time chip on one of my boots. I looked like a barrel!
We were off! In the sunshine it was bearable, but there was a lot of shadow from the tall buildings. Going round a couple of corners the wind was against us and blew the poles. Tramlines had to be carefully negotiated when walking into the low sunlight. The stretch by the Danube canal – freezing! Kate and I pacemaking for each other. Over the finishing line – take a medal – look at one another – have a big hug – the family greeting us and taking photographs! We were both so chuffed! And in spite of all the clothing I did not have one bead of perspiration or condensation anywhere!
Distance; 5.3 Kms Time: 49.52 mins Speed: 6.41 Kms per hour (4 mph)
107 Nordic Walkers My position 64
77 Women N Walkers ” 44
7 Women N Walkers over 70yrs My position 3
Am I continuing?
Well, just before Christmas I paid for the next set of seven walks…
North Cheshire Nordic Walking 