Wendy’s Picks
My Favorite Things

Walking is a great fitness activity — you need very little to get started. But I have some favorite things that make each walk more pleasant.

New Balance 825 Shoes
These lightweight shoes are made for those with a neutral gait. They come in widths, and the wide version doesn’t irritate my bunion and allows room for my feet to swell on a long walk. They are flexible, with a low heel.
www.newbalance.com

Camelbak Pixie Hydration Pack
This hydration backpack is made for walkers with a shorter torso. It has a one liter (34 ounce) hydration bladder with a wide opening so you can drop ice cubes in without a problem. It has two storage compartments, giving me ample space to tote wallet, snacks, windbreaker, and other essentials. My friends liked mine so much that they all bought one as well.
www.camelbak.com

Sportbrain Pedometer
I’ve tried several pedometers that connect to your computer to upload and graph every step you take, but the one I wear and keep using is the Sportbrain. The iStep X1 pedometer reads steps, distance, calories, and has a clock. Plug it into your computer’s USB port, and it uploads information to your personal Sportbrain page online. It’s aneasy way to get feedback on your walking activities.
www.sportbrain.com

SportShield Liquid Roll-on
Blister and Chafing Prevention
To prevent underarm chafing and blisters on my feet, I use this silicone roll-on that is non-staining, non-greasy, and washes right out of your clothing. SportShield reduces friction so that continued rubbing between clothing and skin doesn’t chafe or blister tender areas. The company also sells BlisterShield powder: Sprinkle on your socks to get more blister prevention.
www.blistershield.com

WrightSock Racer Socks
WrightSock is best known for its double layer socks, which many people swear by for preventing blisters. However, I prefer their single layer racer socks. The medium-weight, polyester fabric helps wick moisture away, keeping my feet dry and preventing blisters.
www.wrightsock.com

BaySix USA Walking Shirt and Hat
A Walker Girl or 26.2 logo shirt from BaySix USA helps wick away moisture while I put in my summer miles. I also wear their hats with a 26.2 logo (that’s the mileage for a marathon walk) or US flag.
www.baysixusa.com

—Wendy Bumgardner
www.walking.about.com

KINeSYS
Performance Sunscreens

KINeSYS Inc. has created the first true performance sunscreens, formulated and recommended by dermatologists.

With skin cancer rates skyrocketing, awareness is growing of the importance of sun protection. This is especially true of athletes or active people, who have lower incidences of most health related diseases, except for one, skin cancer, which is higher because of their prolonged exposure to the elements while training or competing.

KINeSYS sprays on evenly with a fine mist spray and dries quickly, leaving no greasy residue on hands, accessories, or equipment. During aerobic activity the skin must breathe normally — oily sunscreens clog your pores and alcohol dries the skin. Not only is KINeSYS oil- and alcohol-free, but it is also water- and sweat-resistant for the heat of battle or a weekend at the lake, and provides full spectrum UVA and UVB protection.

All KINeSYS products are hypoallergenic and dermatologist recommended using ingredients like Parsol 1789® and titanium dioxide. For more information visit www.kinesys.com or call 888-KINeSYS to find a retailer near you.

New Balance Launches
Nordic Walking Shoe

The New Balance 1091 hits the stores this month. This lightweight Nordic walking shoe weighs in at 12 oz. These shoes are designed to keep your feet dry in all conditions with a Dryworks membrane waterproof upper. The Abzorb® heel and forefoot offer exceptional shock absorption. The TS2® Transitional Support System helps with pronation control and a smooth transition through the gait cycle. The N-Lock™ enhances mid-foot support with a nice snug feel. Getting rocks in your shoes is a problem while out on the trails, but the 1091 has a gusseted tongue to keep debris out. The 1091 is also available in wide sizes. This new addition to the New Balance collection is a must have for hiking or Nordic walking.

Local Racewalkers Finish
Top of the Field at NAIA Nationals

Portland, OR, — Jeremy Bahr-Worley (freshman) and Shawn Magee (sophomore) competed in the NAIA Racewalking Nationals in Fresno, CA, at the 5k distance, finishing 9th and 11th overall. Competing against a stellar field, these two young gentlemen walked to a respectable finish in weather that exceeded 90F in their very first national championships.

Having only been introduced to racewalking training and competition in February of this year, these two students have risen to great heights in their inaugural year of racing. They are the first competitors in the racewalk event for the track and field program at Concordia University in Portland, OR, which is only in its second year of existence.

Under the watchful eye of Concordia University racewalking coach Peter Stolpe and racewalking technical advisor Judy Heller, these athletes continue to impress Masters level walkers and judges along the West Coast in competitions and clinics. They most recently received high praises and accolades from two-time 50k Racewalk Olympian Philip Dunn at the Northwest racewalking Retreat with Judy Heller in Portland, OR.

Look for more highlights from Jeremy and Shawn and from the Concordia University racewalking program in the years to come!