Ideas for Weekend Warriors :: Sacramento Walking Sticks Show You How

Every sport has its weekend warriors and walking is no exception. Many of walking's weekend athletes hit trails or paths 52 Saturdays or Sundays a year!

If you’re a weekend warrior who'd like to add something new to your lifestyle, here are three weekday walk examples implemented by the innovative leadership and experienced walkers of the Sacramento Walking Sticks, a club of the American Volkssport Association (AVA). The AVA’s 500 clubs organize more than 3,000 non-competitive events per year, nationwide. If you live in the U.S., you can probably find one of their no-cost or low-cost weekday or weekend walk happenings nearby.

Idea #1 – Weekday Wanderers

Renee Spain (see photo: fourth from left) is leader of the Sticks ‘Weekday Wanderers’ – a group developed especially “for those interested in walking with others during the week--mornings in particular.” Spain is a busy corporate hiring executive who frequently travels for business but still finds time to periodically lead the informal walks. She is also Past President and current Vice President of the walk advocacy organization, WalkSacramento. Spain is also mom to a wonderful Rottie named Gus (pictured here with her) who occasionally “wanders”, too. Sticks member Barbara Nuss writes of the weekday group, “I’ve heard tell that there are people who actually take time off from work to join this fun. It’s a great way to get your exercise, meet people and get more volkswalk credits.” Want to learn more about the Weekday Wanderers idea? Reach Renee Spain and the Weekday Wanderers at rtspain [at] comcast [dot] net.

Idea #2 – Hot Walkin' Nights

California Volkssport Association President and Walking Sticks Volunteer Hall of Fame Honoree Barbara Nuss (see photo: fifth from left) is the force that led creation of a summer weeknight walk series, Hot Walkin' Nights. Hot walkin’ events start around the end of May and help walkers stay active during summer months like June, July and August--when it’s easy to let yourself avoid outdoor activity in warmer weather. Want to learn more about the Hot Walkin' Nights idea? See the Sacramento Walking Sticks Schedule—look for “Hot Walkin’ Nights” listings on Wednesdays.

Idea #3 – Special Program Walks--At Home and Across the U.S.

Volkssport “Special Programs” are a themed collection of local, regional or national walks that net you an attractive patch upon completion. Weekend warriors can use Special Programs to walk whenever it fits their schedule, including weekdays. According to the Sticks, “When you sign up for a Special Program, you will receive a book in which you record the qualifying events (walks).” Membership is required and the book used to record your walks can be purchased from the AVA for under $10. Want to learn more about the Special Programs idea? See the Sacramento Walking Sticks 'Special Program' links page.

Tags: Sacramento Walking Sticks, American Volkssport Association