A Journey of Strength, Resilience & Unexpected Discovery
Some people find running through passion, some through competition. For Karen, movement wasn’t about medals or personal bests—it was about survival.
Her journey didn’t start on a starting line. It began with loss.
A Life Altered by Grief
Karen never thought of herself as an athlete. She was a mum, a daughter, a full-time project manager juggling the daily pressures of life. But in her 30s, everything changed.
Her father passed away suddenly, and within months, her mum was diagnosed with early-onset dementia at just 56. As the disease progressed rapidly, there was no choice, mum moved into a care home.
Between grief, the weight of responsibility, and raising her own two young children, she found herself mentally and physically exhausted.
“I didn’t know what to do with myself. I needed space, but I also needed movement. I felt like I was drowning in my own thoughts.”
So, she started walking.
Every lunchtime, she escaped her desk, walking the towpaths of the local canal. At first, it was just a way to breathe—a break from the chaos. But over time, she realized something.
The rhythm of her steps, the sound of her breath, and the feeling of fresh air on her skin began to heal her. Walking became her therapy in motion.
A Chance Encounter That Changed Everything
One afternoon, lost in thought, Karen was overtaken by another walker.
But this wasn’t just any walker.
He was moving fast—with power, purpose, and ease. And he had poles.
Intrigued, she caught up and asked about his technique. He introduced her to Nordic Walking—a method that uses specially designed poles to engage the upper body, increase speed, and build endurance.
Curious, she decided to give it a try at a local British Nordic Walking class in Heanor, Nottingham.
She had no idea it would change the course of her life.
From Walking to Running, From Running to Ultra
At first, Nordic Walking was just an upgrade to her daily routine. But then she realized something incredible:
🚀 She was moving faster, further, and stronger than ever before.
💪 Her core and arms were getting stronger, balancing out her lower-body strength.
🦵 She had zero joint pain—a stark contrast to her early attempts at running.
She started Nordic Walking at parkruns. Then at 10K events. Then came half marathons and full marathons.
And at the age of 50, she stood at the starting line of the Lakeland 50 Ultra, one of Europe’s toughest ultra-trail races—50 miles, 3100m of ascent, completed within 24 hours.
“It wasn’t something I ever thought I’d do. But with Nordic Walking, I felt like I had a secret weapon. The climbs flew by, and I still had energy left at the end.”
Would she have taken on this challenge without Nordic Walking? Not a chance.
Nordic Walking: The Ultra-Runner’s Secret Weapon
Karen’s journey isn’t unique. More and more endurance athletes are discovering how Nordic Walking can:
✔ Enhance endurance – Engaging 90% of your muscles compared to 50% in running.
✔ Improve uphill strength – Perfect for trail runners and mountain racers.
✔ Prevent injuries – A low-impact alternative to high-mileage training.
✔ Speed up recovery – Keeps you active on rest days without strain.
But Karen’s story didn’t stop with her own transformation.
A New Purpose: Helping Others Find Their Strength
With years of experience as a run leader and Couch to 5K coach, Karen had already been guiding beginners into the world of running.
But after seeing the life-changing benefits of Nordic Walking, she wanted to do more.
“I knew I wanted to teach it. Not just for runners, but for anyone who needed movement in their life.”
She decided to train as a British Nordic Walking Instructor, giving her the tools to:
🏃 Help runners train smarter & prevent injuries
🏔 Support ultra-runners in endurance training
🤝 Introduce beginners to movement without intimidation
And she loved it.
“It’s not just about fitness—it’s about community. I’ve walked with people from their 20s to their 70s. We talk, we share, and yes, we eat a lot of cake.”
Now, she’s on a mission to bring Nordic Walking to more runners, more communities, and more people who need movement in their lives.
How to Start Your Own Nordic Walking Journey
Karen’s story is proof that Nordic Walking isn’t just for beginners—it’s a powerful endurance tool that ultra-runners, marathoners, and fitness professionals should be paying attention to.
If you’re a runner, endurance athlete, or coach, Nordic Walking could be the missing piece in your training.
Here’s how to get started:
🔹 Try it for yourself – Join a British Nordic Walking class and experience the technique.
🔹 Learn the science behind it – Discover how Nordic Walking builds endurance, strength, and recovery.
🔹 Take the next step – Train as a British Nordic Walking Instructor and add this skill to your coaching career.
📍 Find a class or instructor course today at www.britishnordicwalking.org.uk.
Final Thought from Karen
"Just give it a go. You don’t need to be a runner, a hiker, or even a fitness enthusiast. Nordic Walking is about moving, connecting, and finding strength in the outdoors. It’s a crime not to enjoy it while you’re on this earth and able.”