Poles - Strolls and a Give Away - Oh MY !!!

Note: I may receive compensation for writing this or a similar blog; however, In this case I have not received payment beyond the poles I am giving away. When I say I purchased, no compensation or free product was received. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be helpful for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I purchased a pair of walking poles. Yeah, I know, big deal. But this is a big deal. So let me tell you my story. Most people who know me know that I have diabetes. What they do not know is that I have neuropathy. Neuropathy is a nerve condition thought to be brought on by sustained high blood sugar but there are also other reasons related to Arthritis and other conditions.

Whatever the cause, after 46 years as a person with Type 1 Diabetes I have neuropathy in my feet. The primary way the neuropathy has impacted me is that I have lost feeling in my feet; my balance has left me. Walking (especially lengthier walks outside) just became almost impossible. Since my balance was disrupted I weaved around the path like a comic Weeble people. Sheryl (my beautiful wife) was mostly unable to walk with me because of my stumbling and weaving, and while I could walk, the effort was too much. Mix in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis and walking was not enjoyable.

The Life and Adventures of Cateepoo) introduced me to Urban Poling. Urban poling manufactures high quality walking poles. After reading Cathy’s description of her experience of using Urban Poles, I was intrigued, and then the more I thought of it, I was willing to take a chance with the hope of walking with Sheryl once again.

Because I am over 6′ I decided to purchase the Activator 2 poles. These poles are fully adjustable, and I felt they could grow with me as I learned more about the sport. My poles arrived in early December, and I wanted to get right to it. I watched the helpful videos on the Urban Poling website so I could learn how to begin. Unfortunately, my first walk was a disaster. I did not have the poles adjusted correctly, and my technique was off. On that walk I must have looked like a deranged Weeble people with two sticks.

I spent the next two walks, adjusting my poles and learning how to use them. I had to catch the rhythm of my hands and arms working together with my feet. But once I was able to walk in cadence left arm / right foot, right arm / left foot, I was able to keep a steady pace using these poles to the best advantage.

Walking was fun again

Those who know me know rhythm is not my thing. But I got it and since December 9, 2020 (it is March 4, 2021, today), we have walked at least 45 minutes almost every day. As I have worked at it, my strength and sure-footedness have grown and grown. The best I have done is 2 miles on a local trail. That would have been unimaginable even two years ago.

But with my new poles, I am walking faster, straighter, and with far more stamina. I cannot tell you the difference these poles have made in my life. I love that the Urban Poles web site has instructions, walking tips, and even classes to maximize the experience.

My poles came with bell tips, which added stability as I was leaning to use them. But I quickly wanted the boot tips, which are a fitness tip. They make me faster, and I use less effort to go straight. But on those days that might have a little ice on the path, I switch back to the bell tips and enjoy the wonderful stability. All urban poles also have standard carbon tips for use in snow.

I also love that the poles use incredible wide ledge handgrips without straps that make the poles safer in case of instability and an antivibration core that makes walking more comfortable. I was so impressed; I arranged to acquire the accessory combo right away. This package included the boot tips, carrying bag, and some extra items for snow, which I likely will not use, and I received the Pole Clips, so I can hang the poles in my garage fully extended and ready to use.

I love my Urban Poles; they are amazing. Thank you, Cathy Kramer for introducing me and thank you to Urban Poles for making an exceptional walking device.

The give away

Now the giveaway. I am so impressed by these poles that I contacted Urban Poles and they are giving away two (count them two) sets of the Activator Poles These poles retail for $114.99. and with this drawing one set could be yours. All you have to do respond to this post, the post in the WW app or this post on FaceBook with the words URBAN POLES. Remember you must write URBAN POLES. in your response. I am giving away two sets of poles. Entering any place entitles you to one entry. You may have a total of three entries. Respond URBAN POLES to this blog get one entry, respond on WW get one entry and respond on FaceBook you get another. While you can have up to three entries but you can only win once.

You must do this 12:00 Midnight March 17, 2021. after that the any entries will not be processed.

Remember you can only win one set. So if you win on the first draw your name will be removed for the second draw. .Also the winner must have a US or Canadian mailing address.

One more thing if you win you will get up to Midnight Match 22, 2021 to respond to my emails until I move along to another entry. so watch your email.

If you have questions drop me a note. Decisions of the judge (Sheryl - she is fair and is not eligible to win and I have to live with her) is final. .