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. .
I am so glad to hear that you’re walking better and longer. Way to go!
Thank you Phyllisa: these have been fantastic for me.
I have not heard of Urban Poles but I am very interested in them now that I have read your post! Thanks so much. I am very happy that these poles are working so well for you and I hope they do the same for me and my spinal cord injury. Urban Poles
Rena, Your IN – Good Luck
Your in – Good Luck !!!
I won’t say URBAN POLES because I guess this isn’t an international giveaway …oops I just did, but you can discount me from the draw! 😁 Anyway, that’s really great news. I’m so pleased for you. I love walking and I miss it horribly at the times I’m not able to.
These sound amazing. Urban Poles.
Laurie- you in Good luck
these URBAN POLES sound amazing!
Your in, and they are amazing !!!
Urban Poles
Cherrie Your IN !! Good luck
Urban poles ty for the feedback on these..
Virginia – Your IN !! Good luck
URBAN POLES would be a great addition to my exercise equipment.
Lindsay – Your IN !! Good luck
Urban Poles
Nancy – your in – good luck
Well, Rick, your story is so similar to mine. My neuropathy is from the constant pain of end stage arthritis in the foot, but I do feel my walks getting shorter and shorter. Even if I don’t win your Urban Poles, I might need to go get some. As always, thanks for sharing!
Heidi, I am sorry you have Neuropahty I know it hurts. Now the great news, Your in – Good Luck
Heidi you are a two time entrant – good luck!!!
I’m so happy to hear these have brought the joy of walking back into your life, Rick! And thank you for taking the initiative to 1) share your story with others to help them the way you were helped, and 2) set up the giveaway! That’s wonderful of you!
I’m not entering – I want to leave more chances for others and I recently bought a set of walking poles for my hikes around here. But when it’s time to replace those, I’ll come back here!
How exciting and encouraging to learn about URBAN POLES! I’ve been trying to walk with a walking stock, but it’s quite the challenge with the boot! You are so remarkable … so glad you touch my life!
Joanne – Your in !!! – Good Luck
I’m so pleased to hear about your great walking recovery Rick. I’m too far to send any Urban Poles but I’ll see if Amazon UK have them because I’m hopefully going to Switzerland in June (but I think 30% chance).
These poles are amazing. I love them because they are collapsible, light weight and the hand grips are so good My balance has been so bad for years that it has almost been impossible to walk in a straight line. But now I am in alignment and no more weaving.
I’m so glad that you like the URBAN POLES Rick! I’ve used
other walking poles in the past & found them to be beneficial.
I’ve gone through a lot of changes recently & find myself in a
place where I am long overdue for a total knee replacement.
However, after having massive pulmonary emboli this fall, I
cannot have any procedures. I’m trying to transition from 2
canes to Urban Poles for many reasons, one being that my
wrists cannot handle the canes any longer. Anyhow, I hope
to gradually build up my walking time😊 Cheers to you👍
Mary Ann
Mary Ann – You are a two time entrant !! Good Luck
Urban Poles!
These look n sound amazing! So excited to hear abt how much theyve done for people its encouraging! Esp as ive needed a cane since my 20s n its been looking like a walker would be in my near future so these are something i really am grateful to learn about thank you!
I would really love to win too but no matter what thank you for your kindness doing the giveaway. 😊🌻
Joy – Your in!! Good luck
I have Ankylosing Spondylitis and Lupus. I was in a wheelchair for 3 years and arm crutches for four. I could really use the URBAN POLES as I still have stability issues. I walk everywhere, but need to stop and regain my stability when walking on ground that changes levels. I walk every day and would like to be able to walk further distance. So far since I’ve been out of wheelchair I’ve lost over 100lbs! I still need about 25 more to be at optimum weight. Having the URBAN POLES to use would help me to reach my goal and keep the weight off. Thank you and URBAN POLES for doing this!
Erica this is an amazing story – thank you for telling us. Your in – Good Luck
URBAN POLES
Thank you! Have a diabetic friend who could really benefit from these. Thanks for sharing your story!
Pat, Your In !! … Good Luck
I would love to win urban pokes. My husband has neuropathy.
Linda, Your In !! … Good Luck
URBAN POLES!
Janet,, Your in !!! Good Luck
URBAN POLES
Lisa – Your IN !! Good Luck
Thank you to each of you !!! We do have two winners. I have notified them and asked them contact me by midnight eastern March 22,2021. If others do not claim the prize, we will redraw.
In the mean time. URBAN POLES has given anyone using the code RICK10 will give you a 10% discount on sales. Remember RICK10.
Any thing that you can get for free is good.
Ivan, sorry you missed the give away.
I LOVE my Urban Poles! I would NEVER have known without you, Rick! Last August, I had my 5th spinal surgery … and knew that I had to “get walking” to rehab.
I had just bought my sticks and practiced with the video, as you recommended. It’s been 4 months since surgery. I’m walking 3-5 miles/day, plus Pilates reformer or working with a personal trainer. My pain levels are nearly gone. I am stronger.
And the most fun … I get stopped at least once on every walk when people want to know about the poles! And they ask lots of questions and instantly want a pair. They totally understand how wonderful they are.
My “wisdom” came from you, Rick! THANK YOU! And as you say, the only downside is that I can’t hold hands with my wonderful husband Richard while I’m poling. Small price to pay for being upright, more stable and able to stride.
AGAIN, THANK YOU!!!!!
Oh I am so glad you like them Joanne. I know I love mine. I have the same reaction when people see me walking, they always want to know where I go those wonderful poles. Even my PT, is recommending them to her clients.