Running with Poles | Lake District | Dates throughout the year

Stronger forward propulsion; better balance and efficiency; reduced leg fatigue; improved cardiovascular fitness; better muscle tone; increased upper body strength; faster fitness gains … the benefits of running with poles are immense.

Running ultras and using poles go hand in hand (pun intended!), so if you want to maximise your efficiency in your next long race, this is the course for you. It’s not hard to get started with poles, but getting the style, gait and positioning right is a true skill – this is where our expertise comes in. We’ve been using poles for as long as we can remember, and over the past ten years we’ve taught countless others to do it too: some of the UK’s best ultra runners have trained with us. Get to grips with your poles, and you will reap the benefits next time you hit the trails or mountains.

We recommend a minimum half-day session for one-to-one training; for groups, a full day is recommended. We will cover:

• Which poles are best to use, and why
• Why it's more efficient to use poles over ultra distances
• How to walk with poles (remember you can't run before you can walk!)
• The correct style and gait to use when running with poles.
• When to run with poles and when to walk
• Different methods and techniques that you can use when running with poles, including guidance on and which methods are most efficient, and why.

This course is designed for anyone who is new to running with poles, or who has started to use them already and needs to iron out bad habits or learn the ‘correct’ techniques.

Come on your own, or bring your friends: discounts are available for teaching groups of 2 – 10. See our Price List for full details.

Max group size: 10. If you want to bring a larger group, please contact us to discuss your needs.

• Welcome and ‘pole chat’
• Learn to Nordic Walk with poles (this provides the basis you will need to run with them)
• Tea, coffee and snack-break
• Learn to run with poles in the most efficient way
• Head out onto the trails to put your new skills into action
• Loan of a set of Leki poles: the best kind for mountain, trail and ultra running

Full day courses run from 09:30 to 16:30 with a break for lunch; half day courses may be booked in the morning or afternoon.

• Waterproof jacket & trousers (taped seams please)
• Spare L/S base layer, Primaloft layer or similar (no cotton please)
• Hat or buff
• Gloves
• Survival Bag
• Whistle
• Hill food/Lunch Snacks
• Race Vest/Small Pack to put it all in.
• Aggressive-soled running shoes suitable for mountain terrain

Please be aware we might be moving at slow speeds at some points during the day: please account for this in your clothing selection. Check the weather forecast in advance of the course and come prepared.