When I went to Sacramento, I’d mentioned to my fellow Markeroons that one of my 101 goals was to walk a 10k. I was a little concerned about this, actually, since most of ones I’d seen around here were races, with times that didn’t seem particularly friendly to someone who planned on walking the whole thing. Then, WanderingRaleighite mentioned Volkswalks (or volksmarch, or volkssporting, etc…) Turns out that these are just what I was looking for.
From The AVA’s FAQ:
A volksmarch is a non-competitive 3.1 mile (5 kilometer) or 6.2 mile (10 kilometer) walk. It’s not a pledge walk, it’s not a race, it is a fun activity you do with a club, with your family, with your pet, or all by yourself.
Perfect! A non-competitive 10k just for the sake of going for a walk. When I got home, I looked more into them, and discovered that we had a local club and that on April 5th they were hosting a “Walk Among the Urban Fairies, Dragons, & Trolls of Ann Arbor.” Those of you who’ve read my 101 Things list also know that one of my goals is to go on a local fairy door tour. How could I pass up this opportunity to do both?
I couldn’t. So, yesterday, I headed out to go find the Urban Fairies and walk all around town. I have to say, the whole thing was very organized, and I was quite impressed. (The weather was nice too, which is surprising given today’s snow.) Anyway, the walk took me all over – from downtown to Kerrytown, from central campus to the athletic campus, from previously undiscovered parks to previously undiscovered Cakeries, and back downtown again. Along the way, the directions pointed out dragons in the architecture, fairy doors in the buildings, trolls in the law quad, and even Ferry Field – where Jesse Owens set four world records in 1935.
I saw a lot of good things, but you’ll see most of the fairy doors in my next post. Here’s just a smattering of what I found on this walk:
The first daffodil I saw of the season. Too bad it didn’t look so happy. Bet it looks even worse covered with snow today.
One of the first 6 university presidents all troll-like in a law quad arch.
The Library has some interesting books, too. “Please do not touch. These books are out of circulation. Besides there may be someone living in them.”
(I actually had to double-back and find the library door after finishing the walk. I passed it on the 10k before the library opened.)
I was quite pleased that these are non-competitive walks, and liked the fun nature of the event – the organizers even made you walk and spin the cube three times to make it a proper 10k. Between the 6th and 7th kilometer I was getting pretty worn out, so it was nice to pause and rest at the Jefferson Market & Cakery checkpoint around kilometer 8. I think I’ll definitely be doing some more of these, and I really think that Volkssporting is a great idea. The next one is at the Leslie Science and Nature Center in May. Should be fun.
4 Responses
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Sounds like fun! The link to markeroni needs a dot-com after it, though.
I like the idea of volksmarching. I don’t think I could do a 10k yet, though.
Oh, they also have permanent walks if you can’t make an event.
I have heard of volksmarching and that particular one sounds like fun. What is it with the fairies though?
Fixed the link for you Linda!
And I bet you could do a volksmarch if you wanted. We probably were pretty close that day walking around Old Sac, and the non-competitive nature part means you can sit and have a cup of coffee if you need a break.
I think Ann Arbor has one permanent walk, but I’ll wait until the weather is a bit better for that one.
Liz – the fairy doors started awhile back, but have taken off in popularity. Trying to find Urban Fairies is difficult you know. Sometimes they just don’t want to be seen.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5393277
http://urban-fairies.com/background.html