Why I’m Taking Nordic Walking Poles to a 70-Mile Ultra

Training for The Wall with the LEKI Ultratrail FX.One

In June, Karen will be lining up at the start of The Wall, the iconic 70-mile ultra along Hadrian’s Wall, organised by Rat Race. It’s a single-day journey across some of the most historic terrain in the UK—and she is fully expecting to be running, Nordic walking, and possibly crawling by the end of it! In this blog Karen shares some of her thoughts on why she will be taking Nordic Walking poles on this challenge:

For an event of this distance, efficiency matters more than speed. It’s about conserving energy, protecting the body, and keeping moving forward hour after hour. That’s where Nordic Walking technique—and lightweight, high-performance poles like the LEKI Ultratrail FX.One—become an essential part of both my training and race strategy.

Why Use Poles in an Ultra?

Ultra marathons are rarely about running every step. On long climbs and late in the race, most athletes switch to a power hike—and poles can transform that from a slow trudge into a strong, rhythmic, full-body movement.

Key benefits

1. Share the workload
Poles engage the upper body—shoulders, arms, and core—so your legs aren’t doing all the work. Over 70 miles, that can make a huge difference.

2. Climb hills more efficiently
Using a Nordic Walking push on climbs helps drive you forward, rather than just dragging yourself uphill.

3. Maintain rhythm on the flat
On runnable but tiring terrain, poles can help you keep a steady cadence and posture, especially late in the race.

4. Reduce impact and fatigue
Spreading effort across more muscle groups helps delay the point where your legs simply stop cooperating.

Why Nordic Walking Technique Works So Well

Not all pole use is equal. Many runners “plant and lean,” which gives some stability but misses the real performance benefits.

Nordic Walking technique is different:

• Poles are planted behind the body, not out in front.
• The arm extends fully past the hip to create forward propulsion.
• The movement is rhythmic and coordinated with the stride.

This creates a smooth, powerful action that:

• Drives you up hills with less leg strain
• Keeps your posture upright and efficient
• Adds forward momentum on flats and gentle terrain
• It’s not just about support—it’s about propulsion.

Why I’ve Chosen the LEKI Ultratrail FX.One

For an event like The Wall, weight, packability, and efficiency all matter. The LEKI Ultratrail FX.One is designed specifically for trail and ultra runners.

What makes them ideal

• Ultra-lightweight carbon construction – minimal extra load over long distances
• Folding design – easy to stow when not needed
• Trail Shark grip and glove system – quick, secure, and efficient pole use
• Stiff, responsive shaft – better power transfer with every push

They’re built for speed, but also for long-distance efficiency, which is exactly what a 70-mile day demands.

Poles in Training: Not Just for Race Day

One of the biggest mistakes runners make is only using poles in the event itself. If you want the benefits, you need to train with them.

In my build-up to The Wall, Nordic Walking is a key part of my weekly routine:

• Hill sessions using strong Nordic Walking technique
• Long days out combining running and pole-assisted walking
• Technique drills to keep the movement efficient and relaxed

This builds:

• Upper-body endurance
• Core stability
• Efficient movement patterns for race day

By the time June arrives, the poles won’t feel like an extra piece of equipment—they’ll feel like an extension of my stride.

The Reality of a 70-Mile Day

Seventy miles in one day isn’t about heroics. It’s about movement, mindset, and smart strategy.

There will be moments when:

• Running feels easy
• Walking feels necessary
• Crawling feels inevitable!

But with the right technique and the right equipment, the goal is simple:
keep moving forward, efficiently, all day.

And for me, Nordic Walking poles are a crucial part of that plan.

Thinking about using poles for an ultra?

If you’re preparing for a long trail event, learning proper Nordic Walking technique can make a huge difference to your comfort, endurance, and finishing time.

Because in ultras, it’s not the fastest runner who wins the day—it’s the most efficient mover, and that could mean the Nordic Walkers have an edge!