A Bit About Me

My name is Marek Zalewski. I have lived in Vienna, Virginia since 1985. Before that, for quite a few years in the Boston, Massachusetts area, a few years in Venezuela and for the first 13 years of my life, in Warsaw, Poland.

Because we seldom get enough snow in Northern Virginia for cross-country skiing, (which I love to do) I started Nordic walking and never looked back since.

I am an active hiker (did the Appalachian Trail from south to north in 1973), cross-country and alpine skier. Have been kayaking (both sea and whitewater) and sailing for years. In general love the outdoors and some time ago have found that Nordic walking is a great way not only to spend some quality time in picturesque places, but also a super way to get in shape and to lose weight. All that said, do not expect me to be some sort of a Superman, because I am not, but I am an experienced Nordic walker and and ANWA certified instructor and will be happy to introduce you to the sport.

My training at MIT has taught me what is efficient and what isn’t and believe me that Nordic walking is one of the most efficient ways to get in shape and stay in shape and to lose weight the right way. In addition it is an outdoor (usually) activity, which for me, at least, beats going to a gym any day. Speaking of that, I have not renewed my gym membership, since the spring of 2005, because Nordic walking provides all the exercise that I need.

Although I am an ANWA certified Nordic Walking instructor I also have a day job, as a journalist with the Voice of America and Nordic Walking U.S. at this point is simply an exciting sideline for me. Hopefully some of you will find it as exciting as I have. It is really a great exercise and a lot of fun!