Running poles - why, when & how to use them? (best tips)

[@twold4this]

First of your vids I've watched. Looking for last minute advice on how to use poles - I'm biting off more than I can chew in an upcoming ultra! Gulp! This was a most enjoyable introduction - lots of good basic information that I required: height of pole, using whilst running (in my case staggering) uphill and general stability = more confidence on more technical ground. Great work, thanks.

[@DeanPattrick]

Thanks a lot for this video I purchased a pair of Leki Trail TA today.

[@wildgingerruns]

Good choice!

[@ifonly2675]

I run in the Pyrénées. Only use them for steep technical up and downhills. Apart from that they're not really needed. But of course it's a personal thing even though Mr Leki will advise you to use them all the time even to get the groceries !

[@Mysticfizz24]

There’s a definite technique to using those things, good video Claire 👍

[@kevkongable]

Cheers Claire, just about to do my first run with Poles in January so this was really helpful!

[@wildgingerruns]

Glad it helped!

[@geoffgriffiths4689]

Really helpful, looking at purchasing some for marathon distances in the future :)

[@haymish8703]

Cheers Claire and Simon. After watching the vid I'm definitely going to buy a set of poles to help hill runs.

[@haymish8703]

@@wildgingerruns I'll be getting the Harrier Poles. It just seems to be a brand that is very practical, tested by runners, does away with the mystical advertising and is a British brand with a friendly reputation- I just hope more athletes test their kit. I'll click on the links for Harrier in your description before I order. Keep up the good work with your reviews.

[@cameronfrancey1718]

Good video Claire, gave it a thumbs up too because I like your channel and the video is well presented, but from FB you know how much I like poles. Even on my longer runs >30 miles and with maybe 8k-10k of climbing and drop i've never felt the need for poles. I've also raced and never been passed by a poles user on a hill (or flat for that matter) and I've passed a fair few, and I usually end up somewhere in the top ten at the finish so I've never felt the need for them. like others have said, its a personal thing, love-em or hate-em. I'll leave it at that :) In the favour of poles though it might be handy to have on on the back of the pack incase of a rolled ankle or something just to get home on. Keep these great videos coming!

[@GodzillaGoesGaga]

Good instruction. Thanks guys.

[@wildgingerruns]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kza695]

Never used them , or had the need. Now at least I'll know when it's time to pull them out, just have to go get some trails next spring. Thanks for the info.

[@jesuscruz836]

Thumbs up Claire. Very informative and well communicated.

[@hugokramer5729]

Really interesting! I think I’d find them - or even just one - really helpful in steep or tricky descents, helping me go a little faster. Thanks for this.

[@shaunnicholson5389]

Thanks, that was very helpful.

[@Whiskybottle118]

A question for the Leki rep really. What maintenance do these poles require? I have two pairs of Leki Micro Flash Carbons (MFC's), much like the Micro Trail Pro's. The new (spare) pair have little use but the original pair are used almost daily and often get wet. I find the top telescopic section gets a bit grunchy after they've been wet and expanding them a few days later they can still be wet inside. Recently after a week unused the telescopic section had jamed solid and when I did get then to move the metal ferral was showing signs of corrosion. Drying the outside of the poles doesn't help as the water is already inside. A bit of WD40 in the ferrals got them moving smoothly but is this safe with the Carbon Fibre? Note these poles have not been used on the coast much so it's not salt spray, though it could be salts washing off me! When fully dry inside, if the poles are closed rapidly in bright light a cloud of fine dust is ejected. Any advice on keeping them operation smoothly?

[@wildgingerruns]

I think a bit of lube would be ok, probably best to email Leki themselves for this one

[@Kelly_Ben]

I've only ever used poles for water crossings and downhills when my knees are aching, but I've been debating getting a pair of zfolds for running. I'm guessing you've got a review video, so if I go to watch!

[@trailsandbeers]

Poles uphill - good 👍 Poles downhill - I have tried but find it easier/faster and better balance to pack them away. Adjustable length, waste of time imo, just get fixed length of the right size, it's lighter and stronger. Straps not needed, most people seem to like them but I remove the straps.

[@wildgingerruns]

Interesting! Thanks for sharing T&B!

[@Brockdorf]

I wonder what a good upper body exercise would be for poles since most of my training does not need poles. (hills are at least 5 hours from my house)

[@martinstefak4612]

Try to compare your technique with cross country skiers summer training vith poles. You will see where are you hopefully

[@littleoldmanrunning105]

I've always been a bit ambivalent about poles. But seeing how they made a difference to you just now, maybe I need to think about them again. i like the idea of the adjustable poles, as I'm going to need really short ones ;-)

[@Garywham]

How tall are you. He said 120cms poles and i think we are the same hight? Leki size guide is not very clear. i'm 175cms tall.

[@wildgingerruns]

I'm 5ft 7 inches, I think you might need a bit longer as that comes out at 170cm

[@GordonSaxby]

Still unclear if the Vario version is the most suitable!? Never used poles before, currently getting into ultra trail running.

[@OneMileNoSweat]

Just ordered a set of Leki poles. Great video. What is your method of storing them when you are not actively using a set of Z poles?

[@johnbouttell5827]

Very useful downhill when you're getting tired

[@proudtobeamum]

Can Nordic walking poles serve the purpose?

[@proudtobeamum]

Thank you. I have the 100% carbon leki poles which are very light. But probably I should remove their paws for running on trails.

[@Whiskybottle118]

They are much the same thing, mine are marketed for both (Leki Micro Flash Carbon). Strangley the first pair imported from Germany came with boots, the second pair from UK didn't. Mine are used for everything from Nordic walking on roads to walking coast path to running woodland & hill trails

[@curiouscrandall]

Just ran with poles for the first time and I'm not sure if they helped or not because I was flailing about like a drunk octopus 😂 Needs some practice!

[@Whiskybottle118]

Walk before you run. Try Nordic Walking until the action becomes natural, up the pace, and when you can walk no faster run but keep the same action. With practice you'll fly, without it you'll injure someone.

[@Tobs_]

top speed of a giraffe 🦒 is 36mph

[@amblincork]

People using poles of flattish narrow trails can be quite a nuisance and occassionally dangerous

[@wildgingerruns]

Lol yes!

[@Whiskybottle118]

Agree, I use poles a lot, but not in a crowd