We received the following letter from Hank Kirschner in the USA, who is in full training for his upcoming event in January 2013.

-”I am a 77-year old man living in central Florida.  Within the past few years I have had both hips replaced, with no significant lifestyle change other than walking half-marathons rather than jogging them. In 2009 however, I had a five lumbar disk fusion that solved some issues but left me unable to do aerobic training and walk distances without a walker. As I recuperated I attempted to walk longer distances at a faster pace, hoping someday to get back to distance races.  I tried two different types of walkers but was unable to get them (and me) to “race pace”.

In July of 2010 I discovered the Trionic Veloped on the Internet.

Through the remainder of 2010 I averaged approximately 15 miles per week with my Trionic.  In 2011, I increased that average to 30 miles per week.  In November, 2011, I “walked” my first race in many years:  6.2 miles (10 km) at an average of 14 minutes per mile.  Based on that race, I started trying to convince Disney to let me into the January, 2013, Disney Marathon Weekend with my Trionic.  They do not allow walkers in the race.  A few weeks ago Walt Disney World advised me that they would let me enter their 2013 Marathon Weekend making an exception for what they call my “Swedish walker”. 

My Trionic and I (along with 50 000 other contestants) will be entered in a half marathon on January 12, 2013; followed by a full marathon on January 13.  Disney calls doing both races “The Goofy Race” (which is probably appropriate, but I’ll let you know about that afterwards). Two days totalling 39.3 miles, with a 3.5 hour time limit on the half and a seven hour time limit on the full (that requires an average of 16 minute miles).

At this point, my training week is 50 to 65 miles.

I have never seen any other walker that would even begin to allow me to do this type of exercise program.

Thanks, Trionic”

What can we say Hank, we are really impressed by your hard training program and we wish you the very best of luck for your marathon weekend!

Find the Veloped of your choice in the Online Veloped Store!

Click HERE or click the image to the right in order to go directly to the shop.

You’ll find several Veloped models, that have been customized to suit your own personal requirements and preferred activities.

Recently we received an e-mail from Mrs Kling in Germany, that we would like to share with you all.

- “Hello Trionic,

Do you remember me?

I am now 90 years old. “Rushing Roland” has now received his summer tires, and he’s in real active use. I’m very happy that I have him, although after hiking on two consecutive afternoons I need a day’s recovery. I’m always happy if it’s raining on my rest days, then it doesn’t give me such a bad conscience.

The troubles I had with my legs are long gone. When I go walking with a rollator-using friend of mine, within seconds I’m 20 meters ahead, and I have to turn around and go back to keep on chatting with her. This way I walk three times longer than her.

Recently “Rushing Roland” also accompanied me, when out walking with my daughter, down a steep and very rough decline without tipping at all. He gives me a great feeling of security, and most of all a better quality of life. I can again go to places in my beautiful homeland that I haven’t seen in years, since I still drive and can load “Roland” to my car although it requires some effort. But most times someone is there to offer their help.

I wish you a nice Sunday and greet you from my heart!”

/Mrs Kling, Germany

Of course we remember you Mrs Kling! We are really happy to hear that you are frequently out walking with your Veloped, and that it has given you a better quality of life.

We wish you a wonderful summer with many adventures!

Short note:

Mrs Kling has nicknamed her Veloped ”Rushing Roland”, after the famous steam locomotive on the island of Rügen in Germany.

So Glastonbury fans really are getting older! Gran proves she’s no stick in the mud!

If you think music festivals should remain the preserve of the young, look away now.

Undeterred by the mud, rain…and throngs of youngsters, this grey-haired Glastonbury fan pushed what appeared to be a walking frame through the crowds yesterday.

She and thousands more had descended upon the 900-acre site at Worthy Farm, in Somerset, which was churned up by a second morning of torrential rain.

Many were left queuing to buy wellies, umbrellas and waterproof ponchos, but as you might expect from the older generation, this lady looked well kitted out.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2007311/Glastonbury-2011-Fans-getting-older-gran-proves-shes-stick-mud.html#ixzz1QBi9gYhQ

“I have a 14″ fusion with hardware in my back and I need a walker to get around. I was frustrated with the comfort of traditional walkers and the limitations of only walking on sidewalks. I wanted to be able to go off-road and experience nature again. The Trionic walker is a miracle gift for me. I was in a wheelchair before my 2nd fusion surgery last March, 2010 and I started to build up my walking ability from that point forward. That is when the traditional walker failed me. With the Trionic I have been continuing to move forward; grass, gravel, dirt, mud and bison trails. I have hiked in Yellowstone off the beaten path, Colorado and of course here in Wisconsin. The reason I am writing is because people ask me about my machine EVERYWHERE; airports, doctors’ waiting rooms, on the trail, etc. I have to say that it is easy for me to talk positively to these folks about Trionic. I have pictures of the different places I have been if you are interested. I am on medical leave right now and in the process of transitioning into permanent disability. I love your product and I like sharing my experiences with other people who are interested in the walker! I am a violinist/orchestral director/teacher for my professional job”

Let us know if you want to talk further! Contact Trionic for my contact information.

Designed for outdoor performance
Though the Veloped’s main purpose is to provide walking support, it must NOT be mistaken for a rollator. In fact it has a lot more in common with a baby jogger. The Veloped and the baby jogger share a 3-wheel design, big wheels and a variety of textile accessories. They have both been designed for optimal off-road driving characteristics, and are intended for outdoor activities like fitness walking and hiking.

A 3-wheeled design has major benefits on any uneven ground. Have you ever tried to push a 4-wheeled shopping cart to your car in the parking lot? Cursing it all the way since it heads in every direction BUT the one you want it to. Try a rollator on uneven ground and you will experience the very same thing!

Why choose a Veloped?
When it comes to support for walking, hiking and running; the Veloped beats the rollator everytime – hands down!

Several features make the Veloped truly unique. The patented climbing wheel, its 3-wheel design, the suspension and comfortable air-filled tires work in unison for a totally new walking experience. It climbs roots, rocks and curbs with ease and turns cobbles, gravel, grass, snow and off-road trails into pure pleasure instead of a bumpy and unpleasant venture.

If you are looking for the best when it comes to outdoor walking support, make sure to try a Veloped for a spin outdoors and you will experience all the benefits. Just to prove the point;

Would you buy a new car with solid tires and no suspension whatsoever???

Award-winning design
Looking cool when out walking doesn’t hurt. The Veloped has been awarded as winner of the Swedish design award “Aluminium Design”, founded by the Swedish aluminium industry.

Hi Johan and Stefan,

Iceland was great! In the picture I’m about to cross Sfartifoss…

Thank you for all the information on the Trekking-kit and the extra side-bag. It was very helpful! The size of the additional bag is excellent for my camera tri/monopod. So I would like to order the Trek-kit, extra bag and a bottle holder.

May I ask you to send this as soon as possible, because on the 19th of April I go to Spain for a 2-week holiday. I know from experience your service is always quick, but it would be great to use the new accessoires for my photo equipment on my holiday. We will stay in a nature reserve; hiking, birdwatching and of course shooting photos!

Increase your caloric expenditure through Veloped Walking! Though the Veloped has a lightweight aluminium frame, by pushing your Veloped you will include your upper body in the exercise and increase the energy output of your effort. Veloped Walking will increase your energy consumption with as much as 25 % compared to ordinary fitness walking, all depending on intensity and terrain.

So, if your aim is to lose some weight, Veloped Walking is an excellent choice of physical exercise.

Download our 12-week training program, treat yourself with a Veloped, and you are set to go!

If you go trekking or hiking you’ll get plenty of healthy exercise while you enjoy our beautiful outdoors at the same time. If you find it difficult to maintain a traditional and sometimes boring exercise schedule, go exploring your surroundings instead and the exercise you get will be a great bonus. By choosing Veloped Trekking you have a multitude of options to carry all your gear when you are heading out to explore the world.

Veloped Trekking offers you comfort, support and safety during your adventures. It greatly reduces the impact and stress caused by trekking and hiking. With the Veloped Trek as your companion you’ll enjoy the same benefits as when riding a mountain bike, and you can head for the mountains, hiking trails, forests, dirt roads and green areas.

I’m sending you a picture of me and my dogs hiking off road on trails for the first time in several years!

The new part arrived yesterday; I put it in myself in about 5 minutes, thanks to your excellent pictorially-accompanied directions. And viola! My Trionic is wonderful again. The new tube assembly works wonderfully and indeed makes putting the front wheel in much easier. I keep my Trionic in the back of my Toyota Prius with the front wheel off, so I am constantly putting it on/taking it off. Thank you again for expediting the replacment part!

I’ve already taken it for a hike again, although it was a short one as I recently fractured a bone in my foot. However, the Trionic makes walking even with this latest injury much easier.

I have been continuing to enjoy my Trionic and I am looking forward to many years of enjoyment with it. I anticipate referring many [more] people to you.

I remain a fan and a happy colleague!

With affection,

Mariah Breeding, USA