A cycling, walking and running break in France’s best area for trails
Bagnoles de l’Orne in Normandy is a traditional spa town reinventing itself with new hiking and cycling routes – and a focus on sustainable tourism
Kévin Raimond was teaching me how to walk. I thought I already knew, but this tall, bearded, laid-back Frenchman had fresh wisdom to impart. “Inhale for three steps, hold your breath for one,” he said, hands pressed to his inflating belly. “Then exhale for three steps and hold for one. And repeat.”
Afghan walking is a technique used by nomads in Afghanistan. It is supposed to reduce stress, improve circulation and increase stamina, enabling them to cover vast distances with minimal effort. As Kévin and I were exploring the Andaines Forest, in south-west Normandy – part of what has become the largest waymarked area in France – I thought some stamina might prove useful.
Continue reading...Date: |
Topics
-
CNBC - Business
Why this top fund manager says the best investment this year is 'the hedge against political cycles'
The CEO of VanEck breaks down two of this year’s red-hot trades.2 days ago -
NBC News - Top stories
Bulls on the run: Herd escapes rodeo at mall in Massachusetts
Officials were searching for a runaway bull in southern Massachusetts early Monday after a herd of the animals jumped a fence at a rodeo event a day earlier.22 hours ago -
The Wall Street Journal - World
The Mysterious Trail of Hezbollah's Exploding Pagers
The attack on the militant group has prompted several investigations into the supply chain behind the devices that detonated this week.3 days ago -
The New York Times - Top stories
The Politics of Motherhood Become a Campaign-Trail Cudgel
The presidential race has exposed a fault line in American political culture over the deeply personal decision to have children.Yesterday -
BBC News - Top stories
Paddy McGuinness to cycle 300 miles for Children in Need
The Sunday lunchtime host will complete the cycle on a BBC Children in Need customised Raleigh Chopper.19 hours ago -
The New York Times - World
In a Hezbollah-Dominated Area of Beirut, a Mix of Defiance and Unease
Many residents of Dahiya were grappling with uncertainty over what comes next.Yesterday -
The New York Times - Top stories
On the Trail, Trump and Vance Sharpen a Nativist, Anti-Immigrant Tone
From calling for mass deportations to spreading false claims about migrants’ eating pets, former President Donald J. Trump and his running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio, are taking a hard line.Yesterday - Donald Trump -
Financial Times - Business
Why half of voters think Labour has done a poor job so far
Dodgy donations, infrastructure challenges and anticipation of October’s ‘painful’ Budget weigh on party’s approval ratings3 days ago -
The Guardian - World
Remco Evenepoel and Grace Brown win cycling world time trial titles
Pair are first to win Olympics and worlds in same season Evenepoel retains crown despite chain dropping off The double Olympic gold medallist Remco Evenepoel successfully defended the world time ...Yesterday
More from The Guardian
-
The Guardian - World
Middle East crisis live: Israel launches further attacks on Hezbollah after almost 500 killed in Lebanon
Israeli airstrikes on ‘dozens’ of alleged Hezbollah targets comes amid fears tensions could escalate into a wider regional war. Analysis: New military conflict between Israel and Hezbollah would ...26 minutes ago - Israel -
The Guardian - World
China unleashes boldest stimulus in years to boost ailing economy
The People’s Bank of China announces a host of policy support measures but some experts fear they may not be enough. China’s central bank unveiled its strongest suite of economic stimulus measures ...2 hours ago - China -
The Guardian - World
Russia-Ukraine war live: War could be ‘closer to end’ than people think says Zelenskyy
Ukraine president says Vladimir Putin is ‘afraid’ of Ukraine’s Kursk occupation. We mentioned reports of Russian airstrikes on the southern city of Zaporizhzhia , a frequent target for attacks, in ...22 minutes ago - Ukraine -
The Guardian - World
Viral South Korean Olympic shooter Kim Yeji scores first acting role – as an assassin
Pistol shooter’s coolness shot her to prominence in Paris Kim will play a killer in upcoming short-form series South Korean pistol shooter Kim Yeji, whose skill and nonchalance won the internet ...8 hours ago - Olympics -
The Guardian - World
Democrats worried about polls undercounting Donald Trump’s support
Prospects of ex-president’s victory could be higher as some Harris supporters unnerved by small lead in swing states. Democrats are increasingly worried that pollsters are undercounting Donald ...12 hours ago - Donald Trump