A word-to-the-wise from sharp-eyed Trish about a walkers-only race this fall -- for anyone not doing the Scotia Half (on the same day). Early-bird deadline ends tomorrow:
You may remember meeting us at the Chili Expo in March this year – we were out in force promoting our first annual "Walkers Only" competitive race event to be held in Kitchener Waterloo on September 28th, 2008. As far as we know, this is the first walkers only event of its kind in Canada.
We would still like to see you all at our event on Sunday September 28th and would encourage you visit our website at www.kwwalkingclassic.com and sign up by May 31st in order to take advantage of our $10 off early bird registration fee: $25 for the 5km event and $30 for the 10km event. The registration fee gets you a technical shirt, medal, timing chip, race bib and entry in to our prize draws.
Registrants who wish to fund raise for our mental health charity (Minds in Motion) will qualify for a refund of their registration fee upon submission of at least $50 in sponsorship.
Friday 30 May 2008
Thursday 29 May 2008
Walk: Sat. May 31 & Alfie Shrubb: June 1
It's a scheduled 6K for those Quebec Halfers who are meeting at Tim's on Saturday at 8 am. For the Alfie Shrubb contingent, please sign in on the blog if you will be doing Saturday's walk, too, so that folks will know if there's a crowd.
Alfie Shrubb will have the majority of us on Sunday. Thirty (yes, 30) of us have registered, though a couple of our registrants have had to drop out -- Eileen to nurse herself better and Eva to attend a high school reunion in a million-dollar California mansion. Poor kid.
Here are the directions to the race, from organizer Al Storie (if you're picking up your kit race morning, please note the change in times):
Coming from Toronto, take the 401 East; exit at Courtice Rd. and go North to Taunton Rd; head East on Taunton Rd approximately 4k to Green Rd.; MJ Hobbs School is at 2296 Taunton Rd. at the top of Green Rd. (park there; the event starts there, too, at 8:40am). You can pick up your kits Sunday from 7:00am to 8:00am
It couldn't be easier to get from the race to the restaurant, but here's a map:
View Larger Map
Our reservation is in Breda's name, for 11:45 am, giving us time for the post-race festivities. It's less than 15 minutes drive from the school to the restaurant.
Let me know if you still don't have transportation. I'll be sending out emails to confirm who's driving whom.
One final note: Don't forget to get yourself a rain poncho -- looks like we'll need them.
Alfie Shrubb will have the majority of us on Sunday. Thirty (yes, 30) of us have registered, though a couple of our registrants have had to drop out -- Eileen to nurse herself better and Eva to attend a high school reunion in a million-dollar California mansion. Poor kid.
Here are the directions to the race, from organizer Al Storie (if you're picking up your kit race morning, please note the change in times):
Coming from Toronto, take the 401 East; exit at Courtice Rd. and go North to Taunton Rd; head East on Taunton Rd approximately 4k to Green Rd.; MJ Hobbs School is at 2296 Taunton Rd. at the top of Green Rd. (park there; the event starts there, too, at 8:40am). You can pick up your kits Sunday from 7:00am to 8:00am
It couldn't be easier to get from the race to the restaurant, but here's a map:
View Larger Map
Our reservation is in Breda's name, for 11:45 am, giving us time for the post-race festivities. It's less than 15 minutes drive from the school to the restaurant.
Let me know if you still don't have transportation. I'll be sending out emails to confirm who's driving whom.
One final note: Don't forget to get yourself a rain poncho -- looks like we'll need them.
Monday 26 May 2008
Walk: Wed. May 28 @ Shoppers, Alfie Shrubb, plus...
First, the easy bit: It's 5K on Wednesday, usual time, usual place. Hope to see you out.
Alfie Shrubb, June 1 -- plans:
Race kit pickups -- Two possibilities:
- Saturday only at the Whitby Running Room -- Dawn and Charlotte have volunteered to pick up kits. Make sure you email Dawn your race confirmation.
- Sunday/Race day, between 6:30 and 8 am at the race start
Transportation to the race:
- We have quite a crowd, so it makes sense to carpool -- volunteer drivers needed; please contact me if you can drive or if you need a ride
- Bob & I can fit 8 in the van, and we have room for 4 more (I've already counted Barb & Jan)
- FYI: Walkers' start is 8:40 am (Runners' start is 9 am)
- Final transpo details later in the week
- Note: The DVP will be closed for the Ride for Heart on Sunday, June 1 (new Shore Thing, Linda, will be biking 50K in the event -- go, girl!)
Brunch afterwards!
- The poll is now closed, so if you wanted to vote, but didn't, please let me know
- Location: Bowmanville Family Restaurant -- final details later
Two small races coming up in July:
I know, we haven't even done the Alfie Shrubb! However, two races are coming up fast -- both can be viewed through the links on our web log. First is the HBC Run/Walk for Canada 10K on July 1. A number of you have expressed interest in this race, so be sure to register. This is a good, Lakefront route for a great cause, supporting Canadian Olympic athletes.
Then there's the Beaches Jazz Tune-Up on July 27th. It comes in 20K, 10K and 5K flavours, and, for anyone doing the Scotia Half in September, the "tune-up" part is that it's an official warm-up for that race. I'm looking at the 10K myself -- the timing is pretty perfectly tuned to the Quebec Half schedule. It's a route we know well, so should feel fast.
The $20 fee (all proceeds go to charity) snags you a t-shirt and a BBQ ticket back at the Kew Beach start point, where you can get an early start on the Jazz Festival with a Juno award-winning bassist at 11:30. Or, you can forego the shirt & BBQ and register for $5. Even better? The 10K race doesn't start till 9:30 am. Only 1,000 places for this one, so register early.
And finally...
Congratulations to official Hard-Ass of the Month, Debbie, who finished her 2nd half marathon within two weeks, the Oak Bay Half in Victoria, with a time of 3:04. Well done!
Alfie Shrubb, June 1 -- plans:
Race kit pickups -- Two possibilities:
- Saturday only at the Whitby Running Room -- Dawn and Charlotte have volunteered to pick up kits. Make sure you email Dawn your race confirmation.
- Sunday/Race day, between 6:30 and 8 am at the race start
Transportation to the race:
- We have quite a crowd, so it makes sense to carpool -- volunteer drivers needed; please contact me if you can drive or if you need a ride
- Bob & I can fit 8 in the van, and we have room for 4 more (I've already counted Barb & Jan)
- FYI: Walkers' start is 8:40 am (Runners' start is 9 am)
- Final transpo details later in the week
- Note: The DVP will be closed for the Ride for Heart on Sunday, June 1 (new Shore Thing, Linda, will be biking 50K in the event -- go, girl!)
Brunch afterwards!
- The poll is now closed, so if you wanted to vote, but didn't, please let me know
- Location: Bowmanville Family Restaurant -- final details later
Two small races coming up in July:
I know, we haven't even done the Alfie Shrubb! However, two races are coming up fast -- both can be viewed through the links on our web log. First is the HBC Run/Walk for Canada 10K on July 1. A number of you have expressed interest in this race, so be sure to register. This is a good, Lakefront route for a great cause, supporting Canadian Olympic athletes.
Then there's the Beaches Jazz Tune-Up on July 27th. It comes in 20K, 10K and 5K flavours, and, for anyone doing the Scotia Half in September, the "tune-up" part is that it's an official warm-up for that race. I'm looking at the 10K myself -- the timing is pretty perfectly tuned to the Quebec Half schedule. It's a route we know well, so should feel fast.
The $20 fee (all proceeds go to charity) snags you a t-shirt and a BBQ ticket back at the Kew Beach start point, where you can get an early start on the Jazz Festival with a Juno award-winning bassist at 11:30. Or, you can forego the shirt & BBQ and register for $5. Even better? The 10K race doesn't start till 9:30 am. Only 1,000 places for this one, so register early.
And finally...
Congratulations to official Hard-Ass of the Month, Debbie, who finished her 2nd half marathon within two weeks, the Oak Bay Half in Victoria, with a time of 3:04. Well done!
Walk: Mon. May 26 @ Loblaws
It looks like a thunderstorm might pass through at our usual 7 pm meeting time, so keep an eye on the weather. However, if it's just a bit of drizzle, walking can be quite refreshing.
The Quebec Half schedule says 5K. Cut and paste this link into your browser for a map. (Unfortunately, if I go back and make the link live, it removes the caption from the photo.)
http://www.mapmyrun.com/walk/canada/on/toronto/593870757034
Add a few intervals to add challenge to your shorter workout: fast walkers, when you loop back to the group, turn on the steam, over-shoot the back of the pack, then turn and return to a conversational pace. Try this 3-4 times.
Some of us are still training with Wow on Mondays (Class 6 of 10) and won't see you tonight. Have a great walk.
The Quebec Half schedule says 5K. Cut and paste this link into your browser for a map. (Unfortunately, if I go back and make the link live, it removes the caption from the photo.)
http://www.mapmyrun.com/walk/canada/on/toronto/593870757034
Add a few intervals to add challenge to your shorter workout: fast walkers, when you loop back to the group, turn on the steam, over-shoot the back of the pack, then turn and return to a conversational pace. Try this 3-4 times.
Some of us are still training with Wow on Mondays (Class 6 of 10) and won't see you tonight. Have a great walk.
Friday 23 May 2008
Best Wishes
I forgot to mention, as I fired off yesterday's post:
The very best of luck to Debbie who is doing the Oak Bay Half Marathon in Victoria, B.C. this weekend -- her second half marathon this month.
Also, a happy birthday to Maria on Sunday! Enjoy this gift of a sunny weekend.
And if anyone from our gang is doing the Ottawa Half Sunday -- have a great time.
See the rest of you on Saturday for a walk on the Spit.
P.S. A reminder that our date with Alfie Shrubb is next weekend. Kit pick-up is available on the morning of the race. However, Dawn and Charlotte have offered to pick up race kits early for those who want to wear and wash their t-shirts before race day. If that's you, please email your race confirmation to Dawn -- or if you don't have her address, email me and I will forward it.
The very best of luck to Debbie who is doing the Oak Bay Half Marathon in Victoria, B.C. this weekend -- her second half marathon this month.
Also, a happy birthday to Maria on Sunday! Enjoy this gift of a sunny weekend.And if anyone from our gang is doing the Ottawa Half Sunday -- have a great time.
See the rest of you on Saturday for a walk on the Spit.
P.S. A reminder that our date with Alfie Shrubb is next weekend. Kit pick-up is available on the morning of the race. However, Dawn and Charlotte have offered to pick up race kits early for those who want to wear and wash their t-shirts before race day. If that's you, please email your race confirmation to Dawn -- or if you don't have her address, email me and I will forward it.
Thursday 22 May 2008
Walk: Sat. May 24 @ Tim's
The sun will be shining, we hear. So there's no reason to be daunted by the 5-6K distance. Please come out and join us at 8 am.
On Wednesday night, Jan & I were the only bravehearts to show up in the rain. I'll have you know, not only did we get wet (proof captured on the left by an itinerant shopper), we did intervals!
For those speedy souls champing at the bit on those shorter distances, intervals have been proven to be the most important part of your week's workout -- whether your goal is getting fit or getting slim, as this article from the Mayo Clinic discusses. You don't have to time your intervals if you haven't the equipment. Jan & I alternated fast and, well, less fast between stop signs on our return trek. It was 3K well spent.
On Wednesday night, Jan & I were the only bravehearts to show up in the rain. I'll have you know, not only did we get wet (proof captured on the left by an itinerant shopper), we did intervals!For those speedy souls champing at the bit on those shorter distances, intervals have been proven to be the most important part of your week's workout -- whether your goal is getting fit or getting slim, as this article from the Mayo Clinic discusses. You don't have to time your intervals if you haven't the equipment. Jan & I alternated fast and, well, less fast between stop signs on our return trek. It was 3K well spent.
Tuesday 20 May 2008
Walk: Wed. May 21 @ Shopper's
Hi, folkses,
The walk on Wednesday's schedule is 3K. Yes, 3K! Old JeansMariners like me will remember the day we first wrote "We walked 3K!" on our calendars.
I encourage you Quebec trainees to stick to that as a discipline, and encourage all those who have been putting off joining us due to the crazy distances to come out. From Shopper's, that's straight south to Danforth and back.
As for me, I'll have to get my 3K in on another day, as the 21st is my sister's birthday. See you on Saturday!
The walk on Wednesday's schedule is 3K. Yes, 3K! Old JeansMariners like me will remember the day we first wrote "We walked 3K!" on our calendars.
I encourage you Quebec trainees to stick to that as a discipline, and encourage all those who have been putting off joining us due to the crazy distances to come out. From Shopper's, that's straight south to Danforth and back.
As for me, I'll have to get my 3K in on another day, as the 21st is my sister's birthday. See you on Saturday!
Saturday 17 May 2008
Walk: Victoria Day morning @ Tim's
A change of venue and of time so that we can enjoy the fireworks on Vicky Day evening.
See you at Tim Hortons on Lakeshore/Leslie at 9 am for an early start on your last day of the long weekend.
It's the first official walk of the Quebec Deux-Rives Half Marathon schedule. The schedule says 5K -- we might squeeze in 6K.
Note that there's still time to sign up for the Alfie Shrubb 8K on June 1st. It's the same course as last year; a there-and-back flanked by green fields. And race organizer Al Storie is deeply committed to making this one of the best races for walkers in the area. We have 25 from our group registered, and a brunch table reserved for post-race noshing. Look for the race link on our website.
See you at Tim Hortons on Lakeshore/Leslie at 9 am for an early start on your last day of the long weekend.
It's the first official walk of the Quebec Deux-Rives Half Marathon schedule. The schedule says 5K -- we might squeeze in 6K.
Note that there's still time to sign up for the Alfie Shrubb 8K on June 1st. It's the same course as last year; a there-and-back flanked by green fields. And race organizer Al Storie is deeply committed to making this one of the best races for walkers in the area. We have 25 from our group registered, and a brunch table reserved for post-race noshing. Look for the race link on our website.
Thursday 15 May 2008
Walk: Sat. May 17 @ Tim's
A bunch of us descended on Eileen last night, laden with Iceland poppies and ready to plant in the rain. She looks incredibly stylish here in her original motorcycle jacket, but she won't be ready to take it out on the road till she gets her disk issue sorted. Hopefully (oops, Olwyn, I mean "with hope") that will be soon. However, coffee might be a possibility. I know we're sending get-well thoughts to all our Shorely Recovering Things.Saturday is a free-for-all day, with no officially scheduled distance. Please come out and join us for a social 5K, 6K, 8K or whatever suits you, especially if you haven't been out in a while. I suggest we take The Spit route, for maximum chatting space.
A heads-up for Monday, as it's Victoria Day, Trish has suggested that the Monday walkers meet in the morning, rather than at our usual time. I think this makes sense. How about you?
Tuesday 13 May 2008
Walk: Wed. May 14 @ Shoppers
A thought to ponder at the almost-start of a new training season: It doesn't matter how fast we are; in our minds, we can all be Kenyans.You've applauded them as they fly effortlessly by on their return loop, when we are barely past the starting pads. Let's give ourselves a round of applause, too. Let's stand up tall and try to look effortless. Let's be Kenyan!
Remember, in every race, we cover the same distance, cross the same finish line, and (in most cases) receive the same medals.
This Wednesday is purely a social walk, of 5K or so. I hope to see some of you at Shoppers. Pending thunder and lightning, I plan to be there.
P.S. They didn't have this shirt in my size at the Mississauga expo. However, you can order it online from Mon-Tees. 10% of the sale goes to help educate girls in Kenya through Beads for Education.
Sunday 11 May 2008
Walk: Mon. May 12 @ Loblaws
Great route, great day (by which I particularly mean: no rain), and great results for the Shore Things in Mississauga, with lots of personal bests. The medals are pretty cool, too. Check out those smiles.
I've put the results on our Flickr page, along with pictures. But if you prefer a more direct route, you can see the results at:
http://www.sportstats.ca/
Monday's walk is a free-for-all. Show up, and set your distance. I might even skip the Wow class this Monday for a little more leisurely pace, to match my first-ever blisters!
The Quebec Half schedule begins with easy distances on May 19th. And, before you know it, Alfie Shrubb...
Hope your Mother's Day was as memorable as ours.
I've put the results on our Flickr page, along with pictures. But if you prefer a more direct route, you can see the results at:
http://www.sportstats.ca/
Monday's walk is a free-for-all. Show up, and set your distance. I might even skip the Wow class this Monday for a little more leisurely pace, to match my first-ever blisters!
The Quebec Half schedule begins with easy distances on May 19th. And, before you know it, Alfie Shrubb...
Hope your Mother's Day was as memorable as ours.
Wednesday 7 May 2008
Walk: Sat. May 10 @ Tim's
No, it is not a picture of the new recycling bin. It is me in Wednesday's rain, modelling some fashionable attire (potentially) for Sunday's race. Trish, get out your dancin' feet. We need to hold back those clouds.I can't speak for the other Mississauga-ers, but Bob & I won't be out on Saturday. However, you're sure to have company if the sun is shining. You know the turnarounds along the Boardwalk route by heart: 8K to the end of the boardwalk; 10K to the foot of Fallingbrook & Queen; 12K to the top of the hill at Kingston. Please be on the look out for a couple of new walkers from our Wow class.
Note to the Mississauga gang: we'll pick up the race kits on Friday night, not Saturday. Please send me your race confirmation/bib# and t-shirt size now, or I won't be able to do that for you. I can't guarantee we'll get the size you want, as t-shirts are on a first-come basis. But that's why we're heading out earlier.
To everyone else: Think of us on Mother's Day. Have a great day yourselves, if you're a Mum or Mom. And see you all next week (or Sunday, if you're hitching a ride).
Monday 5 May 2008
Walk: Wed. May 7 @ Shoppers
It's a ridiculous 5K -- who's up for it? We'll see you at 7 pm in our usual spot.
Sporting Life results:
The Shore Things did us proud last Sunday. Read all about it at:
http://www.canadarunningseries.com/results/2008/sl10k/sl10kw.htm
Mississauga gang:
For the race this coming Sunday (Did I mention it was on Mother's Day. Maybe once or twice?), Bob & I will be driving to Mississauga to pick up race kits on Saturday. If you want a pickup, please email me your race confirmations/bib# and t-shirt size asap. At the moment, I have confirmations only from Debbie & son Simon.
We will be driving on Sunday, and so far have reserved places for: Barb, Stacey, Debbie (and son), plus we two. Anyone else? Please speak up. There's room for 2 more; a snug fit, but doable. We'll gather at our place at 6 am to leave by 6:15.
Sporting Life results:
The Shore Things did us proud last Sunday. Read all about it at:
http://www.canadarunningseries.com/results/2008/sl10k/sl10kw.htm
Mississauga gang:
For the race this coming Sunday (Did I mention it was on Mother's Day. Maybe once or twice?), Bob & I will be driving to Mississauga to pick up race kits on Saturday. If you want a pickup, please email me your race confirmations/bib# and t-shirt size asap. At the moment, I have confirmations only from Debbie & son Simon.
We will be driving on Sunday, and so far have reserved places for: Barb, Stacey, Debbie (and son), plus we two. Anyone else? Please speak up. There's room for 2 more; a snug fit, but doable. We'll gather at our place at 6 am to leave by 6:15.
Sunday 4 May 2008
Walk: Mon. May 5 @ Loblaws
Congratulations to all Sporting Life 10K finishers -- some of whom you'll see gathered in this shot. Trish's rain dancing must have helped, as you had a wonderful day for it! Well done, especially, to Lou-Ann who is wearing her first race medal. There's no turning back now, girl.
If you have pictures, please share them by uploading to our Flickr site. There are instructions. By now, you should know where to find 'em. If you're baffled, however, check with me.
Mississauga group is in taper this week: 6K Monday! If you head west from Loblaws along the "south of the tracks" route, the turnback for 6K would be Gerrard at Hollywood. Have a great walk. (The Wow trainees are in Week 4 of 10, so won't be with you.)
Happy birthday this week goes to new member, Milka, who has recently joined us through the Wow class. Have a great b-day!
If you have pictures, please share them by uploading to our Flickr site. There are instructions. By now, you should know where to find 'em. If you're baffled, however, check with me.
Mississauga group is in taper this week: 6K Monday! If you head west from Loblaws along the "south of the tracks" route, the turnback for 6K would be Gerrard at Hollywood. Have a great walk. (The Wow trainees are in Week 4 of 10, so won't be with you.)
Happy birthday this week goes to new member, Milka, who has recently joined us through the Wow class. Have a great b-day!
Thursday 1 May 2008
Walk: Sat. May 3 @ Tim's
The Sporting Life crew (three of them seen here) will be resting up for their race, but there will still be a walk on Saturday, rain or shine.
It's only 8K, the start of the taper for Mississauga. As long as there's no lightning, that's a puddle-hop to the end of the boardwalk and back for well-deserved hot beverages. Break out that rain poncho. Walking in the rain can be fun -- like a trip back to childhood.
The very best of luck to all the Sporting Lifers. Have a great race! We'll fete you at the Hot House on Sunday, starting at 10 am.
It's only 8K, the start of the taper for Mississauga. As long as there's no lightning, that's a puddle-hop to the end of the boardwalk and back for well-deserved hot beverages. Break out that rain poncho. Walking in the rain can be fun -- like a trip back to childhood.
The very best of luck to all the Sporting Lifers. Have a great race! We'll fete you at the Hot House on Sunday, starting at 10 am.
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