Walk: Wed. Oct. 1 @ Shoppers

Our own Maria, with Team Herman
Originally uploaded by theshorethings

Last weekend's pictures and stories are starting to roll in -- please keep 'em coming.

Preliminary reports tell me there were some amazing times in the Scotia, and at least one personal best from Barb, who whipped across the mats in 2:49:37 (real time). Libby trailed that lightning pace by only a few hundredths of a second. Lynne finished in 2:59, and Olwyn and Leverne wrapped it up in 3:06. Way to go, everyone! But how come it took 10 minutes to cross the start line? Tell!

Next, after 8 hours of slogging through rain, muck and 30K on Saturday, and 6.5 hours doing 21-hilly-K on Sunday, both Ruth and S. completed their Bruce Trail hike last weekend. Another badge down in their quest to complete the whole dang thing. You two are awesome -- and especially so to have come out for the walk the very next day (and knocking at my door to see if I was really coughing).

The last story is from picture girl Maria, who did the Walk for ALS in London on Saturday. Closer to home, you'll recall, it rained, but:

"The weather held out beautifully. It was great. I am waiting for a final count ... but I was the second highest on our team of 20 – raising over $950.00."

Kudos to all who supported her in this cause.

We seem to be into cold and flu season, which has some of us under the weather. (Looking at the rain pelting down now, I'm glad that's figurative, not literal.) Get well soon to Cheryl, Cynthia, Eva (and me).

Hope everyone will be recovered and ready for Wednesday, when the Toronto Half trainees are scheduled for 10K.

But don't let that number daunt you. To those who have finished their races for fall, or those just starting out, please join us for the distance of your pleasing. See you at 7 pm.

Walk: Mon. Sept. 29 @ Loblaws

The group shot
Originally uploaded by theshorethings

What a weekend, eh? The Kitchener race was a great experience. It was so great to see so many enthusiastic walkers out.

Our own guy, Robert Pelletier, broke through the ribbon to place first overall in the 10K with an amazing time of 68:30. We had two other firsts in their category, Rainer (who was 6th overall) and Sheila. Charlotte finished 2nd in hers, and Alexis completed her very first race. Way to go, everyone!

Also, waaaaay too much good food was eaten.

I'm looking forward to hearing about Scotia, and the Bruce Trail hike, and the ALS Walk in London. Please write me the news, and post your pictures on the blog. (Don't forget, you can download pix from there, too.)

For those few training for the Toronto Half, the distance is 10K. Naturally, you can decide your own. How about it? Will anyone be out on Monday?

Walks: September 27 & 28th

Ta da! Here we are. Last walk before the race(s) on Wednesday, and we did great. Special thanks to the valiant few who did 11K when they didn't have to.

As we have such a large number away at events this weekend, please do sign in to say if you'll be coming to Tim's for the Saturday walk, which starts at 8 am -- you can pick your distance.

Good luck to Maria at the ALS Walk in London this Saturday! And happy trails to the two who are braving that two-day, 50K hike this weekend. You know who you are!

For the Scotiabank Waterfront Half:

To Olwyn, Cheryl, Leverne, Lynne, Libby, Barb and Breda -- and to Michelle's daughter Suzanne doing her first big race -- we wish you a great time at Scotia on Sunday. Enjoy the waterfront, cheer those Kenyans, do your thing, and have fun.

For the Kitchener-Waterloo Walking Classic 10K:

To the Lucky 13 doing this first walkers-only race, we'll see some of you for dinner at 6 pm on Saturday at Peter Martin's 20 King Restaurant which (oddly) is located at 41 King St W.

On race morning, see you in the lobby of the Delta Inn at 105 King E at 8:15 am. According to Trish, it's .48K from the hotel to the race start, so that gives us a little time for packet exchange and bathroom breaks before the race begins. If you miss us there, see you at City Hall before the race. It looks like there are only about 150 registered in the 10K and about 120 in the 5K, so we probably won't get lost in the crowds.

Bruncheon buffet starts at whenever we're finished the race (or a time to be confirmed by Cynthia) at Boa Nova Rodizio Grill House, 6 Charles St W.

And in-keeping with the egalitarian nature of this blog:

I would like to wish myself a very happy birthday on Sunday. It already sounds like it will be wonderful: perfect walking weather, good friends, good food, brand new medal. Who could ask for more to celebrate? Cheers, everyone!

Walk: Wed. Sept. 24 @ Shoppers

Wednesday, the Scotia group has a manageable 5K, while the Toronto group enjoys (notice that verb) a delightful 11K. I'm hoping there'll be at least one besides me in the latter bunch, as Bob has to do his 11K at another time.

For this weekend's brunch dates: Sounds like Leverne has everything organized for the Scotia post-race get-together. For our Kitchener gang, Bob has just booked a table for 12 under his name at the Delta, starting at 10:45. So we're all set!

Today's image is a little reminder to make ourselves as visible as possible when we're on the road at night: wearing light colours, reflective surfaces, and twinkle lights. It may be the only time when "lighting up" is good for our health.

Walk: Mon. Sept. 22 @ Loblaws

Peace, says Jan! Yes, it comes to some of you... if you're on the training taper. That's why the Scotia crowd can rest easy with a great, big 6K. Actually, the Toronto Halfers aren't too bad on Monday either, with 8K. See you in our usual spot at 7 pm -- and don't forget to dress for the dark.

A few bits and pieces:

Walk for ALS

Maria won't be joining us in either of next weekend's races, because she's going to London, Ontario to walk on Saturday for ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease, which claimed the life of her cousin's husband Herman in March 2008. Here's Maria's story:

Herman’s wife is my first cousin. Since I have no siblings, I grew up very closely to all my cousins. Herman was diagnosed in Mar ’07 and passed-on almost a year to the day. One of his daughters rushed her wedding day because of his rapid deterioration. She wanted him to be able to walk her down the aisle, which he did. During the father-daughter dance, there was not a dry eye in the room. He fought a very courageous battle. It is a terrible disease with absolutely no cure, and that is why I am doing this walk.

Good luck, Maria. If you would like to sponsor Team Herman, you can do so through this link.

Scotiabank – Myra's Marathon

Some of you might remember Myra from Alfie Shrubb -- she has been doing a half marathon in every province and territory this year to celebrate her 65th birthday and raise funds for the CNIB Library. You can read more about Myra's journey (or contribute) through the link on her name above.

Scotia will be her culminating event. Lee Scott, who has been Myra's guide a few times, wrote specifically about the Scotia plans recently in her blog. (Take my word, there's more than one reason to click this link.) If you're doing Scotia anyway, you might be able to help Myra spread awareness by wearing a back bib. Keep your eyes open for Myra, Lee and the Wow crew.

Getting ready for our races

Need a reminder of how to prepare for our big events? Have a quick read through this post from the spring: Don't Sweat the Chilly. Most of the content still applies, but hydration is especially important as the temps go up. This summer's weather has been so unpredictable, why should fall be any different?

And wishing you a happy birthday

Hey, Niki, have a great day on Sunday -- the last day of Summer 2008. Fall officially begins this year on Monday, September 22nd. See some of you then.

Walk: Sat. Sept. 20 @ Tim's

Scotia friends, you have put in your distance and now you deserve a break. It's Taper Time! Guess what? You win 8K (and 6K and 5K next week)! Enjoy. You've earned it. (Meanwhile, the Toronto crew falls back to 11K before their last big push.)

In celebration, the group will return to an 8 am start. The handful of people still with extra-long walks to go before the Toronto Half will have the option to start earlier.

Don't forget to review the choices and dates in that monster message of last weekend. Plus, new links are always being added to our blog, so check them out. I came across a cute race in January, for instance: the Robbie Burns 8K. Next year would be the poet's 250th birthday (they age well in Scotland it seems), and if you sign up by December, you score a set of tartan pyjamas. How can we resist? Perhaps we'll find out what runners wear under their kilts...

See you Saturday at 8 am.

Walk: Wed. Sept. 17 @ Shoppers

Short but sweet today, to compensate for my tome on the weekend: Scotia folks, you're at 8K (look at the 8K (B) route); Toronto crew is 13K (we'll tweak the posted 13K route slightly to pair up with the Scotia walkers at the beginning).

Everyone else, c'mon out anyway -- there's sure to be a route for you. See you at 7 pm.

Walk: Mon. Sept. 15 @ Loblaws

Well, we managed to dodge the rain. Yay! But wasn't it like walking through soup -- cool soup, but a thick, gourmet soup nonetheless.

After Saturday's 16 & 18K walks, or after the races ahead, you just might be in the mood for a relaxing bath. Sharp-eyed Julaine passes along this tip about discounts (in September) on a series of herbal soaks from Noah's Natural Foods on Yonge Street. Here are a few:

Rich in essential oil, Lavender Bath calms nervous tension and promotes sound sleep. Rosemary Bath warms and revitalizes the body, improving circulation. Sage Bath is recommended for refreshing and revitalizing tired, swollen feet.

Sounds good, Julaine. Can someone wave a magic wand to make them appear right now?

Or, if you're looking for another way to restore serenity, don't forget that you can drop in or sign up for Norma's Yoga Classes, Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. at Kingston Road United Church.

Now, down to business. There's a lot of stuff to communicate this week, so please bear with me.

On Monday:

Both groups walk 8K. Be your own coach and do some of those metres at interval pace. After our warm-up, try three blocks fast/three slow. We might hate it now, but we'll be glad we've done it when we see how strong it makes us.

Upcoming social events:

• Jan is hoping to organize a movie night for Sing-along Mamma Mia; date and location TBD but let her know if you're interested

• Our Shore Things Year-End Party is November 8th at Margy & Rainer's (Marg, you did know about this, right?) -- so, mark your calendars! It will be a true pot-luck, and a great night for looking back at our accomplishments and looking forward to the year ahead.

• Bob's new band The Nerve plays the Black Swan on Danforth on November 22nd -- more details soon.

Upcoming races:

There's time yet to sign up for the Sept. 28th Kitchener Waterloo Walking Classic 10K. It's the inaugural event for what they're calling the only all-walker race in Canada. We'll be checking it out because next year they're thinking of adding Canada's only walkers-only half marathon.

Alternatively, if you've been keeping up with the training, you might consider the Scotia Half on the 28th. Please note the new start and finish location this year, both at City Hall.

I'm hoping to drum up more company for the Toronto Half Marathon Walk, Oct. 19th, because I'm registered with some of our speedsters, and know how often I've seen their fleet feet fly away over the horizon.

If you preferred lion around, however, and gnu you wanted a shorter race, the Toronto Zoo Run, which Olwyn has done, is on the day before.

Don't delay if want to do the Toronto Women's Half Marathon next May. The Half has only 1,000 places, and this one seems to have struck a chord with the community. It's early days, but about 150 women are already registered. Perhaps this could be our mother/daughter or sister/sister event? Michelle checked with the organizers and, while there's no walker category, walkers are encouraged to join. Still, will we care about categories after we hit that 19K chocolate station? I'm just saying....

If you can believe it, it's time to think about the Resolution Run/Walk 5K, which this year is on Sunday, December 28th. Registration is $40 till October 1, and you'll recall that this is a capped event: only 500, so sign up early to avoid disappointment. There's always a "gift with registration" and in 2008 the event giveaway is a jacket with zip-off sleeves. Need one?

You have till Nov. 6th to sign up for the Santa Shuffle. No loot, but a low fee and a worthy cause. And, speaking of causes, see some of you Sunday for Terry Fox.

P.S. Seems I was misinformed about the Marathon du Medoc 2009 -- it isn't sold out. Here's what it says on their website:

REGISTRATIONS 2009 Marathon Magnum (Blaye-Médoc)

The 25th marathon will take place on 12 September 2009. The theme will be "THE CIRCUS." To take part, you can visit our website www.marathondumedoc.com from 15 September 2008 and leave us your e-mail address to be informed when registrations open in early January 2009.

So check their website on Monday and let them know if you're interested.

Phew! I think that's it. Hope I didn't forget anything. But, to borrow from Roseanne Roseannadanna, "There's always something."

Walk: Sun. Sept. 14 for Terry Fox

They say the Inuit have 500 words for snow. In 2008, we had plenty of chances to learn many words for rain. You might have created some of your own; probably unpublishable. Here are some useful ones from the Environment Canada glossary posted on our blog:

In Environment Canada reports, the term "rain", used alone, means liquid precipitation of significant duration and extent. Rain showers stop and start suddenly and vary widely in intensity, and are gone in less than an hour. Intermittent rain stops and starts repeatedly, although not as abruptly or as frequently as showers. In drizzle, the droplets are fine and minute--much smaller than in rain--and appear to float in the air.

However, on Sunday: Don't let a little precipitation deter you from a walk around "the peanut" for Terry Fox -- the reason I'm posting this now. If it's too wet for the Island, and it looks as if it will be, the Beach walk starts at the change rooms/bathing station (register from 8:15; walk from 9 am to 1 pm). You can do 5K or 10K for a good cause.

Let us know if you'll be there.

Toronto Women's Half/5K, May 31, 2009

Well, here's something to talk about on the route tomorrow: the first-ever Toronto Women's Half Marathon, on May 31st, 2009. I didn't think anything might lure me away from Alfie Shrubb, which is on the same day next year, but this might be it. Here's what they say about it:

Join over 1,000 women in a celebration of health, fitness and camaraderie in the Toronto Women's Half Marathon & 5k. Run by or linger at the 19k chocolate station. Grab a drink at the Firefighter's Water Station. Enjoy the post run party – great food, free massage and lots more.

Guys are welcome to participate, but they don't qualify for prizes. The site doesn't yet give the time requirements, but it is live and ready for registering -- and there's a cap of 1,000. Funds raised go to pediatric oncology. What do you say, gals? First fee increase happens Nov. 30th.

Walk: Sat. Sept. 13 @ Tim's

Note this change in time: The Scotia group walking 18K have decided to start at our old time of 7 am this Saturday only. I suggest that those doing 16K for the Toronto half do the same. Be prepared for (I won't say it out loud) R. A. I. N.

If you're doing a shorter walk, you can set your own time this weekend (7:30 or even 8:00?). But if you join us at 7, you'll get a nice early start on your day. Please let us know where you stand by signing in on the blog.

On that subject, some people say they've been having problems signing in. If that's you, have a look at this page (about half way down) for some possible fixes from Blogger.

You'll see that one of the solutions suggested is to use Firefox, a different browser program. Firefox is free, fast and secure -- it's the browser I use -- and it works on Mac or Windows. You can download it here or learn about it here. It doesn't take long to install, and it has some excellent features, so it might be worth a try. If you had a login problem, but fixed it with a different work-around, please pipe up. It could help someone else.

Finally, a reminder to post your pictures on our Flickr page (especially if you have some from Quebec) so that we can all share them. There are many more Shore Things pix on Flickr than you see on the blog. Be sure to sign in using our Flickr ID and password to view our private shots.

And, as usual, if you don't know how to do something, just ask me.

Walk: Wed. Sept. 10 @ Shoppers

Here's Monday's 8K bunch at the turnaround. And then the rains came.

Soon, we were pretty certain we couldn't get much wetter.

But we were wrong. So wrong.

Still, we never have to fear a rainy walk again. Been there, done that; squish, squish, squish.

To Alexis, who did it all on her actual birthday: Hard-Ass of the Week, girl! (With a Special Mention to all the rest of us, especially the 10K group.)

Wednesday has both sets of half marathon trainees doing 10K. Looks like it'll be perfect walking weather. See you at 7.

And take a tip from our opening picture; haul out your reflective gear so we can safely light up the streets.

Correction: Terry Fox is Sept. 14th

Dear friends, It must have been wishful thinking that moved this event to September 21st (in my mind only, it would appear) to coincide so neatly with our training schedules.

The Terry Fox event on Ward's Island is actually next Sunday, September 14th. Still, it's an idyllic way to ease out knots the after the 16K and 18K scheduled for the day before. I, with my camera and a healthy portion of humble pie, hope to be there.

Plus, remember all those birthday wishes I made a week ago? Please apply them to the weeks ahead: Alexis and Julaine (this week), Margy and Debbie (next). Due to this mix-up, you are officially entitled to subtract a year for 2008.

Walk: Mon. Sept. 8 @ Loblaws

The two schedules for Monday are 8K (Toronto) and 10K (Scotia). If the former group follows the 8K (B) route, we'll take more or less the same path. See you at 7 pm.

Our schedule should include intervals. Any intervals of speed/recovery will improve our fitness as well as our body's ability to convert fat into energy -- AKA "burn fat," gang! Not everyone will have a timer, so after our warm-up, I suggest we go by distance: three blocks fast, three blocks recovery. Don't worry about being exact. Remember, any intervals will improve our fitness.

The picture at the top of this message is to put an advance bug in your ear about the Saturday after next (Sept. 21st). How about if we meet on Ward's Island for the Terry Fox Run/Walk of Hope? Both schedules will be similar that weekend (11K & 8K), but it's a very easy, casual walk. Scenic, too. Those who did the Terry Fox walk on the Island last year really enjoyed it. Check the link on our website for more info. I'll post a reminder closer to the date.

In our search for something to replace the Chilly Half to inspire winter training, here are some alternatives. Let's discuss over the next few weeks:

a) Around the Bay, March 29th. This 30K event can be handled as a 10Kx3 relay or a 15Kx2 relay. Pros: There could be a distance for everyone. Local. One of North America's oldest road races. Cons: Standing around in the cold. This is a big con.

b) Create our own Shore Things 10-Miler for March 1. Pros: Ten miles is 16K, enough for a challenge and to get us out training but not as tough as a half marathon. We'd have our own medals. Cons: Would we take it seriously? We'd have to organize everything. Finding a route suitable for winter racing, with no hills.

c) The Peterborough Half, Feb. 21st. Pros: Relatively close; the race doesn't start till midday, with race morning kit pick-up. Flat country roads. It's mostly for runners, but the last few years have had at least some >3.5-hr finishers. There's a 5K option. Cons: It's in Peterborough, about a 1.5-hr drive. Is a late-Feb. event riskier than early March?

Mull this over and we'll talk.

Sorry: An Addendum

Well, obviously, I'm a week ahead of myself with the birthdays -- that means you all have an extra week of congratulations (and no belated wishes).

Since I'm here, let me pass along info about a hike this Sunday that Ruth has brought to our attention (with the High Park Hiking Group; I've added a link to our website):

Our first hike this September is at Maple Valley on Sunday, September 7th, led by Jim Thomas. For car-pooling, meet at Yonge and York Mills (just south of the gas station, at the south exit of the subway station) at 10:00 a.m.

Please help out with driving and get hikers out on to the trails. For directions, visit the website at http://www.hphc.ca (note, however, that we are having problems with the website and are working to resolve them with the service provider).

Ruth's comments:

The High Park Hiking Club is a very friendly group. Transportation arrangements are informal – there are often more people looking for rides than there are people with cars, so if people are willing to drive, they can expect that they’ll be asked to do so.

“Intermediate” means a hiking pace of around 4K/hour and generally means a distance of 15K. From the fact that they are talking about dinner afterwards, I would guess the hike will end around 5 p.m. Dinner is optional in the sense that there will probably be someone who wants to return directly to Toronto, and will take you back with them. But if all the drivers decide to go for dinner, and you don’t have your own car, you’d be stuck.

Note that the meeting place is a block south of York Mills – if you hang around right at York Mills and Yonge, you will miss the group.

Walk: Sat. Sept. 6 @ Tim's

You might not make it out in this shot, but it looks like Sharon is making the sky do interesting things. As kids, my sister and I called these god fingers: Celestial exclamation marks!

They're probably for Saturday, when everyone knows that the Scotia group is doing 16K and the Toronto Halfers, 13K. It's an easy turnaround along the boardwalk for shorter distances.

A reminder that our start time is now 7:30 (those walking furthest might wish to start earlier; please post your intent as a comment.)

Also note that there's a Wow Level 2 course in the Beach, starting September 15th. Check the Wow website for details. Unfortunately, Wow doesn't have an instructor in our area for a Level 1 course this fall however we might be able to get Lee Scott herself for a Shore Things/Wow workshop on form later in the fall for our faster walkers. Stay tuned.

Congratulations last Monday to Rainer, who finished first in his category and 7th overall in the Oakville 10K walk. A great recovery from last year's injury -- really well done.

And, while I'm at it, belated Happy Birthday to Alexis, and a happy one tomorrow to Julaine. Margy and Debbie are our birthday gals early next week. Enjoy, everyone! Between races, birthdays and back to school, September is one of our busy months.

Walk: Wed. Sept. 3 @ Shoppers

Happy September, everyone. Our first walk of the month is a split distance depending on which race you're training for, if any: 8K for the Toronto Halfers, 11K for the Scotiabankers. I've added an 8K (B) route that will start both groups (if there are two) out on the same course. But shorter distances can easily be managed -- so please come out and join us.

As you can see by our beautiful sunset last Wednesday, evenings are beginning to get darker, so be sure you wear some reflective gear. You can also check out a tail light such as this $3 bike light from Mountain Equipment Co-op. It loops through the zipper pull on your water belt and makes you a little more visible.