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."