Walk: Sat. Nov. 1 @ Tim's

Looks like a sunny weekend for our tireless hiking contingent -- let's hope they get to enjoy more views like this one. May your trails be scenic and flat. Ruth, take that camera again!

For we more-urban critters, it'll be a sunny-but-cool 8K. As we've done the Boardwalk a few times, shall we try the Spit again?

A note to anyone considering the Resolution 5K that the next price hike happens after November 1st. However, I recommend you don't wait till then, as by my unofficial count the confirmation list contains over 420 names (out of 500).

I want to wish a belated but happy Happy Birthday to Stacey, and a big one to Pat S2 today!

Plus, a good luck to Marg and Rainer this Sunday in the Angus Glen 10K.

Walk: Wed. Oct. 29 @ Shoppers

Hey, folks. You are about to read the shortest post in the short history of our blog:

Five of our Wednesday regulars will be away at DocSoup this week -- yes, the season has started again. But c'mon out anyway for 6-8K, the distance of your choosing. Remember: there is no bad weather, only bad clothing.

Walk: Mon. Oct. 27 @ Loblaws

When you're handed a fuzzy image, make art
Originally uploaded by theshorethings

A slightly soggy yet lovely-in-its-own-way walk this morning brought out a small but hardy group, including two new walkers: Mona and Denise. Strangely, they say they'll be back for more.

Meanwhile, Sharon, Ruth and Suz are somewhere on the Bruce Trail, even as I write, ticking off the klics: 32 today, 32 tomorrow.

Just shows that we Shore Things gotta lotta pluck. (And some of us have cosy down comforters, which I'm sure felt good this morning, too.)

This Sunday, twenty-five 2008 Jeans Marines -- mostly walkers -- are doing the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC. Some of us remember that thrill ourselves. I wish them fine weather. The last time I was there in 2004, it was an election year, too; should be interesting.

From what I've heard, this might be the last-ever group of JMs to cross that finish line and get their hug from a Marine. Their year-end celebration is this Thursday, Oct. 30th at Bob & Jean's at 7 pm, if anyone wants to attend to give them a final send-off. I might skip a class and go myself.

C'mon out on Monday at 7 pm for 6-8K. Wear your sparkle lights.

Walk: Sat. Oct. 25 @ Tim's

Hope you'll join us on Saturday for a (likely) damp but (more than likely) congenial 8K boardwalk stroll -- followed of course by the Three Cs: Coffee, Conversation and Companionship. See you at 8 am.

To our Shore Things hikers this weekend: please stay safe (and dry, if possible) and the best of luck on the trails.

A few things... first, may I introduce the head-turning new version of Leverne that you see in our picture. Sheila kindly stepped into the frame to prove that this really is our own Leverne and not some glamorous celebrity who happened upon us last Wednesday at Shopper's Drug Mart. As they often do.

Next... In my list of races last time I forgot to remind you about a fun one in January, the Robbie Burns 8K. I just tried to register Bob & myself, but it looks like they have an online registration glitch at the moment -- I've written the organizers and will update you soon.

Finally... There's now a waiting list for the Toronto Women's Half Marathon and hope to be able to add participants come spring. If you want to be included, write to them soon at: info@TOwomenshalf.com.

Walk: Wed. Oct. 22 @ Shoppers (and looking ahead)

A fall bouquet for birthday girl, Pat! And also a big round of leafy applause for all of us -- for our hard work, dedication and fancy footwork this year. You really are Shore Things.

Let's meet on Wednesday at 7 for a convivial 6K. Bring out your friends.

Now our year-end pot luck party on November 8th is less than three weeks away. It's time to start thinking about your goals for next year.

Two good reasons to plan ahead: a) it's more fun when we can enlist in groups, and b) early registration fees are cheaper.

Have a look at the race links on our website to see what appeals to you. If you've found something new, send me the link and I'll add it for others to review. We'll discuss the options and begin to declare our interests at our party.

To get you thinking, here are some of my own picks -- most have links on our site:

- a do-it-ourselves Shore Things 10-Miler (or the Peterborough Half) in early spring
- the Harry's Spring Run-Off 5K or 8K in April
- the Toronto Women's Half Marathon in May [note: this is already sold out!]
- the Nissan 10-Miler in July
- the Midsummer Night's 15K in August
- the KW Walking Classic -- hopefully a Half -- in September
- a fall hike somewhere photogenic

Let's start talking as we're walking. See you Wednesday.

Walk: Mon. Oct. 20 @ Loblaws

It was our last big race of 2008, and the weather was a fall celebration! How lucky we were, compared with previous years. The route was splendid, too. We won't talk about how a net-downhill race can possibly have inclinations toward, shall we say, upward mobility, but I have two words for you: Hogg's Hollow. Trust me, the hollow part was the least of our worries.

Despite the hills, our times overall were fabulous. Everyone came in under 3 hours, and two of our Shore Things were outstanding. Ruth finished in 2:44! In fact, she was so fast, she was long gone by the time we snapped this victory shot at the finish line.

Special cheers go to Bob, who at last met his goal of a sub-2:30 finish with a chip time of 2:27. A great way for him to end a great year!

More of our pictures are on Flickr, but you'll have to sign in to see them all, including some cute ones of our most camera-shy member.

A couple of 60K hikes for some of our more intrepid members notwithstanding, now we get into the (not so) serious business of maintenance. That means shorter distances, and that means bring out your friends. We'd love to see all those pals who have been holding back.

Monday's walk will be 6-8K -- I'll let the quorum decide -- starting at 7 pm. Bob & I won't be there, however, as we're choosing tiles for the condo. Shout out as you pass by.

Walks: October 18 & 19

Yes, we were carb loading instead of walking last night. In fact, we should be good for all of 2009, thanks to Ted Reader's BBQ brownies, and one or two other snacks in the multi-course catered barbecue won by one of Bob's band-mates. The wee snack above began with sinfully rich home-made brownies, piled with peanut butter, chocolate chips, honey, peanuts and marshmallows -- and melted on a plank. My heart is still racing.

Speaking of dieting, for our pre-race Toronto Half pasta dinner, I have booked a table for 8 at Melanie's on Danforth (between Woodbine & Coxwell) for 6 pm. Besides the racers (minus one), and one welcome spouse, I have Trish & Sharon on the list. If you wanted to be included please let me know asap.

Plans for the Toronto Half: As there are only 6 of us, I'll link us all up via email.

This Saturday's walk will happen as usual at 8 am from Tim's. Some of the Toronto Half crew will be sleeping in (I speak mostly for myself).

And by way of closing: Toronto has named the entire month of October its Walking Festival. There are walking events happening all month long. And, of course, the day of the Toronto Half (October 19th) is a very special event: The Zombie Walk. I hope that's a warning about the aid stations: Water, gatorade, BRAAAAAAINS!

Walk: Wed. Oct. 15 @ Shoppers

Thanksgiving, with pumpkins
Originally uploaded by theshorethings

It's 5K! The last scheduled walk of the season. From here on in (notwithstanding the final Half Marathon of the year), it's maintenance mode till we set our first event of Spring 2009. Bring out those reluctant friends who have been over-faced by the longer distances!

That being said, Bob & I won't be out on Wednesday, as we're invited to a gourmet barbecue. Rather than burning off calories, we'll be stockpiling them. Have a great walk.

This is also a general invitation to the group: The 5 Toronto halfers are getting together for pasta on October 18th. We thought we'd ask if anyone wants to join us. Our first thought is Melanie's on the Danforth -- but I'll need to know numbers by email by Tuesday evening. It's a small place, and they need as much warning as possible.

Walk: Mon. Oct. 13 @ Loblaws

Some quick notes for those who are checking in: Monday's walk for the Toronto schedule is 6K:

- 9 am for the morning group
- 7 pm for the evening group (or sign in and decide the time you prefer -- but please do post it, in case there are others who might join you)

Heads up for those who tarry: The first-ever Toronto Women's Half in May is filling up. With about 700 (of 1000) registered, I predict the Half will be full before the end of October. Don't wait too much longer to commit to this one.

Plus: Over 360 (of 500) are registered for the Resolution 5K. It takes place Sunday, Dec. 28th this year, and the swag is a jacket with zip-off sleeves. We will likely organize a brunch afterwards. Free stuff. Food. How can you resist? Links to both races are on our site.

Finally: Happy birthday to Mona (above), who joined us on her actual big day for a heroic first walk. The best of luck to S., working on her 4th Bruce Trail badge -- and a 75K, 3-day hike -- this sunny weekend. And to Debbie, at the Royal Victoria Half-Marathon on Sunday.

To all of us, happy Turkey Time, whether or not you eat the turkey, and wherever you will be.

Walks: Thanksgiving Weekend

The Abbey Road picture. Sort of.
Originally uploaded by theshorethings

Look at that blur of activity. Pure magic.

Sadly, it wasn't happening on Wednesday evening -- in the rain. That's why Jan & I will be walking 8K early on Thursday morning instead, and why at least three of us will be doing 13K on Saturday (your distance may vary). It sounds like good weather, so I suggest the Spit.

On Monday, we have takers for a 9 am walk from Loblaws. Lynne, however, is looking for company for a Monday evening walk. Please sign in and state which group you'll be joining -- there's room for both.

Belated birthday wishes to Carole. And happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Personally, I am thankful to be a member of such a great group of humans.

Walk: Wed. Oct. 8 @ Shoppers

The Finishers beneath The Archer
Originally uploaded by theshorethings

We're gradually entering that post-season state of grace, where the most energetic thing we do is to polish our medals -- after a brisk walk, of course. Speaking of medals, Scotia pictures are now online for your viewing pleasure (thanks, Olwyn!).

Wednesday night will be an exception for the Toronto Half crew: an energetic 13K. As that means only Bob & I (and perhaps Jan?), we'll get an earlier start, aiming to meet the rest of you at Shoppers for 8K -- then we'll walk home.

Hope we'll see you at 7 pm.

Walk: Mon. Oct. 6 @ Loblaws

Walking into the sunrise
Originally uploaded by theshorethings

Sunrise, sunset; sunrise, sunset -- quickly go the klics. Do you realize that, whenever we complete a full 16-week half marathon training schedule, including the race, we've walked over 600K -- 400 of them in the last 9 weeks of the schedule?

Think about that. For every half you did this season, you walked 400-600 km. Are you impressed with yourself? You should be! You should also be making sure your shoes don't need replacing

On Saturday, another 18K sped under our soles, as the Toronto Half walkers did our last long walk of training before the race on Oct. 19th -- same day, incidentally, as our Stellar pals will be doing the Nike Women's Full and Half in San Francisco.

This coming weekend, our own Debbie heads off to B.C. for the Victoria Half. Inveterate Bruce Trail hiker S. is planning her next 3-day, 75K adventure. And, as it will be Thanksgiving weekend, those of us left behind should be thinking about when we want to get together: Saturday and Monday mornings?

Monday's an easy 8K walk. C'mon out and join us.

And note these little reminders:

- there are already 600 of the 1000 max. registered for the Toronto Women's Half (May 31st), so don't leave it too long if you're interested

- ditto, the Resolution 5K, which often sells out by October

- mark your calendars for our year-end pot luck party: November 8th

- and mark November 22nd for Bob's gig at the Black Swan

Walk: Sat. Oct. 4 @ Tim's

Suzanne's first event
Originally uploaded by theshorethings

First, let me get this business out of the way. To the handful doing 18K for the Toronto Half: do you want to meet at 7 am, so we'll finish more or less with the rest of our group? Please post your preference.

For everyone else walking on Saturday, the time will be 8 am as usual for a friendly distance of your choosing. See you afterwards.

Now: more stories from the weekend are reaching news central. This one from Michelle, whose daughter Suzanne has just earned her first medal in style. Well done, Suzanne. We honour runners here, too. (Speaking of runners, our runners-who-are-also-walkers, Breda and Carole, aced personal bests, with 2:23 apiece. Pat on the back, girls!)

Lou-Ann was also at Scotia on Sunday. Here's her report:

"My daughter and I did the Scotiabank Charity 5 K and had a great time; Epilepsy Toronto had a good showing! We just took a leisurely walk and enjoyed the day and each other's company."

Sounds great, and you had the perfect day for it. Right now, the good-looking gals in our photo represent the only picture in our Flickr Scotia album. I hope there'll be more for you soon. Stay tuned.