New Year Walks: Dec. 30 & Jan. 2

Ring out the old with our last walk of 2009 tonight at Shoppers. If there's a will for it, we could try starting early; say just after sunset at 5 pm. Otherwise, the time is as usual at 7. Sign in here.

Ring in the new with our first 2010 walk at Tim's on Saturday at 8 am. It happens to be our Donna B's birthday -- a happy one to you (and belated yet nonetheless heartfelt birthday good wishes to Brette; I'll bet you get that a lot, eh, kiddo?)

Let us know if you're coming and when by signing in here. Sorry for the late posting. I got a cold for Christmas, and it robbed me of brains for a few days.

P.S. Sharp-eyed Shore Thing Jeannette recently sent me a link to the Live Earth Run/Walk for Water in April. It's a 6K event on Toronto Island. Might be worth putting on our radar. Earlybird deadline for registration is tomorrow (December 31st). Save some bucks as you save the Earth!

Walk: Mon. Dec. 28 @ Loblaws

Very successful Resolution 5K yesterday at the CNE – not the least of which was the fabulous brunch spread put on by Barbara and Ian afterwards. Thanks to you both for your generosity (and, please, can we have your kitchen?).

Looks like we already have a couple of people ready and willing for a walk tonight at 7pm chez Loblaws. Please sign in if you're coming, so that Susan and Leverne will know to wait. Cheers, folks.

Walks: Week of Dec. 21 to 27

Closing out our blog for 2009 with a proud moment for the east end of Toronto, when four of us "rose to the occasion" getting up early to watch the Olympic Torch pass by on Friday. We were luckily right at an exchange point just south of the Leaside Bridge (thanks, Dawn). My heart swelled a little to watch these two young people touch torches then give each other a high-five, surrounded by smiling faces with origins from all around the world. That's my Canada!

With a busy week ahead, you're on your own for walks. If you think you'd like company, though (especially on Saturday, Dec. 26th), do sign in as a comment to see if there are other like-minded soles (pun intended).

Our next gathering will be the Resolution 5K on Dec. 27th. I'm offering to pick up race kits. The event is at Exhibition Place, and Barbara and Ian have invited us for coffee and sustenance afterwards. Bob & I will be driving if you need a ride. So, here's what you have to tell me, by replying to this email:

• a) Yes, please pick up my kit for the Resolution. Here's my confirmation form.
• b) Yes, I need a ride. What time should I be at your place? (TBD, by the way.)
• c) How lovely! I will be at Barbara and Ian's with my (self, significant other, pet rabbit... or?).

Thanks again, everyone, for my delightful surprise today. I look forward to choosing my spa treat, and even more to experiencing it. Hope you all have a wonderful holiday, however you celebrate it.

An official Happy Birthday to Eva! It was great to see you today at Edward Levesque. (We're all grateful to Olwyn and Eileen for organizing that, too.) And, in case things get too hectic and you don't hear from me soon enough, early Birthday wishes to Brette. Enjoy your day, both of you.

Walk & Brunch: Sat. Dec. 19 @ Tim's

Shore Things t-shirts are here and, dollink, they look fabulous! If you haven't paid Charlotte yet for yours, please bring your cheque on Saturday – so you can put a t-shirt under the tree for yourself. The picture above is the front view; the back is below. Still hoping to have those darned vest samples to try, too. Cross your fingers.

Saturday, we'll meet to leave promptly at 8 am (please and thanks) so we can fit in a brisk, northbound 6K and arrive at Edward Levesque on Queen Street, east of Leslie at 9-9:15.

If you can't pick up your shirt or other goodies on Saturday, please contact me so we can arrange an alternative. It would be great to get all these charges cleared off my Visa card now (calendars, books, t-shirts, ouch!)... as Santa is thinking of adding a few expenses in the very near future.

Walk: Wed. Dec. 16 @ Shoppers

Susan Lewis of the KW Walking Classic has given the Shore Things first notice that registration is now open for the first all-walkers half marathon on September 26, 2010. Follow the link to be an earlybird for the half, 10K or, yes, even the 5K events. Bob and I have the honour of being the very first registrants for the half, and I hope that the Shore Things will join us in numbers. Only 400 places are available for the half marathon.

Speaking of events: the dilemma of finding a marathon to do with my husband (or, at least, in the general vicinity of my husband... at the start line) has pointed me towards Reykjavik, Iceland on August 21, 2010. People at the single-booth "expo" at Saturday's Santa-suit race noted that Iceland's current economic dip has produced some good travel deals. Will be investigating this further over the holidays. Registration opens in January, and training would begin in March. Any interest?

This message isn't intended to solicit those thinking of the Chicago marathon... and a reminder to those folks that hotel reservations will be important to secure.

This week is the year's last Doc Soup night, which keeps most of our Wednesday regulars off the streets. Please sign in if you're planning to walk.

Don't forget our brunch on Saturday, too. As the restaurant doesn't take reservations, we'll have an extra-short walk to be first in line when it opens. Details to follow.

Walk: Mon. Dec. 14 @ Loblaws

Yes, it was us and 2,399 of our closest Santas at the all-Santa-Suit race on Saturday. The sun was astonishingly bright, and the weather just right for a 5K stroll. Pictures are turning our Flickr badge a bright red even now. (Lynne, let me know if you need help posting yours.)

A few wrinkles with the organization delayed the race start by about 20 minutes. But I'm sure Kelly will have those ironed out for next time... when eight of us, at least, will have our suits a-ready. And once we finally got to it, the brunch was surprisingly generous.

See you at 7 for 6K, and we'll tell you all about it.

Walk: Sat. Dec. 12 @ Tim's

Books and calendars are here, and t-shirts should be here soon.

However, a little bird tells me that she hasn't received payment from anyone yet. The little bird (our banker Charlotte) is a lot tougher than me, and says, "No loot, no goodies." So keep those cards and letters coming in.

Under those terms, if you'd like to pick up your calendar and/or book this Saturday, please tell me quickly, so I can get them to Tim's. (I'll be in Burlington, wearing a Santa suit, along with Alexis, Barbara, Bob, Jan, Leverne and Lynne.)

Otherwise, I'll have them at our brunch next Saturday, Dec. 19th – if you haven't done so, please let Eileen or Olwyn know you'll be attending.

Enjoy your 8K – or any distance that you please – and we'll see you next week.

Walk: Wed. Dec. 9 @ Shoppers (or not)

This is the scene we hope we won't be met with over the next few days... the weatherman has been over-cautious about recent weather warnings, so it will remain to be seen what the streets are like on Wednesday evening. Needless to say, if it's unsafe or too blowy, we'll save our 6K for another time. Check the comments for updates.

Dust off your YakTrax, just in case.

The books and calendars have arrived, and they look fabulous! I've also just heard that our t-shirts are being screened now, so we'll have them soon, too. Charlotte has emailed those with orders, giving prices, and will be collecting payments.

Late orders for the softcover books or the calendars can be accepted if placed before Dec. 18th -- however, you won't qualify for the 10% bulk discount on the calendar, and the delivery cost will be a bit higher (so $30 cost rather than $25). Books will still be $60. Please email me asap.

If there are no further orders for the vests, I'll place that order soon, too. We'll also be getting embroidered reflective Shore Things patches, one about 2X4" and one bout 4X8", for just over $20 per set. If you want one, please let me know by the weekend.

Walk: Mon. Dec. 7 @ Loblaws

There are all sorts of ways to get into that red-and-white spirit. Hope that the Santa Shufflers had a fun day, too.

These Olympic mitts from The Bay are kind of cute... though I had my eye on the moose sweater that seems to be sold out everywhere. Not to worry, as we now have the final details on the Shore Things vests!

We will be going with the lighter-weight microfleece in black, as it's Canadian-made, and the polar fleece is not. Cost will be $37 plus tax. It will have our embroidered logo in two colours on the stand-up collar and across the shoulderblades.

A sizing chart is below; clicking it should give you a larger view. For women's vests, the hip measurement matches the bust measurement, and the waist will nip in slightly. Please confirm your size asap – and there's still time to order if you act quickly. I'd like to confirm our vest order by Wednesday, Dec. 9th.

See you on Monday at 7 pm for another pre-holiday 6K burn-off.

Walk: Sat. Dec. 5 @ Tim's

Goodness mercy, it's 5:01 on Friday evening, and no post on the blog! What's this world coming to?!

C'mon out, boys and girls, for a brisk (in all senses) 8K walk. See you at 8 am at Tim's. Dress for the weather.

It's Karin's birthday on Sunday. Karin, have a happy one, and do come back and join us so we'll remember that lovely smile of yours.

Walk: Wed. Dec. 2 @ Shoppers

Wouldn't you like to be part of this crazy scene? Tonight's the deadline to sign up for the Santa Jingle 5K before the price increase. It's on Saturday, Dec. 12th. C'mon, it'll be ridiculous -- how could you resist?!

See you on Wednesday at 7 pm for a delightful December 6K.

Happy Birthday to Barb -- have a delicious dinner out!

P.S. Bob & I have just registered for the 30th Anniversary Robbie Burns 8K. Matching towels, what can I say?

Walk: Mon. Nov. 30 @ Loblaws

We met a strange but personable individual after our walk last Monday... one might say she was wreath-head in glory. Or perhaps one would prefer not to.

Come out to see what or whom else we might meet, with 6K on Monday to close out November 2009. See you at 7ish.

Walk: Sat. Nov. 28 @ Tim's

As we press on toward the festive season, we hope you'll join us for 8K on the last Saturday walk of November '09. (Can't believe I'm writing that!) See you at 8 am.

My nag tags for today: 

Last call for t-shirts (will be bringing on Saturday once again to try), vests, year books, and calendars!

Let Olwyn or Eileen know if you're in for the December 19th brunch.

Speak up about 2010 races – add your thoughts to the post on the blog.

And don't forget these upcoming events: Santa Shuffle 5K on the 5th, Santa Jingle 5K (aka the Santa Suit race) on the 12th, Resolution 5K (you'll notice a theme developing here) on the 27th. Plus the 30th Anniversary Robbie Burns 8K on January 24th. Shore Things are registered in each of those "fun runs" (shall we call them "droll strolls"?), so you will have company, as well as fun.

Walk: Wed. Nov. 25 @ Shoppers

If we're very good girls and boys, the rain will be over with for our 6K on Wednesday at 7 pm. See you in our usual spot.

Please remember to send me your t-shirt/vest orders (with sizing). I will have samples to try on again this Saturday. Calendar and book orders will be going in soon, too. If we have six more calendars, we'll qualify for the 10% discount, so let me know if you've been hanging back.

Now we interrupt our regularly scheduled programming for this important social message from Olwyn and Eileen:

We thought it would be lovely to have a final Pre-Christmas Brunch, after the walk from Tim's on Saturday December 19th. Eileen is happy to make a reservation for about 20 people (we can adjust the numbers if needed nearer the time) for 9:30 am at Edward Levesque's restaurant (to be confirmed) near Queen and Leslie. If our walk is an 8k, this should work out fine; and people can leave their cars in the parking lots at Tim's or Loblaws.

Oh ~ and let's ask everyone to wear something red and/or sparkly, to celebrate the season!! (I'm sure Bob, Ian, David and Rainer have something sparkly they can show off.....!)

Please show your interest in the comments section. Olwyn and Eileen will be organizing this (thanks, gals!), so you could also send your ayes or nays directly to them. Check the Shore Things directory for their coordinates. As a last resort, reply to this email, and I'll forward the message on. Cheers and cheerio!

Walk: Mon. Nov. 23 @ Loblaws

Now that Santa Claus has officially come to town, we look festive as well as safe in our nightlights. Come join us for an energizing 6K to ward off those calories that Santa brings with him.

A reminder to email me with your order for Shore Things stuff. I'd like to submit our order in by December 1st, which gives you one week. Our minimum quantity for shirts is 20, which will make it hard to get one after we place our order.

And as part of that, I'd like to insert any race dates in our calendar, so please to keep the discussion going about 2010 races. December 1st is when I'd like to send in that order, too.

Thanks! Hope to see you tonight at 7 pm.

Walk: Sat. Nov. 21 @ Tim's

Let's meet at 8 am for our first 8K of the new season.

We can continue to discuss races for 2010 (check this link for the updates). Please continue to chip in to this discussion.

Group events are fun, and the more the merrier. Signing up early has benefits. First and foremost, earlybird rates usually save you money. Second, when you're training for races, knowing early where they fall on the calendar makes planning the rest of your life a little simpler. And not the least reason, committing early helps you avoid disappointment, as some races do sell out quickly.

Speaking of which, I had heard that all the Santa suits were gone for the Santa Jingle 5K on December 12th. Not so! Organizer Kelly Arnott's message this morning says there are 800 suits left. Bob and I have signed up, because this sounds like the most ridiculous fun, and I wouldn't miss it. Not only that:

1. All 3000 Santas will receive a gift certificate from Advanced Rejuvenation for a facial
2. Registration includes - Santa suit with beard, coat, pants, and a belt. (to keep)
3. Chip timing, age category medals for every 5 years from 10 and under to 70+
4. Gourmet breakfast served up by Emma's Backporch following the event.
5. Fundraiser for Burlington St.John Ambulance and Burlington Community Living

In case you missed my message about ordering Shore Things stuff (t-shirts, vests, books and calendars), have a look at the link. Minimum quantities apply for the clothing, so please do get back to me soon – I'll bring a couple more shirt sizes to try for fit on Saturday.

Belated birthday wishes to Ruth! I hope it was a good one.

See you on Saturday.

Walk: Wed. Nov. 18 @ Shoppers

What a great time we had on Saturday. I have only one complaint: there were so many good things to eat that I had to bring home my cookies. And eat them! Really, you guys, you must do better next time. Thanks again and again to our hosts James and Michelle for opening their home to such an unruly crew. We now all want Michelle's office.

One thing we didn't do was discuss next year's races. I will be putting a separate post up on the blog to collect your thoughts, and another post to talk about Shore Things t-shirts, yearbooks and calendars... you'll be able to find both in the right column under training support. Here's a beginning on races to get you thinking.

I know that Marg & Rainer have signed up for the March 7th Chilly Half (are you surprised?), which has made room for 250 walkers, and will have a simultaneous runner-walker start. If you want a lure to get you through the winter, that race might be it.

Also, Libby and Arlene are thinking of Around the Bay on March 28th, and Bob finds it intriguing, too. This is a 30K race, but there are 10K and 15K relay versions. Get going on that one if you're at all interested; the Hamilton race hotel is already sold out.

As for the Shore Things 10+10, I'm proposing we do it in Fall 2010, perhaps the week before, or even the weekend of, our year-end party. What do you think?

Some are talking about fall marathons next year. The two discussed in my hearing are Chicago and Dublin. Dublin registration is open now, but Chicago isn't till the beginning of February, and will sell out quickly.

There's also the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco, where you're welcomed across the finish by a beribboned blue box from Tiffany's. They haven't set the date for 2010, but this year was Oct. 19th. It's a lottery, and we'd have better luck submitting as a group like the Stellar Runners did in 2008.

Let's talk! Wednesday is a Doc Soup night, so the group will be smaller than usual. Sign in if you're coming... or not. 6K is the distance.

Races for 2010 – Discussion

Here are some of the races being talked up for 2010. Where available, the links in the post are active. Keep adding suggestions in the comments section, and I'll continue to update this list – however, please note that updates will not appear in your mailbox. However, you will be able to find a link to the discussion under Training Support, right beneath the weather icon, in the right column of the blog.

January:
1st: Hair of the Dog 9k in the Beach. I have three words: Prizes, food and Schnapps. Those who did it had fun last year.

24th: Arlene has registered for the 30th Anniversary Robbie Burns 8K -- it's good to have something in January to aim for

March:
7th: Marg and Rainer signed up early for the Chilly Half

28th: Libby and Arlene are interested in Around the Bay (Amend that: Ruth and Arlene... and possibly Bob).

April:
3rd: Harry's Spring 5K/8K is the first of the Canada Running Series races (they offer a discount package for signing up for three races); Sporting Life 10K in May, the Acura 10-Miler and Beach Jazz Tune-up, both in July, are in this series


25th: Norma and David purchased a fantastic package for the Mercedes Benz 10K last year, so I expect they'll be going -- anyone want to join in?

May:
2nd: Olwyn has signed up for the Sporting Life 10K (see link above)

2nd: Helen wonders if this is the year to get that bus for the Cincinnati Flying Pig Half

June:
6th: Olwyn suggests we all return for the Alfie Shrubb 8K -- which we missed last year due to the Toronto Women's Half (which, incidentally, is already sold out for 2010)


September:
26th: Can the Shore Things NOT do the first all-walkers half at the KW Walking Classic (website not updated at this writing)
26th: Olwyn can't do the above, so has signed up for the Scotia Half


October:
Early/date TBD: The full marathon lure is attracting Lynne & Alexis to Chicago

Mid-month/date TBD: Cavan Hills Country Run is a fun 10K event that Margy and Rainer have done for a couple of years and are encouraging us to try. It's part of the Celebration of Trails series of events, mostly small in pretty settings. You might have missed the link on our website, but it's worth a look. 2010 events aren't yet posted as I write this.

25th: The Dublin Marathon is the stated goal for Helen -- but if she ends up having to go solo, she might consider switching to Chicago. (Wimp!)

November:
7th?/TBD: Shore Things 10+10? What say: A great way to end our year?

December:
Early/TBD: Santa Shuffle is usually an extended-family affair for the Manores (including their adopted children, Olwyn, Charlotte and Dawn)

Late/TBD: Resolution 5K... wonder what this year's loot will be?

Keep adding suggestions in the comments, and I'll continue to revise the list above.

Shore Things Merchandise

Announcing the Shore Things t-shirts, a raglan contrast-panel tee, appropriately coloured in Sea Blue & White. Our logo will be printed in two colours on the front "pocket" position and across the back. Women's styling is more fitted than the men's. Women's in XS to XXL and Men's in S to XXXL.  

Please state interest asap, so that I can estimate numbers, and we'll work out sizes later.

Cost: CDN $30.50 plus tax

Optional Shore Things wear -- to gauge interest. There's a fleece vest I forgot to show at the party, in black or grey, embroidered with our logo on the stand-up collar and across the back.

Costs: CDN $37 (plus a pro-rated one-time embroidery set-up cost of $140, which we can apply to the next item)

Optional Shore Things patch, reflective background and embroidered (cost TBD; I'm hoping these will come in at about $5-10, though)

The Shore Things Yearbook, available in two versions, 74-page hardcover (seen below) and 60-page (or 62-page) softcover. The hardcover has been printed, as I prefer hardcovers myself – so if you want a hardcover, you get exactly what I have (I'll bring it on Saturday). You have two weeks to decide.

The softcover currently excludes the 2-page JeansMarines section, but I could add it back in for US$2 more – the only modification I'll make. I can do both, if there's enough interest. You have longer to decide, as I haven't yet placed an order. Frankly, I anticipate more orders for softcover than hardcover. Orders of more than 25 in any version gets a 10% discount... but I don't expect those numbers for the books.

Cost: (plus pro-rated shipping)
US $85/approx. CDN $89 (Hardcover) or
US $60/approx. CDN $63 (Softcover/No JeansMarines) or
US $62/approx. CDN $66 (Softcover/With JMs)

Shore Things 2010 Calendar
Like last year's – I'm waiting till we know more of our race dates, so I can add them. So you have till early December to decide.

Cost: US $19.99 or approx. CDN $21 (plus pro-rated shipping; an order of 25+ gives us a 10% discount)

Final numbers for the photo products will depend on US$/CDN$ exchange rate at the time of shipping, but this is currently pretty close to par.

TO ORDER:
Either reply to this email, or leave a comment on this message in the blog – it's hard for me to keep track if requests are elsewhere. Note that I've changed the date on this post, so that it will appear on the blog below today's two other messages. I'll also re-post it in the right-hand column under Training Support.

Walk: Mon. Nov. 16 @ Loblaws

Welcome back, Norita! It was lovely to see you and catch up with your news. Did I hear the word "marathon" in our conversation? You know where we are if you need help training for that. I have heard that word slip off the tongues of other Shore Things recently.

Tonight is our year-end celebration where, amongst other chat, people will begin to declare their interests for 2010. To keep track of the discussion, I'll be creating a running blog post of races, which you'll be able to link to in the sidebar of the blog. Keep watch for that in the weeks ahead.

Next year can also be a topic of conversation on our weeknight walks -- the next one being Monday at 7 pm. Come out and join us for a congenial 6K.

Walk: Wed. Nov. 11 @ Shoppers

This fuzzy picture captures a moment in history, crystallized in time, when our own Trish L-J whispers in the ear of the Robbie Burns race organizer the secrets of the kilt towel.

As those who walked the race in the chill of January last year have just learned, this kilt towel is the 2010 swag for the Robbie Burns 30th Anniversary Roadrace. The influence of the Shore Things spreads far and yon! The event is just 8K... so perhaps we'll want to be there again this year.

Let's talk about it, and other ideas, as we do our bonny wee 6K on that braw bricht moon-licht nicht aka Wednesday. See you at 7 pm.

Walk: Mon. Nov. 9 @ Loblaws

What a happy looking bunch! They must know that it's the Shore Things pot luck year-end party this Saturday, Nov. 14 at 7 pm, chez Michelle & James. I've just sent out details via email – so check  your inbox, and if you haven't received the map (or RSVPd yet), let me know.

Monday night is an easy 6K. Come out at 7 pm for a companionable walk. Wear your twinkle lights.

Walk: Sat. Nov. 7 @ Tim's

Thanks again, Olwyn, for our backstage tour after The Nightingale. We're really very fortunate to have such great connections.

The puppets were amazing (as backstage showed us in close-up), plus, from our seats up in the front corner of Ring 4, we especially liked the guy in the wings with the mop, surreptitiously corralling the drips from the orchestra pit.

Saturday is an easy one, so see you at 8 for 8. We can talk about our next adventures.

Can the Awards Committee meet briefly at Tim's after our walk to smooth out the last details for next week? Just reply to this message.

Walk: Wed. Nov. 4 @ Shoppers

Good news on the Angus Glen 10K front. Using evidence from the race course photos, the "third-place" walker was able to demonstrate that the people ahead of him were not actually walking. He is now acknowledged as first in the walking category, and our two Shore Things move up two places.

Congratulations, Rainer, on your second-place (photo) finish! Margy is now 8th. And kudos to the Angus Glen organizers for listening.

Perhaps we can do the same for the Hamilton Road2Hope Half. It would simply mean moving the runners' results into the running category where they belong.

When we did the Toronto Half in 2008, Bob's first sub-2:30 race, he diligently checked all the bibs listed ahead of him against the race photos. It was clear that most if not all of them were running. It didn't occur to us then to send the information to the organizers. Is this the start of a whole new obsession?

Tonight, the distance is a lovely 6K. Come out and stretch your legs.

I end with a final plea for good homes for three orphaned Opera tickets for tomorrow night's show. If you can't take them, please do ask around. If you haven't picked up your ticket yet, I'll meet you at the entrance of the Four Seasons Centre at 7:15 pm on Thursday, Nov. 5th.

Walk: Mon. Nov. 2 @ Loblaws

Come out, friends and friends of friends, for a lovely 6K walk. We're not training for anything now but 5K fun-walks in November and December. (Rainer & Marg are putting in a plug for the Whitby Waterfront Race 5K on Nov. 22nd).

Over the weekend, there were so many achievements and so many pictures of them (including ones I can't show here), that I think this one must suffice. Except to say: a superhero's job is done, at least for 2009.

Susan reached her goal of finishing the Bruce Trail End-to-End, with a team of able supporters, including Sharon, Dawn and Charlotte. You gals are amazing.

At the Angus Glen Half, Ruth finished 6th overall, with a time of 2:38:22 and a pace of 7:31/km. Arlene and Libby chip-timed at 2:42 and paced at 7:43/km (which might be a personal best for Libby). In the 10K event at Angus Glen, Rainer's pace of 7:20/km placed him 4th walker overall and Margy was 10th with an 8:13/km pace, and both were first in their age categories. Congratulations, everyone. You give us something to aspire to!

In the Hamilton Half, Bob came in 4th walker overall with a 2:31:39 chip time and a 7:12/km pace. However, there's a very suspect 1st placer, who as far as I can see has never done a walking race. Also, while runners had prizes for both genders and age category rankings, and were announced at a presentation, the walkers had only 1st, 2nd and 3rd overall -- pushing Bob completely out of the prizes -- and had to line up at a table to pick up their prize. I've written the organizers with suggestions for next year. Nevertheless, we also had PBs from Alexis (3:01:56) and Fiona (3:24:05). We emerged exhausted but happy... especially, that this was our last half of the season.

Did you want tickets to the Opera? We now have two tickets at $32.90 and one at $62.40 available, due to changes in people's schedules. Catch this rave-reviewed show, and enjoy a back-stage tour on closing night. The show is this Thursday, Nov. 5th at 7:30. Please reply to this email if you're interested. (Current ticketholders, if you want to trade up to Ring 4, please find someone to take your ticket.) First come, first dibs.

Last but not least, Happy Birthday, David! Hope nature rewards you with some pleasant fall weather.

Walks: Weekend of Oct. 31/Nov. 1

It was a bit of a milestone walk last night: the last Wednesday training walk of the last half marathon of 2009... unless you know something I don't know.

This weekend, Shore Things will be walking all over the place. Susan and her supporters will be shutting down the Bruce Trail End-to-End over Friday, Saturday and Sunday completing her last 55 of the full 885 kilometres. Under the circumstances, that word deserves to be written out in full. Dawn, I'm counting on you for that finishing line shot of you-know-who.

On Sunday, Arlene, Libby and Ruth will be doing the Angus Glen Half, while tireless couple Marg & Rainer can't resist doing another 10K. Please take pictures!

In Hamilton, Alexis, Barbara, Bob, Fiona, Helen, Jan and Sheila will be heading downhill on the Road2Hope Half. (On that last point, Barbara will be picking up race kits, so Bob, Fiona and Jan please forward her your confirmation before Friday. Fiona, I'll be picking you up Sunday and will give you a call. Our ETD from here is 6 am.)

There will still be a walk from Tim's on Saturday at 8 am, and as it's Hallowe'en maybe our walkers will be wearing something fun. Who knows! May the rain gods be kind to all of us.

Have a great weekend. (And, because nagging is a specialty, don't forget to RSVP to me for our Nov. 14th pot luck celebration -- simply reply to this message.)

Walk: Wed. Oct. 28 @ Shoppers

Remember to put your best foot forward, and wear reflective clothing, and your night lights – when we set the clocks back this weekend, the evenings will seem even darker.

Wednesday is an easy peasy 5K. Come out and join us, starting at 7 pm.

For the Hamilton racers, as I haven't sorted out who will be picking up our kits, please email your confirmations to me – I'll forward them to the right person.

RSVPs still being eagerly awaited for our Nov. 14th party. If I haven't said so before, it will be pot luck. We have fun things planned that you won't want to miss. Speaking of which...

Volunteers needed for the Cocktail Committee. This message from Olwyn:

We have to get together as the Cocktail Committee, the week after next, to 'design' a new autumn cocktail for the Nov 14th party. If anyone else wants to join the CC, let us know; we'll probably meet at Jawny Bakers either Monday Nov 9 or Tues Nov 10, to taste-test a few possibilities; it's a tough job, but somebody's gotta do it......!

Happy birthday this week to Stacey, and to our other Pat. May your day be filled with joy.

Plus, an advance plea to everyone doing anything this weekend: Tune up your cameras to capture all those milestone! And I'm begging you, for gosh sake, someone please take a picture of Susan finishing that last 55K on the Bruce Trail. Susan, smile for that picture!

Walk: Mon. Oct. 26 @ Loblaws

How many beautiful fall days like yesterday will we have (Saturday along the boardwalk was very nice, too)?! Let's enjoy while we can.

Monday's walk is a taper for the Nov. 1st crowd: 6K. See you 7ish.

Please remember to RSVP for our Nov. 14th party. Simply reply to this message, and say if you'll be one or more. Partners welcome!

Hamilton race plans: We have offers from Fiona and Barbara to pick up race kits for the Hamilton race. Just working that out now. Is anyone else thinking of kit pick-up? Also, car pooling: we're happy to be the bus. Last shuttle for the half marathon leaves Confederation Park at 7:50 am for the 8:30 race start, so we should leave here around 6 am, as we might be making a stop along the way. Clocks go back an hour on Saturday night/Sunday morning, so that's not as dire as it sounds. Full details to be confirmed later.

Angus Glen race plans: Let me know, guys, if you need anything posted.

If you're registered for other races this year, please keep me in the loop. I try to keep on top of details, but there are so many details to keep on top of! There might be others who would want to join you, or assist you, if they knew about your plans.

Fees go up on Nov. 1st for the Resolution 5K; then on Nov. 5th for the Santa Shuffle 5K, which some of our group have done for the last few years. And don't forget, there's still time to get a bunch of us in Santa suits for the Santa Jingle 5K which happens on Dec. 12th. Fees don't rise till the end of November... but they might run out of suits. I'm just saying...

Walk: Sat. Oct. 24 @ Tim's

First, let me congratulate Ruth on her Toronto Half Marathon finish with a chip time of 2:35:36. Ruth, I didn't even know you were doing this event, or would have wished you luck. Clearly, you didn't need it. Wow!

This Saturday, weather permitting, Neville Park might be our turnaround for a 10K walk. Let's just see what nature brings us.

And mark your calendar for the annual Shore Things Party, the evening of Saturday, November 14th. It will be pot luck, at James' and Michelle's home-with-a-view on the waterfront. More details to come. Please let me know if you can make it.

I'll have Opera tickets on Saturday for those going to see Nightingale. The reviews have been excellent. Here's what John Terauds wrote in the Toronto Star:

"[B]reathtaking—both theatrically and musically. This has to be the most enchanting work for the musical stage to hit Toronto in years. There are not many seats left for the eight-performance run, so grab them while you can, even if you think that opera is not really your thing."

Sheila, if you still have Turtle Lights to distribute, will you have them on Saturday? Phew. That's a lot to remember. Is it any wonder I sometimes feel like I have scrambled brains.

Walk: Wed. Oct. 21 @ Shoppers

Five Cinderellas, waiting for our Fairy Godmothers... members of the hot new Punk(in') Rock band... or five gals with a great set of melons... what do you think?

Note: Wednesday is the first Doc Soup night of the season, which keeps away many of our regulars one Wednesday per month. That's why it's more important than ever that you sign in to tell others if you'll be there.

The distance for our Nov. 1 racers is once more 10K. However, we could also keep it to 8K and put in our 10K on Saturday. (Jan and I will be walking from our street at 7 am on Wednesday morning, if anyone wants to join us.)

Happy birthday to October birthday girl, Pat. Hope your own Fairy Godmother has her wand polished up for your big day.

Walk: Mon. Oct. 19 @ Loblaws

Looks like we'll be getting a few days of reprieve from the frostiness, though whether the weather is shorts weather remains to be, well, seen.

Nov. 1st racers, it's 10K as we begin to taper. Everyone else, we'll have a there-and-back if you prefer to turn around sooner. See you 7ish.

If you've ordered Turtle Lights, Sheila will have them for you tonight. Bring your bucks.

For the Opera-goers, I've received our tickets and will send out payment details in a separate message.

Walk: Sat. Oct. 17 @ Tim's

For the Nov. 1st racers, it's that last big push of our training, 18K. The entrance to Rosetta McClain Gardens is our turnaround... but who can resist a look at the view or fountain. It has been proposed that the long-distance walkers get an earlier start, at 7:30 am. Please voice your vote here.

For those not in training, the start time will be 8 am, as usual, and the distance will be the one of your choosing.

After Nov. 1st, we'll be in maintenance mode for the rest of 2009, which will mean 5-6K in the evenings and 8-10K on Saturdays. We'd love to see some of our long-lost walking buddies out again. It's also a good time to bring out new friends.

Light up the streets: FYI, Sheila is making a run (or walk) to Mountain Equipment Coop on Friday. If you'd like her to pick up some Turtle Lights for you, please reply to this email.

See you at Tim's or at Margy's New-40 party! And good luck to the unstoppable Marg & Rainer, who are doing the Cavan 10K on the morning of the celebration. Rainer, bring your dogbane.

Walk: Wed. Oct. 14 @ Shoppers

Bob demonstrates the latest in cross-training -- or cross-country-training -- equipment. Simple to use. All you do is fill it up and empty it out. Twice. Plus fill a rented garbage bin. Plus fill an even larger charity truck. Plus innumerable bags for recycling. Plus sweep and clean. Plus use your pedal foot for 1,600+ kilometres. Oh, and I forgot to say, you must also eat lots of greasy fast food for the whole weekend.

I'm ready for a walk on Wednesday, even if it is 10K. You? Hope to see you at 7 pm. We'll be the blimpy-looking ones.

Walks: Thanksgiving Weekend

Saturday's a long walk for the Nov. 1st trainees: it's 16K (which is the Bluffs route to Lakeside and back). But don't let that stop you from coming out for a shorter distance. We're back to an 8 am start time.

As it's a holiday weekend, the Monday night walk will shift to Monday morning, Loblaws at 9 am. (We hope to be back from Quebec in time.)

Or, if you prefer to walk in the evening as usual, sign in here to solicit company.

Have a great Thanksgiving, everyone. Enjoy our last long weekend of the year.

Walk: Wed. Oct. 7 @ Shoppers

This photo is captioned Toad you so! Margy and Rainer, with true grit and determination, finished the 25K Run (or Walk!) for the Toad last weekend, up hill and down dale, although 17 younger walkers dropped out. Perhaps that last, nearly perpendicular Skeleton Hill is named for the many bodies of participants who don't finish. No Shore Things among them, boy!

Great medal, Margy, with a smile to go along with it.

Folks, come on out on Wednesday for a lovely autumn 10K, or the distance of your choosing. See you 7ish.

And happy birthday to one of our running sometimes Things, Carole!

Walk: Mon. Oct. 5 @ Loblaws

Break out your flashing lights and reflective gear, we're walking into the sunset these days. If you aren't sparkling like fairy lights out on the road, you should be. These little bike lights from Mountain Equipment Coop are inexpensive enough to put both front and back. The fact they're called "Turtle Lights" has nothing to do with the speed of the wearer!

It's Week 11 of our half marathon training schedule, starting with 8K on Monday. See you at 7 pm, ready to light up the streets.

FYI, the night before our November races in Markham and Hamilton, we'll get an extra hour's sleep courtesy of DST. So don't forget to sign up... and keep in mind the Santa Suit race and Resolution 5K. Shore Things will be present at all four to keep you company.

Walk: Sat. Oct. 3 @ Tim's

My camera died, some might be relieved to know (I name no names). Meanwhile, I'm borrowing my daughter's. Because I must. Have. Camera. So blame the pixels for making us look a little pixelated here.

Saturday, while Margy & Rainer are hoofing the trails at the Run (aka Walk) for the Toad (good luck to you both!) we will be doing 11K to train for our Nov. 1st half marathons. For this relatively short walk, we'll say a start time of 8 am.

We have two half marathon groups in training this month, for the Road2Hope Half in Hamilton and the Angus Glen Half in Markham.

Also, don't forget to think about December races, all fun-walks of 5K with a celebratory mood. Have a look at the blog for ideas. I know some have already registered for the 25th Anniversary Resolution 5K. I have my eye on the All-Santa Suit Jingle 5K. Or both! Sign up soon, as they often sell out early.

Walk: Wed. Sept. 30 @ Shoppers

Come out, come out, ye one and ye all, for the last walk of September 2009; a delightful autumn 8K. See you at 7.

Anyone doing the Hamilton Road2Hope Half please note: to guarantee a t-shirt, you must register by Oct. 1. That's this Thursday. Barbara, Bob and I each have an asterisk beside our names in the interests list -- meaning we're signed up. Come on off the fence; it's downhill all the way from here.

Some thoughts on walking form, after Sunday's race in Waterloo: Wardens policed the course on Sunday and, as a result, three people were disqualified (DQ) for not following proper walking form. How disappointing it must be, after all the training and completing the race. Don't let it happen to you.

As competitive walking grows in acceptance, and especially when we represent the Shore Things Walking Club an all-walker race like this, we need to be fully conscious of what constitutes proper walking form. Next year, the KW Walking Classic will include a 5K, 10K and half marathon, all for walkers only, and I'm hoping we'll be "representing" in all three distances.

What is walking? Well, first, walking isn't running; not even a few steps. If you're running with walk breaks, or walking with run breaks, you should register as a runner. It's that simple.

Generally speaking, for our level of powerwalking, walking form requires two things: keeping one foot on the ground at all times (the most important requirement), and landing on a straight forward leg.

Here are a couple of sites that can help. While it focuses on more-rigorous race walking form, this coaching guide from SpecialOlympics.org is actually very useful in describing how to do it right. And this link from DynamicWalking.com takes you to some excellent pictorial cues to fix common walking problems. Plus, don't forget our own Tips on Technique posted on our blog.

Even when disqualification is unlikely, such as in an unpoliced run/walk with a walkers' category, walkers still like to measure themselves against other walkers – or against themselves. It doesn't matter how far down the pack we finish, we all like recognition, such as age-category rankings. Nothing is more irksome than to be bumped from the category by the runner we've been walking behind all through a race.

If this happens to you, spread the word. But please do it in the nicest way possible. Often this happens because runners just need to be educated. We can all be ambassadors for walking, and ambassadors must be, well, ambassadorial.

Meanwhile, let's all work on our walking form so that the only DQ we experience at the end of a race comes with a cone or some butterscotch sauce.

Walk: Mon. Sept. 28 @ Loblaws

Our luck held with the weather, didn't it!? In Waterloo, fourteen Shore Things completed the 10K walk (13 of them shown here), with a number of personal milestones.

Bob met his goal of beating his last year's time; Rainer met his goal of a sub-7-min/km pace; and Dawn B. earned her very first medal. Plus we had five walkers placing in their age category (Bob, Rainer, Margy, Sheila and Charlotte), despite some very strong competition. Way to go, Shore Things!

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Ruth was doing her second half marathon within eight days at the Scotiabank Waterfront Half Marathon. Looks like her chip time (2:39:25) was within seconds of her personal best at the Toronto Island Women's Half last Saturday. Phew. That's our girl!

Starting Monday night, we'll follow Week 10 of the Generic Half Marathon Schedule posted on the blog. That's 8K -- see you 7ish (barring any lightning activity).

Walk: Sat. Sept. 26 & Sunday's Races

The Shore Things ruled at 2008's inaugural KW Walking Classic 10K, when the fast feet of our own Robert Pelletier were the first across the finish line. Our defending champion says his goal is simply to beat his own time this year.

A dozen Shore Things will be back to support the race in 2009 – even if it's in rain gear. Our support has paid off, as they promise an all-walker half marathon for 2010. That should definitely be on our list of upcoming races.

Kit pick-up is at Waterloo Town Square Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. Out-of-town racers can also pick up kits on Sunday, from 7:30-8:30 am. If you plan a late pick-up, email the organizers first at: info@kwwalkingclassic.gmail.com. Or, if you want me to pick up your kit, email me your race confirmation now.

On Saturday night, many of us will be at the Waterloo Hotel. We haven't make dinner plans yet, but someone in the know tells us that the place for brunch after the race on Sunday is Angie's.

For the Scotia Half, the expo/kit pick-up is at the CNE's Direct Energy Centre this year. There's a shuttle bus, apparently. Check the link for details. Take pictures!

And now, for Saturday at Tim's @ 8 am: Did you think I'd forgotten? Those not racing, choose the turnaround that best pleases you: Leuty Lifeguard Station (6K), end of the Boardwalk (8K), end of Neville Park (10K) or Kingsbury at Lakeside (16K). Here's a map for the long route.

Those interested in either of the November 1st half marathons *should* be doing 16K on Saturday. Yes... already! But feel free to give yourselves a bit of recovery after last weekend's half. We begin training in earnest again, starting in October.

On that topic: I need you to assert your actual preference for this half. Sheila and I are the only ones who have declared one (Hamilton: no hills but downhill), and everyone else says they'll will go with the majority. Does that make me a majority of two? Shall we say Hamilton?

Wherever you're putting down your feet this weekend, hope you stay safe and enjoy your walk. Good luck to all our racers! Remember: you're Shore Things!

Walk: Wed. Sept. 23 @ Shoppers

We begin with a scene from past triumphs, at the finish line of the Scotia Half 2008. This year, two of our Shore Things (Ruth and Milka) will be doing the 20th Anniversary Scotia this Sunday, while 11 of us return to the KW Walking Classic 10K, in Waterloo. Does anyone need kit pick-up for that? Let me know.

For tonight, we'll do a taper 5K walk in honour of the Scotia crew. See you 7ish.

Walk: Mon. Sept. 21 @ Loblaws

The weather was perfect on Saturday – wherever we were walking. On the Island, the Shore Things had three finishers in the top ten (Ruth, Arlene and Libby) and five in the top 20 (adding Debbie and Lynne). And we all finished well. See our results at this link. We needed all our extra grit to haul home the goodies in the fully loaded swag bags.

Meanwhile, back in the city, a game group was tackling the stairs down to Taylor Creek Park.

And, while I'm on that subject, this is a general call out to those who have been MIA for any reason over the past few weeks. Come out, come out, wherever you are! We've missed you.

Before I post a new schedule for the fall, I need to hear from you, and soon: what do you want to do? What do you want out of this... relationship. Please sign in with your opinions and goals.

See you at 7 pm for a 6-8K recovery walk.

Walks: Sat. Sept. 19 @ Toronto Island & Binswood Ave

We are mighty! And we will be proving it again this Saturday at the Toronto Island Women's Half. The Shore Things participants have made our pre-race plans. Contact me if you're still unsure what you're doing. Remember, email me your race confirmation if you want me to pick up your kit tomorrow.

Those not racing have two options – with the distance of your choosing. One group is meeting at 95 Binswood at 8 am to walk in Taylor Creek Ravine. Or, there's always Tim's at 8 am. Sign in here with your preference.

On a social note – Olwyn and I are organizing another night at the Opera. This time, it's an opera that will be much talked about: Stravinsky's Nightingale, which is performed by puppets while the singers sit in the pit.

The nights are Sunday, Nov. 1 OR Thursday, Nov. 5. Rather than the 5th Ring, we might want better (aka more expensive) seats for this. We need at least 10 people for a group discount. Some nights are already sold out, so please let me know asap by replying to this message with the number of tickets. Once we gauge interest, we'll get a better sense of prices.

Enjoy the (finally) summer weather on our last weekend of Summer 2009!

Walk: Wed. Sept. 16 @ East Lynn?

Do you suppose that as a) summer is about to draw to a close next week, and b) some of us are about to burn off a few extra calories on the Islands this Saturday, that we could do our 5K with a celebratory finish with ice cream at Carter's? Sign in here with your preference.

You can always opt for the sherbet...

For everyone doing the race, I have sent out an email covering race plans to all the participants I know about. If you were missed, please let me know. FYI, I'll be picking up race kits on Friday afternoon, so email me your confirmation form if you'd like me to get yours.

And for so many of our September babies whose birthdays I've missed, please accept a Big Belated Birthday Buss from all of uss. That means Julaine, Margy, Denise and Debbie!