Saturday 28 February 2009

Walk: Mon. March 2 @ Loblaws

I won't say, "Greetings from Snot Central" -- because that would be way too gross. Instead, I'll say: Wow, what a great turnout. Bob says there were 23 Shore Things braving the minus-25 windchill this morning for the last walk of February 2009. You guys are troopers!

We're now down to one schedule, the Shore Things 10, which is exactly four weeks away, tomorrow. You'll receive a separate email with race details this weekend, with further updates in the weeks ahead.

As for training, the consistent feedback from last weekend's Wow workshop with Lee Scott was: we need to do regular interval training. It's the only way to get faster, says Lee. According to everything I've been reading, it's also the only way to get fitter. If the first goal doesn't convince you, the second one should.

Therefore, for Monday's 6K -- the week's shortest distance -- we will build intervals into our routine. This means pushing yourself harder than usual for timed intervals during our walk. You can do it! And when you do, you'll be doing good for your health and your pace. See you at 7 pm.

A post script from Michelle, who is suffering out the late winter in the South of France. She has supplied today's picture, with an explanation below:

Bonjour from La Côte d'Azur:

The annual Cannes Semi-Marathon was held a few days after we arrived three weeks ago. Only 3,000 runners (curiously, no walkers) and a waterfront course scenic and flat enough to rival Toronto’s. Could it be a Shore Things’ destination for 2010?


It was tough deciding what photo to share with you until I came across this poster. Grandmothers’ Day (La Fête des Grands-mères) is big here, and has been the theme of retail displays and TV ads for weeks. The largest community theatre is mounting a free family “spectacle” – aka concert – this Sunday afternoon, featuring showgirls who are grandmothers. I would love to do this for a living... the day I can buy head-to-toe bedazzled flesh-coloured Spanx. ;)


Au revoir,
Michelle

Thursday 26 February 2009

Walk: Sat. Feb. 28 @ Tim's

Fuzzy, slightly out of focus? No, the picture! Actually, with all the streaky snow tracks, it's just the effect I was going for. With luck, there won't be many more snow-streaked days to contend with.

Saturday will be chilly, with a north wind that it would be best to have at our backs on the way home. For that reason, let's head up the Lookout for 10K. (I'd hoped for the Spit, but let's save it for the 13K next weekend.)

Good luck this Sunday to Arlene, Margy and Rainer in the Chilly Half. We wish you good roads and great times. And, for those who are dealing with injuries or illness right now, we wish you a speedy recovery.

Tuesday 24 February 2009

Walk: Wed. Feb. 25 @ Shoppers

Just a quickie reminder tonight: It's a short walk for both groups tomorrow (6K for the ST10s and 5K for the Chillys). If the forecast is to be believed, we should be able to get through it before any rain starts to fall. See you at 7 pm.

In case you missed her comment last time, here's an excerpt from Debbie's report on the A1A half marathon last weekend in Ft. Lauderdale. Read her full comment on this page:

It was lovely -- but then how can walking in 24 degrees and sunshine be anything but?

I did not beat my personal best - I clocked in at 3:01, but I knew that fairly early on, so I just enjoyed the course, and it was gorgeous. Much of it was parallel to the ocean,which was just 50 feet away. The race started at 6 am, and the road was closed to traffic,so it was lovely and quiet and you could hear the sound of the waves crashing and see the sun sparkling on the water. Part of the course was also through a state national park....a path through trees and flowering bushes..the air was positively perfumed.

Well done, Debbie. The medal sounds great, too -- we'll get to see it this Saturday. Perhaps Debbie brought some of that Florida sunshine with her.

Sunday 22 February 2009

Walk: Mon. Feb. 23 @ Loblaws

Now here's a Shore Thing, marching along confidently by herself, even after a late night the night before. Way to go, Olwyn.

Monday's an easy night for the Chilly gang, only 6K, with 8K for the ST10s. Have a look at the 10K route, which is easy to adapt for both. See you at 7 pm.

BTW, Saturday's race planning meeting was very productive, and you'll get the latest on that in a separate email.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Never mind the snow. Winter is on its last legs now; good thing our own legs still have plenty more power in 'em.

Wednesday 18 February 2009

Walk: Sat. Feb. 21 @ Tim's


Here's a little of winter's cold, cold heart for you. Although it looks kind of cute in this picture. Maybe it's beginning to melt finally? They say the sun's coming home for a weekend visit.

The tables of the past few walks now turn this Saturday, when the Chillys taper to 8K and the ST10s have 11K on the agenda. The zigzag route we've tried a few times should suit us both. See the January 31st blog post for our route map.

If there are races you'd like to do in the months ahead, when you sign up early you save on registration costs. We have four Shore Things in the Chilly Half on March 1, a growing number saying yea for our Shore Things event, eight now signed for the Mercedes-Benz 10K in April, two so far doing the Sporting Life and 21 STs and family in the May Women's Half. Anything on your list? Let us know. We might want to join you.

Speaking of which, good luck to Debbie this weekend. She's off to do a half marathon in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. I think we all wish we were cheering her on in body, and not just in spirit.

Monday 16 February 2009

Walk: Wed. Feb. 18 @ Shoppers


Polar-bear dipping might count as cross training. Like these guys we passed by the Boardwalk on Saturday. In fact, shivering burns off a few extra calories, according to this article. It's like an involuntary little workout. Aren't we lucky to live in a cold climate country?

Wednesday, it's 13K for the Chillys and 8K for the ST10s. The 13K route posted (not the part route) will do for both groups. Be prepared inclement weather. See you at 7 pm.

Thanks to all the people who are volunteering to help with the Shore Things 10-Miler. Right now, we have more volunteers than participants. Please circle March 29th on your calendars – it's our big day.

Sunday 15 February 2009

Walks: Mon. Feb. 16 @ Tim's & Loblaws

The Blues have it here. Sign in to Flickr to see our Valentine Reds.

Looks like there might be a will for two walk times on the holiday Monday, morning and evening.

Declaring for morning -- with the suggestion being 9 am at Tim's -- are Margy & Rainer, Lou-Ann, Susan, Charlotte and possibly Bob & I.

Trish is wondering if anyone will be around for an evening walk at the usual time from Loblaws.

Please sign on, especially if Monday evening is your preferred time.

The Chilly Halfers are in taper this week, so our schedules are both in sync at 8K.

Calling all planners for the Shore Things 10-Miler: If you can be one of The Few (4-5 people?), please join me for dinner at our house Saturday, Feb. 21st for a short session to divide tasks and think how we'll organize our volunteers. It might be a bit of a free-for-all, as this is our first time. However, I will have wine! General categories include: registration, race course, start/finish, medals (and t-shirts) and other prizes. Let me know if you're in.

Thursday 12 February 2009

Walk: Sat. Feb. 14 @ Shoppers

Happy Valentine's Day (in advance) to you all -- and Happy Birthday to Valentine girl, Dawn! Have a rose.

This weekend is the big one for the Chilly Half trainees: 18K. The Shore Things 10-Miler contingent -- and that's almost all of us, right? -- keep it to 10K.

Our routes will depend on what the weather does with all this melt and rain. If it hasn't become a skating rink, the Boardwalk route might be clear enough to attempt. Otherwise, I've posted a northeast route that brings the two groups together for the first portion. See you at 8 am.

(Please excuse the look of the blog as we experiment with background colours and placement of our new logo. It's in a state of transition at the moment.)

Don't forget about the Mercedes-Benz 10K. Six of us are registered now, with others talking about it. A link is in our blog race calendar.

Volunteers needed for the Shore Things 10-Miler: First of all, we need you to volunteer to participate in our inaugural 16K event on Sunday, March 29th. Then, we'll need volunteers to help organize the race details. Finally, we'll need on-course volunteers to hand out water and encouragement -- and medals. A small entry fee (to be determined) will cover our costs. Please reply to this email if you fall into one of those categories.

Monday 9 February 2009

Walk: Wed. Feb. 11 @ Shoppers

Just a quick message this evening. It's Doc Soup night for 8 of our Wednesday regulars this week, including me. (Note: If you enjoy the current renaissance in documentary film, passes to the Hot Docs Festival in April are still available at early bird prices.)

So if you're planning to come out for a walk Wednesday, please sign in to the blog so that others will know for sure they'll have company.

The distances are 5K (ST10) and 10K (Chilly). This Saturday will be the looooooong 18K for the Chilly trainees.

Have a safe, sog-free walk, and see you on Saturday.

Saturday 7 February 2009

Walk: Mon. Feb. 9 @ Loblaws

Looking back while we were beavering away (no, we didn't chew down those trees) along the Spit, I wondered, "Who is that strange man following us?" Turned out to be Barbara's good man Ian -- whom I hope will not continue to be a stranger.Welcome back!

And belated birthday blushes to your lady. (Imagine yourself embarrassed by all the singing, Barbara, and you might thank my poor memory.)

Monday night, it will be birthday girl Lou-Ann's turn to blush. That's good for getting the blood up for our 6K (ST10s) and 10K (Chilly) walks. The 10K route posted will suit us both. See you at 7.

The Races Interests List on the blog now reflects more of the future races people are considering or signed up for. Have a look and declare your interests by replying to this message.

The Toronto Island Women's Half in September might be a big one, especially as the KW Walking Classic has decided to keep it to 5K & 10K this year*. Brette learned the TIWH will have a walking category. A link now appears in our race calendar -- remember, the May event sold out quickly. (*I'd still like to support this walkers-only race, and it's later in the month.)

Speaking of calendars, I confess to screwing up the date for Easter on our own -- it's one week too late: should be April 11-12. Please change the dates.

The 2nd Wow master class will now be on April 18th. This 2-hour workshop will give us fun ways to rev up in time for the Toronto Women's Half in May. There's room for 7 more, so get your name in please.

A reminder to get your Opera deposit in. Mr. Visa now has my money, and the interest meter is ticking. If you won't be walking Monday, pop a cheque in the mail (no cash, please) -- my address is in the ST Directory. With hope, we can pay the April balance directly to the COC.

Wednesday 4 February 2009

Walk: Sat. Feb. 7 @ Tim's

An invocation to the snow: Please, snow, you've worked too hard this winter. Always on the job; never taking a day off. Take a vacation already!

We'll see if that works this Saturday, with 16K on the schedule for the Chillys and an embarrassing 6K scheduled for the ST10s. I think we can up that a little, as long as it isn't deluging. Hope to see you out at 8 am.

Latest update on the Opera: The date is Tuesday, May 12th, and the cost is slightly lower, at $56 -- so that's now $14 per ticket for the first installment of 25% (payable to me by cheque, not cash this weekend, please and thanks). We're a group of 30, and will enjoy a backstage tour from the technical director and the lighting wizard after the show.

Before the show, Olwyn has suggested meeting at Barristers Bar in the Hilton Hotel for what she describes as "a small but amusing pre-show menu" of things like mini pizzas, salads and sandwiches, plus beverages. It's a great idea – very close to the theatre, and with flexible cost and timing. We'll be in mingle mode, not seated, but with plenty of time for sitting at the show.

Latest update on the Lee Scott master class: The subject is race pacing, the date is Saturday, Feb. 21st afternoon, time TBD, likely in a midtown location. Arlene is organizing the details. I believe there's room for 2-3 more. Cost for the 2-hour session is $75-65 (more people, lower cost).

Upcoming master class, April 10-11: I've secured Lee Scott to come to the Beach that weekend for a master class on fun with speed drills. Yes, you read correctly; speed drills can be fun. Actual day/time to be confirmed. We'll have room for only 10 people, cost will be $65 each for the 2-hour class. Get your name in now.

P.S. Bob & I are now registered for the Mercedes-Benz 10K on April 26th. Sign up to secure your bling.

Tuesday 3 February 2009

Walk: Wed. Feb. 4 @ Shoppers

This image comes courtesy of Jan, who thought you might enjoy seeing the beautiful side of winter. For a change.

Wednesday's walks are the great divide. For the Chillys, it's 11K; for the ST10s, a mere 5K. That seems almost sinfully short. The 11K route on the blog will work for both groups. See you at 7.

A few updates on races and events:

For our night at the Opera: We need to pay 25% at the time of booking (about $15 per ticket), with payment in full one month before the date. I'll do the thing with Mr. Visa again, but please get me your cheque by Saturday.

Possible Wow Powerwalking workshop: Reply to this email if you'd like a master class on race pacing with Lee Scott of Wow, possibly the weekend of Feb. 21/22 (to benefit the Chilly Halfers, who first requested this). If we have 10 people (the maximum), a 2-hour class would be $65 each; the price goes up with fewer participants. If this date doesn't work, I'll try again later in spring if there is enough interest from you.

New races to consider: Debbie sent a link to a new racing series by MultiSport Canada. One is the Toronto Island Women's Half Marathon on Saturday, September 19th. It's a great place to do a race, with no traffic to contend with. Registration is a little pricey and there's not a ton (sorry, tonne) of info on the site, but it might be good as a fall option.

Mercedes-Benz 10K: Nine people have already expressed interest in this race on April 26th, so we'll have a nice group. Now's the time to register to lock that determination in!