Sat. to Wed., Feb. 25 to 29

Looks like it might be another snow day

It would be good to get 10K in on Saturday, but we'll have to see what the weatherman delivers on Friday. Toronto is currently under a weather warning. We might get 15 cm (6") or less or more. Dust off the Yaktrax – they haven't had much use this winter.

Weather permitting on Monday, we'll aim for 8K again with another 8K on Wednesday, which is Leap Year Day. I'd love to be with you on that only once every four years occasion, but I'll be putting in my klicks on the streets of Taichung, Taiwan. Have a good one!

Sat. to Wed., Feb. 18-22

What a difference a week makes

Let's continue with our 10K goal for Saturday – if the weather's nice, you might even add a K or two, always at your own discretion.

Monday's a holiday, so we'll likely have a morning walk option, from Tim's 2 (that's at Gerrard and Victoria Park) at 9:30 am. Sign in if you're coming, or if you want company for the evening walk. 8K would be the standard distance, but again we could decide on more, or less.

Wednesday will be an evening walk, as usual. Likely 8K is our best bet for an evening.

No birthdays that I know of this week. But here's wishing us all a happy Family Day.

Sat. to Wed., Feb. 10 to 15

As Lee Scott says, this is our gym

Don't put away those woollies yet. Looks like winter will be making a reappearance toward the end of the week. We can decide Saturday's route later, depending on wind and road conditions, but let's aim for a 10K distance, with 8K on each of Monday and Wednesday. Your distance may be longer or shorter; as always, it's up to you and your body.

Arlene has organized a 4-week training session with Lee Scott of Wow Powerwalking. I'd really like to encourage newer walkers to give it a try, if you haven't done so already. Lee is a great trainer, and we always benefit from her whip cracking. The details are: four Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm (Mar. 28, Apr. 4, 11, 18) at a cost of $80 per person. That cost/pp may go down if we add a few more people. Two potential locations are being discussed (the Runner's Shop at Avenue Rd/Bloor OR Bayview/Eglinton), but I believe there's a slight preference for the former. Contact Arlene directly or myself if you want to join.

Congratulations to Margy and Rainer in the Sarnia Hypothermic Half. Margy led the field for a first-place finish and a personal best for the half, with her "favourite husband" right on her heels. Clock time: 2:50:22. Rainer suggests that it was spurred by the lack of porta-potties on the route. Whatever the inspiration, great results, you two.

A reminder that the earlybird rates for the 10th Anniversary Alfie Shrubb 8K end next week. It's a nice little event, and has always been very supportive of walkers. The weekend before is the Whitby Half Marathon. Rainer has been speaking to the organizers, and perhaps can arrange a group rate if we have enough participants. Let's discuss on Saturday.

Finally, April 1st is our own 10K race. I'd still like to hear "I'm in" from more of you so that we have strong participation from the group. Remember, it's more than a race; it's our big spring event.

Happy birthday to two more of our February gals Lou-Ann and Valentine baby, Dawn. We wish you sunshine and roses!

Saturday, Feb. 4 to Wednesday, Feb. 8

Looking like a team at the Robbie Burns 8K

We'll continue our plan of 10K on Saturday and 8K on each of Monday and Wednesday. However, individuals are adjusting their distances, so please declare how far you want to go. Also, sign in to invite others to any alternative times/places. We've successfully put one month of the 2012 Challenge behind us.

The Shore Things had a small but strong showing at the Robbie Burns -- and very walkable weather for it. Bob took first male overall, and Rainer placed first in his age category. Well done, guys! And how good we all looked in those jackets.

At least three hardy souls (that's six soles, for those counting) have signed up for another full marathon, Detroit. You rock, gals! The big bunch doing the half in Detroit will be there to cheer you in.

One of them is birthday girl Barbara B. Hope you have a B-ootiful day!

Lastly, it's time to confirm your interest in doing the Shore Things 10K on April 1, so we can assess numbers and order medals. We'll be doing it on the Spit again this year, but race marshalls Rainer and Margy are cooking up plans to keep it interesting. Let's hear those ayes!