Walks: Sat-Wed, June 9-13

Our two fellas each placed first in the Alfie Shrubb 8K and 5K races

Bob took first in the 8K Alfie Shrubb and Rainer the 5K, with an almost identical pace of 6:49 and 6:50 MPK respectively; 54:29 clock time for Bob, and 34:09 for Rainer. Blazing! Until the midway point in the 8K, the Shore Things almost had 1st, 2nd and 3rd tied up. Then a fleet-footed walker swooshed past at the turn, and receded into the distance. Still, Jan and Helen virtually tied for third overall and second female with identical times in the 8K, both with personal bests.

A computer glitch at the end of the race meant that the organizers (temporarily) lost everyone's times, retrieving only the 5K at the last minute. So only Rainer stepped up to the podium; the rest will be mailed our prizes. However, Bob won a $90 watch in the draw – the very last prize of the day. And the rain held off! All in all, a good 10th Anniversary Race for the Alfie crew.

We really must commend race organizer Al Storie for his support of walkers. His long and amusing announcement before the walkers' start made it absolutely clear that walking means no running! All races should do the same. A very easy way to get the word out.

Saturday: Let's say "rain or shine"(bring your rain poncho!), the Detroit full marathoners only need 10K. Neville Park route if it's clear; North to the Lookout if not. Or, send me a route and I'll post it. We'll again stick to the 8 am start for this week. But I suggest we switch to 7:30 am, beginning June 16th.

Monday and Wednesday: Let's do one 8K route (Monday, to Rosetta) and on 6K tempo pace (that's faster, for Wednesday). Again, let me know if you have a new route to try.

Our dear Eileen has taken a tumble, as you might already know, and is now in a full leg cast. We send her our very best healing wishes.

Happy birthday to Maureen! We'll miss you when you move to the big O.