Walks: Sat-Wed, July 28 to Aug 1

Some of our morning walkers in Taylor Creek Park

On Saturday, Detroit marathoners: 16K. KW half: 11K. Those training for the Toad: 10K. For those looking for variation, I have a Rosedale-bound route that will take us along the Milkman Lane trail. Or, if we prefer, we can head along the boardwalk. Unless I hear loud screams, I suggest we shift our start to 6:30 am for the longest distance. Sign in and let your vote be counted. (Next Saturday will be 19K, when we might even prefer to start at 6. TBD)

Monday, Detroit full: 11K. KW Half and Toad: 8K. Mornings now seem to be the preferred time during this hot summer. As there's a fair difference between the two, do the 11K trainees want to start a half hour earlier, at 7:30 am? We can be quiet as mice before setting off from Lou-Ann's, to finish with the 8 am group at about the same time. Takers? And if anyone is still walking in the evenings, please sign in to rustle up company.

Wednesday, Detroit full: a mere 6K, and same for the KW Half. Toads: 8K. Those of us who fall into more than one category might choose the longer distance for 2012 Challenge reasons. Or, to celebrate the start of another month – August already!

Walks: Sat-Wed, July 21 to 25

A bridge too far... churned 0.5K downriver by Sunday's rain!

Isn't it great to be an experienced walker, when you get to say: Saturday's distance is "only 13K"!? That's for the Detroit full marathoners, starting at 7 am. KW Half is 10K. Everyone else, do your own thing.

Monday and Wednesday: 10K and 8K for the full marathoners; 8K and 8K for the KW Half. If you're joining the morning group, let Dawn or Lou-Ann know.

Anyone not registered for the KW, there's a draw for a Blackberry Playbook for anyone who's registered before August 17th.

And that's the news in this part of the world!

Walks: Sat-Wed, July 14 to 18

What's missing from this picture?

Detroit marathoners, you're getting into the big time now: 16K, starting at 7 am from Tim's. We have three possible routes planned, dependent on weather and willingness: East, north or west. Let us know who's coming. If you're training for the KW Half, it's 10K.  Everyone, please judge your own distance.

Saturday afternoon, Lou-Ann and Paul are our gracious hosts for pool-based revelry similar to that shown above. Please be gracious, too, and send them an RSVP. So far, the weather looks ideal.

Monday and Wednesday, the schedule says 8K and 6K tempo. With school out, the morning group has been popular. If you want to join them, contact Dawn. If you need evening company, sign in here.

Looking ahead, the Toronto Power Walkers, the midtown walking group, have invited us to a meet-up – either to share a couple of our long marathon training distances AND/OR to meet on Toronto Island for a walk August 25th. They're training for Washington, which is the week after Detroit. It would be great to strengthen our relationships in the powerwalking community. The idea is that we could meet in the west end for one walk then they could join us in the east for another. Dates to be determined. I think it's a great idea, for many reasons. What do you say?

Walks: Sat-Wed, July 7 to 11

Taking a break from the heat

Detroit marathoners have 14K on tap – and, with the rain forecast, that might be literally on tap – for Saturday. A reminder that those doing the longer distance will start at 7 am unless I hear loud protests and cogent arguments in the comments. Please sign in to state your intentions, and come prepared.

Monday is 10K and Wednesday is a 6K tempo – but we'll be guided by the weather. Bob & I actually did a not bad 6.5K tempo-ish walk in the valley on Wednesday evening, when everyone else had decided to give it a pass. It was significantly cooler and shadier down there.

Those with time off might be interested in meeting up earlier in the day. Dawn H. is the point-person for daytime walks. This week, there are special plans for Wednesday. Let me know if you don't have her contact info.

The potluck pool party at Lou-Ann's is a week from Saturday on July 14th. Hope you can make it.

Also, let me know if you want to be added to our Ireland mini-mailing for the Dublin Half 2013.

Birthday girls this week are Shore Things alumna, Michelle, and Leverne. Two hot mamas, in any weather. Hope your days are filled with good things.

Stay cool!