Walks: Sat-Wed, Dec. 1 to 5

Queen Olwyn sparkles at the Santa Claus Parade

Hard to believe we're into December. Where did the Challenging 2012 go? It passed quickly beneath our intrepid feet – and now the last three weeks of the 2012-in-2012 draws to a close. I'm curious. How many of us are still at it?

Interjecting a quick note to say if you want to do the Resolution 5K, rates go up on Saturday.

If you read the Wow newsletter, Lee Scott has invited folks to a 12 @ 12 on 12/12/12 walk – walking 12K (or 12 X any shorter distance) at 12 noon on Wed. Dec. 12th. If you can't make it to High Park and still need kilometerage (like me, most likely), join me in the east end – start point, TBD. I'll plan a new route, for variety.

Speaking of variety, we've had some whining requests about change-ups to our same-old-same-olds. Trish has suggested that we ask for volunteer hosts on the first Saturday of each month, starting in 2013. She will be kicking it off on January 5th with a route in the Eglinton and Bayview area. Details to follow. Please submit your name/neighbourhood for future walks. And, at any time, new routes in our regular nabes are always most welcome. Hint, hint. Hint.

Of course, those who prefer to stay put will probably have company at Tim's. Always sign in to say where you'll be.

This is the time when newbies might be joining and the walking wounded will be returning to us. For this reason, I want to remind all the speed demons about looping. Turning back to join the back of the pack is a way to add interval bursts and a little extra distance. It's good for both hares and turtles.

Now that you've read till the end, I can tell you Saturday, some 2012 challengers are considering 13K, but normal people will probably be doing 6-8-maybe-10K. C'mon out.  I will remember to bring the books and calendar this time (the second batch of calendars will come later). Monday and Wednesday, 6-8K, weather and weariness dependent.

Barb S, you have a very happy birthday, girl!