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| Helen at the finish of the Marine Corps Marathon 2003 |
Eight months later, with Cynthia, Jan and Sharon (and Breda, now a Stellar Runner), I completed 42.2K – including a last killer hill – in the Marine Corps Marathon.
The next year, our Beach group became the Shore Things (including runners), and Cheryl, Eva, Niki, Norma, Olwyn, Susan, Trish, joined the three above.
Oh, the things we have done and places we've been since!
A fitting time for me to announce that I'll be retiring from running the Shore Things. I'm asking one or more of you to take my place. This decision has been exceptionally hard, but I need to focus on other priorities. The group is such an important part of my life that I'll keep walking, taking pictures, doing books and calendars. But I need to pass on the day-to-day stuff to a new crew before I leave for Ireland in July. Contact me to discuss.
This week, it's business as usual on our Saturday 8K, Monday and Wednesday 6K walks.
A heads-up that Saturday, March 2nd is our alternative location walk. For those doing the Harry's Spring 8K, we thought you might like a preview at High Park, with brunch at the Grenadier.
Sign in, my friends. That's how we know to wait for you.
18 comments:
wow.... wow.... and wow again............
Congrats on your 10 years with JM and ST, Helen. I wonder how many thousands of kilomtres have passed below those feet since the first two. And that's quite the picture - not sure I would have recognised you without being told!
Sorry we will be loosing our leader but wishing you the best of luck with whatever else lies ahead for you. And thanks a million for all you have done for us in that time.
Finally, I won't be walking this coming week as I'm still in the healing stages for me toe. Hopefuly I'll be back within a couple more weeks or so.
My hair is a little bit wild in that picture -- having had water poured on it for 6+ hours on a hot, hot day in October. But I am "upright and smiling."
Having dropped my small bombshell, I'm writing to note that I won't be there on Saturday. I'll be "Getting the Jump on Spring" at the Toronto Botanical Garden. See you Monday.
I join Dawn in saying congratulations and thanks to Helen for ALL you have done for our group over the past 10 years; but this isn't a goodbye, just a step aside for you to do other things! Great photo of you with Major Dan; upright and smiling, as it should be! I won't be out Saturday, as I'm still opera-ating; but hope to back out again next week.
Helen, thank you for putting your heart and soul into moving The Shore Things along and keeping us all together. You have given us alot over the years and I wish you happiness in your new endeavours. I'm glad you'll still be on the scene, taking pictures and burning up the road with your fast pace.
On another note, I won't be out for the next two Saturdays but hopefully will get back on track by mid March.
My first Shore Things "medal", with it's drawing of a cup of Tim's coffee, is the most precious one in my collection, so THANK YOU, Helen.
It's starting to sound like I'll be walking alone on Saturday :-( Get well Dawn, whip those divas into shape, Olwyn, and have a great time jumping, Helen. Gee, Eileen - 2 weeks to recover from NY!!
Wow! Ten years sure went by fast, but the memories will last a life time. The people, the places, the races, the laughter, the tears and the blisters! And the hair-dos, oh my!
Helen, you have gone beyond the call of duty. You are the glue that has kept us all together from the beginning. You are an inspiration and a wonderful leader and I thank you. Perhaps I cannot thank you enough.
Happy tenth anniversary to all the originals! We have gone through so much and I cannot imagine my life without the Shorethings.
Ruth, I will be out on Saturday because the show must go on.
SKJ
Ohmigoodness, Helen! What a change for you & for all of us. Like the preceeding comments, I, too, thank you for your many contributions - you have certainly provided the glue to keep us walking, focused, challenged, and together - many, many thanks.
And, congratulations on completing 10 years - I'm sure you've enjoyed, cursed, travleed far and blistered during those fun years.
I'll be out on Saturday with Ruth and Sharon, looking for Major Dan along the route.
Susan
Helen, in the few short years I've been a Shore Thing I've been in awe of your energy, creativity, and organizational abilities. Many, many thanks for all your time and devotion to this unique group I am privileged to be a part of.
I also have another commitment tomorrow morning, so will not be able to join the group. See you next time,
Sheila
Helen, we all need a little wild hair, it helps to make life a little more on the edge sometimes! I am sorry to hear of the "bombshell", however you have contributed so much more than just the "blog" with the Shore Things (friendships, goals, exercise...) and I truly am gratefull for all you have done. It is now our turn (all of us)to step up to the plate and pitch in (many hands make light work)!
Helen happy gardening this weekend!
See you Saturday morning ladies and gents!
Concurig with all the mant comments and accolades, i would kile to add mine as well Helen. You havve been such an inspiration to al of us. I wish you well in establishing your gardening business! Thank you for all your years of support and commitment
Arlene and I will NOT be walking tomorrow. After a week of sideslipping on ice, and we did walk today, we are begging out of tomorow's walk with the uncertain conditions.
Helen...
Love that wild punky hair... you don't look a day older today!
What a long and marvellous road we have all travelled together since that time. And all along the route, throughout the years, you have been our fearless and untiring leader, taking us where many of us would never have gone on our own.
I'm so glad you will be sticking with us for our weekly walks, destination races, etc.
I know you will be as succcessful in your future projects as you have been as our mentor and motivator. We all wish you all the best.
We'll miss you Saturday, but will see you soon!
It seems like just yesterday...! 10 years has flown by, and like Sharon I can't believe all the wonderful things that this group has started. Helen know that you are mucho appreciated - you make everything look so easy I think we forget sometimes how much you do.
I will not be out tomorrow morning - or at all next week - on a weeks Vaca (if the plane can get off the ground tomorrow morning). I'll bring you back some sunshine.
Hoping to be out tonight (Monday) for an amusing 6k from Loblaws; anyone care to join me? If not, I'll probably head out from home.
It's a bit milder today, so let's hope tonight's walk won't be too slippery.
Bob & I will be walking from home on Monday night. See you later in the week.
Hi All, I'll be walking with Helen and Bob tonight, starting out from their place at 7pm (Monday), so come join us if you're able to come.
Am I alone in thinking that Wednesday night might be too wet and slushy for walking? I'll check in later in the day.
If we have any more "weather days", my bum is going to grow roots.
I'm with you Helen, it's like walking through a bathtub. Looking forward to Saturday in High Park though.
Leverne
I won't be out tonight (Wed) but am planning to join in on Sat at High Park. Stay dry, everyone!
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