Walks: Sat-Wed, June 8 to 12

An enthusiastic selection of our Niagara Falls Half Marathon crew

Well done all you Niagara Falls Halfsies! Our Ruth cracked the top three overall, as third-place walker, and Lou-Ann achieved a personal best with a sub-three-hour time. In fact, everyone had great results, and the rain held off. Hooray!

Here's a race report from Debbie:

We had a great weekend. The race course itself was beautiful, mostly along the river, very flat, passing by the Falls twice, with lush greenery everywhere. We shared pre-race and post-race meals together, some of us visited wineries and enjoyed wine tastings, some did an evening Ghost Walk of Niagara Falls, some visited the casino, etc. Highly recommended for a weekend getaway!

If you'd like to try this race next year, June 1, 2014, an earlybird rate of only $66 applies till June 30, 2013. Unconfirmed rumours suggest that some of us have already bitten. Here's the registration link. The Diplomat Hotel is also prepared to provide a break on the room rate, and to group all rooms together (thanks for arranging that, Rainer). Say Aye! if you're interested.

It's best to grab earlybird rates while you can. Besides the savings, you're assured of being registered. The Army Run Half, for example, is now full. I know there were a few who were still considering it.

Saturday's training: Dubliners, 16K; Midsummers, 10K. The 16K group might want to get it done earlier with a 7:30 start. The 10K group could start at 8. State your preference when you sign in, please and thanks.

Monday and Wednesday: Everyone has 8K both days. Monday night, weather permitting, will be business as usual from Loblaws at 7 pm. Wednesday, we all loved the hills from Occasions. Right?

This weekend is also Through the Garden Gate, the city's biggest garden tour – in case you hanker after some garden voyeurism. I'm volunteering on Sunday, so look for me if you go.

Maureen, if you're still reading this out in Ottawa, have a happy birthday from your ol' walking buds.

And remember that next weekend is the walk from Libby's. Please let her know if you're coming, if you haven't already done so. Right now. Before you forget. That's good gals and guys!