Walks - Sat. September 28 - Oct. 2

Some gals have all the fun!

 

No formal training that I'm aware of so I'm suggesting the following:

Saturday - Meet at Tim's at 8:00 am for 10 km - why not - the weather sounds lovely. Just remember that Leslie is closed between Lakeshore & the driveway to Tim's.

 

Monday at Loblaws for 6 km

Wednesday at Shoppers for 6 km.  I heard a request to switch back to Shoppers on Wednesday.

 

The day time walkers will know their schedules and meeting spots.

 

Some comments about the race last weekend from Helen:

Our race weekend started at Michelle's in her spiffy new apartment (moved only 10 days ago) for pasta dinner  -- delicious, and she and partner Gilles were most gracious hosts.

 On race morning, the weather looked touch and go, it was chilly and there were some sprinkles but the big rains held off till after we all finished. Yay! (Then it really came down.) Ottawa-Hull's prettiest bits were along the course, with lots of photo ops. And we all did well. Bob was off his goal time of 2:30 by only about 50 seconds, Ruth, Arlene and Libby were their usual lightning fast and Sharon said she took a minute off her best time. Eva was about five minutes ahead of Team Trish, with Cheryl and Helen, at the end -- and Trish was very happy with her relatively pain-free finish. The cool thing at the end, besides the dogtag-style medal, was a zip-up gauze jacket with hood instead of a mylar blanket. Useful for our next big race. All those surveyed said they'd do the race again.

 

A group of our walkers will be heading to participate in the Caven race - enjoy the countryside, do well, and enjoy those butter tarts!

 

See you Saturday.



Walks - Sat Sept 21 - Wed Sept 25

Early evening sunset walking from Occasions

 

It's a big week(end) for many of our folks.

 

Dawn, Lou Ann and Sheila are taking off for their trek and adventures in Spain. We wish them a wonderful journey and look forward to hearing all about their experiences and seeing their photos. Happy hiking on El Camino.

 

A group is headed to Ottawa for the half marathon on Sunday - make us proud! Good luck to all and if you see Michelle, give her a big hug from me.

 

And, yet another group of us is staying in Toronto and will meet to walk on Saturday for any distance we like. I'm going to suggest 10 km starting at 8:00 am.

 

However, please note: Leslie Street is closed between Lakeshore and Queen St for construction. I think it is still possible to enter the parking lot from Eastern Ave but I haven't been able to check it out. We may need to find an alternate meeting spot during this construction which will likely last at least several weeks/months as they lay street car tracks along Leslie. 

 

My question - what is a good alternative meeting spot?  Do you have a suggestion? Put it in the blog. We have met at Loblaws and/or Tim's 2 (Victoria Park & Gerrard) in the past mainly because parking is plentiful. What's your preference?

 

We need some volunteers to help with the year end party on November 9th. Tasks include set up, clean up or awards committee for example. The social committee will be glad to hear from you if you are able to help - contact Barb B, Lynne, or Leverne.

 

And, lastly, Rainer suggests that we consider:

 

Sat Sept 28 is the beautiful Cavan race. About 10min south of Peterborough, starting from one of the volunteer's farm. Small, friendly country event. Nice 10km through the countryside. Buttertarts to die for ....all monies goes to charity .... Margy and I have done it for the last 5 years .... http://www.events.runningroom.com/site/?raceId=9361

The other one is October 5 Saturday in Newcastle. The running Maniacs are hosting an event the same day of the Newcastle Fall Fair. Small, friendly event with a separate walker category and separate walker starts. There is a 5km and a 10km walk section.
http://www.events.runningroom.com/site/?raceId=9428
 

 



Walks - Sat. Sept. 14 - Wed. Sept. 18

 

Misty morning walk

 

This week's distances are relatively short since it is taper time for the Ottawa group. Saturday is 12 km so let's start at the respectable hour of 8:00 am (I've had a few requests for a humane start time....).  Monday (Loblaws) and Wednesday (Occasions) distances are 6 and 5 (very manageable).  The day time walkers will organize their own times and routes. Email Dawn or Lou Ann.

 

Some updates:  1st from Libby:

There is a small group doing the PEC  half marathon October 6th. (Prince Edward County). This is a small friendly race with both Half and Marathon distances. Elaine Selke did this last year and Arlene and Marilyn Orr will join her this year. The walking contingent is very small. A group of us did this race a few years ago - a pleasant route in the country.

Lee Scott has reminded us the Robbie Burns Race is capped at 100 walkers and there are many of the WOW group doing the race. www.burlingtonrunners.com

Lee is holding a new class this fall called “Rock the 800’s”. It is repeats of 800 meters around a track. Friday night at Central Tech is the location for anyone keen to improve their race pace. It is said to be a proven training method to improving speed. www.wowpowerwalking.com

 

2nd from Helen:

Rotary Club hosts the Turkey Trot Trail Race, Oct. 20th at Bronte Creek Provincial Park. It’s a flat, groomed trail walk and with a huge community feel. From draw prizes, to a unique medal, it’s going to be amazing.  The website is www.rotaryturkeytrot.ca 

 

 Please let us know if you see any races of interest so that the information can be passed on to others.

 

See you Saturday at 8 for 12 or for whatever suits your fancy.



Walks - Sat. Sept. 7 to Wed. Sept. 11



So now we know where the Milkmen live!

This Saturday is the long walk for those training for Ottawa's half marathon. Libby reports the following:

Greg and I cycled a very interesting route on a walking/cycling path leaving from just north of Guildwood Station. It is a paved path through parks along Highland Creek and ending at lake Ontario and then a beautiful path along the Lake to Pickering. I am suggesting we consider this for the 20K route. (Do not have to do it entirely and I am able to plan a circle to our cars.
Anyone who is interested in joining them should contact Libby directly.

For the rest of us, the usual meeting spot on Saturday is Tim's at 8:00 am for a reasonable distance of your choosing. Now that it is cooler, likely 8 - 12 kms seems reasonable. Your choice!

Monday and Wednesday, we aim to walk 10 kms this week (can't remember why). The usual gathering spots - day time group will email each other; evening group meet at Loblaws (Monday) and Occasions (Wed).

Rainer would love to chat up a couple of races happening later this month. He and Margy are planning to enter at least one, if not both of them, and would love to encourage others to join them.

Lastly, Dawn, LouAnn and Sheila are in the final days of training for their big trip. You'll see them staggering under the weight of their back packs along the streets and trails....wearing their very fashionable hiking boots and flattering hiking pants. We hope that their trip is a most excellent adventure.