Walks 2016 - Sat. Jan. 2 - Wed. Jan. 5

 

Hard to believe that 2016 is here! Wishing everyone a happy & healthy year filled with good times, good walks and good friends.

 

Join us Sat. at 8:00 am at Tim's. Any distance is good distance. If you made the commitment to one of our challenges, you'll likely be focused on ensuring that you get your kms done.

 

Mid week walks - the main thing is to get out and do it. There may be several smaller groups that meet - which is just fine. If you'd like it announced on the blog, please send along a message.

 

1. Let Dawn know if you are interested in day time walks, 1:00 pm start (I think).

2. Monday evenings - Likely have enough interest for two Monday groups: Group 1: Loblaws at 7:00 pm; Group 2 Starbucks at 7:00 pm (Coxwell south of O'Connor).

 

3. Wednesday evening - 7:00 pm at Occasions.

 

4. There is talk of a Wed. morning walk, from Loblaws, (9:00 am?) once a few people return from vacations. Deanna, Vivienne, Margy & Susan are interested. Any others?  We might do a hill or two...

 

5. Sunday morning at 8:30 am some meet at Running Room on Queen St. for a walk.

 

Check the blog and sign in for details and to let others know your plans.

 

Announcements: from Libby Race reminders for this week…please let Libby know if any races interest you as well as those committed to for 2016. With New Years resolutions made, some of you may well have stepped up to commit for races at last!

Kudos to all who plan and did the Hair of the Dog January 1!

Robbie Burns is the next race on the agenda for January and we have a few interested. You should try to walk 8K this Saturday!

The 2016 and 1550 Challenges. Quite a few have planned to do either of the challenges. Any others? Both Susan and I will keep monthly tallies so send either of us your monthly totals. Happy New year and wonderful walking to all!

Some travellers are returning from BC, Jamaica & Ireland. Some are leaving for England and New Zealand. Travel safely and enjoy.



Final comment - if you haven't been out for awhile, this is a great time to come back. We tend to walk shorter distances in the winter - join us!

 

Helen will be doing the next few blogs so please send any announcements to her. Thanks for your help, as always, Helen.



Walks - Sat. Dec. 26 - Wed. Dec. 30

 

Join us on Saturday at Tim's at 8:00 am (yes, Boxing Day). Trust me, a walk will feel so good. Come and walk off some calories, get some fresh air and enjoy time & coffee with friends.

 

Mid-week walks are Monday (Loblaws) & Wednesday (Occasions) at 7:00 pm usually. This week, some people may want to schedule day time walks, so please check the blog for time, day, and location.

 

Announcements: from Libby - Race reminders! Sign up soon if you want to do the KW Minds in Motion in May - price increases Dec. 31. We have a few committed to Robbie Burns in January. There may be a few walking spaces still open for any others who are interested.

 

Happy trails to those doing the Resolution Run or the Hair of the Dog.

 

Lynne - our thoughts are with you and your family.

 

To those travelling over the holidays, enjoy and keep safe.

 

Challenges:

There area few interested in both challenges this year. Susan has thrown the gauntlet out for an aggressive 2016 in 2016. That translates to committing to walk an average of 168 KM per month/ 42KM week. kudos to those committed to this!

A second challenge of 1550Km in 2016 is also proposed. This translated to an average of just over 129KM /month or 32/week and relates to the training schedule we would use in training for a half marathon over 3 months. If training for an actual half, you will rack up mileage in those three months and require somewhat less in other months. Although is great to keep up the monthly mileage, it is possible to achieve the yearly mileage with degrees of variability based on life’s commitments.

Libby has created two spreadsheets for those interested in tracking your progress - one for the 1550 challenge and one for the 2016 challenge. Ask Libby or Susan for a copy of it (I don't know how to attached it in the blog).

Submit your monthly mileage to myself (Libby) or Susan and we will keep track of progress. If you are required to submit your walking mileage totals, you are more likely to achieve the goal! We are looking for a reward of some sort both at six months and a year! The intent of these challenges is to encourage us to walk more and walk often.

 

Wishing you and yours the very best of the holidays.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





Walks - Sat. Dec. 21 - Wed. Dec. 23

Are you able to correctly identify these Santas?

(I couldn't)

 

We're down to the final few walks of 2015. I urge you to come out on Saturday at 8:00 am at Tim's. Let's get a few more kms completed before year end.  Yes, walking on the beach in Cuba or Jamaica or wherever counts too.

 

This time of year is busy, I know, but here are the mid-week walks, just in case you are able to get out for a 7:00 pm stroll.  Monday (Loblaws) and Wednesday (Occasions). Please check the blog. Some people will have vacation during the next couple of weeks and they may suggest a day time walk.  Options may be suggested on the blog - please add yours.

 

Announcements/updates: from Olwyn: It was a perfect day for the Santa Suit 5k; in fact, we Santa’s were overdressed! Over 2000 racers; lots of walkers, a really fun race; well supported, no time limit; we even did some shopping when we came into the finish line! Good fun!

from Susan - is anyone interested in a challenge - I mentioned a few ideas. Ruth, Deanna and ......(your name goes here!) could likely be talked into 2016 km in 2016. It is healthy challenge and I suspect a few others are tempted......I'm in for sure. You?

 

from Libby - I think race interest will pick up with New Year's resolutions. Let Libby know if you are entertaining entering a race. Robbie Burns Race on January 25th  is only 8K and with this mild winter, the route should be very tolerable!. Great oatmeal breakfast at the finish and 27 walker spots remaining!

Safe travels to several of you.

 

Enjoy; celebrate the best of the season; happy holidays to all (especially those who will not be walking Saturday.)

What a fun event!

 

 

 

 

 

 



Walks - Sat. Dec. 12 - Wed. Dec. 16

Busy Beaver's art work

Join us for another mild Saturday's walk at Tim's at 8:00 am - let's enjoy this weather while we have it. Any distance is good.

 

Mid week walks - if you are interested in day time walks, please connect with Dawn. Would be great if there is a group of regulars for daytime.

Evening walkers meet at 7:00 on Monday (Loblaws) and Wednesday (Occasions). Please sign the blog so others know your plans - it really helps.

 

Best of luck to those walking the Santa Shuffle this weekend! Have fun.

 

Announcements: from Eileen - here's an article for those who suffer from arthritic pain - tips for walking:

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/12/09/ibuprofen-patch_n_8761064.html?ncid=fcbklnkcahpmg00000001

from Libby:  Harry’s Spring Fling has a new name ‘Race Roster Spring Run-Off’- April 9th in High Park. It appears Alan Brooks is looking for more sponsors!

The GoodLife has 10K and 21K distances. It is a fun race in early May. As Rainer mentioned, KW Walking Classic (May 8) is Canada's only Walker Only race. Registration ($55) now open. Delta Hotel has good room rates if staying Saturday before the race. I know Rainer and Margy have registered.

Races keep us training and active…burning those extra calories we may consume over the holidays! Let Libby know your race interests.

Check those early bird prices.

 

from David: Thought maybe someone would be interested in these:

-2 coupons - for Union Pearson Express, buy 1 get 1 free, valid to end January, 2016.

-1 coupon for Ripley’s Aquarium for 50% off for up to 4 people, valid to end December.

Willing to give to anyone who could use them.

 

 

 

 

 



Walks - Sat. Dec. 5 - Wed. Dec. 9

It's a good sign!

Join us Sat. at Tim's at 8:00 am. We'll negotiate the distance as long as we walk.
Mid-week walks - day time walkers, check in with Dawn. It would be great to get the day time group meeting and walking regularly - interested? Let us know.
Evening walkers meet at 7:00 pm; Monday (Loblaws) and Wednesday (Occasions). From time to time, other options are posted in the blog comments so be sure to check.

Announcements: from Libby - The race interest list - I encourage you to think of a race or two for the year and let me (Libby) know if you are interested and/or signed up. Robbie Burns in January is a good race to kick off the year with strong walking contingent. Around the Bay in Hamilton April 3 is worth considering as a goal to train hard this winter! I know a few may consider the GoodLife Half May 1. Please just let me know your thoughts! In the meantime, walk with purpose and enjoy!

from Jan: heard a rumour about a 15 km race on Toronto Island in June - will keep you posted once the a date is announced.

from Stacey:  Plan to spend New Year's eve at the home of Stacey and Peggy - more details to follow. RSVP required - see earlier posting.

from Susan: Anyone interested in setting up a challenge of some sort for 2016? Some examples to consider: walking 2016 kms in 2016; walking 2016 miles in 2016; reading the top 10 books of the year as listed by The Star; losing 10 lbs; reduce the muffin top challenge; 10,000 steps per day every day......your ideas go here......

Enjoy the sounds of the season at Toronto's Christmas market