Walks - Sat. Feb. 27 - Wed. Mar. 2

Walkers' Delight - Rosetta McLean 

Yes, indeed, Saturday will be warmer so join us at Tim's at 8:00 am for a walk. For those training, the distances are as follows: 

    Good Life folks 14 km; midweek 6 and 6 km; 

    K-W classic folks 12 km; midweek 8 and 6 km.  

And, isn't it nice to notice that March is almost here - time to ramp up our walking distances and speed.

As always, there is a group of walkers who meet Sunday mornings at 8:30 am at the Running Room on Queen Street - join them if you are able to do so.

Mid week walks have been a challenge, particularly in slippery winter conditions. Let's just say that attendance will likely improve as the weather turns to spring.  Day walks - connect with Dawn if you are available. Evening walks meet at 7:00 pm at Loblaws (Monday) and Occasions (Wednesday). That said, it is Doc Soup night this Wednesday.  If you want to suggest an alternate time and place, please add it to the comments section of the blog.

Announcements:  If you have an announcement, please send it to me by Thursday of each week. This is your blog -  your news goes here ....

Have you found a race that interests you - please let us know.

Bundled up Norma

Walks - Sat. Feb. 20 - Wed. Feb. 24

Let's applaud these Brave Souls

This Saturday promises to be more inviting so join us at Tim's at 8:00 am. The distance is whatever suits you, unless you are training. Goodlife Halfers need to walk 12K Saturday and training walks of 8 and 6K this week. Anyone doing KW HALF should be walking 10K this Saturday  and 6 and 6 during the week. So it begins for another season of training and racing and enjoying life while walking the streets! Did that sound right?

Don't forget our mid week walks - Monday at Loblaws at 7:00 pm; Wednesday at Occasions at 7:00 pm. In addition, there are often other meeting spots and times, so be sure to check the blog comments. There is a group of us that walks Sunday morning at 8:30 am at the Running Room on Queen Street. Attendance during the mid week walks is less than ideal but now the days are getting longer and March is almost here so join in.

Rainer - I understand that congratulations are in order, again. You make it look so easy - all these first place finishes - great finish in Sarnia.

For those of you who signed up for one of our challenges - How is it going? Are you on track? Need any help or encouragement?  Let us know.

If you have been missing in action, join us for a walk, a stroll or a coffee. Would be nice to see you again - mentioning no names, of course....

Finally, to all those travelling, enjoy, be safe and hurry home - we miss you. And, our thoughts are with anyone who has been struggling with health issues or injuries. We wish you all the best. Join us as soon as you are able - even just for coffee. 

Walks - Sat. Feb. 13 - Wed. Feb. 17

 From the Spit

Baby, It's Cold Outside - so bundle up and join us Sat., at 8:00 am, at Tim's for a distance of your choice. Those training for GoodLife need to complete 10 k on Saturday. Monday and Wednesday distances are 6 k each. Try to include hills and intervals on one of the the training walks - you'll be glad you did come race day.

There are some other options this Family Day weekend for walking:

Join a small group of us who walk Sunday morning, 8:30 am, at the Running Room on Queen St. E. 

Monday is a holiday so I suggest walking in the morning, from Tim's 2, at 9:00 am. Tim's 2 is at the south-east corner of Vic Park and Gerrard.  If you prefer to walk Monday evening, sign in on the blog and let others know your plan - location and time.

Wednesday night, at 7:00 pm, from Occasions.

I think a small group of day time walkers meets once or twice a week - contact Dawn for details.

Last Sunday, many of us enjoyed a lovely brunch at TKOs with great company. Thank you, Dawn, for arranging the event - always yummy! And, of course, thanks to Charlotte, our money lady. It was so nice to see Ian and Trish at the brunch - both have been sidelined for some time by health issues - we're glad that you are on the winning side.

Safe travels to several who are enjoying time in other parts of the world. Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery to anyone who is injured or ill - we miss you all.

Rainer - how was your race in Sarnia last weekend? Did you make us proud?

Announcements: from Susan & Libby - are you doing one of the challenges for 2016? Are you keeping track of your distance? Do you want to submit your distance log monthly to Libby or Susan? Do you need a copy of the log?  Keep motivated - it is a challenge to meet the monthly distance, especially when life and/or weather interferes. And, don't forget - it is possible to catch up if you fall behind, so don't give up.

From Libby: a few are interested in the 10 K Waterfront race in June, in Toronto.  Want to join in the fun - check it out. Several are interested in the Montreal Rock and Roll race in September - there is always room for more so consider joining us.

Any other race interests?  Let us know.

Lastly, remember that winter is the best time to return if you have been on a leave of absence from walking. We tend to walk shorter distances combined with longer coffee breaks at Tim's. We'd love to see you.

Enjoy the Family Day weekend. I think the art installation will be on display along the boardwalk - always interesting - not sure if it will be ready for Saturday's walk but we'll be sure to plan a route in that direction soon to check it out.

Walks - Sat. Feb. 6 - Wed. Feb. 10

Definition of an Hour in New Zealand

This weekend (Sun. Feb. 7) we have our (annual) Shore Things brunch at TKOs.  Therefore, I'm going to suggest a few options for our weekend walk. Select whatever suits you.

Saturday, at Tim's, at 8:00 am

Sunday, option 1, meeting at Helen & Bob's home (parking in the school parking lot) - gather at about 9:15 at Helen's. TKOs is very close by so the walk will end at Tkos in time for brunch.

Sunday, option 2, meeting at the Running Room on Queen St. at 8:30.  There will be a walk which ends up at TKOs. And then, I assume you will walk home again to burn off the calories.

Please sign the blog so that others know when you will be walking.

Distance: Goodlife Half training now begins in earnest. Saturday/Sunday is still a gentle 8K.  Distances this week are 8K Monday and 5k Wednesday.  Others may choose any distance that suits them.

Mid week walks - check the blog as these change from time to time - Monday night at Loblaws (7:00 pm) and Wednesday night at Occasions (7:00 pm).

Announcements from Dawn: TKOs is expecting us for brunch on Sunday at 10:30 - You need to have  registered and paid already. They make a great spread for us - looking forward to the bacon! 

from Trish:  Toronto Waterfront 10 k - Sunday June 25th - Special rate for registering between Feb. 1 - 8, 2016 - only $35 dollars - don't delay - I know some of considering this race - great price. New route this year (used to go south on Yonge St).  Check out this link:  http://www.canadarunningseries.com/toronto10k/tw10DET.htm

from Libby: Race Training

Friendly reminder- your training one day of the week should be Moderate walk- 10 minute warm up and then a faster walk for the remaining distance. The other day should be an Intensity Walk- 10 minute warm up and 7-8 repeats of bursts of speed above normal race pace. Hills are a great option - necessary evil as Arlene says- to be included at least every 2-3 weeks! Saturday(or Sunday should be your long Endurance walk- distance at a moderate pace.

Run for the Toad- October 1 definitely has a walk division and, more importantly, a 12.5 distance category. Great race atmosphere and great food.  Susan's comment: A favourite of mine!

Best of luck to Rainer this weekend in the Hypothermic Half in Sarnia. Unlike other years, the weather promises to be kind. Enjoy the race. We will think of you at brunch!

To all of our injured walkers and those who are not feeling well, we miss you and think of you often. We look forward to your return.

To all our walkers who are travelling (and there are a few), we hope you enjoy your travels.

Really?  I was afraid to board the bus...