Friday 29 April 2016

Walks - Sat. April 30 - Wed. May 4

Our only sign of spring this week

Join us on Saturday, at Tim's, at 8:00 am for any distance that suits you. For those training, the distances are as follows:
a) Women’s Half- 18K ( Helen will do that on Sunday with Good Life Race)
b) Margy - 16K for the Niagara Women’s.  Any other interested parties in this race?
Weekday distances are really your choice but 8 K is required for those still training.  

Other weekly walks and locations:
Sunday morning; Running Room on Queen St. E; 8:30 am
Monday evening: Loblaws; 7:00 pm - Ann - join us again, if you are able.
Wednesday evening:  Occasions; 7:00 pm
If interested in day time walks, check with Dawn.

The big day is finally here for those registered in the Good Life half marathon - Sunday is race day. We wish you the very best - do well; make us proud - Libby, Arlene, Helen, Bob, Ruth, Olwyn, Cheryl (and friend). I don't think Jan and Deanna are participating due to injuries - correct me if I'm wrong. Anyone interested in cheering our racers on? Fan support is a great motivator. 

Announcements:  Montreal Rock 'n Roll race - should be a great time with lots of music to motivate the racers. Join us - Fees go up April 30th. And, anyway, Montreal is a great place to visit for a weekend.
Saturday Night Fever routine


Thursday 21 April 2016

Walks - Sat. April 23 - Wed. April 27, 2016

Walking the tunnel to the island

Join us Saturday at Tim's - there will be two starting times this week.  Most will likely gather at 8:00 am for a distance of their choice. Those training (a few are starting at 7:30 am so that they will be back for coffee with the gang) are scheduled for the following distances:
Good Life tapers at a mere 12K. 
KW and Toronto Women's Half are 16K 
Niagara Women’s walk 14K.

If you want to join those starting at 7:30, be sure to sign in on the blog so the others will know.

Weekday distances are really your choice but Women’s Half and Niagara ladies should attempt to walk 10 K at least one day - the other day could be 6 or 8 km.

Finally, I think spring has arrived. It is the perfect time to get out and walk.

Announcements / updates: from Rainer & Margy  Greetings from the UK ... we are training ... not walking training but bakery tastings ...Great trip so far .... back May 4 just in time to do the K-W Classic ... Anyone interested in joining them for the K-W Classic?

from Ben: Ben spoke to a number of you last Saturday about a possible walking race.  Ben is in the preliminary stages of speaking with the organizer of the Brandon Hill 10k & 5k Sat June 18, Ajax Waterfront. Details: https://events.runningroom.com/site/?raceId=12891
Registration fee is $55 for 10k and $45 for 5k.  If there is enough interest, Ben will work with the organizer to get distinctive race numbers/bibs for walkers, advertise a separate walking race and request volunteers whom Ben will train as marshalls to catch any walkers who run. I think Helen has added a poll to the Shorethings website - please respond to Ben via the poll - as soon as possible.

About the Toronto Women's Half: Anyone else interested in signing up?  Kick off the 2016 race season with the Toronto Women's Half Marathon/5k on Sunday, May 29th.
Now is the perfect time to set your race goals for the next few months. Goal setting is important, as it gives you something to strive for throughout the year.  When setting a goal, you must ensure that it is challenging, yet attainable. The route through Sunnybrook Park is primarily flat, and ideal for reaching your goal! To make the morning even more memorable, you'll be running in a fun and friendly environment with more than 2,000 other women all setting their own pace. 

Best wishes to anyone who is struggling with illness or injury - we look forward to your return.





Friday 15 April 2016

Walks - Sat. April 16 - Wed. April 20, 2016

Olwyn and Sheila - celebrating success

Join us on Saturday, at Tim's at 8:00 am - nice weather is guaranteed. The distance is yours to determine, unless you are training - here is the training schedule for distance:
Good Life:  16 (thank goodness for taper); 10 and 10 km
KW - 20; 10 and 10 km
Toronto Women's:  14; 8 and 10 km
Niagara Women's:  12; 8 and 6 km.
Let's support those training; company on the training walks is most welcome.

Mid week walks - daytime walkers may contact Dawn for the details re: time and dates. Evening walkers are encouraged to meet at 7:00 pm on Monday at Loblaws; Wednesday at Occasions. 

Congrats to Olwyn and Sheila - they completed the 8 k race with killer hill (probably not a politically correct name) in High Park on Saturday. It was a cold, windy day, but once they got moving they warmed up. Both had a good time (1 hr 12 mins) and the sun came out during the race which really made it much more fun. They celebrated with a lovely brunch after with friends of Sheila - a good Saturday morning, indeed.

If this warmer spring weather inspires you to sign up for a race, please let Libby know. A race always provides some motivation to get outside.

For those who are dealing with health or injury, take care - we miss you.
Travelling? be safe and enjoy your trip.

Enjoy Australia and family, Sylvia

Friday 8 April 2016

Walks - Sat. April 9 - Wed. April 13


 He's a winner - Congrats Rainer

Join us on Saturday, at Tim's at 8:00 am - despite the weather, it is good for us.  Really! 
Any distance is good distance....  For those training, the distances are as follows:
Good Life foks have the longest walk on schedule of 20K this weekend! Weekdays 10 and 10 km.
Toronto Women’s Half- 12K - weekdays 8 and 5 km
Niagara Women’s Half- 16K - weekdays 8 and 6 km
These long distance walks are a challenge so let's get out and support those who are training. 

Weekday walks:  A small day time group meets at Dawn's on Wednesdays - speak to her for further information.
Evening walks at 7:00 pm:  Monday nights at Loblaws; Wednesday night from Occasions. It is getting milder and lighter for our evening walks, so please join us.  

Don't forget to sign in on the blog to let others know your plans.

Best of luck to Olwyn and Sheila in the Spring Roster race in High Park on Saturday. Do “love the hill” at the end! We will be cheering for you.

The Challenge: Kudos this month to Deanna - logging an impressive 170.73 K for March! Well done!!! Please feel free to send Libby your monthly achievements if you are participating in the 1550 challenge!.  Send Susan your 2016 in 2016 accomplishments.  When training for a Half Marathon, those K’ms really add up quickly! If anyone is interested in joining the challenges (we have two on the go), please ask about the "late start" option. We'll make it work for you.

Announcements:  
from Helen:  Check these out: New clip-on lights from Lee Valley Tools:

from Norma:  Rainer came in first in Beaches Spring Sprint 5K walker category. This man is an inspiration, isn't he?  Thanks for the photo, Norma.

from Ruth:  Run for the Toad has a new distance (you can choose 12.5K or 25K) and they have a walking division for both distances.   This is an off-road race, which takes place October 1, 2016 in the Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area, near Paris (Ontario).   Registration includes a great lunch.  Here’s the link for on-line registration.   https://www.onlineregistrations.ca/toad2016/   This race is a great change from walking the city streets - through the forested areas, walking on trails - beautiful.

To those travelling, enjoy and be safe. To those who are recovering from illnesses or injuries, we're thinking of you. 

Brave walkers on the last of our winter morning walks