Thursday 29 December 2016

Walks: Sat. Dec. 31 to Wed. Jan. 4

Sparkles on the Danforth
Greetings, Shore Things. I (that is, Helen) am (or, is) your blog host for the next two weeks, so please send any blog news to me.

We have a Saturday walk on New Year's Eve this year. What fun! Hope you'll all come out to play, 8 am at our usual haunt – Tim's at Lakeshore and Leslie. Distance will be just as we please. A great way to end what some might call a horrible year.

(Note to Cynthia and Stacey, I still have your calendars. Let me know if you're coming.)

Some lucky people are still off work this week, and might opt to walk in the morning rather than the evening. If that's you, I suggest a compromise time of 8:30 am – so that it doesn't eat into the day.

Whether morning or evening, it's Monday from Loblaws. Wednesday, from Occasions. We're still not in training, to distance is at our option.

Please sign in to say where you'll be and when. That really helps!

For those who need to clear their head on January 1, remember the annual Hair of the Dog 9K and 3K at the Balmy Beach Club. Get info or pre-register at this link. But you can also sign up on the day.

Rainer has a shout-out that just a few walker spots remain for the Robbie Burns 8K on January 29th. Some of our Shore Things have already signed up. You can join them at this link. Fees go up on Dec. 31st. For newbies, this is a great winter race, with food, prizes after and interesting swag – a backpack this year.

More racy talk from Libby:

Race News is very limited these days with no training in progress. 

With New Year's Day fast approaching, are there any of you with resolutions to train for a race or two. Please do let Libby know of race interests and sign ups! 

Kudos to Dawn, Charlotte and Lou-Ann for registering for the Shopper's Women's Half. Any others ready to sign up for this fun race? 

And that's our post for this week. Stay safe, everyone, and if we don't see you on Saturday, have a Happy, Healthy New Year! Love to all!

Lighting up a wintery night

Thursday 22 December 2016

Walks - Saturday Dec. 24 - Wednesday Dec. 28, 2017

Joy to all throughout the season

Somehow, the Christmas season is upon us again!  Join us on Saturday for a short seasonal stroll and quick coffee to get you in the Christmas spirit. We'll meet at 8:00 am at Tim's. Join us if you can. Would love to see you....

Monday's walk is scheduled to begin at 9:00 am at Tim's 2 (Vic Park and Gerrard). Great way to burn off a few of those calories.  

Wednesday's walk is scheduled at 9:00 am at Occasions. Join us! Sign in so that others will know your plans.

If you celebrate Christmas, we wish you a wonderful holiday season. 

Announcements: from Libby - we know that some of you are too busy to think about races in 2017 - however, consider a few options for the spring (and we'll remind you, again, in January):
1.  Hair of the Dog - Balmy Beach Club - Jan. 1, 2017 - great way to clear your head and start the new year.  Only 3 or 9 kms - you pick.

2. The Uxbridge Half Marathon on April 15th. A great way to kick off the spring. Check out the link at  www.uxbridgehalfmarathon.ca , also a link on the blog. There are three categories, Half Marathon race plus walk only categories for 10 and 5 K distances on trails!!! It looks really interesting. Libby has signed up for the 10 K; Susan is almost committed to doing the half but is waiting for company....

3. May 7 - Goodlife Half

4 May 14 - Sporting Life 10 k

How can you resist with such options. Let's do it!

To those who are travelling, be safe, be well and enjoy!
To those who are injured and/or ill, we miss you; we wish you the best and a better 2017. 
To those who are MIA, please join us soon.

Happy holidays everyone.






Thursday 15 December 2016

Walks - Saturday Dec. 17 - Wednesday Dec. 21, 2016

 Looking good

Join us on Saturday at Tim's at 8:00 am.  The weather and/or conditions may be iffy but come out anyway - we'll do what we can. The friends and coffee are worth it regardless of the weather.

Mid week walks are the same for the week ahead:
Sunday 8:30 am at the Running Room
Monday (Loblaws) and Wednesday (Occasions) at 6:30 pm.
Mid week day time walkers should check in with Dawn.

A question about scheduling for your consideration and response:
1. Next Saturday is Christmas eve - I am going to suggest we walk as usual - sound ok?
2. Monday Dec. 26 is Boxing Day - I'm going to suggest we walk from Tim's 2 at 9:00 am. - sound ok?
3. Wednesday Dec. 28 - I'm going to suggest we walk during the day - say 9:00 am - sound ok?

Just asking a week in advance - would like your input before announcing the schedule for the holiday week.

Challenges - let's get thinking about goals for 2017
1.  Anyone interested in walking 150 km each month during 2017 in honour of Canada's 150 anniversary?  Easy peezy - let's do it!

2. Anyone interested in walking 2017 kms in 2017?

3. Anyone interested in walking 2017 miles in 2017 - that's a bit of a stretch - are you in?

4. Your challenge suggestions go here.....

Races
1. Take advantage of the lowest price of the season for the GoodLife Fitness Toronto Marathon!  May 7, 2017.  Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and Relay, there's an event for all! Downhill, Scenic and Fast PB course. A Toronto tradition since 1977 attracting runners from over 50 countries. Prices go up December 16th at Midnight!  Arlene and Elaine are committed already.

2. Uxbridge trail/run walk on Sat. April 15th - half marathon, 10 km and 5 km. Sounds like a great way to get ready for spring. There is a dedicated walking category. Uxbridge is such a pretty town and close enough to drive within 90 minutes or so.  Any interest? Susan could be talked into it if there's company - trail walks are always a nice change.

3. Our racing diva Olwyn has signed up for yet another race!!! Sporting Life 10K is now open for registration - May 14 (Mother's Day).  Anyone else?

4. Your ideas go here ....

Let's get inspired for 2017.




Friday 9 December 2016

Walks - Saturday Dec. 10 - Wednesday Dec. 14, 2016

Walking the Spit

Join us on Saturday at 8:00 am at Tim's for a brisk walk or a short stroll - whichever suits your mood. Distances will vary between 6 - 10 km. It is a great way to clear your head, burn a few calories and chat with friends.

Mid week walks are:
Sunday at 8:30 am at the Running Room on Queen St.
Monday (Loblaws) and Wednesday (Occasions) at 6:30 pm - was great to have Barb and Ian join us last week. Glad to have you two in the 'hood.
Day time walkers - check in with Dawn for the details.

Challenges: Last January, a few signed up to complete one of two challenges. As the year draws to a close, it is time to let us know (Libby or Susan) how you did. Rumour has it that a few fell off the challenge wagon - yes, that happens - but we'd like to hear from those who continued to work towards your chosen goal. And, we applaud all who took on the challenges.

Any ideas for challenges for 2017?  Let us know - it is motivating (for some) to have a goal.

To those who are travelling, be safe and enjoy! A few folks have just returned and we'd love to hear your travel stories and recommendations.  And, to those who are injured or ill or recovering, we miss you and wish you the very best.

Announcements: from Libby:  Robbie Burns - January 29, 2017 - consider entering this event to keep you walking in January. Sells out quickly: registration info: https://raceroster.com/events/2017/10293/robbie-burns-8k-road-race-2017

Don't forget that the winter months are the best months to join us - if you have been missing in action,  we'd love to see you again.

Well Deserved Celebration


Thursday 1 December 2016

Walks - Saturday Dec. 3 - Wednesday Dec. 7

Heading to the start line in Montreal

Folks - winter is coming - just saying - join us for a walk now before the snow and ice are upon us.  Saturday, at 8:00 am, at Tim's for the distance of your choosing. Some of us will do 10 km; others will do less.  It is good for whatever ails you! 

A few folks have been missing in action for a while or a long time - we'd love to see you soon - a few names come to mind - no last names, of course - but it would be great to Alexis, Frances, Carol, Cheryl, Rob....I'm going to stop there but you get the idea...no questions asked once you return. We miss you.

It was great to have Ian join us again last week - so good to see you, Ian.

Mid week walks are as follows:
1. Sunday mornings at 8:30 am at Running Room on Queen St.
2. mid week day time walkers - contact Dawn for information.
3. mid week evening walkers - 6:30 pm on Monday (Loblaws) and Wednesday (Occasions).

This Wednesday (Dec. 7) is also Doc Soup - some evening walkers will be missing in action - good idea to check the comments on the blog before heading out.

It is always helpful and appreciated if you sign in and let others know your intentions.

To Rainer and Margy - we're thinking of you these days. Hope to see you on Saturday.

Announcements from Libby:  Check the Race Interest list on the website - a few people have signed up for 2017 races already - great prices when registering far in advance of race date.

Trish and friends are kicking off 2017 with the Robbie Burns 8K
Olwyn has commited to two races so far- Spring Roster and Diva's Race
Libby and Arlene have registered for the 10th anniversary Ottawa Army Race in September. This race sells quickly so do commit if at all interested. 
The Toronto Waterfront 10K in June has a well-supported walking division and registration is now open for this race. Dates and info are on the blog sidebar.
Your name and race(s) go here .......  Just let Libby know!