Walks: Saturday, September 18 to Thursday, September 23

Almost inseparable! Maybe it's the bungie...

This is our last week of official summer, so let's get out there and enjoy whatever good weather is thrown at us!

The forecast for Saturday morning is so far indicating a slight chance of showers but definitely clearing up later for a great afternoon. Fingers crossed. It's a walker's-choice distance from Loblaws, as usual, and post walk coffee at the picnic tables (ibid.). 

Weekday walks are from the variety pack. Dibs on the sugar pops.

Walks: Sat. April 21 to Wed. April 25

Sometimes we literally stop and smell the flowers

All I know is that the Bermuda team is planning to do 20K this Saturday, starting at 7 am. Sign in or, even better, contact Dawn if you're joining them, so they'll know you're coming.

Chocolate Racers, technically, should be in taper (8K) this weekend. However, please set your own distance if you're still participating in the 2012 Challenge -- or not training for a race.

Monday and Wednesday, let's say 8K each for now. The real work begins soon.

Good luck to those participating in the Toronto 10K race this weekend. Take pictures. And keep your eyes open for Terry's daughter Quinn, who is doing her first 10K – as a walker (and it's her birthday, too). You go, girl!

Happy Earth Day on Sunday, everyone, and happy birthday to mon cher Robert. Celebrate!

Walks: Saturday to Wednesday, March 17 to 21

Not so long ago, at a boardwalk near you

I believe the only ones whose training schedule has kicked in is the Bermuda group -- and I don't have a copy of it. So, Dawn, can you announce your distances?

Everyone else, let's make the most of this glorious weather, predicted to last well into next week. At least 10K on Saturday for those doing the 2012 Challenge – though your own mileage might be more or less.

Monday and Wednesday, we've been aiming for 8K or thereabouts.

Dawn has asked to to clear up a point about payment for the post-race brunch on April 1st: Please bring your $17 per person in cash for Dawn on the day of the race. Only the $5 per person for the race medals goes to Charlotte. Sorry for the confusion!

FYI, there is a Half Marathon Walk division for the WIN Whitby Half on May 27th, and we have a separate route along the lakeshore. This might be good (prettier than big roads) or bad (possibly busy). Still, it's a nearby spring half that we haven't done before. Sign up before the 28th of this month to avoid the next price increase.


Happy birthday to Ian! May the sun continue to shine for you.

Sat. to Wed., Feb. 18-22

What a difference a week makes

Let's continue with our 10K goal for Saturday – if the weather's nice, you might even add a K or two, always at your own discretion.

Monday's a holiday, so we'll likely have a morning walk option, from Tim's 2 (that's at Gerrard and Victoria Park) at 9:30 am. Sign in if you're coming, or if you want company for the evening walk. 8K would be the standard distance, but again we could decide on more, or less.

Wednesday will be an evening walk, as usual. Likely 8K is our best bet for an evening.

No birthdays that I know of this week. But here's wishing us all a happy Family Day.

Sat. to Wed., Feb. 10 to 15

As Lee Scott says, this is our gym

Don't put away those woollies yet. Looks like winter will be making a reappearance toward the end of the week. We can decide Saturday's route later, depending on wind and road conditions, but let's aim for a 10K distance, with 8K on each of Monday and Wednesday. Your distance may be longer or shorter; as always, it's up to you and your body.

Arlene has organized a 4-week training session with Lee Scott of Wow Powerwalking. I'd really like to encourage newer walkers to give it a try, if you haven't done so already. Lee is a great trainer, and we always benefit from her whip cracking. The details are: four Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm (Mar. 28, Apr. 4, 11, 18) at a cost of $80 per person. That cost/pp may go down if we add a few more people. Two potential locations are being discussed (the Runner's Shop at Avenue Rd/Bloor OR Bayview/Eglinton), but I believe there's a slight preference for the former. Contact Arlene directly or myself if you want to join.

Congratulations to Margy and Rainer in the Sarnia Hypothermic Half. Margy led the field for a first-place finish and a personal best for the half, with her "favourite husband" right on her heels. Clock time: 2:50:22. Rainer suggests that it was spurred by the lack of porta-potties on the route. Whatever the inspiration, great results, you two.

A reminder that the earlybird rates for the 10th Anniversary Alfie Shrubb 8K end next week. It's a nice little event, and has always been very supportive of walkers. The weekend before is the Whitby Half Marathon. Rainer has been speaking to the organizers, and perhaps can arrange a group rate if we have enough participants. Let's discuss on Saturday.

Finally, April 1st is our own 10K race. I'd still like to hear "I'm in" from more of you so that we have strong participation from the group. Remember, it's more than a race; it's our big spring event.

Happy birthday to two more of our February gals Lou-Ann and Valentine baby, Dawn. We wish you sunshine and roses!

Saturday, Feb. 4 to Wednesday, Feb. 8

Looking like a team at the Robbie Burns 8K

We'll continue our plan of 10K on Saturday and 8K on each of Monday and Wednesday. However, individuals are adjusting their distances, so please declare how far you want to go. Also, sign in to invite others to any alternative times/places. We've successfully put one month of the 2012 Challenge behind us.

The Shore Things had a small but strong showing at the Robbie Burns -- and very walkable weather for it. Bob took first male overall, and Rainer placed first in his age category. Well done, guys! And how good we all looked in those jackets.

At least three hardy souls (that's six soles, for those counting) have signed up for another full marathon, Detroit. You rock, gals! The big bunch doing the half in Detroit will be there to cheer you in.

One of them is birthday girl Barbara B. Hope you have a B-ootiful day!

Lastly, it's time to confirm your interest in doing the Shore Things 10K on April 1, so we can assess numbers and order medals. We'll be doing it on the Spit again this year, but race marshalls Rainer and Margy are cooking up plans to keep it interesting. Let's hear those ayes!

Saturday to Wednesday, Jan. 28 to Feb. 1

Another street, another mural!

Saturday may be windy and possibly wet, so we'll try to choose a sheltered route for our 10K. Trish favours one like this one that snakes through local streets. Print up a copy if you can.

Monday and Wednesday (our first walk of February), we'll aim for 8K, one eye on the weather.

I'm told we should have our jackets by Friday, so we'll have them at Tim's. The Robbie Burns 8K racers on Sunday will be able to sport them at our first race. Best of luck to us all!

Registration is now open for the Midsummer Night's 15K, earlybird rates till March 31st and an extra $6 off if you register before the end of February, with the special code. Let me know if you didn't get that email. Please let Dawn know any races you have registered for... or are thinking of registering for.

Arlene has your nibbles about Wow training, and will be following up with Lee for details on dates and pricing. You can still contact Arlene with your interest. Just look at our speedy Lee alumni to judge whether it's a worthwhile use of your time and money.

For those of us doing Lee's 2012 Challenge, remember email your first month's mileage in to 2012in2012 [at] wowpowerwalking [dot] com before midnight on Wednesday (Feb. 1) to qualify for this month's draw. That cunningly disguised email address is meant to fool the harvestbots.

Happy birthday to Elaine! Have a lovely celebration.

Walks: Saturday to Wednesday, Jan. 21 to 25

No news on our jackets yet, but they'll look fabulous. Like us!

Okay, I'm late. But hope you'll sign in for our Saturday 10K (or the distance of your choosing) and our Monday and Wednesday 8K, weather permitting.

Margy and Rainer give the Bermuda race two thumbs up! They're even talking about making it a Shore Things event for 2013. We'll hear more about it (and perhaps see pictures) soon.

For those headed to Detroit this October, note that a "non-refundable" train ticket is pretty half the price of one with more flexibility. We booked a return ticket for about $100 per person. Check it out.

A message from Arlene about Wow training in 2012 – contact me if you don't have Arlene's email:

Hi Shore Things,
Are you interested in additional training sessions this spring? Lee Scott of WOW Power Walking  has agreed to conduct special sessions for us during late March and early April. She suggests a 4 week course but single sessions and a 6 week course are possibilities. Week nights are flexible but Saturday afternoons rather than mornings are preferable due to Lee's coaching schedule. She is an excellent coach for all walking levels and will adapt her course to meet your needs. Cost is usually determined by the number of class participants.

Please email me directly if you're interested. As well, how many sessions would you like and what walking techniques would you like emphasized?

Next weekend is the Robbie Burns 8K, so perhaps the participants can talk about transportation.

And I think that might just be everything! See you tomorrow.

Walks: Saturday to Wednesday, Jan. 14 to 18

Who's Goofy now, eh?

First, short and sweet:

Saturday at 8 am, 10K if weather permits (a few of us are walking Sunday instead; contact me if you want to join us)

Monday and Wednesday at 7 pm, 8K if we can.

Next, the report from Disney via Libby:

The Disney "gals" accomplished the mission arriving home with three well earned medals. Our goal was to have fun and that we did,! The weather was cooperative although the finish of the marathon was a very warm 27 C.  Early am starts of 5:30 each day with a bus ride and long 20+ minute walk to corrals meant a 3 am wake-up two mornings in a row! 

The course of the half was wickedly crowded  with very few break away's particularly in the theme parks, making for lots of jostling- not a race anyone could expect a good time.- so we just relaxed and enjoyed the scenery and characters , bands and amazing support along the route.  We stopped for character photos along the way! The full was slightly less crowded ( a mere 18000 vs. 23000) but required careful maneuvering through 5 theme parks. Ruth stayed with us for the full (too crowded to find her for the half until the end) and she was a fabulous third hand to prevent people cutting in front as we walked in tight areas. Arlene and I are suffering from broken blisters today but amazingly well otherwise. The slower pace certainly helps in recovery!

Ruth passes along this important info for those who use Advil during long walks:

The information we got prior to the Goofy contained the following information, which I have to say was quite a shock to us (though one of Libby’s friends said that she was already aware of the warning).

“Recent medical research has shown that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil, Motrin, Aleve, ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, etc. may be harmful to runners’ kidney function if taken within 24 hours of running.  Only acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) has been shown to be safe.

NSAIDs are thought to increase the possibility of hyponatremia while running long distances by decreasing blood flow to the kidneys and interfering with a hormone that helps the body retain salt.  Therefore, it is recommended that on race day (specifically, beginning midnight before you run) you DO NOT use anything but acetaminophen if needed until 6 hours after you have finished the race, are able to drink without any nausea or vomiting, have urinated once, and feel physically and mentally back to normal.  Then, an NSAID would be beneficial in preventing post-event muscle soreness.

Vitamin supplements (Vitamin A, C, and E) can alter urine color, so be wary of hydration status if taking these supplements.

Caffeine and other amphetamine-like compounds containing pseudophedrine, such as Sudafed and most sinus and cold preparations, taken within 24-hours of race time can also raise core temperature, increase blood pressure and heart rate, and should be drastically limited during this time.”

I did a bit of Googling, and there does indeed seem to be research showing that NSAIDs prior to a race are harmful.  So, particularly on hot days and for long walks/races it might be best to avoid NSAIDs (and of course to be sure to replace electrolytes using gels, Sharkies, and/or Gatorade or other drink containing electrolytes).

Our race interest lists are filling up! The Detroit Half has quite a crowd of Shore Things. The Alfie Shrub 8K this year is having its 10th Anniversary, June 3rd. Early bird rates in effect till Feb. 15th. And I'm thinking that we might hold our Shore Things 10K on the Island this year. What say you?

Good luck to Margy and Rainer in the Bermuda Half on Saturday! Bring some of that weather home.

Walks: Saturday, Jan. 7 to Wed. Jan. 11

Hair of the Dog 2012, wet winning walkers (Top 4 women, top 2 men)

Despite the downpour for the Hair of the Dog 9K on January 1st, Rainer was second male and Margy third female against some very stiff competition. A great beginning to the new year. Congratulations.

For our sixteen 2012 Challengers (more info here), our goal will be to make klicks while the sun shines. How about 10K on Saturday, along the boardwalk to the Neville Park loop? Don't be tempted to over-train. After setting this lofty goal, we'd hate to find ourselves out of commission due to over-enthusiasm.

On Monday, we can repeat last Monday's 7.25K, perhaps varying the direction. On Wednesday, let's do this 8K route, but going in the reverse of our usual direction.

Any groups forming for the extra distances, please mention your time/place in the comments. It might be convenient for others to join you.

Anyone wanting to do the Detroit Half, rates nearly double after Jan. 7th (from $45 to $75), so zip over here to register, toot sweet. Four of us are now confirmed for the International Half, Competitive Walk.

Last call for jacket embroidery. I'll need your jacket/hat by this weekend.


To our flurry of birthday girls – Alisa, Olwyn and Jan – we hope you're treated like the special gals you are on your special days.

And to our Disney Queens, this weekend you deserve to hold your heads extra high (as difficult as it might be with all those medals).

Walks: New Year's Eve, Mon. Jan. 2 & Wed. Jan. 4

Our Christmas Eve 2011 walk

Saturday, at least 27 Shore Things, family and friends, will be at the Resolution 5K. A reminder for those car-pooling: we meet at my house, leaving at 8:45. The race starts at 9:30. Race-day kit pickup is available, 7:30-9 am at the Queen Elizabeth Building.

The blue jacket got the freeze test on this morning's walk, and gets thumbs up. A reminder that we can have these (or our yellow/green jacket) embroidered with the Shore Things logo for $14 + HST. By now, we have the minimum order confirmed, but there's still time to add your name to the list.

Half a dozen of us have signed up for the Wow Powerwalking 2012 in 2012 Challenge. To help us along, we're going to try going a touch farther – just over 7K, rather than 6K – on our regular walks during the tougher weather of January/February. Here's a route from Loblaws for Monday, and a route from Shoppers for Wednesday. Bookmark and memorize.

Those still off work this week might prefer morning walks when it's light, starting at 9 am. Evening walkers, the time is still 7 pm. I don't know if there's still an afternoon option. Please speak up if you do. Wednesday is a Doc Soup night, so many regulars will be away. As always, sign in to let folks know there'll be company aka moral support.

January 1, registration opens for two spring races that some of us are interested in, the Chocolate Race on April 29 and the WIN Whitby Half on May 27. Do it early for the best rates. You can also register now for the KW Half. I'm continuing to update the race links on our website. Check them out.

Our sincere condolences to Pat S, whose mother passed away on Christmas Day. I'll send a private message with Pat's contact info for those wishing to reach out.

Happy birthday to Alisa, our first January baby (or babe) of 2012. Wishing you a full year of fun.

And happy New Year, everyone! Have a fun, safe celebration. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to walk, talk and commune with you. Looking forward to another fantastic year with the Shore Things.

Walks: Xmas Eve, Boxing Day & Wed. Dec. 27

The Disney Trio powers to their 38K finish

Let's gather on Christmas Eve at 8 am for pre-feast calorie burning, 8K max. We'll think in awe of our three Disney-bound gals doing their last 21K before the big race(s). For those who can't make it Saturday, have a very Merry Christmas and a belated Happy Hanukkah. We also send birthday wishes out to Brette.

If you feel like a walk on Boxing Day, let's follow our tradition of a morning holiday walk: 6K starting at 9:30 am from the Tim Hortons on Gerrard at Victoria Park (near Loblaws). Sign in if you're interested.

For the Resolution 5K, Trish is organizing a car pool. Race kit pick-up starts Thursday. Bob & I will be going -- email me your race confirmation if you'd like us to get your kit. There's also race-day pick-up, 7:30-9 am.

We can have our blue jackets embroidered: $14 +HST for front and back, just like our vests. If you'd like a hat you already own embroidered, it's $5 if done at the same time as the jackets. Let me know if you're in.

Lee Scott has sent out another challenge: “2012 in 2012”  Here's what she says about it:

"It’s a challenging, yet achievable goal for any healthy adult. Walking 2,012 kilometres in one year. It averages out to a little over 5k each day. For those who include a longer training walk of, say, 10k each weekend, you would need 7.17k on each of four additional days or 5.74k on each of 5 additional days."

Some of us are thinking seriously of taking up this banner in 2012. If you didn't get Lee's Wow Powerwalking newsletter for December, let me know and I'll forward it to you for the details. 

And, to convince you further, check out this great link from Rainer: http://youtu.be/aUaInS6HIGo

For anything I've forgotten, and there's sure to be something, check the comments. Happy holidays, however you celebrate them!

Walks: Saturday to Wednesday, Dec. 17-21

A cheery smile for a rainy day

This is the big weekend for our Disney gals, their rehearsal for back-to-back half and full marathons on race weekend, so let's send out vibes for good weather.

For the rest of us, last few Saturdays have been 8K, which sounds right to me. Monday and Wednesday, we'll keep it to 6K. Signing in to say you'll be there is especially important during these busy weeks.

Christmas Eve walk: A number have expressed an interest in having a short walk together on December 24th. Keep this in mind as you make your plans.

Resolution 5K kit pick-ups: Anyone need this? Please speak up. Bob is investigating whether we can have our blue jackets embroidered with the Shore Things logo (we can) and what it will cost (TBD).

Carpooling to the Resolution 5K: If you'd like to do this, we suggest a rendezvous at our house. We are close to the Coxwell Subway station, for transit riders. Free parking is also available in the school lot across the street. Let us know if you need a ride, or can offer one.

Volunteering: Many have stepped up, but Eileen needs to fill a few key roles – one is my back-up on the blog when I'm away. It's easy, really. You'll get written instructions as well as an online demo. We'd also love to have three people to: map out fresh routes; plot race schedules against the calendar; coordinate our social get-togethers. Each of these is just an occasional commitment. I'll distribute Eileen's list, so please contact her if you can help.

Looking ahead to 2012: Looks like we have a growing will to do the Chocolate Race 16K on April 29th, followed by the WIN Half Marathon in Whitby on May 27th. Registration for the former opens on Jan. 1st; and for the latter, TBD. And remember the Shore Things 10K on April Fool's Day!

Walks: Saturday to Wednesday, Dec. 10-14

Newly re-weds, Rainer & Margy

As I'm still working out the logistics of a one post per week schedule, it might be best to post our reminder before Saturday, rather than afterwards -- what say you? It would give us news just prior to our largest gathering. That's why I'm posting today. Sorry if there's any confusion.

For example: Rainer has only good things to say about Vegas. In short: "A fantastic place, a fantastic race but the only description is ‘Over the Top'." As some of you might know, they were in the "Run Through Wedding" corral, along with about 30 other couples renewing their vows, and 8 couples actually getting married. As the image above shows, however, they were not dressed as Elvis.

Saturday: 8-10K
Monday and Wednesday: 6-8K

Next weekend (Dec. 17 & 18) is the long walk for Disney. It would be great if you can help en route (eg. bathroom access, or a water/food meet-up). Or, is anyone interested in doing part of the distance? Let me know.

Again, our condolences go out to Cynthia and family on the loss of her mother. The service is on Sunday at 2 pm. Contact me if you need details.

Walks: Week of Dec. 5 to 11

Stacey welcomes Brette back to the fold

After being blessed with the weather on Saturday, it looks like we'll have a few damp days, Monday included. Let's see what it's like closer to the event. Sign in if you're coming on Monday. Our weeknight distances are 6-8 K. Most evenings, we keep it short.

Wednesday is a Doc Soup night for many. Those coming for a walk, please say so. All we need is one other person for company – it's a shame not to come out just because you think no one will be there.

Saturday, weather permitting, it will be 8-10K along the Boardwalk under the winter sun.

We wish Karin a happy birthday. Looks like you're getting the whole family into the act! Hope they treat you like a walking queen on your day.

On Dec. 17 & 18, our Disney trainees will be doing back-to-back Saturday/Sunday distances, approaching a half marathon one day and a full marathon the next. We'd like to get out to support them – either keeping them company on part of the route, as we did for Eva a few years ago, or stopping along the route with food and/or water. Let me know if you're interested, and we'll organize a posse.

Walks: Week of Nov. 28-Dec. 4

Debbie brightening up Lakeshore Ave.

This is the first week we'll have one reminder post only. So please check back to sign in for each day's walk. If you visit the blog, you'll see that I'm gradually making changes, moving information from the front page sidebars into separate tabs. They look like headings in the top bar. Eventually, I'll have one for our route maps, &c. It should make information easier to find.

Over the next few weeks, I'll be putting our week's distances in a box on the blog, rather than in the message. This will I hope make the messages less cluttered. But, as I haven't had the chance to do that this week, here they are:

Monday: 6-8K
Wednesday: 6-8K
Saturday: 8-10K (See you in December!)


The Disney crew quietly did (or were scheduled to do) a 16K and a 37K walk over Saturday and Sunday. I'm curious to know how that went (hope it went well!) – as they're following a new kind of schedule. Anyone thinking of a marathon in 2012 might want to hear about it.

Susan shares this interesting trail race link for our consideration: http://thelimberlostchallenge.com/

And to Margy and Rainer, we wish you a blast in Vegas.

Walk: Sat. Nov. 26 @ Tim's

Lights! Camera! Action!

My camera decided to put a "Vaseline lens" on this shot, probably so that we old timers wouldn't be shown up by the freshness of our newest and youngest member, Lauren. Welcome!

If Saturday goes as predicted, it should be a lovely day for a walk. Come out and flaunt it for 8-10K.

The Interest List is now updated with all the declarations from the party. Check it out and see what you've "signed up" for... and let Dawn know when you're confirmed. (Dawn, I kind of voluntold you again for the race monitor role. Speak up if you want to let someone else have all the fun.)

You might have seen that Eileen is pulling together a Shore Things recipe book. If you have "one of those recipes" that we're always asking about, please contact her with the goods.

Final calendar reminder: I have Alexis and Sheila on my list. Anyone else, please email me. I'll be reordering these and the yearbooks over the weekend.

A heads up that for the rest of 2011 I'll only be sending out one reminder a week, starting this weekend. As we go into 2012, I might start doing what the Toronto Power Walkers do, which is posting the week's distances in a special box on the blog. We can all learn from each other.

Walks: Mon. Nov. 21 & Wed. Nov. 23

Libby's brilliant creation for the Shore Things Party! Delicious, too.

Thanks to everyone for a great time on Saturday night – wonderful organization, food and people. If we gave out medals for pot luck, Libby's would deserve special recognition. Good thing I got a picture before it all disappeared.

Another special merit award to Rainer and Margy for the very pro-look on the expo table – as well as another great performance in the Whitby Waterfront 5K the next day.

We had many declarations of interest in 2012 races, which I'll transcribe and add to the Interest List over the next few days. Now remember to actually register (I say this to myself as much as to anyone else)! Please let Dawn know if you have signed up for these or any other races.

So far, I just have an order from Sheila for the calendar reprint. Please email me asap if you want a calendar. It's hard for me to keep track of verbal orders for a group of our size.

Same goes for yearbooks. I'll be ordering 8 books at the end of the week (for Arlene, Barbara B, Dawn H, Debbie, Jan, Leverne, Libby and myself). If your name should be on this list, let me know.

Hope to see people Monday and Wednesday at 7 for a companionable 6-8K. I believe Dawn is leading an afternoon walk at 4 on Monday, and perhaps another hike on Wednesday (?). Sign in to say where you'll be.

Walk: Sat. Nov. 19 & Shore Things Party

Sunrise on the Spit

I'm not sure what happened with this week's Mon/Wed post. It appeared on the blog, but many people reported not receiving it. Let me know if you were one of them.

With luck, you'll get this one, because it's about our walk and party on Saturday.

The Disney crew have 16K on their schedule, but I think they switched some distances around. Tell me if I'm wrong, gals. We mortals need only enjoy 8-10K, unless you wish to push yourself while the weather permits. Sign in and let us know.

Then it's partytime at 6 pm, when we get together for fun and food, food and fun, at Presteign-Woodbine United Church. Wear your medals! Bring your favourite beverage. And ideas for next year.
 
The calendars are in, so if you ordered one please bring your chequebook or $20 to the party. If you didn't order, but know you want one, please email me. I can place a reorder if we act quickly. I'll bring the yearbook on my iPad, so you can decide if you want one, too. As always, there is no obligation.

Happy birthday to birthday twins Ruth and Marilyn. Have a most wonderful day.

Walks: Mon. Nov. 14 & Wed. Nov. 16

Sharon, training hard

Come out and join us for a lovely 6-8K. Monday and Wednesday, usual time, usual place. Please sign in if you'll be there.

For our party this Saturday, please bring your ideas for races next year. If I can't appeal to you any other way, I'll appeal to your pocketbook. When we know what races we're doing, we can sign up for the early=bird rates. It's as simple as that. We're also on the lookout for somewhere we can take a group hike. Suggestions, please, hikers.