The weekend looks very promising, with highs finally nudging into the twenties. Will we see bare knees? A reminder that the sun now becomes a factor, so sunscreen and water take on more importance.
There is a rumour some members may be unable to join the group this Saturday, but even more lovely photos like this one could follow in next week’s post.
Social Calendar
No upcoming birthdays this week but a past one of sorts. We have a new “auxiliary member” as Lou-Ann and Paul have a new grand-daughter born most appropriately on Mother’s Day. Get all the details when she is back on the trails…there may even be a picture to go with that. Congratulations!
Weekday Walks
A quick reminder that we have a WhatsApp group, Shore Light, for organizing walks from Monday to Friday. If you are interested, let Jan know and she can add you to the list.
Saturday looks promising so let’s all gather at Loblaw’s at 8 for a distance of our choosing and coffee after. We could even swing through Woodbine Park to see if the cherry trees are budding and for a photo op at the location shown above.
Same Old, Same Old?
If you are looking for a change of scenery for walks, Now magazine has published an article listing 20 walking sites throughout the city. Quite a few we have done at one time or another, but some are new, if not necessarily always close by. Anyway, food for thought.
And One More Thing
Happy birthday to Cynthia who celebrated this past Monday. And of course, to all the moms and mums who have their special day this Sunday!
As I write this post on a cold afternoon, it’s hard to believe that we are going into May, but hope for warmer weather is just down the road. Let’s keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Weekly Walks
Saturday promises to be much more seasonable, so no excuses, right? Meet at Loblaw’s at 8 for what looks like a great walk under sunny skies.
As mentioned in the previous post, weekday walks are happening in the east end. Let Jan know if you want in and she will add you to the ShoreThings Light WhatsApp group where such things are coordinated.
As this weekend is Clean-up (Toronto), I was thinking of cleaning-up the “Peanut” and it could be a Shore Things’ project after we walk.
Meet in the “Peanut” (base of Coxwell parking lot closest to the marina) at 9:30 to partake in the Clean-up Toronto this weekend, Saturday April 23rd. I will provide the latex gloves and plastic grocery bags to put the garbage in. Come for a few minutes or as long as you like…all are welcome…every little bit helps.
This location was thought of as it is an area we often like to walk and is a beautiful piece of the lake front.
If it is pouring rain maybe we will have to postpone it to another weekend, however if it is a drizzle wear your rain jacket…I will post on the blog if it is cancelled.
Mind the Gap
Apologies to all for missed birthday since mid-winter, just did not keep my eyes on the ball.
Ian (in memoriam) March 20
Sheila April 2
Jim April 14
Nishe April 15
Birthdays this week
Sunday is my turn, how time flies! Next Thursday will be Lynne’s celebration, and if we sing “Happy Birthday” loud enough, she might even hear us in Plymouth!
Weekly Walks
Currently the odds are fairly even for rain Saturday morning. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for decent enough weather for a walk and the Peanut clean-up (see above).
For walks during the week, FYI there is a separate group on WhatsApp more specific to coordinating days, times and locations in the east end. If you would like to be added, let Jan know, although be prepared for more back-and-forth notifications.
This fine group of friends achieved their goal and have the hardware and t-shirt wear to prove. Way to go! According to the participants, “It was a perfect day for the race, and we climbed up the Taylor Creek hill as an homage to the High Park ‘kill-the-hill’ at the end of the race!”
For others, it was lovely lakeside walk at Rosetta McClain Gardens, a favourite. Mighty heavenly light shone through the clouds (cue choir).
Weekday Walks
Long-lost relative of the platypus (look it up!)
Saturday looks cool and only possibly wet, but good enough to get us out! As it’s Easter weekend, plans and family commitments may be more idiosyncratic than usual, so please let everyone know where you stand walking-wise. It will be Loblaw’s at 8, as per the ancient tradition. If we don’t see you Saturday, have a great weekend and see you back on the trails to walk off the extra paschal grub. You might see pretty views like this.
Update!
There will be a Monday walk from Tim’s 2 at 9:00! Let everyone know if you can make it.
Well here we are yet again with a surge in cases. For our group, there is good news as Vaxx#4 is now available, with bookings open on guv and Shoppers websites. Ours are booked already, and although it says 5 months on the official website, I was able to test that on the official booking resulting in a date 2 weeks earlier. Shoppers allows between 3 and 5 months with informed consent.
And on that note, a number of us have have COVID hit close to home, and in some cases a bullseye. One of our own has written a guide that highlights the experience of it and how to navigate the health care system. Very much worth a read, but I will not post it on this blog for privacy reasons. Instead, you will get a copy via the Google Groups email and WhatsApp on Friday April 9.
Meeting of the Minds…and the Feet
A few walkers have asked whether we will be returning to Tim’s as our Saturday meeting point. There are pros and cons to both Loblaw’s and Tim’s. Think about that and let the group know what you think. For this week, we will stick with Loblaw’s.
Weekday Walks
Saturday’s forecast is for rain, but let’s leave that penciled in for now, usual locale and location. If the deluge happens, Sunday will be the rain date.
That’s the saying anyway, and we put it to the test last week. All said and done, it was okay (thanks Norma for the pics)!
Or if you prefer…
You could be in Seville with this gal!
Weekly Walks
Saturday looks sunny and cool, so no excuse! There is the possibility of a 7 km walk along the Meadoway from Victoria Park to Kennedy and back at 8:30 am and a high likelihood of brunch nearby at the Gingerman, for those who wish a change of pace and bonus calories. Please check the comments for finalized plans.
As we say goodbye to March and enter the truly springlike April, it’s hopeful conditions on all fronts will improve. Let’s keep our fingers crossed the weather won’t try to fool of us.
Snowbirds Return
From Margy and Rainer, who have sheltered in Florida:
Greetings from sunny Florida with current temperatures in the 80’sF. Margy decided to keep up the tradition of doing a short local race on Sunday. The Shamrock Classic is a nice 5km race in Ft.Desoto state park. Margy pounded the paved trail and beat a slew of runners to the finish line. See attached picture ….
We are currently counting down the days till we have to leave as Margy has appointments in Toronto, thankfully travel restrictions are easier so we do not expect any problems crossing the border. Lets hope by early April there will be better weather in Toronto. See you all soon …..
Weekly Walks
Saturday’s forecast is borderline, and marginally better than Sunday so let’s stick with the plan unless there’s a last-minute revision in the weather. Loblaw’s at 8:00 then for a distance of your choosing, unless there is a commitment to a race. There is interest in the Ottawa Tamarack on the last weekend in May, in which case training should begin fairly soon depending on chosen distance (see below). So far Tim’s has been lightly occupied and dominantly masked despite the mandate over, so not alarming for post walks.
Ottawa Tamarack Info
From Jan:
This will be an in-person event but if you are still uncomfortable it can be done virtually. Downside – it’s expensive! Maybe we would just plan to go to the Tulip Festival and create our own distances!
10K Saturday May 28 6:30 PM $89.00
Half Marathon Sunday May 29 9 AM $119.00
Full Marathon Sunday May 29 7 AM $144.00
We’ll just miss the Tulip Festival – runs from May 13-23 – but I’m hoping there are still some tulips in bloom!
I have attached a slightly accelerated Half-marathon training schedule as we have only 9 weeks to train if we are going to do it.
1/2 Marathon Training Schedule – Ottawa Half-Marathon May 29/22
Another great article on the benefits of walking from Health Magazine. This one goes into a bit more detail regarding technique, supporting exercises and long range plans. A good reminder for those of us who may have forgotten some of that (stretching perhaps?).
Not Easy Being Green
A few of us chose to honour St. Patrick on a beautifully warm spring day by completing a commitment to the Frigid 10K. No snakes were harmed in the completion of this goal.
Weekly Walks
Well wouldn’t you know it… rain and wind on Saturday. If you are feeling impermeable, join your hardy walking mates at 8 am at Loblaw’s on Saturday. A few other have indicated they prefer deferring to Sunday at 1 pm as the forecast is much more favourable. Sign in and let us know your choice.
This morning’s dusting of the cold white stuff reminded us that we are not quite there as far as Spring is concerned, so continue to be careful on the roads and sidewalks. Saturday seems to be leaning towards a wintery version but still doable. A few of us are away but send our regards.
Next week looks much better and could include a return to slightly longer distances for those interested.
We are the Shore Things 