Although there are no specific birthdays to celebrate this week, March 8th will be International Women’s Day. As my trying to get into that topic might ironically be considered “mansplaining” to a group overwhelmingly distaff, I refer you instead to the United Nations site where pertinent resources can be read.
Ukraine Crisis
Our group is one focused on health and camaraderie, inasmuch as politics do not define us, although it is a topic not shied away from on walks. That said, I’m putting it out there: is there any interest or thoughts towards helping the people of Ukraine in any way as a group? I’ll leave that hang for face to face chats…
Weekly Walks
The weather is yoyo like for the next while so conditions may be unpredictable. If we are lucky enough that we can “walk the dog”, it’s Saturday at 8am at Loblaw‘s for a walk wherever, although based on previous days, it’s possible the Spit may be a good option as winds will be mild and temp around freezing. We can consensus that on the day.
Post-walk, Timmie’s is an option as usual, and since vaccine passports are no longer mandated, probably easier than ever. That said, it’s likely to be busier than we have seen in a long while.
I think it’s safe to say we are all happy to be entering the month that includes Spring, more warm and sunny days and opportunities to bask in the sun.
This was followed by an outdoor coffee break!
Weekly Walks
Saturday’s forecast seems to show a cool but workable day for walking. Let’s convene as usual at Loblaw’s (I cling to the possessive apostrophe despite rebranding pressures) and walk east along the Boardwalk as the Winter Stations are now installed. I caught a quick glimpse of them clustered on Ashbridge’s Bay beach. For afters, although Tim’s staff have not been particularly adamant about checking vaccine passports and ID for dine-in, it’s still worthwhile to bring it along. At a minimum, a health card is always wise to have with you on any walk, particularly with icy conditions.
Not content with last Saturday’s bust, it looks fairly likely this weekend will also be a washout, or snowout, or a bit of both with underlying ice.
For the truly resolute, please make sure you have the best footwear, and be extra careful. Or, join some of us doing the PATH downtown. Not the most stimulating walk, but dry and safe. Sign in as usual, please!
Friends out on a better walking day!
Spring Run-Off T-Shirt
For those of us swayed by swag, here is the t-shirt for this year’s Spring Run-Off. The design is by Toronto-based artist Mark Serrano, who also did the 2021 Toronto Waterfront Marathon shirt. His inspiration came from the High Park cherry blossoms that should be in bloom when the race occurs.
According to the email received, early bird pricing is only around until March 8th.
As written about before, safe footwear for winter walking is a big deal for the Shore Things, with all-too-real consequences when things go wrong. The following link is to the KITE Research Institute, the research arm of the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute at the University Health Network located here in Toronto. KITE is home to WinterLab, which performs experiments and tests inside a 5 meter by 5 meter room that is attached to the top of a motion base that allows the entire space to be tilted. It has a floor made entirely of ice, refrigerated to below 0 temperatures, and can simulate winds up to 30 km per hour! Scientists can study winter slips and falls and the extremes of cold air and wind, without exposing participants to the risks in real life. The site includes ratings on a number of winter footwear brands. This might guide your purchase, if you are inclined (but not too much, in case you slip).
If anyone wants to raise their training up a few notches, there are a couple of Spring races that might pique your interest. From Lee Scott, via Ruth…
LIVE RACES are coming back.
“Under Armour Spring Run-Off in High Park will be held virtually, and in-person on April 9. Also, there is a combo in-person+virtual event which might be fun! I imagine the in-person event will be limited in numbers, so if you want to participate…register soon.” https://raceroster.com/events/2022/54979/under-armour-spring-run-off-2022 “The other nice touch is that for the Spring Run-Off, Under Armour has posted the measurements for their shirts (or, anyway, the specifications they gave their suppliers), so it may be possible to get a shirt that fits. The information is hidden under FAQ -> how do the shirts fit -> check out our sizing charts here.” https://canadarunningseries.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/2022-SRO-Shirt-Size-Selection-Grid.pdf
“The second Spring race is the Toronto Marathon on May 1st (in person only as far as we can tell). FINALLY, organizers have decided to start the walkers first rather than last (I wonder if this will last, once the elite runners find their way blocked by first-time walkers). Of course, after years of us sneaking up into earlier corrals, I wonder how many runners will sneak up into the walking start. Although there is the early start for walkers entered in the half marathon, there are no walking prizes.” http://www.torontomarathon.com“
Birthday Wishes
It’s Dawn’s turn to celebrate on Monday, both her birthday and Valentine’s Day. Much love then!
Weekly Walks
Saturday’s forecast: Considerable cloudiness. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Morning high of 0C with temps falling to -9 to -7. Winds NW at 25 to 40 km/h.
So leave your sunglasses at home and join the gang at Loblaw’s (or are we ready to go back to Tim’s…just asking?) at 8:00. Some interest is out there to walk east along the lake and catch possible work on the Winter Stations. We will achieve some kind of consensus Saturday regardless.
The church that Lou-Ann attends is having a Survival Winter Clothing Drive along with another church in Leaside to support the Out of the Cold Program at Eastminster United Church.
If you have anything to donate she will be walking on Saturday and would be happy to take them off your hands (good reason to do a little decluttering) and deliver them after the walk. If you are not walking Saturday, please post a comment or get in touch with Lou-Ann so she can do her best to come around a pickup what you might have.
Alternatively, you can deliver the items to Northlea United Church (see below).
For Vulnerable People in Toronto – February 5 & 6, 2022- 10:00 – 2:00
*Alternative Storm Dates: Saturday, February 12 & Sunday, February 13 – 10:00- 2:00.
The situation in Toronto, this winter, is desperate because the pandemic has increased the number of people in need and Covid outbreaks have decreased the capacity of shelters and warming centres and other services; and add to this the severe cold and snow we are experiencing this winter…The Out of the Cold (OOTC) Program at Eastminster United Church serves about 65 people weekly, providing a hot meal, a lunch kit, and survival items.
Help us help them!
Where: Northlea United Church, 125 Brentcliffe Ave. Drop off outside church.
When: Saturday, February 5 & Sunday, February 6, 2022 from 10:00 to 2:00
Needed items:
Preferably NEW items.
If used, please ensure they are in excellent condition – all zippers/buttons work, laundered, no rips or stains; suggested sizes Medium, Large, X-Large.
Underwear, thermal or other
Socks
Hoodies, sweatpants (no sweaters)
$10 Tim Hortons or Dollarama gift cards
Also wanted:
Toques, waterproof winter gloves
Waterproof winter/ski jackets
New winter sleeping bags
Camping mats
Small tarps
More Picks of Pics
Hey gang! I need more photos for the blog and Helen will need more for the calendar. If you have anything to share, send it my way so we can all see your smiling or masked faces on this page!
Meadoway News
The latest issue of BlogTO features news on the Meadoway extension. From what I can understand, an extension is planned to be developed from Scarborough Golf Club Road, where it currently ends, to Neilson by the fall. That will mean a bridge over Ellesmere, and down the line, over Highland Creek. The opportunity to connect to the trail leading south to lake seem to be possible as well. More as the site updates, but it’s safe to say the Meadoway will see some walkers back once we get into spring.
Winter Stations
One Canada by the University of Guelph’s School of Environmental Design & Rural Development
Yes, they are back, starting on the 21st this month.’s A preview of the designs can be seen here.
Birthday Greetings
It’s a twofer week for birthdays: first Barbara on Sunday, then Lou-Ann on Wednesday! Happy days!
Weekly Walks
More snow, yup! By the time this post is up, we’ll have a better idea of the conditions underfoot, which may sway who walks and when. However, Saturday temperatures are tolerable and the forecast is sunny, so slipperiness notwithstanding, it’s Loblaw’s at 8, with possible Timminess to follow!
We’re heading into February already, although this past month feels like it’s lasting forever! Less than two months until Spring 🌷… although you’d hardly believe it from the image below.
Footwear Update
I just received my pair of IceBug shoes and have tried them out twice this past week. Like Helen, I find the grip vastly better, particularly when the cleats can dig in well into the snow and ice. Only note is that the toe box is roomy on the model I purchased (Pytho6) so they feel bigger than comparably sized shoes in other brands. Helen says her style (NewRun) seems right though. In any case, this is good for winter when we’re likely to wear thicker socks. The treads are different as well (Pytho6 top, NewRun bottom).
Weekly Walks
Saturday morning is a chilly one, with -21 C (-29 with windchill), so bundle up…or…walk on Sunday, when it will feel like a balmy -19 C. If that’s still not on, perhaps the PATH. Sign in and share your views.
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A small group followed up the massive snow dump on Monday past with an unusual walk through the PATH on Tuesday (roughly 6.5 km). Compared to weekends, busier but not alarming, and many times we were still the only people in sight. The advantage to weekdays is that the shops open around 9:30 so that could be folded in. Plenty of Tims on route but so far nowhere to sit and enjoy afterwards. As cases drop and restrictions ease (hopefully on the first followed by the second), this could be an alternative on days where conditions are too adverse.
Mural is in passageway from Scotiabank Arena to new Union Station bus terminal on Lakeshore.
Calorically Yours
Thanks to Helen for this Harvard Health link to calories consumed; handy for those of us tracking such things. I draw your attention to these lines.
*adapted from chart
Weekly Walks
Saturday looks has decent weather-wise. It’s only a matter of whether the mid-week thaw that preceded it will leave dangerously icy conditions underfoot. Please check conditions before heading out and make sure to have the right footwear if you do.
With restaurants now closed for indoor dining, finding a place to gather over coffee and morning nibbles post-walk has become challenging. On milder days, the option to sit outdoors at the picnic tables near Loblaws on Saturday, or hovering near a Tim’s during the week is tolerable, albeit not ideally comfy.
However, another option is possible: there are a few cafés about town that feature heated patios. One pod was recommended the Birchcliff last week, and despite the cold, outdoor tables were comfy enough for there not to be an urgency to leave. The Birchcliff (Kingston Road and Avalon Blvd) has both infrared and propane heaters in its roofed and canvas-walled patio, and serves excellent coffee and baked goods as well.
So here is your assignment this week, Shore Things: please sign in and share with the group any other sites that have the same amenities. We could even plan walks to fit. There is some conjecture that the Riverdale Perk (on Logan) also has a heated outdoor space. Perhaps our walk this week could route by, so we can confirm.
Weekly Walks
This Saturday looks very cold. Some of us are defaulting to the PATH for a more sheltered walk. Car pooling will be from Earl Haig at 8:00, or you can rendezvous with that group at the Sheraton lower level.
If you prefer to be hardy, dress warmly including face covering (Vaseline or body glide on exposed skin works too). Definitely too cold for the picnic tables though, but should the Riverdale Perk (see above) have a heated patio, well, those brave souls willing to walk north from Loblaws might be tempted to make a pit stop on the return. Please sign in…either way.
There may be a walk either Tuesday or Thursday that could include a pause at the Birchcliff. TBC.
Pandemic FYI
Sharing this little chart on cloth vs surgical vs N95 mask effectiveness courtesy of an article in the Wall Street Journal. Very good summary at a glance.
Shoppers seems to have recently received KN95 masks, although they were selling quickly. Hopefully they will maintain a good supply.
Happy birthday to Olwyn this Saturday and Jan this coming Monday! Woot!
Mindful Nutrition
Thanks to Barb for suggesting this entry.
Based on chats during walks, and following perhaps some indulgence over the holidays, a goal of shedding a few grams may be on the minds of some of us.
While each approaches the issue in their own way, I hope you don’t mind I share a method that has worked for me, Helen and some others we know.
Simply stated, it’s mindful eating. No elimination of any specific items, just better portion control and tracking what is consumed. Nothing new really, as this is the Weight Watchers approach for instance. What has really helped is using a calories counting app, in the case Lose It (available for iOS and Android). Other apps out there (Noom, MyFitnessPal, Calorie Counter) do a similar job and may work better for you. Still, they share similar features and work in the same way: they make you aware of what you are eating and its impact calorically.
So regardless of the app, here are the essential features that could make whatever your choice of app more successful.
Free. Most apps offer a “light” mode that is adequate for most tracking purposes
Weight tracking items: daily weight, target weight, timeframe to reach
Food tracking: a good library of foods already catalogued, barcode scanner, manual entry mode, recipe entry mode, memorized meals
Calorie budget
Daily and weekly summary (this allows you to “bank” calories so you can splurge a bit and still average out)
Meal sharing option; great if you are doing this with someone else in the household so you text/email/airdrop a meal to them
Linked to activity tracker (i.e., Apple Health, Fitbit, etc.) to credit you for activities performed
Manual workout entry: not all workouts are step-based. Shovelling the walk or digging in the garden also consumes calories. You’ll want to claim for those as well.
The down side is taking the time to log in meals and some activities, which could be a nuisance for some, but I have found that this becomes easier as the app gets to know your habits. It is a commitment in any case, and one you may choose to maintain even when the target is reached.
What I have noticed in the nearly 20 months I’ve been using the app is that it’s much easier to identify and limit the most caloric foods, and gauge what an adequate portion should be. It also has had the side benefit of hugely reducing our food waste (and costs) as we cook with those portions in mind.
Explorations
A good 6k-ish walk from Yonge and Lawrence to Sunnybrook Hospital via Sherwood Park through the ravines. Probably best to have grippy footwear. We’ll definitely be back again.
Weekly Walks
This Saturday looks promising for the morning, with temperature right at the freezing mark and sunny, so paths should be clear. No indoor dining at Tim’s so, are we back to the picnic table? We’ll have shopping bags for seats regardless. Please sign in…you know the drill.
Wow, 2022 already! Amazing how time flies in an existential crisis!
This will be the last post on both Blogger and WordPress as the latter seems to have established itself as reliable. Thank you Blogger for being a good host for many years.
I will continue to add links in WhatsApp and direct emails until February.
Getting Our Cramp On
MICROspikes
Thanks to Kim for bringing this alternative to the IceBug shoes to the blog’s attention. Despite the name, there’s nothing micro about these spikes, in fact, they could serve well as a meat tenderizer during the summer bbq season. Specifically made for very icy conditions, they will ensure safe walking on the iciest surface, although they are less versatile when dealing with mixed road and sidewalk conditions. They also carry less severe versions similar to the studded soles of the IceBugs but a removable sole. Prices in US dollars are $49.99 for the NANOspikes, $59.99 for the EXOspikes, and $69.99 for the Medieval torture version pictured here (click on it to link).
Explorations
As you know from chatting with other walkers, some of us generally prefer the same routes each week, while others like to find and explore new paths, at least occasionally. To let everyone know what options are available, I will try to post specific announcements for these alternative walks when they present themselves. Keep in mind that weather conditions can sometimes affect the choice, even sometimes the day of the walk, so check in with the key person if possible, or at least sign in here (a message on WhatsApp would also be good) to avoid heading to a location that may have been changed last minute.
Weekly Walks
Saturday looks possibly rainy (light), but we’ve heard that before. If too much after ringing in the New Year, or too soggy for a Hair-of-the-Dog experience, then Sunday is a possibility. Please sign in and keep checking replies. Either way, it’s the usual site at Loblaws. Tim’s has been sparse, so it remains an open option for post walk coffee, if you feel okay with that. Or we could go to Taylor Creek Park and huddle under the bridge. Any takers?
We are the Shore Things 