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.
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 are the Shore Things 