I’m feeling grateful more often these days. Gratitude for the opportunities to walk long distances, alone and with friends. Gratitude for belonging to our group for 15 plus years. A group that supports each other on and off our walking paths and race routes, in person and virtually.
Two weeks ago I did the Niagara Ultra 50km. I didn’t get there alone. Many, many races came before. Over the last 15-19 years, I have walked with many of you and have lots of memories of our races.
Equally memorable are our training walks on the Martin Goodman trail, intervals on Rowanwood , Sherwood hills and Mt Pleasant Saturday mornings.
I often think of these experiences when I train for a race. A few of you have said you admire my ability to train for races alone. The secret is while I may be alone on the path, there are people out there who wave, smile or say, “You walk fast”.
This year I had TPW support on the Ultra course. My daughter Katie played the TPW video on course around 35km and it was amazing and yes I cried a bit.
I started training in January and I had RR as a training partner. More than 100km separated us but we made it work. Hundreds of text messages, feedback on our progress and often said “put your shoes on and get out there and do it."
My longest training walk was 42.2km on May 2. RR and I walked the first 20km together along the MGT. It was wonderful walk, good conversation. The next 22km were different. I was alone with my thoughts
The week before the race , SM reached out with words of support. I learned from her about the “ Patron Saint of Distances.” I thought of SM advice on those last km’s. “ One step at a time”
We have all heard the phrase ”It takes a village”. I believe that is true. We may never know how we impact others. I hope my experience encourages you to find your next walking challenge.
For me, my next goal is a PB in the TCS Toronto Waterfront 5km on October 19th.
Grateful to enjoy shorter distances this summer, one step at a time.
