Never underestimate the resilience and motivation of dedicated TPW'ers!
Saturday night in Kingston, Laurel, Diane, Jo Ann, Lee, Sherry,Phyllis and Rob in the 10km race start time of 5p.m. and the rain and wind almost takes your breath away. This hardy group and a couple of cheerleaders even had to walk 20 minutes to the start line - call it a "warm up" although that pleasant language was not quite forthcoming! And despite the huge temptation to go back to the warm and cozy hotel, this intrepid group set off - often lowering their heads to avoid the nasty rain
Along the waterfront course, with the wind off Lake Ontario, at some points the walkers were only 10 metres away from the angry lake. Despite the totally miserable conditions this group completed the race, with Laurel leading the group at the finish line. Big smiles all around with their very well deserved accomplishment! Talk of hot showers, drinks and dinner to celebrate. Those of us not walking made sure with our "limo" service that our walkers did not have to do that 20 minute walk back to the hotel!
After a rainy start on Sunday morning, the weather could not have been more different with blue skies, sunshine and more reasonable temperatures. Bev, Martha and Ron (Bev's husband) set off in the 21km race, followed by Carol and Susan in the 5 km race, in much improved and enjoyable race conditions. All came through upright and smiling! And congratulations to all the walkers with their determination and resilience.
As a group we enjoyed downtown Kingston and some good restaurants and coffee shops, and shared in the triumphs of the weekend with another out of town race achievement. As always, the camaraderie, laughter and fun were highlights.
This race weekend proved a different experience because of the smaller size of the race and participants - something to reflect upon as we plan our next out of town race for 2026!
