In the same spot that Rorie had several weeks ago, shown the beautiful quilts -Mary, Lynn, Linda, Barb, Rorie, Sue , Klara, Phyllis, Fiona, Ela, Laurel, Carole, Lee, Susan, Dianne , Debbie and myself gathered.
It was cold enough that streams of white air left our nostrils and mouth as we walked around the cemetery. By the time most of us gathered for breakfast we had covered a wide range of topics. Our conversations fell into categories of work, family, outings and food.
The conversations to forward everyone are as follows :
1. Barb let it be known that she is still welcoming replies regarding who will be attending on the 19th
2. Helen and Shirley were unable to attend our walk because they did the Santa Jingle 5K in Burlington Saturday morning with 2,400 others. Helen dressed as Santa and they had a wonderful time enjoying the bright sunshine. They met Helen and Barbara B from Shorethings, who had a good group out for the race
3. Rosemarie and David are away and say a big hello
4. There is a fantastic e mail sent out recently regarding how to maintain our health (stuff you know but during this season of busyness need reminding–definite read).
What struck me (while we were having breakfast) is that regardless of all the to-dos and tasks we have assigned ourselves, a total of 17 people showed up for the walk and quite a few people stayed for breakfast. It also seemed to me that quite a few of us really did not want breakfast to end and this got me thinking.
My thought (again during our breakfast gathering ) is that somehow, somewhere the WE (my personal opinion) of those of us who walk the distance have formed a space where the individuals Is can just rest. Rest away from all the self imposed dos and tasks we have assigned ourselves and also all those that others expect of us. In a strange way the rest also involves walking. I do not believe I am alone in waking up Saturday morning and looking forward to moving these hips and legs with the WE in a group activity called walking. That I look forward to eating and speaking with mostly like minded people does not surprise me. There definitely, in my mind, is something to be said about the WE.
I have recently taken up swimming and weight lifting with various gym machines . The WE is not present in these activities. I engage in the activities to complete the Goofy in 2011 knowing that with the body I have, I would only be able to complete the marathon; not a half marathon followed by a full one the next day. Other than swimming in waters that are about the same temperature as the waters surrounding Panama, I would say I simply go out of duty to accomplish something I want in the future. It is a bland experience without the WE.
So in the busyness of this season the WE continue to gather, continue to move our hips, legs (and arms) together, continue to share our stories, as well as individually rest in the WE. How fortunate WE are to discover all of these wonders, the wonders accessible for those of us who walk the distance.
A sunny Saturday in May (2026)
Showing posts with label Saturday morning at Mt. Pleasant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Saturday morning at Mt. Pleasant. Show all posts
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Saturday Meant Sun!
Sixteen of us met last Saturday morning to follow our respective training programs for the MORE and Toronto Women’s Half. It seemed chilly (but then, I’m always chilly, says Sue) but once we were on the way, the sunshine on our shoulders felt wonderful!
Helen did her 32K training run on her own and we missed her! Carol stepped up and provided printed beautifully color-coded instructions for our runs and reminders about next weekend at Harry’s 5K & 8K. Since we all seemed to be doing the TWH program, we either did a double circuit or changed direction half way. Most of us met for breakfast at our usual spot - one of the perks that gets us through!
Tuesday intervals are posted on the sidebar. One more Thursday walk on your own and then we’ll begin the organized walk on Thursday, April 9th.
Harry’s 5K & 8K – kit pick-up is provided on April 2 and April 3 at New Balance Toronto, 2252 Bloor Street West from 10am to 8:30pm or on race day at the Grenadier Café Parking lot – see website for complete details.
Good luck to all who are racing this weekend either at Harry's or Angus Glen. If you are not racing this weekend, please come out and cheer! Bring your cowbells and your noisemakers. We'll also have TPW logo signs to show that we're out walking the distance!
Helen did her 32K training run on her own and we missed her! Carol stepped up and provided printed beautifully color-coded instructions for our runs and reminders about next weekend at Harry’s 5K & 8K. Since we all seemed to be doing the TWH program, we either did a double circuit or changed direction half way. Most of us met for breakfast at our usual spot - one of the perks that gets us through!
Tuesday intervals are posted on the sidebar. One more Thursday walk on your own and then we’ll begin the organized walk on Thursday, April 9th.
Harry’s 5K & 8K – kit pick-up is provided on April 2 and April 3 at New Balance Toronto, 2252 Bloor Street West from 10am to 8:30pm or on race day at the Grenadier Café Parking lot – see website for complete details.
Good luck to all who are racing this weekend either at Harry's or Angus Glen. If you are not racing this weekend, please come out and cheer! Bring your cowbells and your noisemakers. We'll also have TPW logo signs to show that we're out walking the distance!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Spring has officially sprung!
Last Friday was the first day of spring and Saturday saw 16 of us strutting our stuff around the cemetery and beyond.
A reminder to all that we only have one more week at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery (two if you aren’t coming out to Harry’s). After Harry’s Spring Run-off on April 4th, we will make High Park our default location with the occasional special outing yet to be determined.
Note that we will be moving our start time to 8:00AM as of April 11 (I know, I know, I can hear the groans).
The Tuesday night interval crowd found that our regular pub, the Quail and Firkin, was overrun with St. Patrick’s Day celebrants and we couldn’t get in for dinner. The nerve of them! However, after a bit of a hike (we could have skipped our last 800) we wound up at Wylie’s, which may well be another option for us when we want a change.
Upcoming Races
Those of you who are considering doing the Toronto Island Womens’ Half Marathon on Sept. 19 should register soon as it is filling up. There are quite a number of us already signed up.
Also, you may want to consider the Runway Run on June 13th, a 5k event on a runway at Pearson airport.
The weather is getting better and better so come on out and join us this Tuesday and Saturday. Details are posted in the sidebar.
A reminder to all that we only have one more week at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery (two if you aren’t coming out to Harry’s). After Harry’s Spring Run-off on April 4th, we will make High Park our default location with the occasional special outing yet to be determined.
Note that we will be moving our start time to 8:00AM as of April 11 (I know, I know, I can hear the groans).
The Tuesday night interval crowd found that our regular pub, the Quail and Firkin, was overrun with St. Patrick’s Day celebrants and we couldn’t get in for dinner. The nerve of them! However, after a bit of a hike (we could have skipped our last 800) we wound up at Wylie’s, which may well be another option for us when we want a change.
Upcoming Races
Those of you who are considering doing the Toronto Island Womens’ Half Marathon on Sept. 19 should register soon as it is filling up. There are quite a number of us already signed up.
Also, you may want to consider the Runway Run on June 13th, a 5k event on a runway at Pearson airport.
The weather is getting better and better so come on out and join us this Tuesday and Saturday. Details are posted in the sidebar.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Sunshine Galore on Saturday!
We had a slightly smaller group than usual (March Break??) but still a very respectable number of almost 20 – and reveled in the sunshine. We all agreed it was still a bit cooler than we dressed for, but by the time we finished our various lengths, it had become a wonderfully sunny day, with the warmest temperature yet. And, it was great underfoot – we could really speed along if the spirit moved us! (Spring IS almost here!)
Helen handed out the maps for the trail around the cemetery and a varied route which included a bit of Leaside. Most of you did 16K and up, some 13k and others 10k. Some of us are just starting to get into the training mode for the Toronto Women’s Half on May 31st – and some of us are way past that…wherever you are in the scheme of things, we’d love to see you out soon.
A Special Note of Congratulations
Our sponsor, Harbord House, celebrated its first year in business with a celebratory get-together of regulars on March 15th. We wish John Oakes and his staff the very best for the future – thanks for your support!
Training this week
This week’s training is listed on the sidebar of the blog.
The Tuesday Interval training group is getting rave reviews…come on out and give yourself the opportunity to find out what everyone’s talking about!
Thursday trainings – remember, we’re not officially meeting until Thursdays in April – but feel free to get out there and do your own thing!
Saturday – only two weeks left at Mt Pleasant Cemetery and then we’re into the longer runs out of High Park and other spots to be determined.
Harry’s Spring Run-Off – April 4th. We’re still looking for cheerleaders, in case you’re not doing the Harry’s 5k or 8k race. There’s still space if you want to register for the 5k race - unfortunately, there are no shirts left – but you could get a pre-Sporting Life 10k run in, just for the fun of it.
Helen handed out the maps for the trail around the cemetery and a varied route which included a bit of Leaside. Most of you did 16K and up, some 13k and others 10k. Some of us are just starting to get into the training mode for the Toronto Women’s Half on May 31st – and some of us are way past that…wherever you are in the scheme of things, we’d love to see you out soon.
A Special Note of Congratulations
Our sponsor, Harbord House, celebrated its first year in business with a celebratory get-together of regulars on March 15th. We wish John Oakes and his staff the very best for the future – thanks for your support!
Training this week
This week’s training is listed on the sidebar of the blog.
The Tuesday Interval training group is getting rave reviews…come on out and give yourself the opportunity to find out what everyone’s talking about!
Thursday trainings – remember, we’re not officially meeting until Thursdays in April – but feel free to get out there and do your own thing!
Saturday – only two weeks left at Mt Pleasant Cemetery and then we’re into the longer runs out of High Park and other spots to be determined.
Harry’s Spring Run-Off – April 4th. We’re still looking for cheerleaders, in case you’re not doing the Harry’s 5k or 8k race. There’s still space if you want to register for the 5k race - unfortunately, there are no shirts left – but you could get a pre-Sporting Life 10k run in, just for the fun of it.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Cold weather does not deter our group of determined power walkers
15 of us were out early Saturday morning to train, completing distances of 6K to 15K. Very nice to have Karen and Margaret out walking with us! Phyllis and Rorie walked 15K Sunday morning.
The Chilly Half was Sunday morning is Burlington. Deborah, Lois, Rosemary and Helen did the half. Rumour is I believe there was at least one PB achieved during the race ..Congrats to Deborah!
Diane was spotted cheering on Lakeshore Blvd. Thanks Diane!
It was cold but the sunshine was lovely and kept us warm. Course highlights included a Rock n Roll water station with Elvis and a Hawaiian theme complete with grass shirts and coloured shirts.
If its Tuesday........it must be Intervals:
Sherry, Kathrin, Marcy and Dianne joined Helen to do intervals last Tuesday. More are expected this week ! Please check the training section for the training distances for Tuesday.
Saturday morning
We return to High Park and our training will include both the park roads and also the lakeshore. This will enable us to train on the hills. Very good idea for all of us and especially those doing Harry's 5 K or 8K in April.
If you haven't registered for the Harry's 8K and you want to do the race, register soon as there were only 400 spots left last week according to the website. Check out the gear - a long sleeve technical T shirt and a hat!
For those of us training on our own this week...we would love to hear how you are doing. Use Google groups to let us know. If you haven't signed up to join the TPW Google group, click on 'visit this group' under the Google logo.
See you soon and walk the distance!
The Chilly Half was Sunday morning is Burlington. Deborah, Lois, Rosemary and Helen did the half. Rumour is I believe there was at least one PB achieved during the race ..Congrats to Deborah!
Diane was spotted cheering on Lakeshore Blvd. Thanks Diane!
It was cold but the sunshine was lovely and kept us warm. Course highlights included a Rock n Roll water station with Elvis and a Hawaiian theme complete with grass shirts and coloured shirts.
If its Tuesday........it must be Intervals:
Sherry, Kathrin, Marcy and Dianne joined Helen to do intervals last Tuesday. More are expected this week ! Please check the training section for the training distances for Tuesday.
Saturday morning
We return to High Park and our training will include both the park roads and also the lakeshore. This will enable us to train on the hills. Very good idea for all of us and especially those doing Harry's 5 K or 8K in April.
If you haven't registered for the Harry's 8K and you want to do the race, register soon as there were only 400 spots left last week according to the website. Check out the gear - a long sleeve technical T shirt and a hat!
For those of us training on our own this week...we would love to hear how you are doing. Use Google groups to let us know. If you haven't signed up to join the TPW Google group, click on 'visit this group' under the Google logo.
See you soon and walk the distance!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Our logo is unveiled and our blog officially launched!
Saturday was a special day for the Toronto Power Walkers. The morning featured winter at its best – the air crisp and the sun shiny. Over 20 of us met at the Cemetery and walked our individual distances. (Remember to look under Training Details to find recommended training distances for each of our sessions.)
We then converged on Phyllis’ house for business and breakfast. At this point there were 30 of us – a very impressive turnout.
Carol updated us on our finances. Laurel and Barb C. presented our new logo to unanimous applause. Barb modelled a sample of our new hat which is being sponsored by Harbord House Restaurant. Marcy and Barbara walked us through the blog and Google groups.
NB. The blog and the group are going to be our primary means of communication so it is important that everyone become familiar with them and get registered for the Google group.
With our business concluded, we settled down to a virtual feast of a breakfast – a true testament to the value of teamwork and Phyllis’ excellent leadership. Once we were refuelled, we broke into sub-groups for sessions on pacing and the mysteries of the Garmin.
A big TPW thanks to everyone and specifically to Phyllis, Carol, Laurel, Barb, Marcy, Barbara, Helen, Sue, Diane, Rorie and Lorna for all their hard work.
Now on to next week (see Training Details for specifics) and beyond.
A word on Tuesdays for any of you who may not have been out (last week there were six of us!). We meet at 6:30 in the back area of the Quail and Firkin Pub (stop when you get to the pool table). We give the usual 5 minutes grace to 6:35 and then go around the corner (right from the pub, right at the first corner which is MacPherson, along MacPherson until it meets with Cluny) and meet at the grey mail box. Sometimes people go directly to the mailbox and bypass the pub. We do intensity training around a loop, ending at the mailbox at regular intervals. So, if you are late, just wait a bit and someone will probably appear. A group generally has dinner afterwards at the pub. Hope to see you this Tuesday.
Note that we will not officially be meeting as a group on Thursdays until April – but still do that training on your own.
Good luck to Deb, Helen and Rosemary who are all doing the Chilly Half this up-coming weekend.
If you are not walking the Toronto Women’s Half on May 31st and want to volunteer, please sign up online and indicate in the comment box at the bottom of the form that you are part of the Toronto Power Walkers and want to be together at a water station. Also please send a message to Deb dmhf@live.ca
Spring is around the corner so come and walk with us. Your body will thank you.
Diane
We then converged on Phyllis’ house for business and breakfast. At this point there were 30 of us – a very impressive turnout.
Carol updated us on our finances. Laurel and Barb C. presented our new logo to unanimous applause. Barb modelled a sample of our new hat which is being sponsored by Harbord House Restaurant. Marcy and Barbara walked us through the blog and Google groups.
NB. The blog and the group are going to be our primary means of communication so it is important that everyone become familiar with them and get registered for the Google group.
With our business concluded, we settled down to a virtual feast of a breakfast – a true testament to the value of teamwork and Phyllis’ excellent leadership. Once we were refuelled, we broke into sub-groups for sessions on pacing and the mysteries of the Garmin.
A big TPW thanks to everyone and specifically to Phyllis, Carol, Laurel, Barb, Marcy, Barbara, Helen, Sue, Diane, Rorie and Lorna for all their hard work.
Now on to next week (see Training Details for specifics) and beyond.
A word on Tuesdays for any of you who may not have been out (last week there were six of us!). We meet at 6:30 in the back area of the Quail and Firkin Pub (stop when you get to the pool table). We give the usual 5 minutes grace to 6:35 and then go around the corner (right from the pub, right at the first corner which is MacPherson, along MacPherson until it meets with Cluny) and meet at the grey mail box. Sometimes people go directly to the mailbox and bypass the pub. We do intensity training around a loop, ending at the mailbox at regular intervals. So, if you are late, just wait a bit and someone will probably appear. A group generally has dinner afterwards at the pub. Hope to see you this Tuesday.
Note that we will not officially be meeting as a group on Thursdays until April – but still do that training on your own.
Good luck to Deb, Helen and Rosemary who are all doing the Chilly Half this up-coming weekend.
If you are not walking the Toronto Women’s Half on May 31st and want to volunteer, please sign up online and indicate in the comment box at the bottom of the form that you are part of the Toronto Power Walkers and want to be together at a water station. Also please send a message to Deb dmhf@live.ca
Spring is around the corner so come and walk with us. Your body will thank you.
Diane
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Another beautiful Sat. morning walk
It was a lovely morning, a bit cooler than we had expected but after a few kilometres we all warmed up. We had a terrific turnout – 20 of us walking at all speeds and distances from ‘once around the cemetery (6.6k) to once around plus up Bayview to Lawrence and back(16k).
I’m not a weather forecaster, but I think we’re through with the really cold weather and we’ll get perhaps one more big dumping of snow in time for March break then we’re heading for the those lovely spring walks!
What’s on for this week? Check the Training Details section of the blog!
Don't forget brunch at Phyllis’ house after our Saturday long walk. Please RSVP to phyllis@segal.org if you have not already done so.
If you haven’t registered for Harry’s Spring Run-off – 5k/8k (April 4th) and Sporting Life10k (May 3rd)...better do it now! Rates for Harry’s increase on Feb 25th. (links to races on right side of blog, by date)
Keep ‘walking the distance!’
Phyllis
I’m not a weather forecaster, but I think we’re through with the really cold weather and we’ll get perhaps one more big dumping of snow in time for March break then we’re heading for the those lovely spring walks!
What’s on for this week? Check the Training Details section of the blog!
Don't forget brunch at Phyllis’ house after our Saturday long walk. Please RSVP to phyllis@segal.org if you have not already done so.
If you haven’t registered for Harry’s Spring Run-off – 5k/8k (April 4th) and Sporting Life10k (May 3rd)...better do it now! Rates for Harry’s increase on Feb 25th. (links to races on right side of blog, by date)
Keep ‘walking the distance!’
Phyllis
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