July 31, 2008
So how goes that marathon training? Whether you’ve been lying on the dock, sitting by the pool, or sipping cool drinks in the shade, we hope you’ve been busy contemplating your autumn walking itinerary. Meanwhile I’ve been contemplating how to fit all of the race info into one newsletter! The only way is to cut down on the usual pseudo-literary introduction! Really Fun and Important things coming soon. (Most of these involve an RSVP to WoW. Just click on the highlight of your choice! Also, please note links to hotels are provided by clicking on the highlighted hotel names)
We need your help! WoW is hosting a water station at the Oakville Half Marathon on Labour Day. Please contact us, if you want to be part of the fun. And, it’s always fun! Wear a crazy hat; bring a noisemaker and your biggest smile. You know how much you have appreciated enthusiastic volunteers at the races you have walked, so come out for your turn as an enthusiastic cup holder, cheerleader, and all around good feeling spreader. RSVP here for this Labour Day labour. Myra’s Marathon is almost over. Myra has completed all but three of her half marathons planned for the year of her 65th birthday to help raise funds for the CNIB library for Braille and talking books. Her grand finale race is the Scotiabank Half Marathon on September 28 and she would love to make it a big party. We are organizing a team to support her in this endeavour. If you are interested in walking the half marathon as part of the Team, RSVP here! Let’s make this the biggest team walking party ever witnessed by marathoners and spectators. |
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| Strength Tip :: Everyone receiving this newsletter is a committed walker. Here’s another interesting tidbit about your chosen fitness passion with which you can regale your friends, family, and colleagues. Stuart McGill, a leading authority on spinal stability out of the University of Waterloo, recommends fast walking (with arms bent!), as the best exercise therapy for acute lower back pain. McGill also recommends strength and stability around the hip joint for greater back health. Last month in the strength tip section of the newsletter we suggested lunging, in all its glorious permutations and combinations, as an excellent way to maintain strength around the hip area. You could also try one of our favourite resistance band exercises. Place your figure-8 shape band around each ankle. Stand with both feet placed in these bands hip width apart. Press hips and buttocks back and down as if you are going to sit on a chair behind you (moving into “squat” position). As you return the body to starting position, lift one foot off the ground and press it out to the side (in an abduction motion away from the midline of the body).Nutrition Tip :: With the high heat and humidity look for foods and drinks that replenish electrolytes, especially potassium: bananas, oranges, mangos, grapefruit, guava, and papaya. Go crazy with the fruit salad! |
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Columbus Half Marathon: October 19, 2008
YES! There is a bus booked. It will leave the Greater Toronto Area (specific pick-up locations TBA – depending on who books to come with us) on Friday at noon and return from Columbus leaving at 1:30PM. The cost per person is $200.00 + GST on or before September 1, $230 + GST per person after September 1. The bus will take us to the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Columbus which is one of the host hotels. You will need to book your own room - SOON. We suggest that you book at either the Crowne Plaza or the Hyatt Regency Columbus, which are next door to each other. Mention the Columbus Marathon rate when you book. These two hotels are just 2 blocks from the finish line, so that it will be quick and easy to return to your room for a shower before the return trip to Toronto. Be aware that the cost of race registration increases August 1, so if you’re coming on the bus…book your race and book your hotel. The race organizers have recently committed to amazing support for the walkers. Website is www.columbusmarathon.com , click the Walkers tab on the left. |
Big Sur!!! Not to be forgotten in all the other fun. Registration opens September 1! Remember, we typically register for the 21 miler, but if you can walk a marathon in 5:45, perhaps you should be considering the full marathon! Also, we usually book pasta dinner tickets for the early sitting. And don’t forget to let us know if you register! Something closer to home and shorter? If 21k and 42k is too far this fall, we are recommending the Kerr Street Ministries Run for Hope on Thanksgiving Day in Oakville which has just added a 5k power walk – complete with awards for walkers! http://www.5ksmrunforhope.com/ Sign up soon for a stylish technical cap!
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How now spirit! Gather thy wings! And thy vision will appear! Yes, come out to the August 6 Midsummer Night’s Dream costume workshop – in preparation for the race on August 16! We know you’re ready for the 15k walk, but are you ready to dazzle, sparkle, and twinkle? We can help. If you think you are not the costume type, think again! Imagine how we are going to psych out the walking competition and generally light up the night with our wings and more! 8pm at the Sovereign House in Oakville. Please 