Heading to Honolulu in December may sound like it’s going to be a holiday of Mai Tais and beach lounging but for more than 150 Canadian Team Diabetes members it actually meant walking or running a full marathon after fund-raising for almost a year. The Honolulu Marathon is one of the world’s most popular destination marathons. Participants come from all over the world, with a contingent of more than 16,000 just from Japan. The event starts with a bang, literally, at 5am with a huge display of fireworks. It’s a race that is popular among fund-raising groups such as Team in Training (The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society), Run for AIDS, Joints in Motion (Arthritis Society) and the group with which I had the privilege of coaching, Team Diabetes Canada. As the walking coach for Team Diabetes, I left in awe of everyone involved. The team raised over 1.1 million dollars to help find a cure for diabetes. Each team member also trained for a full marathon. Training for a destination event and fund-raising for the Canadian Diabetes Association is a winning combination. Each of the participants challenged themselves to a new level of fitness and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle, raised money for a disease that is reaching unprecedented levels in North America, and made life-long friendships during training and at the event. Look for my journal of the Honolulu Marathon experience with Team Diabetes on our website in the next week. Team Diabetes is currently signing up members for the Reijkavik (Iceland!!) Half and Full Marathons in August 2006. Consider signing up (www.diabetes.ca). This is an experience that is so much more than just training to walk a marathon.

New Shirts! Our very popular long-sleeve, black Coolmax® with it’s stylish fit and handy pocket is going to be available in periwinkle just in time for Christmas!

Don’t forget our Winter Solstice coffee and muffin walk! We may be heading into colder days, but they are actually longer days!!! We are going to celebrate this return of the sun with a coffee and muffin walk. There is no charge for this event and all WoW Power walkers, past, present and future are encouraged to come out for a casual walk (8k route this time). Stay after in the warmth of the Sovereign House for coffee, muffins and famous marathon cookies. RSVPs really appreciated but not essential. Meet at 8am. December 18, 8am. Sovereign House, 7 West River Street (street number not posted on building), Oakville.

DIRECTIONS: Exit Bronte Road from QEW. Follow Bronte Road south to Lakeshore Road. Turn right on Lakeshore Road (heading west). Turn left on the first street on your left - this is West River Street. About 250 meters down the street you will be heading up a hill. Just after the hill on your left is a parking lot for the Sovereign House.

VERY IMPORTANT...park in that parking lot, not on the street. You will see a path through the trees at the south east corner of the parking lot to the Sovereign House. See you there!!!

WoW Tip :: Stay fit during the holidays!

The holidays are a good time to rest a marathon-weary body so that you are strong going into the 2006 season. Here are a few suggestions for a change in the routine.

• Slow the pace and invite a friend or family member out for a walk.
• Take a walk at night to view the beautiful holiday lights up close.
• Find some snowshoes and travel the unworn path.
• Skate outdoors on a frozen pond.
• Cut your own tree.
• Get everyone in your family a resistance band (check out our website!!) for the holidays and you can have a strength training party!!

If you need any other eccentric ideas, feel free to email us!

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