June 17, 2005
|
The walking has been good this spring. Many of us have great memories, along with our medals and t-shirts, of some amazing events to take with us into summer. Those of us who walked the 21 mile Power Walk in Big Sur California will continue to float on those memories for some time. Our local Ontario races have been blessed with ideal weather. The Tough Ass in Burlington, the Mississauga 10k, half marathon and full marathon, and the 10k, half marathon and full marathon at the National Capital Race weekend in Ottawa. All of these events are actively encouraging walkers. We are very appreciative of the early starts and awards given out at the Tough Ass. The Mississauga Marathon sends walkers off early in the half and the full with a great party. In Ottawa, the full marathoners enjoyed an early start and we hope that the same will be true for the half marathoners in 2006! You can see all of the outstanding results from these events on our results postings. While you are there, read Lee’s journal of her NCM full marathon experience. Walks of Fame (formerly Hall of Fame until I realized we don’t have a hall!) If you entered anything from a 5k to half marathon you are doing a thousand-fold more than the average North American. Marathoners are doing 10,000 times more (although we are concerned about your mental health!) Congratulations to you all and we hope you have recovered enough to be planning for those fun 5k races that are still happening! Here are a few people who really went for the crazy medal this spring and are still here to talk about it!
Summer classes . . . Some summer classes have started and some will start over the next few weeks. It’s not too late to sign up. Just Get Outside Classes are offered in Oakville/Port Credit and High Park. Our goal with these is to spend a little time working on technique, challenge your speed, and get your muscles thinking with some resistance band work for a bit of strength/cross training. If you are in Oakville, don’t forget about our Outside Personal Best - Complementary course where we work on strength and stability to complement our walking. We strengthen our bodies while nourishing our souls as we work out on the shores of Lake Ontario as the sun rises. At WoW we place high priority on staying informed on all aspects of fitness, as much as walking fitness. Our coaches are always taking clinics and attending conferences, so that we can pass that knowledge on to you. It’s much more than a work-out! |
||
|
5k fun!! The 5k races are in full swing now and it can get tough to choose which ones to enter. Over the coming weeks there are a few that are actively welcoming power walkers. At WoW we put our full support behind the OTMH Classic, Sunday June 19, which raises funds for our local Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. Oakville is where WoW got started and this race is one of the first to offer chip timing for power walkers along with rankings and awards. The route is probably one of the most scenic 5ks around southern Ontario (well….close tie with the Molson Indy Run for Joy - see below!) On top of that it’s just a really fun day. There is something for everyone: 3k family walk, 5K power walk, and 5k run. We like the draw prizes, too! Remember to stay after the race in case they call your name! This year there will be a pancake breakfast, catered by the renowned Jennifer’s Kitchen, for a mere $5 donation to the OTMH Charitable Foundation. I’ll see you in the second helping line-up! On July 4, the Molson Indy Run for Joy is promising to be as fun as the OTMH Classic with chip timing for the walking divisions in both the 5k and 10k. You will be walking the exact track that the Molson Indy cars will be driving at the end of the week. And, you will be getting one ticket for Friday to see if the cars look as good as you do going around the track! If you can’t participate, race organizers are still looking for volunteers. Volunteers also get a free ticket to the race on Friday. So, if you are entering the race, get your family out volunteering so that you can go together on Friday to the Molson Indy! Sign up for both race participation and volunteering on their website. If you are worried about parking, there will be lots of parking and the GO train is probably the easiest option as it will deliver you right to track side. Check out Upcoming Events on our website for other events that look interesting and may be convenient for you. |
||
|
Fortunately, we have just the
classes for you! Also, feel free to talk to your coach if you have
specific issues you would like to address. That’s why we are
here. |
||
Spring 2006 !! Yes, 2006!!! It’s always good to have something to look forward to! Next spring we have been talking about organizing groups to two events: the MORE Marathon in NYC in early April limited to women over 40 and the Big Sur International Marathon in California in late April. While you do have to be a woman to enter the MORE event, you do not have to be 40 if you can find a partner over 40 to walk the half marathon. Men are welcome as crowd support! We are officially addicted to the Big Sur Power Walk! Held on the last Sunday of April, we are committed to training people for this race for 2006. Look at your calendar (and your budget!) as registration opens September 1. It sells out within a few weeks. We will be offering complete packages of training, transportation, accommodation and victory dinner, or variations of these, to these 2 events for those who wish it. Stay tuned! |
||
WoW Power Walking coaches are proud to wear New Balance shoes. Long-distance number 1-877-WOW-WALK (1-877-969-9255)! |
||
WoW
Tip :: Summer lounging
– oops! – training!