March 8, 2005
Spring 2005 race season has begun and if the weather for the Chilly Half is a portent of the year to come, then we are in for a good one! We had a small but powerful contingent out to this ice-breaker event. And, we personned (!?!) our first-ever WoW Water Station!! The 1500 participants were grateful for the enthusiastic Gatorade and water delivery by Agie, Helena, Stuart, Alex, Emma, Monika, Justin and Jason – all done with a big WoW smile! The WoW power walkers represented almost ¼ of the registrants for the Half Walk event and, amazingly, they were pretty much the first ¼ of the participants to cross the finish line! Train and you shall be rewarded! While many were speeding through the Chilly Half, still more were out keeping up with their training for the Around the Bay Road Race on March 20 and Big Sur California Power Walk on April 24!!
Stay tuned…to the Walkers Talking message board as I will be reporting from Rome next week!!! Yes (Si!!!), I will accompany the Team Diabetes power walkers who will strut their stuff for the full 42 kilometres on March 13. While you are at the message board, tell us your own stories. We all learn from our training walks and it’s great to spread that learning around. Feel free to spread a little ispirazione, too. Remember: you will need to be logged on as a member to leave messages. Bus to Ottawa?! Now this is the way to get to a marathon. People are still raving about the bus to the Casino Niagara Half Marathon. So, we have decided that a bus to the National Capital Race Weekend can only be better! The NCM rates as a 4 WoW happy face event on our website…and we may increase that to 5 happy faces if we can fill a bus! The cost of the bus will be $110 + GST. It will leave Oakville with stops in Mississauga and Toronto early Saturday morning (May 28). It will stop at the Race Expo for browsing and race package pick-up and then on to the hotel. If we get a good response and definite commitment over the next few weeks, then we can book a block of rooms at a hotel (rates TBA). We are hoping to ensure late check-out so that everyone can have a shower before heading back to the GTA by late afternoon on Sunday. Contact us asap. Coffee and Muffin Walk: Not only are we famous for our training but our muffins and marathon cookies are pretty renowned as well. Our next one will meet at High Park, Toronto on April 17 – 7am!! Please RSVP if you can make it. And let us know for what event you are training, so that we can have appropriate routes prepared. |
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They’re starting to get it!!! Yes, the organizers of the Mississauga Marathon adjusted their online registration last week so that people wanting to walk the half marathon can enter as walkers (as opposed to runners!). There is an early start for walkers for both the half and the full. Thanks to the race organizers! Last year their start was enthusiastic and energizing. We’re looking forward to it again this year. It’s spring and classes are sprouting! The roads will soon be clear, the Yaktrax and balaclavas can be put away - it’s time to get serious about your training! Whether you are just starting or a WoW veteran, you will find a range of classes, locations, days and times posted on the website. We love coaching and we know you’ll love training with us! Feel free to call or email us, if you need details.
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WoW Tip :: Massage therapy! This is a short tip. Do it! Yes, there is nothing like a
massage to balance your body by working out tensions and tightness.
As we approach race season you may want to consider booking a massage
after your longest training walks but not too close to your event
(and especially not in the week before your event). This should
help to reduce muscle imbalances and improve your chances of staying
injury free. It feels good and the coach prescribes it! |
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On February 22, 2005 we at WoW Power Walking lost one of our most cherished, inspirational, encouraging, accomplished, and determined walkers. You can read Wendy’s amazing story of power walking on the Success Stories page of our website. WoW will be entering two teams in memory of Wendy at the June 3, Oakville Relay for Life event. Contact us if you would like to participate. We miss you Wendy.
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Long-distance number 1-877-WOW-WALK (1-877-969-9255)! |
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Helena
is graduating! We’re really pleased to announce
that one of our long-standing walkers, Helena Steer, is training
as a fitness leader and will be leading some of our courses! Helena
will be teaching the Saturday morning On Your Mark course in Oakville,
starting in late March. Helena has been described as a smooth walker
and if you have seen her, you’ll agree. We’re sure she
will be a great coach, too – sharing her keen interest in
power walking (and race walking) and helping others achieve their
own personal best.
Remembering
Wendy Joyce: 