Transition Zone Squared (2) - Walk-Abouts.

In Ottawa 2014.

I locked my motorcycle behind the Jail Hostel and saw much of the city by foot. I discovered Ottawa is both big and small - big buildings upon which to gaze and reflect, small corner pubs within reach when my dogs barked and my throat was dry. "Chambly Noir, s'il vous plait. Merci." (Chez Lucien)

TZ2 (a set of 120 walks) has started off with 9 in a row. Lovely

 My sturdy map of Ottawa, near the National Library and Archives

 Significant sites are mapped and numbered - in bronze

Terry Fox: One of Canada's champions

Walk-abouts are my bread and butter when I travel. And between travels I walk the streets of London for fun and fitness and the occasional pit stop when dogs get tired.

"Stout for me, thanks."

Please link to Transition Zone Squared (1).

Photos GH

Transition Zone Squared (1).

November Walkn - Steady, Solid, Squared

No doubt about it. Good habits prevail.

My feet feel good. My legs feel good. And whenever I take them outside for a walk (for about 1 and 1/4 hours), four miles feels good.

Stats for November 9 - 12

From Oct. 30 - Nov. 5 I covered 25 miles. From Nov. 6 - 12 I walked 28 miles. Steady pace, solid performance, just like a Ford pickup but without the expensive monthly payments.

I reached the end of the 'Transition Zone' set of 100 walks on Wednesday (TZ100), confident that I succeeded in improving my jogging pace during that set. I am also confident I will get back to jogging in the spring after completing my next set of 120 walks - which I'll call 'Transition Zone Squared' or TZ2.

If the weather in March 2017 is mild, I may start jogging before the set is complete. As I like to say, we will see what we will see.

By the Numbers;

During the last two full weeks I covered 53 miles

I aim to walk about 25 miles per week for the winter months

The "last-10-weeks average" now stands at 24.6 miles

Temperatures are declining and walkn enjoyment is increasing

Please link to The Transition Zone 20 - Walkn in November.

Photos GH

The Transition Zone 20 - Walkn in November.

Still in The Zone for One More Day

Maybe I'll park the bike in Port Bruce and walk the beach

I finished October with a few proud numbers, including a 92. I walked 122 miles in October and covered 29.5 miles in the last full week. And finally, on October 31, I completed not only the 27th walk in 31 days but the 92nd of 100 walks in The Transition Zone (TZ).

A good start to the week! (Presentation re Dad's Navy Days - tonight!) 

One goal for November - "do as well as last year!"

One goal during the TZ was to see if I would develop into a smoother, more efficient jogger. By the end of 92 outings I can say I was doing just fine. There were outings in which I jogged 4 - 5 km. without much trouble whatsoever. That being said, winter is coming and I am going to stick to 'walking only' for the next few months.

Today or tomorrow I will complete TZ100 and have to decide what my goals will be for the next set of walks. That shouldn't be too tough. How about, "Everybody just stay calm and keep walking for fun and fitness"? Or, TZ#2?

We shall see what we shall see.

 Nice walkn in Port Bruce on Monday

 I found several comfy seats near the shoreline

Bring your own coffee. The Corner View is closed

Please link to The Transition Zone 19 - October Summary.

Photos GH

The Transition Zone 19 - October Summary.

Where Am I Going?

The Walking Man. 

I suggest he swing his arms a bit more.

While in Ottawa last year, I enjoyed a fun and fitness walk to Parliament Hill and environs. Walking is the best way to see Ottawa and one will encounter hordes of people doing the same thing, and one guy covered with sticky paper near the bridge to Hull. I call him The Walking Man Francais (He looks like he's coming from across the river).

He has a purposeful stride very similar to mine, don't you think?

Yesterday, I completed another month of walking and recorded my stats to see where I've been and where I'm going next.

By the Numbers:

I covered 122 miles in October, most of them in my neighbourhood. Many days were coolish, perfect for walking with a purposeful stride - minus the sticky paper.

My last eight days: I walked 29.5 miles last week and 8.5 so far this week. I had errands to run (walk) on four of those days, and that helps me get out the door.

The round trip connected to regular hockey games is two miles long. Good one. 

I track my ten-week average at the end of each week, and 25 miles per week is gradually becoming my target of choice.

 The numbers went into decline due to a vacation in September

For over a year I have been tracking certain stats, and they help me form monthly goals, and opinions about what seems reasonable as I continue The GREAT Canadian Comeback. I am leaning toward making my way to 25 walking/jogging miles per week on average, so many of the numbers will gradually decline. (That's if my psyche will allow that to happen!)

The columns represent the following: Month; outings per month (27 in 31 days in October); outings per month as a percentage; outings % as a cumulative monthly average; monthly mileage; mileage as a cumulative monthly average.

The Transition Man continues.

Please link here to The Transition Zone 18 - Steady Pace.

Photos GH

The Transition Zone 18 - Steady Pace.

Good Daily Energy Level.

Cooler temperatures seem to help.

Fall temperatures are dropping so I've had to add 30 seconds to my 'getting ready to go' routine. It takes a bit longer now to select the right jacket to match my eyes. : )

But there are benefits to the cooler weather. I sleep like a rock some nights, colourful leaves adorn sidewalks and roadways,  and - once warmed up - I maintain an enjoyable body-comfort zone while walking or jogging. All these things combine to help my energy level and pace remain strong and steady.

I try to cover 4 miles per walk, on average, and over the last 4 weeks my numbers have been positive, i.e., 110 miles covered in 25 outings. I have been heading out after supper on a frequent basis and have noticed how dark it is getting by 7 PM. Still, a small radio keeps me company (the World Series is on) and the miles seem to go by faster at that time of day.

Photos from along the way:

Daily mileage is in the top right corner of each block. 

Cumulative mileage is lower right. Steady on! 

 My jogging pace is holding steady, even improving a bit!

 I relaxed Sunday (i.e., motorcycled) so am adding miles during cool evenings

The Comeback: After 13 months I rank my energy level as "very good"

Walkn 'healthy miles' in Greenway Park and Old South

Keep on keeping on, I say. Highlights continue to be within reach.

Please link to The Transition Zone 17 - Twelve in a Row.

Photos GH

The Transition Zone 17 - Twelve in a Row.

Definitely Back From Vacation.

I took life easy in September. I vacationed in PEI and ate several hearty, Island-style meals. I must be trying to make up for those easy days by keeping at my routine in October. I've had 12 outings in a row and will hit my week's goal (of 26 miles) during this evening's relatively short walk to a London Knight's OHL game.

Weather has been cooler and a lot less humid than even a few weeks ago, and each walk has been quite enjoyable. Bright fall colours are coming, so I'll keep a camera handy at all times.

77/100ths of Transition Zone outings have been completed.

The Comeback by the Numbers:

77% of my current set of walks has been covered

My jogging speed and stamina are gradually developing (in the 9:30 - 12:00 min./mile range! Stand way back!)

I can jog 3 - 4 miles without stopping on occasion (I survived 13 marathons, so I bet I'll be able to survive a 5-miler some day soon)

I seem to be content with weekly mileage of about 25 miles

Miles per month during Year Two of The GREAT Canadian Comeback will therefore likely be, on average, lower than last year (and I'm OK with that)

On a weekday, Greenway Park provides a quiet pathway

Gord's Mantra: I've got the time so I'll take my time.

Please link to The Transition Zone 16 - The Occasional Highlight.

Photos GH

The Transition Zone 16 - The Occasional Highlight.

Jogging is Getting Easier.

Will I be able to wear T-shirts and shorts all October!

The date is only October 9, i.e., it is 'early days' in the month, but already I feel I am getting back into a more stable 'fun and fitness' routine after two worthwhile vacations. As well, my jogging routine - 2 or 3 times per week -  seems to be getting easier and more efficient.

 Good jog in GWP (Greenway Park) this AM

Just this morning I completed a 6-mile walkajog in my fastest time since I added shuffling/jogging to my regimen. I started off w a 2 - 3 minute warmup and jogged most of the way with no more than 3 - 4 walking breaks. Awesome, I say, and totally within my limits. Highlight!

Steady Eddie Goals for October:

     5 - 6 walks per week

     4 mile distance per outing if possible

     easy jogging, without 'pushing it'

Speaking of 'pushing it'. Note to self - Make a chart on which to record a few pushups per day. Upper body needs some attention. : )

Please link to The Transition Zone 15 - Boston, Here I Come!

Photos GH