CRUISEN into Spring.

Early Start, Due to Warm Weather.

Slow down, fellas. You're making me look bad.

I like to write things down, and according to my 'fun and fitness journal', I went out for my first walk/jog last year on March 29. 

Hey, I even wore a lovely, colour co-ordinated outfit! 

4 miles. Not very far, but I felt like Superman after I was finished.

This year, again according to my notes, I went out CRUISEN - a good word for 2017 jogging efforts - on February 22 in colourful athletic gear. Five weeks ahead of last year I am, likely because of the warm spell Old Londontown is experiencing.

Though I was stiff for two days, the effort was worth it. My effort to cover marathon distance (26.2 miles) on a weekly basis has been consistent as well, so I feel I can look forward to another positive, productive year on the city's walking/running and cycling paths.

Photos From Along the Way:

 Entry on Feb. 22: CRUISEN for 4.5 miles on Terry Fox Path. A1.

 My 10-Week "average mileage" holds pretty steady

Building the GREAT Canadian Comeback continues!

Please link to Time for CRUISEN.

Photos GH

Time for CRUISEN.

Be Prepared. Wear Pants.

Loads of walkers and joggers were out on Sunday.

On my way to UWO on Sunday, as I past through Harris Park, I tossed my light jacket over my shoulder. The weather was perfect for T-shirts. And my mind quickly turned to lighter clothing (Next time!), spring, and 'cruisen', aka easy jogging.

Though I wasn't ready for jogging on Sunday, I am now. T-shirts, running shoes, high-tech running pants are at the ready. (I even have stylish shorts for when my stubby-little legs are no longer winter white).

If the sun is out, "Winter Walk No. 86" will be for CRUISEN

This time of year, a dozen years ago, I was training for the 2005 Boston Marathon, doing speed work faster than ever and hill workouts as if my life depended on them. It didn't, but I wanted to be ready for The Big One. Today, I'll be happy to coast along at the easiest of speeds, being careful not to step in any puddles.

EASY CRUISEN, that's my game now.

Photos from along the way:

On February 20 I realized Spring had sprung.

 So many pedestrians, the geese had to take to the infield

Under Wonderland Road

Please link to I'd Rather Be WALKN. Another Good Week in the Books.

Photos GH

I'd Rather Be WALKN.

Another Good Week in the Books.

Except for ducks, Thames R. is still too cold for SWIMN.

In spite an outdoor temperature of 14C, I took a day off yesterday from my WALKN routine. I already had covered 28 miles for the week (my goal is 26.2 miles) and wanted to save my energy for a long walk to UWO today.

Feb. 16 - 18. Almost ready to put my selection of winter hats away

One of my pastimes (researching my father's WW2 Navy history) includes reviewing 1940s newspapers stored on microfilm at London's university, and the 3 - 3.5 mile route from home to the D.B. Weldon Library (via Harris and Gibbons Park, and 'The Flats') is very scenic. So, you might see a lot of photos from along the way pretty soon.

Mild temperatures are in the forecast and I may be tempted to jog around old Londontown in shorts and T-shirt this week. Picture ghost-white-legs and arms, and knee-high tube socks from the 1970s. 

You've been warned.

Please link to Photos From Along The Way (3).

Photos by GH

Photos From Along The Way (3).

2017, The Year of Flexi-Weather.

The snow comes and goes according to no man's schedule.

The weather has been more unpredictable than my choice of walking routes.

I usually just follow my nose, but, lately, I have headed north toward Harris and Gibbons Park, and Baldwin's Meadow (aka The Flats). Each day the weather (and subsequently, the footing) is different, from unseasonably mild, with damp trails, to cold and snowy and tough sledding.

Whatever the weather, I trudge toward a suitable turn-around point, then head back home, and snap a few pictures along the way so that - in a few years time - when I produce a book entitled "The GREAT Canadian Comeback", readers will be able to see London's excellent walking trails from every possible angle.

PHOTOS From Excellent Angles:

 Jude, walking with Frank and Foxy

I record my miles and try to complete one marathon per week

Please link to Photos From Along the Way (2).

Photos GH

WALKN Can Poop You Out.

I Stay Within My Limited Limits.

This guy pushed himself too far. Improper footwear too!

It took me about a year to realize I am quite comfortable walking (and easy jogging) 25 - 30 miles per week, in all kinds of weather. I also like riding my exercise bike, good book in hand, and playing the occasional game of old-timers hockey. All in all, I feel if I complete about a marathon's worth (26.2 miles) of distance per week I am on the right track.

Last winter I developed a sore foot and cut back my mileage. Going 'too far too fast' was likely my problem (my footwear was and is still tops) and with my past marathon experience I recall that problem side-lined a lot of good runners over the years, myself included.

(Who was it said, every week on Hill Street Blues, "Be careful out there?")

I completed 'marathon miles' by Thurs. Feb. 9, took three days off. 

I predict another good week ahead, but I can't say the same for the old guy that I saw flaked out on a bench in Old South.

I said to him, "You pooped out from walking in those boots?"

He said, "I got out of puff just puttin' 'em on!"

I feel the same when I'm putting on my skates. It's not the hockey that's tiring, it's getting out of the dressing room!

: )

Photos From Along the Way:

Final 30 seconds of last week's wee snow blow.

Please link to WALKN Alone in The Wet.

Photos GH

WALKN Alone in The Wet.

Good Reason to Stay Indoors.

The River is Rising.

On rainy days, London's pathways are generally deserted, except for a few lonely dog walkers, and the Canadian geese that congregate at Harris Park (above). I'll venture out as well on occasion, umbrella in hand, camera and coffee money stored inside dry pockets.

But yesterday was too much. Too much rain, too much slushy water built up at the edge of the road. So, I changed into cycling gear, grabbed a good book and did some 'readn and ridn' on my exercise bike instead, counting every 20 minutes on the bike as one mile of walkn, as per my handy-dandy, scientifically-accurate equivalency chart.

(20 minutes of volleyball is also equal to one mile of walking but who would want to play volleyball in Harris Park on a rainy day?)

Can I walk a marathon per week (26.2 miles) from January to March?

By the end of March I will likely be near the end of 'Transition Zone 2' (TZ2), a set of 120 walks that will prepare me for a new season of walking/jogging/running at an easy pace. I'm not thinking about running an actual marathon, but I think a good spring - fall goal would be to walk/run a marathon's mileage per week.

Over the last ten weeks I have averaged 27.7 miles, so I'm already comfortable with the marathon distance per week. Smooth jogging and running, however, is another kettle of fish.

We shall see what we shall see.

More photos from along the way:

Today's post - WALKN Miles in 2017 (23)

Please link to WALKN Miles in 2017 (22).

Photos GH

WALKN Miles in 2017 (22).

Breaking Canadian Distance Records!

Long distance walkn runs in the family.

If I keep walkn the way I'm walkn I'll be in the record books some day. (I hope they spell my name right!)

I recorded 130.75 miles in my handy-dandy journal last month and if I keep up that pace I will cover 1,569 miles in 2017. Surely, if the Government of Canada keeps records re when I started contributing to CPP, OAS, Infernal Revenue Service, OHIP and household grocery bills, then they will surely know that 1,569 WALKN miles is some kind of long distance record for Canadian men in my age group (50 - 99 years). Surely!

I better start saving up for new shoes!

Truth be told, I walked farther in January last year but did not keep up that furious pace. However, this year I am stronger and svelter than ever, so if you're in my age group.... watch out!

February started with two five-milers, including bikn and hockeyn.

I should bone up on suitable answers to inevitable interviews for the CBC and local news.

Peter Mansbridge: So, Gord, what's the secret to your success?

GH: Well, Peter, I put it down to good genes - speaking of athletic ability and determined attitude - and I find walking satisfying and very convenient. I mean, you just go outside.

Good genes. Just look at them sturdy legs. Photo 1959 (Norwich)

PM: And it keeps you from going to seed?

GH: Yeah, that too. 

Yup, Peter and I will have lots to talk about.

See you out there on them trails and walkways!

Please link to WALKN Miles in 2017 (21).

[Gord also covers great distances at 1000 Men, 1000 Stories and creates a lot of dust in The Workshop]

Photos GH