Four 5-Milers in a Row.

The Guy is Running!

Photo: "And I'm heading toward Baldwin Flats.... slowly."

I don't know why I keep heading north toward Gibbons Park and Baldwin Flats during my evening walks and runs. Because my personality is affected by magnetic fields? Because - in the first mile - Wortley Rd. heads downhill toward Harris Park?

Not sure. But, I am sure I like the scenery and I know whereabouts to turn around if I'm aiming to complete a 4, or 4.5, or 5-mile long walk/run. Maybe, with me, "familiarity breeds content." : )

Familiar charts and scenes:

 On June 26 I covered 5 miles, with lots of running involved.

 Last night I travelled 5.25 miles on Terry Fox Pathway. Smooth!

 My 5-mile turnabout on Baldwin Flats is in sight of Middlesex College.

 Still on Baldwin Flats, looking toward home.

 Approaching Blackfriars Bridge.

From York Street bridge, near Stanley.

I have completed 8 outings that include some running in June, so far. (Note the wee heart in my diagrams). I am not putting any pressure on myself to run faster or farther, but I do notice my running style is becoming a bit smoother as I go along, and I'm definitely feeling faster and stronger.... at times.  

Easy does it, I say. If I stay within my limits, my limits will grow (with regular fun and fitness runs).

There may even be a 10-km. race in my future. I'm running low on T-shirts.

More miles to follow.

Please link to Easy (Wet, Dry, Etc.) 3-Miler.

Easy (Wet, Dry, Etc.) 3-Miler.

Dry, Wet, Dry Wet, Dry.

I stuck my head out the door several times yesterday and it was never the same weather twice.

When I found time for a 3-mile walk it was initially under a dry sky.

By the time I'd walked five minutes and arrived at Wortley and Bruce, it was wet. Dry at York Street. Wet at Dundas and Richmond. Dry at Wellington and Horton. Wet, then dry, at the Ridout Street bridge.

I finished the week with 28 miles of walking, running, walking, running, and walking in dry, wet, and dry conditions.

And next week looks about the same according to The Weather Network.

Please link to A Good Week for Half 'n' Half.

Photos GH

A Good Week for Half 'n' Half.

The Out Back.

[Photo: About to leave Harris Park]

For the last 65 walks, I've been putting no pressure on myself to become Canada's next Olympic marathoner. During the last week, even though I've completed three run/walks, I've walked when I've wanted, run when I've wanted, stopped for photos when I've wanted and pushed harder when I've wanted. 

Good runs on Sunday and Monday. Easy walk on Tuesday.

Good run on Wednesday. Good walk [NP65*] last night.

And already the running sections feel easier and I look forward to developing a smoother, stronger style during the summer months.... at my own pace.

London is home to many good walking, running and cycling routes and I tend to use certain paths frequently (e.g., through Harris Park to Gibbons and Baldwin Flats, or the Terry Fox Pathway), because I am familiar with the distance markers, some erected by the City of London, and some my own. 

Knowing when and where to turn around and head home allows for a high amount of predictability re the walk/run. If you see me racing by (Correction: "plodding along"), I am either heading out or heading back, often lost in thought or snapping a photo.

Photos from along the way:

 Heading back, returning via Harris Park.

 Lost and found: One scared, huggable Teddy.

Almost home.

*NP = "no pressure"

Please link to Half and Half Run.

Photos GH

Half and Half Run.

Being a Slow Poke.

I started 'shuffles' or slow runs in early spring last year. Completed over 60 of them in 2016 and developed a smooth, satisfying running style.

This year, not so early.

That being said, I think I have found a smooth, satisfying way to develop my running style again. I walk to the halfway point of well-used loops (e.g., in Gibbons Park or Terry Fox Pathway), then turn around and try to jog most of the way home.

Photos from along the way:

I'm easy to spot. Average-size slow poke in baggy shorts!

Please link to Colour, Wherever I Can Get It.

Photos GH

Colour, Wherever I Can Get It.

Pleasant Tony, way ahead by now, enters the park.

I provide the colour commentary for my evening walks.

"And here we are entering Harris Park. On your right are lovely boulders leading toward Queen...."

"Hi, Gord."

"Hiya, Tony. You're lookin' good. Keep up the good work."

"See ya."

"See ya."

"....Back to the boulders. Tony is now heading through Harris Park, home to hundreds of well-fed geeses. Food on the wing, enough for the next 1,000 years. Would I eat goose? I'd give it a try. Can't say no to goose and roast potatoes."

Photos From Along the Way:

What are the odds I walk the beach at Port Bruce today?

Please link to Great Nights for Walkn.

Photos GH