Photos From Along The Way.

From Harris to Gibbons Park.

[Photo: Kensington Bridge, very close to my first mile marker]

We were spoiled last week. Walkers and runners were out in droves on clean paths in mild temperatures. That was then.

I slipped 3 - 4 times yesterday, never fell, but came close. So did a few other walkers with whom I crossed paths.

That being said, the cautious walk to Gibbons Park and back home again was AOK.

From along the way -

My twin looks lost. "Go north, young man!"

Meanwhile, I'll go south to my front porch.

Please link to Hold Steady 12.

Photos GH.

Hold Steady 12.

First Run Since Dec. 5, 2017. Smoooooth : )

[Photo: I tip my hat to those who run all winter]

In the past, e.g., 1995 - 2006, when training for marathons I would run 12 months of the year. And when spring arrived many local runners, myself included, would be well on the way in preparation for Hamilton's "Around the Bay 30K" road race held in late March. A May marathon would often be coming up next on our running charts, and we believed if we ran well in Hamilton we would likely have a good marathon time two months later.

That was then. Now I am more comfortable as a seasonal runner, skipping the winter months and getting more serious when warm weather becomes the norm.

Speaking of Norm. I think he passed me yesterday on the Terry Fox Pathway while I was doing my first 5-miler (walking/jogging) since early December. My steady walking habit this winter prepared me quite well for a nice and easy shuffle.

Why, I almost looked svelte out there!

Norm, ahead, inspired me to keep running all the way to Wharncliffe.

I don't know if one successful, smooooth 'walkajog' will motivate me to do more, but I enjoyed dressing light yesterday, shufflin' along, feeling a breeze blow through what's left of my hair.

So, we shall see what we shall see.

 Sunny day in London on a clean path. Running made easy.

I strike a thoughtful pose. "Go slow, enjoy the view."

Please link to Hold Steady 11.

Photos GH

Hold Steady 11.

60% + 25% = 85% Total... Right? Eh?

[Photo: Pathway is clean enough for my first run of 2018!]

A couple of my goals for the winter months follow:

Hold Steady for 125 outings.

Keep my running stamina around the 6 mile mark.

Well, let's just say.... that second goal flew out the window when the trails and sidewalks got really icy and the temperatures got really cold and I got as lazy as a slug.

Last 2 days - HS 73 and 74 - two 5-mile walks on Terry Fox Pathway

That being said, today I plan to run a 5-miler on T. Fox Path, first run (I believe) since a trip to Chicago last November. I will record the outing as Hold Steady (HS) 75 and push my miles for the week to 31. Not bad, I say.

A third goal for the winter months follows: 

Begin a minor league sit-up, push-up, and stretching routine, and work toward 1000 of each. 

Hey, I am now in the habit of completing a few sit-ups, etc., before my morning coffee and computer time, a dozen of each exercise. Thumbs up, I say.

By the numbers, my routines are looking pretty good. Good mileage in January may set the stage for easy running in February.

HS75 will complete 60% of the winter walks/runs. And 250 sit-ups, push-ups, etc. completes 25% of my 'extra exercise' goal. So, 85% ain't bad, eh!! 

(Wonky Math makes me feel better : )

Some photos from along the way:

Yes, I keep a very detailed account, as usual.

Water levels are good too. Port Bruce, Nov. 28, 2017.

Please link to Hold Steady 10.

Photos GH.

Photos From Along The Way (4).

The Foggy Foggy Day.

[Photo: Walkers and runners quickly disappeared from view yesterday]

At times I would spot a figure in the fog but by the time I was ready to take a picture the person was gone. Vanished into the fog. Never to be seen again.

Where did they go? I was left to wonder.

Nobody on the path but one boy bouncing a ball.

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

Photos GH

Photos From Along The Way (3).

Almost Back from Chicago, the Second Time!!

[Photo: There's always time for a good walk on city trails]  

Was there a day last week that was not perfect for walkn?

Trails from Harris Park to Baldwin Flats were pretty smooth and I enjoyed clear sailing on the Terry Fox Pathway.

According to the numbers, my weekly mileage stayed steady and my 10-week average trended north.

 I finished last week with 27.5 miles in the bank

My 10-week average is on the rise.

Q: How can the 10-week average go above 28.5 after a week's total of 27.5?

A: Ten weeks ago I only walked 21 miles while in Chicago, so the most-recent 10-week total went up by 6.5 miles. 

Speaking of Chicago, my total mileage for 2017 was 1,392 miles. The distance from London to Chicago is 402 miles (driving). So, last year I walked to Chicago and back, and then some more... almost two round-trips.

More photos from along the way:

 Thanks, but I'd rather walk. [Poster from Chicago]

Enjoy walks in the snow.

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

Photos GH

Photos From Along The Way (2).

Good Time of Year for Walkn.

[Photo: A wind from the east blows good for neither man nor beast.]

The last few days have been perfect for walking five-milers. Though the route through Harris and Gibbons Park was the more scenic, I preferred the Terry Fox Pathway because it had been nicely plowed.

Marching made easy, I say.

From Along the Way:

Good time to get out the door.

Please link to Photos From Along The Way.

Photos GH.