What a Difference a Day Makes

Walkn in the Water, then Not!

The Mighty Thames hit 766Ft. above sea level on Wednesday.

On Thursday PM the water had dropped by 5 to 6 feet and the Terry Fox Pathway was open 'fer walkn' as far as I could see - which did not extend much beyond Wonderland Gardens.

The difference in water level is a significant 5ft. 6in.

The following photos are 'Before and After', i.e. alternating between Wet Wednesday and Thoggy Thursday:

After taking the next photo I noticed the fence around the dog park (right) is covered with debris. Some parts look like a solid wooden fence instead of chain link. Across the road to the left, the larger dog park is still a pond for the most part.

Was the pathway open all the way to Springbank Park? I didn't go far enough to find out.

Another couple was walking in the park's direction but there were a dozen hard-boiled eggs waiting for me back home.

 Potato salad doesn't make itself you know!

  Good walkn yesterday. Five and a half miles with some sunny skies!

Please link to Photos From Along The Way.

Photos GH.

Photos From Along The Way.

Terry Fox Path, Port Bruce Pier and Beyond.

[Photo: 'Froggy day' whether you're coming or going]

Some days bright, some foggy, some on the path, some on the beach, some under Wonderland Road counting drops that make a good splash. Walkn.

 Going

 Another Steady Eddie

 Splish Splash

 Island in the Sun

 Five- and six-milers are the norm.

A good fitness habit is growing. And I don't hate

pushups anymore!

By the numbers:

Another good week. Holding steady with miles 'til running weather is here.

496 pushups, situps, deep knee bends, etc., in my fun and fitness routine.

"Charles, I ain't skinny and my ribs ain't showing. But...."

Please link to more Photos From Along The Way.

Photos GH.

Hold Steady 14.

Miles Are Piling Up. So is Snow.

['Arts'-iest photo ever! Red sole on running shoe, red sign in backgr.]

Once I get to the Terry Fox Pathway adjacent to Springbank Drive (just west of Wharncliffe Rd.) the walking miles add up quickly. Though the getting there is a pain in the butt due to bad sidewalks - if you can find them under the icy mush thrown there by street plows - the peace and quiet is a fine reward.

I have started February with several 5-milers after racking up 139 miles in January. And passing runners have inspired me to keep my own running shoes by the front door. Once the paths are clear of ice I will graduate from brisk walking to slow and steady shuffling/trotting/jogging. [Notice I did not say running. I start off so slow it often looks like I'm just leaning on a shovel, enjoying a snooze.]

Photos from along the way:

 Five 5-milers in a row by Thursday, February 8. Steady Eddie.

By the numbers:

29.5 miles covered last week.

Most recent 10-week average is 29.75 mi./week.

I hope to cover 120 miles and take at least another dozen arsty photos by end of February.

News at 11.   : )

I hope to see you out there.

Please link to Hold Steady 13.

Photos GH.

Photos From Along The Way.

The Weather It Is A-Changin'.

[Photo: Last week, my twin passed me by in Gibbons Park]

Reports say, more snow comin'. Bring it on.

Records show I covered 139 miles in January - pluggin' along, head down against the wind on some days. Same month last year - 130 miles. The year before that - 140, highest total ever for one month.

I must like starting off the new year with calorie reduction. Could be the egg nog.

 "Leaving the Noise Behind Me"

 "Quiet Miles Ahead"

 "Scratching Out a Living at Mount Pleasant"

"Tracking Device"

Please link to more Photos From Along The Way.

Photos GH.

Hold Steady 13.

Sticking to Fundamentals.

[Photo: Big wave - January's mild weather permitted easy walkn]

I wanted to complete more runs during the winter but bad footing made me think otherwise.

You could fall and hurt yourself, I thought to myself.

You could put yourself out of commission for a long time, and for what?

You could fall in front of a snowplow and nobody would find you until April. You want that?

So.... I ran twice when the sidewalks and paths were clear in January and decided that I will make very good progress, running-wise, when the snow and ice are gone. As long as I stick to certain fundamentals - good monthly mileage, stay injury-free, stretch, do some strength training - I will be able to prepare for a 10-kilometre-run early in the year, smooth and steady-like.

Photos from along the way:

 A Shriner left footprints in the snow!

 Confusing weather in January. Ice, snow and grass.

 Fundamental No. 1: Steady mileage in January

 10-week Average is on the rise

 Good run last Sunday, followed by steady walkn.

 Situps, pushups, some strength training - becoming a good habit and...

 ...svelteness is surely just around the corner!

Please link to Hold Steady 12.

Photos GH.