A Week's Work (4)

Falling Into a Fine Weekly Routine for the Fall of 2020

Lots of fall colours as I travel the Thames Valley Parkway 

Introduction:

I like the term Steady Eddie. It's not my name but it does describe my walking and running routine and progress over the last three weeks, from Sunday, September 6 to the 26th. 

And I would attribute my positive results and cheerful attitude to the lower temperatures and humidity levels inside the Forest City (London, Ontario) during that time.

Walking and running 7 - 8.25 miles on a 'Steady Eddie' basis during cool weather does not sap my strength the way the hot, humid days of July and August did. 

Photos/Details From Along the Way:

I ran 12 miles (19.25km) on Sunday, Sept. 20. I still had the Hamilton 30K

Road Race on my mind. The race was officially cancelled a few days later.

I walked on Monday, ran on Tuesday, and started falling into a familiar, friendly routine of walking and running on alternate days. I draw in a W-R on runs days because I take a 30-second walking/water break after each km. of running.

I ended the week with about 50 miles or 80 km. and a Key Lime

ice cream cone in the lovely village of Port Bruce (Lake Erie)

I would say my rising 10-week average of miles is directly related

to lower temperatures in September.  Steady Eddie Energy! 

Lots of work being done along the Thames River, on both sides of Oxford St.

The cement wall is a-risin'

 The break water in Port Bruce is now fortified by a sturdy wall of cement as well.

For more information about a steady, sturdy walking/running routine, please link to
A Week's Work (3)

Photos GH

Photos From Along the Way: March 2020

The COVID Shutdown, in its First Full Week

St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2020

I had the green Blackfriars bridge to myself - briefly - on St. Paddy's Day

Introduction:

The COVID shutdown will be remembered by many people in different ways, and its first week will not be remembered as being at the same time on the calendar by everyone.

I recall being at the Downtown YMCA when I learned that we would not be allowed back into the building until further notice. What did that mean? I wondered. I soon found out from various media reports.

A few days later St. Patrick's Day was celebrated (March 17) but not in the usual way. Pubs were closed and festivities were likely almost non-existent for the majority of those who wanted to raise a glass of green beer and toast the Irish saint. But in my photo files (when I looked back at them a few days ago, on Sept. 17, six months after the day), I found quite a string of photographs of my one-man celebration, as part of a lengthy walk from my house to the University of Western Ontario.

Photos From Along the Way:

I sneak a wee dram when things are quiet on the bridge.

I brightened up the toast and the water turned green!

Hmmmm. I'm thinking about how good that tasted (Bushmills Irish Triple Distilled 12-year old whiskey)

Hmmmm. I feel it moving around in there...

Oh yeah. That was perfect : ) One more for the road?

When I returned to my home turf I had an outdoor patio to myself. 

Not another poor soul in sight.

One more toast?

Yes, there was time for one more.

I walked as far as the entrance to Western's campus... very quiet there as well.

I noticed a noisier scene here on Sept. 17, and rising COVID cases were announced

on campus, on 2 - 3 consecutive days. Another shutdown on its way?

As mentioned, approximately six months have passed since the initial shutdown (linked to COVID, as it related to my circumstances in London, Ontario, Canada), and I am willing to keep my head down for another six months if or when required by government decree.

To others I say, "Keep on keeping on, and stay safe and healthy."

More photographs and details related to The GREAT Canadian Comeback, and the Comeback Kid - still smilin' - will surely follow.

For more recent photos, please link to Photos From Along the Way: September 2020

Photos GH

Photos From Along the Way: September 2020

Cool September Weather Boosts Motivation

I usually begin my walk or run by heading north from home to the Forks of the

Thames River, home base for 3 branches of the Thames Valley Parkway (TVP)

Introduction:

The TVP is one of my favourite walking/running routes. It's 'ground zero' - at the Forks of the Thames - is one mile from my front porch, and from the zero marker I can measure my distances in kilometres, thanks to clearly designated distance-markers placed every half-km along the right side of each of the three TVP branches.

So, when I say I have a 7-mile route or 8.25-mile route, the distance of the route is a combination of miles (from home to the Forks, and the return trip) and kilometres on the TVP. Easy-peasy to figure out long runs most of the time.

September's weather has been near-perfect for outings and this week (Sept. 13 - 19) I should end up with a mileage total of 54 miles or more, with a combination of walks and runs.

From above:

Sept. 16 - 8.25-mile walk/run, incl. about 1 mile's worth of walking/water breaks

Sept. 17 - 7-mile walk with the GoPro (more photos to follow)

Sept. 18 - the Birthday Boy covered 8.25-miles with only a couple of short walking/water breaks

Today I am positively looking forward to walking downtown and then to East London to purchase new running shoes and two pounds of coffee beans, likely about a 5-mile round trip. Maybe I'll pack a pocket camera to record a few bits of interesting graffiti from 'along the way.'

Speaking of photos, here are a few from Thursday's healthy walk on the northern branch (toward UWO) of the TVP:

And now I'm heading for home through Harris Park and then under the CN Railway bridge:

More news about The GREAT Canadian Comeback will follow shortly : )

Please link to A Week's Work (3) for more information about the Comeback Kid.

Questions and comments can be directed to GH at gordh7700@gmail.com

Photos GH