Walking the Wing Nut

[Celin]

I gotta say, Sandy, if you do this again, I'd be insane enough to participate.  My hubby said it all.  Everyone is friendly and supportive and you all did a fantastic job.  Thanks for having a walking division even if there was only two of us.  LOL  It was a blast.  Maybe next year there will be more - I hope.  Even if there isn't and it's not possible to have a walking division, I'll still walk it.  It's a great motivator to keep training.

I know you are a runner and you all have been so supportive to us.  I have never felt we were less because we were walkers.  It's nice being associated with such a great group of people who accept you no matter what "style" of moving one uses - walking, running, cycling, swimming.  It's fantastic.  You all are the example of great sportsmanship.

I would say this was definitely my Personal Best.  Not because of the time, but because of the challenge.   Every time I drove up Stockdale Road to go home, I'd look at all the hills and wonderful if I am insane.  I have decided I am.  It sure gives you an appreciation of whether you are in good shape cardiovascularly or not.    It was challenging and a test of wills - me or the hills.  The first half was awesome.  The second half going out was very good.  Coming back, it could have been a deal breaker.  I was overheating - I wore clothes that were too heavy and I don't handle the heat well anyway.  There was a point when I thought I was done with the hills and I saw one more that I forgot about that I though I might just stop.  Then I realized my goal was to beat my London Half Time and if I stop, I won't and I would have been disappointment as I have been really training hard.  I did it and It was amazing. 

What I did right:  Make sure I was hydrated and brought my gels with me so that I could sustain the carbs to keep me going
What I could improve:  Hill training, wear a hat and less clothing, hill training.  I have been "winging" my training and it is now time to get some help.  I am at a point that I am plateauing and need help to get faster and fitter.  The internet and books and magazines have been a great way to learn, but there is the point where you realize that if you want to get better you have to take the sport more seriously.  I think I have reached that point.  If I want to be more competitive, I have to train right.

Again, thank you everyone involved in this event.  Thanks for having a walking division and thanks for all your encouragement.

Someone said at the race, if you can do this half, you can do any half.  I totally agree.  I think if you can do this half, you can do any whole, if that is your goal.  I am sure it rivals the Toad! 

[Sandy]

Thank you for the kind words Celin.  We are so fortunate you and your hubby are participating, there will definately be a walking division next year regardless of numbers.  Keep up the good work!

What is your next event?

[Cathy]

I have walked several events and know the difference between walking and running them.  Walking offers another challenge to your muscle groups. Both are difficult processes and both deserve a pat on your back for taking the time in your day to go out and do.   You have completed such an amazing thing.   I congratulation you on your accomplishment and hope you continue to participate with this wonderful group of people.  They have so much to offer and have welcomed one and all to share in their knowledge. 

[Jane]

Celin, you and Duane are simply awesome!  You are such amazing walkers.  I must say you were really really close behind me, and I pretty well ran the whole thing.

Thanks for the great race Sandy.  I admit this morning I was wondering what I was thinking signing up for it.   At the time I did that, I didn't know I would spend the day travelling back from Edmonton, that my eating would be all thrown off with a big greasy breakfast, cheezies on the airplane for lunch (could that be considered carbo loading?) and pasta and sauce from a jar for my true carbo loading meal at 9 p.m.  I felt pretty sluggish for the first 10.5K of the race.  Thank goodness the second half went better and I finished feeling stronger than when I started. 

I agree with Celin, I must get more serious about my training.  Especially if I am going to do the Marine Corps Marathon.  I want to be able to finish feeling good.

Thanks again for putting on another great race!

[Celin]

Thanks everyone for the words of encouragement.  Congratulations to all of you for doing such a wonderful job.  I don't think I'd beat you Jane.  You did awesome! 

Sandy, my next event is the Mississauga Half.  I wasn't planning on entering.  Some friends from the base got a team together and sponsored by AMJ Campbell Moving Company to raise money for the Soldier On Campaign.  This is a fund to support members returning with injuries to support them in returning to an active lifestyle.  They help with funding for things like training, prosthetics, etc.  I know a person who went through a tramatic event and is returning to a very active lifestyle dispite losing a leg in an accident.  She is a runner.  I thought it was a good cause, so off I go again.  That is in two weeks.  Considering I do a long "walk" of 21 km every second weekend anyway, might as well have a charity I really believe in benefiting.   

I'll have to come and get a Tri and Run shirt for that one.  We might be getting tech shirts provided by our sponsor, but if not, I'll wear it.

Thanks, gang, for all your support.    Quinte Fun Runners ROCK (and walk)!!!   

[pattiw]

Hi Sandy & Celin
I 'll add my thanks for adding a walking division, as Celin said there weren' many of us.  I think there were 4 that did the 1/4.  It was great to have the opportunity.  I was really quite proud of myself not only completing all those hills but doing it in a great personal time.  Thanks to Brenda for the company along the way.
It was a great event & I hope to be back next year...maybe I'll even take on the 1/2.
Celin you are an inspiration to us walkers, you were working it :)

Patti

[Celin]

You did an awesome job, Patti.  Us walkers have to stick together.  We'll have to create our own club....Try and Run Us Down, Walkers Rock!!!....LOL Or something like that.  I figure it's all putting one foot in front of the other and getting out there.  GO Girl!

[ShoppinShannon]

Way to go everyone!  Looks as if I missed an amazing event!

[Sandy]

Hey Celin, maybe we'll borrow that for next years T-shirt for the walking division...Try & Run us down, Walkers rock!!!  I love it!!!!

[Janet]

Just  wanted to add that I too think you walkers are all amazing, and not always given the credit you deserve!  YOu take the same amount of steps (maybe more) and are out there for longer (although Celin you are one speedy walker, and walk pretty much at my running pace ).  Anyway I know my Mom and son had a good(if tough time) yesterday, but were happy with themselves for finishing, and are ready to do it agin next year!
  

Just a bit of an aside here, did Jane mention her name and marathon as in doing one again in the same sentence? If so, yeah Jane, the more the merrier!

[Sandy]

She did, she did!    or is it 

[Celin]

LMAO!! Too funny.  Of course you now realize it is in writing, Jane.   Public knowledge and all that, etc.  Maybe we should start a thread...Jane Runs another marathon??

[Jane]

   

Did I say that????

Actually I never said I was going to run another marathon.

The plan is to run the first half and walk the last half.

 

[Cathy]

Yeah