Nature's call on the training trail

Have you ever had burrs on your butt? Once, several years ago, while making a dash into the bushes on a training walk, I failed to notice that those bushes had burrs. There comes a moment of desperation when you don't care so much about the details of bushes, you just need some cover to answer nature's call. In truth, bushes are a much happier place than many port-a-potties i have visited. It certainly smells better in the bushes.
Still, burrs can be problematic, especially when you discover hundreds of these sticky free-loaders have found a home on the inside of your training pants. They don't improve the comfort level of the rest of the walk and they are a nightmare in the laundry.
So, my best advice is to plan the training walk within the parameters of clean, public toilet locations. Gas stations are a popular stop but they aren't reliably clean and there is always the possibility that the dreaded "Occupied" sign is on the door as you arrive in a desperate state (they usually don't offer multi-stall bathrooms). Tim Horton's and MacDonald's are probably your best bet - they're clean and there are usually multiple stalls. Hotels can be tricky. We look suspiciously unlike hotel guests when we enter covered in 10 winter layers, including a balaclava and Yaktrax. But, oh, if you can get away with it, there are some pretty sweet opportunities for a a moment of luxury - the privacy of floor to ceiling walls, cloth hand towels, possibly hand cream.
As a final word of caution, avoid hiding in any bushes surrounding large public buildings that may be video taping your activity.

Power walking 2012 kilometres in 2012

This blogger is back!
After a sabbatical from the blog, I have made it a New Year's resolution to tap out a few walking thoughts each week. Although I've been staying in touch through the WoW Facebook page, the blog is more conducive to extended musings.
Today, I am contemplating the great success of our 2012 in 2012 challenge. We have challenged anyone interested to walk 2012 kilometres in 2012. Most people who have officially signed on to meet the goal, are rightly hesitant, yet enthusiastic. Tracking mileage for the challenge can be done by any number of options: Garmin/GPS readings, map run/Google maps, driving the route, iPhone/Blackberry/Andriod apps such as Endomondo. Logging mileage with WoW is done on a monthly basis and is on the honour system. We trust you because the only one who loses out by dishonestly is you! A small prize is awarded monthly to one person who meets the monthly average to attain the 2012 in 2012. Everyone will receive a New Balance discount card for shoes when they reach 800k and 1600k. Everyone who walks 2012 in 2012 will have their name entered in a draw to win a 4-month membership to WoW classes in 2013.
Truly, all the prizes are insignificant compared to the excitement and fun of making a personal commitment to feeling good. While participants are allowed to count treadmill mileage, we encourage everyone to get outside as often as possible. The benefits of your walk will multiply. Studies show the serotonin boost from exercise is magnified by the effects of sunlight.
Yes, the air was frigid in Toronto yesterday but the sun made everything in our path a thing of beauty. Walking along the Martin Goodman Trail, I commented to my walking buddy that I never tire of the walk. What a privilege to be able to train in a city where there is a walking path along the waterfront. And what joy that the city clears that walking path of snow so that the sparkling jewel of a lake can be our constant companion for 18 kilometres. Finally, DOUBLE JOY, I discovered a public washroom at Coronation Park (Stadium oad and Lakeshore) that was open, warm and clean! Hmmm....yes...my next blog should be on the highs and lows of answering nature's call while out power walking!

Oakville Friday Hills class

Location is Starbucks beside Whole Foods for today because of poor weather for driving.