News from the “Nest”: Races can present you with unexpected twists. Last Sunday we were geared up to run the Toronto Women’s Half Marathon and due to extreme heat, they cut the race down to 12.3 km. We were disappointed to have trained and not been able to run the full distance, but it was probably the right call considering how hot it was and the water stops were 3km apart.

We arrived earlier than expected and got nipped by mosquitoes – bug spray must have been the only thing I didn’t pack. We heard the race announcements and made a second trip to the porta-potties.

Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop The Feeling” played as we counted down to the start. Good thing…since I inadvertently deleted my running playlist off my phone! The course was on a paved trail and it was hard to believe we were in Toronto!  We encountered the firefighters – who were not shirtless:( at 3km, turned around at 6km when it was really starting to get hot, got more water from the firefighters, and passed on the chocolate around 10km – it was just too warm! We smiled at the photographers en route and got some good race pics! Finished in 1:23 with Lisa and Christine. Joanne and Lamb weren’t too far behind.

So… we rolled with it, enjoyed the race, got our finishing necklaces, changed our clothes, went out for brunch and spent 1.5 hours in my hot tub with a tropical drink!  Thanks Lisa, Christine, Joanne and Lamb for a nice way to spend a Sunday:)

Looking forward to a Fall half with you guys!

Change a Flat Clinic: Cyclepath has offered to do a Change a flat clinic for our group. I will find out from then when we can do it and then send out details.  In the meanwhile, print this off How to Fix a Flat – Step by Step and put a copy in your bike bag along with your spare tube,  CO2 cartridges and levers!

Lake Swimming at Kelso:  It was a lovely night in the lake yesterday. After some struggles with getting wetsuits on, we waded in. Water temp was pleasant and the weeds weren’t too bad – they will be clipped back today apparently.  Congrats to Maria on her first lake swim – you did great! We head out again on Saturday morning after our run – about 9am. I am ok to drive again.

Triathlon Workshops: FYI in case anyone is interested. 

Starting Runs on Time:  It’s so funny that I sent this message last week and we were late arriving from the lake last night!  I guess it applies to Tuesdays and Saturdays…but not Thursdays! 

We have all been getting a little slow going lately for the runs:) By the time we catch up with one another we are 10-15 minutes late heading out.  If everyone could shoot to arrive 5-10 minutes before (to have time to chat) then we can leave on time and get home sooner. As well, please remember to park on Westoak or Nightingale so my neighbours don’t lose the street parking or wake on Saturdays to beeping locks and slamming car doors!

Fall Half Marathon: I have been planting this idea in many ears over the past few weeks:) The Scotia bank 1/2 and the PEI 1/2 are both on October 16th.  We could have a large group training and then divide on race day depending on which race you want to do.  Here are links to both races:

Toronto Scotiabank Half Marathon  and PEI Half Marathon

These are very different races (large/small, some hills/minimal hills, home/travel) so there are some things to  consider when making your choice.  The 12 week training program for both races will begin from a 10km base on Saturday July 17.

Click to access half-marathon-training-program.pdf

If there is a good number of ladies wanting to travel to PEI, there are some wonderful places to stay downtown but I highly recommend the http://thegreatgeorge.com/ (a group of modernized historic homes) as it’s so close to the race start and walking distance to everything in town! I have made a quick inquiry and have gone ahead and reserved three 2 bedroom suites. (309.00-339.00 a night) This way we can accommodate from 2 – 12 ladies and I can cancel without penalty 24 hours before arrival:) Currently flights are 531.00 round trip directly into Charlottetown – and take a cab to hotel. 500.00 into Moncton, NB but then we would need to rent a car. If there are only 4-5 of us, we can stay with my parents:)