Video: Walking and Running Shorts (6)

  I Think I'm Ready! A Half-Marathon in September!

I'd Better Be Ready. I Signed Up for Another One

A wee part of most week days is spent walking or running

Introduction:

I've been enjoying my fun and fitness routine for many months without saying too much about it, so here goes:

I continue to walk or run 5 - 6 miles (10 km) per day, 5 - 6 days per week

Two relatively mild injuries slowed down my running progress last spring and during the winter months before that, but I am now almost in tiptop shape (i.e., svelteness is just around the corner)

I am back at the YMCA about 3 - 4 days per week, running on the treadmill, riding on an exercise bike and lifting a few weights - all within my limits

I have focussed on running more and walking less for the last 4 months, i.e., June - September

I run a half-marathon on September 18 and another on October 2. My goal is to run approx. 5min50sec per km and finish in 2hr04min, or less

Sure, it could snow on race day and my goal will go out the window, but I think my training has been pretty steady. Each week my runs focus on increasing my stamina or endurance, speed, strength, and smooth, efficient stride. I increase stamina by increasing the length of my (Sunday) long run by 1 - 2 miles every couple of weeks. Last week I ran a 13-miler, so I feel ready for the half-marathon distance 0f 13.1 miles/21.1km. I increase strength with the help of a weight-lifting routine and a weekly run that includes increasing the incline on the treadmill by a few percentage points. I improve my speed by running 5 - 6 miles on the treadmill at alternating speeds; e.g., I run 0.5 miles at my planned race pace, followed by 0.5 miles faster than race pace (the faster pace increases gradually over 6 - 8 weeks). 

Not that I run like the wind, but I know that the speed work makes my weekly 'race pace run' (5 - 6 miles) feel easier as the weeks go by. It's a great feeling to be 3 to 4 miles into a run and realizing that the run actually feels easier than the previous week. One thing that almost feels as good as that is the price of my new YMCA membership. I'm paying $10 per week. Pretty good deal, in my opinion.

The training has not been all uphill or downhill. But if I stay

'within my limits (w regular exercise), my limits will grow.'

I also play with Adobe Spark Video app - it's a bit of fun, really, turning still photos into wee videos - and below you will find my sixth video in the "Walking (and Running) Shorts" series:

Click here to view "Walking and Running Shorts" (6) by Speedy Pop Man (a name given me by a passing stranger one day last winter).

Please click here to view the previous "Walking and Film Shorts" (5)

Videos and Still Photos by GH

Video: Walking and Film Shorts (5)

  The GREAT Canadian Comeback Continues with More Flexibility

Plus, I Film a Few Fish in an Underwater Setting

Many of the fish that over-wintered are looking pretty rough!

Introduction:

The good weather in March, particularly from the 21st - 25th, spoiled me. I walked and biked in t-shirt and shorts and got a little sun on my winter-white legs. Look away! Look away! 

As well, I found the perfect opportunity to photograph and video the fish (Gizzard Shad) that over-wintered in Carling Creek (a wee tributary of the Thames River in London ONT) just north of Blackfriars Bridge. 

So, related to my walking, biking and running progress - all goes well. Though I feel I could train quickly for an April half-marathon - my 45-miles/points per week average keeps me in good trim - I have decided to give it a pass and get back into running very slowly this spring, and keep my eye on the possibility of a summer or fall half-marathon. 

Entries in my journal (above) over the last full week in March reveal that I'm either using up a lot of bandages or have added a new feature to my fun and fitness routine. The last bit is true. The plus-sign indicates that I completed a 'stretching + weights' routine (STR + WTS; add one-half point per day) after 3 walks and 1 bike ride in a five-day span. The new routine is almost a regular habit now and I think it will help me achieve an important goal as I make my comeback, i.e., ultimate svelteness! 

I will end the month with a few more walks, and perhaps another lengthy bike ride in the new and improved TVP North Branch (stretching all the way to Highbury Avenue!). And I'll end this post with a portion from my first underwater video... didn't even get my feet wet!

Video: Walking and Film Shorts (5)

Please click here to view Video: Walking and Biking Shorts (4)

More entries will follow as the GREAT Canadian Comeback continues.

Photos and Video GH

Underwater Video! The GREAT Canadian Fish Story (2) March 2021

 Gizzard Shad Survived Harsh Winter But the Numbers are Down

"1000 Maybe 2000 Fish" are Now "100 Maybe 200 Fish"

Recent 'above-water' video reveals that it's tough being a fish

Underwater video will appear below. Brilliant : )

Introduction:

Side note: The harsh reality of winter affected my walking and running routine. I do not always like running in winter - slush is my Enemy No. 1 - plus, I developed a sore foot from hitting two hidden potholes in December, and twice rolling the same foot off the edge of the pathways in January - and more. So, I walked a lot and dusted off my recumbent exercise bike to maintain a healthy fun and fitness routine. I will come back to running once winter is behind us (soon, I predict) and the sore foot is repaired.

That being said, while walking throughout the late fall (November) and winter, I grew fascinated with a mighty fish story, i.e., the mass congregation of gizzard shad spotted in Carling Creek north of Blackfriars Bridge in London. I wrote about the "1000 Maybe 2000 Fish", took scores of photographs per week, several videos, and watched as they experienced a 'die-off' during a particular cold stretch.

But recently, a captive audience of Londoners have watched an exciting event - the GREAT Canadian Comeback of the fish. The 100 maybe 200 survivors of our cold winter have given birth to 1000s of minnows in Carling Creek and the 'captive audience' and I have been thoroughly entertained by this up-close, vibrant and natural process of regeneration. After a year of Covid-19 and some of the changes to our normal routines, perhaps this process is a watery tonic to wintery blues.

One day last week I tied my GoPro - locked inside a waterproof jacket - to a long shoelace and went fishing for underwater closeups of shad and offspring. A quick peek (22 seconds) is shared below:

More underwater video will appear in an Adobe Spark format soon.

Please link here to view earlier videos and stories (e.g., "1000 Maybe 2000 Fish") related to this ongoing, ever-changing fish saga.

Enlightening Videos - "1000 Maybe 2000 Fish": The Movie : )

Entertaining : ) Stories - The GREAT Canadian Fish Story (1) December 2020

Please click here to view very recent photos and 16-second video of my second-favourite fish story: Photographs: Lots of Walkn and Fishn in 2021

Photos and Videos GH 

Video: Walking and Biking Shorts (4)

February, an Active Month in Spite of the Cold

A view of Harris Park and TVP North, London ONT

Introduction:

The snow fell in January, the three branches of the Thames Valley Parkway became ice-covered, my running miles declined and my (exercise) biking miles increased. I travelled 200 miles in January and about 180 in February. For those who think in kilometres, I covered about 600 Km total in those two months.

I Walked and Biked, Plus... I added some stretches and easy weights

to my routine in February. I averaged about 45 points* per week

*Using a scientifically engineered and rigorously tested "Equivalency Chart," I count 15 minutes of cycling or 20 minutes of stretching/easy weights as 1 mile in my daily journal. And if miles or points were dollars and I had a savings account, the savings would be going north (the right way to go). 

I could say more! So, I'll let a new video do the talking:

Walking and Biking Shorts (4)

Produced and Directed by Old-What's-His-Face

Please link to Video: Walking and Running Shorts (3)

Photos and Video by GH

Video: Walking and Running Shorts (3)

The Snow Will Slow Me Down in January 2021

200 Miles Seems to be My New Monthly Target

SNOW - I don't mind shovelling the stuff, but I don't like running in it

Introduction:

When I was younger I seem to recall few problems ploughing through 6 - 10 inches of snow with buddies in a running group. We focussed on finishing a planned route in preparation for our next half-marathon, 30 Km, or full-marathon, yabbering to one another - with quite a few laughs - all along the way.

Today is different. Post-seventy, I don't want to slip or fall or turn an ankle on an icy lump hidden by the white stuff.

That being said, January started off with relatively mild temperatures and I took the opportunity (on clean streets and paths) to add runs to my routine, with thoughts about preparing for an April half-marathon. By January 21st I was running smoothly. Slow and steady.

200 total miles. 10 weeks in the 45 mile range. Average = 45.775 miles

A few more details about the first month of 2021 are found in the video below: 

To see the previous video, please link to Video: Walking Shorts (2)

And to view the previous entry on this site, please link to A Year's Work, 2020

Photos and Videos GH

A Year's Work, 2020

  Steady Progress, Positive Stats, Good Views = A Win 

2020 Sets Me Up Nicely for More Good Clean Fun

"I covered over 2,000 miles in 2020. Many more lie ahead," says Steady Eddie

Introduction:

The journal and monthly stats for the year just past don't lie. 

I walked and ran for fun and fitness for all 12 months, stayed within my limits, suffered only one minor injury, took hundreds of photos, ran my first virtual half-marathon, won my age-group (I was the virtual winner!), earned the nickname 'Steady Eddie' (yeah, I thought of it myself), wore out a few pairs of socks and a couple of pairs of running shoes, kept abreast of the laundry, didn't make any promises I couldn't keep, made a lot of soup in my slow-cooker... but I digress.

Stats for December 2020 tell a colourful tale. "The guy keeps at it!"

By The Numbers:

I walked or ran on 320 out of 366 days in 2020. Or, I got out the door on 87.4% of the days of the year. Makes me think, if I'd scored that high in math and science while in school... why, I coulda punched my own ticket!

That being said, even at my current age (70+), my prospects look bright for the future. I may not walk/run as many miles - on average - over the next ten years as I did in 2020 (2,381 miles, or 3835 km), but I bet I'll be 2,000-plus miles for at least a few more years. I'll keep journals and stat sheets, and keep adding posts here on occasion. You're welcome to visit anytime!

For the first three months of the year I was a member at a local YMCA, so that boosted my mileage. And in the future I don't know if the YMCA will be an option for me, and if it is, I don't know if I will want to return. I seem to be doing AOK out on the city pathways and I'm discovering new routes as I go along. So, a dip in mileage is somewhat expected. 

At present, I am maintaining a 45-miles-per-week average (45 miles x 52 weeks = 2340 mi.; nice goal) and that is very close to my 2020 average (45.8 mi./wk.). I am motivated by the desire to run another half-marathon in April and run at least as fast as I did last year. Beyond that we will see what we will see. 

So, "outward and onward" I shall go.

A few photos from the highlight reel:

"Cheers! Hope to see you out there!" Powered by Guinness

"There are a lot of stories out on the trails. How about a '1000 fish' story! 

The TVP South Branch is a peaceful route

One season ends, another begins

Please link to The GREAT Canadian Fish Story (1)

For more details about Gizzard Shad please visit "1000 Maybe 2000 Fish": The Movie : )

Yes, more fun and fitness ahead, and more fish than you can shake a stick at!

Photos and Videos GH

Video: Walking Shorts (2)

Harrison INK - Recent Entries

 Gord H. last updated Harrison Ink on Jan. 8, 2021.

Please visit any of the links below:

GORD'S TOP TEN

Video: Walking Shorts (2) at The GREAT Canadian Comeback by GH

"I hope to see you out there!"

Editor's Research: Canadians in Combined Ops Return Home (8) at 1000 Men, 1000 Stories by GH

LCTs (landing crafts for tanks, background) were indispensable in Italy.

Operation Shingle at Anzio was another Allied amphibious action.

Photo Credit - Associated Press

Article: Amphibious Landings Deemed a "Secret Weapon" at 1,000 Men, 1,000 Stories by GH

This fine article from The Winnipeg Tribune is "a stand alone."

I hope I can find a dozen more like it! GH

"1000 Maybe 2000 Fish": The Movie at It Strikes Me Funny by GH

The Shadowy Shad, the star of the show

Editor's Research: Canadians in Combined Ops Return Home at 1,000 Men, 1,000 Stories

A war correspondent highlights the pros and cons of amphibious landings.

Sounds like a mouthful, but it was important work for many Canadians

"1000 Maybe 2000 Fish" Still a Story at It Strikes Me Funny by GH

Boxing Day ramble, west side of the Thames, facing Carling Creek

 : Canadian Sailors Mentioned in Despatches at 1,000 Men, 1,000 Stories by GH

Art Warrick (back row, far right) was one of two sailors that was honoured 

while serving his last two years of service at HMCS Givenchy III, in B. C.

Editor's Research: Canadians in Combined Ops Return Home (6) at 1,000 Men, 1,000 Stories by GH

Alice and Doug Harrison, circa 1950

"Gord and Paul Visit Chicago" at It Strikes Me Funny by GH

"Nice tile work!" "Nice bar stools too."

And so the father-son adventure began.

Gord and Pat's Excellent Adventure at It Strikes Me Funny by GH

Outside the Library and Archives Canada, in Ottawa, we see youngsters

depicting countless others who were send here from the UK, destitute.

(e.g., my grandmother Alice (Chilvers) Harrison, approx. 1900)

The Gateway to Seven Blogs:

My father, Doug Harrison (V8809), holds an anti-broaching line to steady an

English landing craft as US soldiers disembark in North Africa, Nov. 1942

1. 1,000 MEN, 1,000 STORIES - My chief interest. My father (far left, above) was a World War II veteran, 1941 - 1945, served in the RCNVR and Combined Operations, for better and for worse.

2. FAINT FOOTSTEPS, WW2 - A growing story about my ongoing search for more information related to my father's World War II adventures.

3. IT STRIKES ME FUNNY - My longest serving blog with more topics to consider than one can shake a stick at.

Gord Harrison on a dusty day outside The Workshop

4. THE WORKSHOP - Everybody needs a workshop, in my humble opinion.

5. THE GREAT CANADIAN COMEBACK - Short reports re my fun and fitness routine, in search of svelteness. I walk, run, lift weights and put things down... on paper.

One of London's well-used walking, running, and cycling routes

6. Stories, Prose and Songs - This blog is largely ignored by me and the world. However, one day you'll hear one of my songs or stories on the radio and you'll say, "I know that guy."

7. Four Mugs and Coffee - This blog was once home to a lively group effort, but now is home to just a few very good ideas. For example, it's home to a brilliant screenplay, Death by Misadventure.

Look in on one blog, then another. Collect the whole set!

Photos GH

Productive November Draws to an End

 The Walks Take Me Past My Favourite Fish Pond!

The Bike Rides Help Me Catch Up on Reading

1,000 maybe 2,000 Gizzard Shad appeared near the TVP for four

days in late November. I have never seen anything like this.

Introduction:

I started off the month by adding a lot of cycling (recumbent exercise bike) to my weekly routine due to a minor foot injury. Then I combined walking + biking for most days in the rest of the month (e.g., a 4-mile walk + a 45 - 60-minute bike ride while reading WAR by Gwynne Dyer). 

I have such a tall pile of books beside the bike, I will probably continue to 'read and ride' during the cold and slippery months of winter, and wait until warm, pleasant weather returns before I get back to a slow and steady running routine. 

The walk/bike routine takes about two hours

I spotted the "1,000 maybe 2,000 fish" on Friday - Sunday near the TVP,

about 250 metres north of Black Friars Bridge. So did many others!

Most of the shad are mere inches below the surface, very visible to the patient

observer, though many fins appear in front of the spectator, farthest left. Sunday

I finished the month with a good walk on Sunday and a W/B combo today

"Steady Eddie" ended Nov. with a 46.5-mile weekly ave., the same as Oct.

Not much to see today, just a circling shark!

The sky was gray, the water murky; the shad were almost invisible!

Please link to the previous post - A Week's Work in November 2020

Unattributed Photos GH

A Week's Work in November 2020

 It May Be All Walking and Biking 'Til Spring 

A hard snow is a-gonna fall but I still want to travel outta-doors

Introduction:

The weather in London ONT did a flip flop this week. I would like to say, "a flip flop like no other," but - thanks to global warming - most of us are getting used to 4 - 5 different types of weather systems during any given week.

I could have gone walking in shorts on Thursday and Friday, the weather was so mild. And today I bet some people are digging out their winter boots and worrying that they haven't put their snow tires on the car yet.

That being said, after taking a few photos off the front porch this morning and examining the evidence ("Yup, it's snowing!"), I think I'll be wearing an extra layer, but I will still get my 7 - 8 mile walk completed in running shoes. (I know, it's a first-world problem, eh).

Last Sunday I biked (recumbent exercise bike, with a tall pile of good books beside it) for about two hours, and worked up a good sweat. And then I walked/biked (combo) for a total of about two hours for the next four days to see how my right foot would hold up. It was AOK, so. I finished off the week with two good walks, in the 5 - 6 mile range.

Am I going to get back to running during the winter months? I don't think so. If memory serves, I haven't done much winter running over the last several years - well, maybe a bit at the YMCA, because I could wear shorts on the treadmills, and I like treadmills. But it's closed now. 

This is good walking weather!

I bet I'll continue to enjoy walking and the walk/bike combo until spring. And when the weather warms I'll get back to some form of a walk/run combo. And if there is a half-marathon scheduled in London during the spring of 2021 I'll be gearing my runs toward 13.1 miles... if all goes well : )

See you on the TVP trails!

Please link to Four Weeks Have Flown By!

Photos GH 

A Week's Work (7)

 The Weather has been Very Good for Walking and Running

  The Week of October 11 - 17: Perfect for "Speedy Pop Man" 

"The coast is clear. Run like the wind, or maybe a light breezer."

Hey that rhymes with geezer : )

Introduction:

On four occasions last week I walked or ran on the west branch of the Thames Valley Parkway (TVP: It includes the Terry Fox Pathway and two tidy 'comfort stations'), even though there are three branches, along with unlimited routes I could access in the 7 - 8.25-mile range from my house in Old South London. If anything, I'm a geezer who likes his routines.

I like morning coffee as much as the next person, three meals per day, daily walks or runs, and a couple of other productive or beneficial habits. Vacuuming... not so much.

And speaking of geezers, I really don't mind the term/label. It sounds faintly friendly and relatively accurate.

That being said, one day (Warning: I may have shared this story before, but give me a break, eh. It's my blog : ) while running through Gibbons Park in Old North, I passed a relatively young man from behind. He was nicely dressed and carrying a musical instrument (brass) in a solid, black case. He gave me lots of room and visa versa (Covid - 19 is on almost everyone's mind these days), and shortly after I passed him I did my turn-around for my return trip home to Wortley Village.

Within a minute or two I noticed Mr. Dress-up again - coming toward me, still dressed up with some place to go - and as we approached one another I gave a quick wave, and as we passed he said (louder than needed), "Hey, Speedy Pop Man!"

The recognition made me laugh and I thought, "Sounds better than 'Old Geezer.' I'll take it."

I took it, and here are "Speedy Pop Man's" records for the past week:.

Good weather, good runs (9.5-mi. run on Sunday), walks, and a super birthday

get-together for my youngest son (age 47). Yup, "Speedy Pop Man" is a geezer!

I am now adding one km to my usual walk day. Will it become a routine?

Good weekly mileage. "Speedy Pop Man" = "Steady Eddie"

Photos from Along the Way:

MAPLE LEAVES ARE EVERYWHERE!

Home, sweet home.

Please link to A Week's Work in October 2020 (6) for more brilliant information about running logs and photographs : )

Photos GH