Thursday, June 30, 2005

Happy Canada Day

The first long weekend of the summer is finally here and the weather looks like it will be great for some running.

This weekend both of our runs will be in Pickering. Saturday's Trail run will be in the Rouge Valley, meeting at the parking lot on Twyn Rivers at 8am. If you haven't run this trail you should give it a try. The terrain is not too tough and it's usually cooler under the trees. This week I am determined not to get anyone lost (sorry Angela!).

Sunday's long slow distance run will be along the Pickering/Ajax waterfront. We are meeting at the parking lot at the foot of Liverpool Road at 8. Ken is not able to come this week but he has left his clinic members in Jocelyn and my capable hands (I think "capable" was the word he used but it could have been "sweaty" too.)

For all the details on this weekends runs click here.

Don't forget, our club runs are free to current program participants. If you have friends who want to come out and try the club runs they can either join the 'Hit The Road Run Club' for the season or use us on a pay-per-use basis for only $3 per run. It's a great way to get your training done with a great group of people.


Have a great weekend everyone and hope to see you out there running.

Wednesday, June 29, 2005

SOCIAL EVENT - July 15th at the Docks

Once again it's time to start planning another social event so add July 15th to your calendar.

As many of you already know, it is the Nissan Foundation 5K run at the Docks (formerly the Rock 'n' Roll 5K)followed by the biggest annual running party in Toronto and as many of us will already be there we thought we'd make the most of it.

Come and join us for the race, the party or both.

Click here for details of the event. They also have free shuttle busses from and to Union Station this year!!!

Monday, June 27, 2005

Beginners Program

July 18 to September 19

This is a 10 week training program for the 5K run at the Scotiabank Waterfront Race weekend.


When?

Mondays at 7:00pm starting July 18th, 2005.



Where?

Progress Frenchman's Bay East Park in Pickering.


What do I get?

Each week we will meet and have a 30 minute coaching session followed by a 30 minute workout. Don't panic, we start out doing more walking than running and slowly build up the amount of running. The program requires you to run 2 more times per week which you can arrange to do alone, with others in the group or join us at our regular club runs, whichever is more convenient to you.

As well as the weekly sessions you will receive a training schedule, course notes, e-mail newsletters and a FREE technical t-shirt.

You will also have access to weekly organized club runs with the Hit the Road Run Club.


How much does it cost?

The cost is $75 per person for the 10 week course including all the items above.


How do I sign up?

Drop us an e-mail at hittheroad@rogers.com or call (647) 882 9755 (Toronto Number) and we'll get an application form out to you as soon as possible.


Already a runner?

Whether this clinic is your first step towards becoming a runner, you are a seasoned marathoner or anywhere in between, we have organized group club runs available at a different location each week. Many distances and speeds available. Free to clinic members or available on a pay-per-use or club membership basis. Contact us for details. Variety is the spice of life and you'll run stronger too!

July 2 and 3 club runs

Saturday July 2 - Trail Run
where: Rouge Park - Twyn Rivers (Scarborough/Pickering)
when: 8 am sharp
duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour 30
pace: steady, who will make it to the top?



Sunday July 3 - Road Run
where: Pickering Waterfront, bottom of Liverpool
when: 8 am sharp
distance: from 10k to 28k
pace: slow with walk breaks

Marathon and Half Marathon Training continues.

Week 2, Only 13 to go!

Week 2 of training for the Scotiabank Waterfront Race weekend continues this Tuesday night at 7pm. We will once again be meeting at the Pine Ridge Secondary School track in Pickering on Liverpool Road. We will be meeting to do a workout and a group run for all levels and abilities.

Come join in the fun with this great bunch of people. It isn't too late to get your foot in the door and start training for the fall. So what are you waiting for? Just Email me and tell me that you are coming. Or better yet, just show up and look for me. I'll be the guy in the blue shirt with the goofy grin on his face!

I hope to see you there!

If you would like more information about the training series or if you just need some advice on what type of training you should be doing, just email me at Ask Ken

Friday, June 24, 2005

Track work and trail runs: Up the Cliff we go.

Tuesday's Training

Way to go! We have started our training for the fall. It was great to see all the enthusiasm to make ourselves fitter and stronger than ever before. This summer is going to be great.

The little test of a hill that we did during our trail run portion of Tuesday's workout went over well. I hope that no one was too surprised by it thinking "What have I gotten myself into?". Just wait until you see what other little surprises I have in store in the weeks to come. Just joking. It is going to be some safe and achievable training for everyone involved. I will push you and test you, but not beyond your means or your goals.

It still isn't too late, if you want to join in on the fun or if you want more information, let me know at: hittheroadwithKen

Don't forget to check the Blog often for updates and maps of upcoming runs and events. We have a load of things planned for July. I can't wait!


This Saturday and Sunday we are at the Eldred King regional Forest center. There are plenty of rolling trails through plantation red pine forest as well as a very nice little lake to enjoy. I can promise you that you won't be dissapointed that you came. Don't forget the bug spray and the SPF.


If you have any training or other questions that you think everyone would enjoy having the answers to, just send it our way and we will post it for everyone to read. Hit the Road

See you Soon.

Wednesday, June 22, 2005

Marathon and Half Training

Congratulations to all of you who have taken the first step towards the Scotiabank Marathon or Half Marathon by joining Ken's program. Ken is busy working on your personalized programs based on your individual goals for this fall.

Don't forget as members of the program you have free access to our club runs on the weekends. Saturday's are trail runs which will add some variety to your training (you may also get to see me "Fall like a girl" although I'm not quite sure how "girls" fall). Sunday's we put in some long slow distance and vary the location each week, usually followed by breakfast or coffee. These runs are also available to anyone who wishes to join our run club or just pay per run if they want to try it out, so please tell your friends.

We also have periodic social events like pub nights or Family BBQ's so keep an eye open for details. BTW next one is coming up July 15th!

One last thing, we have a beginners clinic coming up in July in Pickering so if you have any relatives or friends who are inspired by all the hard work you do, let them know and feel free to tell them about our web site. The can also contact Tonyfor more information.

Run Safe.

Tuesday, June 21, 2005

It's Not Too Late

Tonight sees the start of the Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon weekend training for the Half and Full Marathon and it's not too late to register.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Ken or just come along to the Pine Ridge Secondary School track, 2155 Liverpool rd, Pickering for 7pm and sign up there. Please come dressed for a run.

If you'd like to sign up but can't make the first session contact Ken and he'll let you know what to do to sign up.

More information about this training series Click Here.

If you're looking for details on the upcoming 5K training for the Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon Weekend 5K, we will be posting details in the next few days so check back soon.

Monday, June 20, 2005

Run Club Jun 25 and Jun 26

Saturday Jun 25 Trail Run
where: Eldred King (Hwy 48 and Vivian Road, look for signs off Hwy 48)
when: 8am
duration: 1:30
pace: steady
Bring bug spray!!



Sunday Jun 26 Road Run
where: Eldred King (Hwy 48 and Vivian Road, same parking lot as Saturday)
when: 8am
pace: slow with walk breaks
distance: from 10k to 26k
Join us for the best breakfast you've ever had at Cora's!! You'll be hungry after all those hills!! Cora's is at Yonge and Mulock in the TD plaza on the southeast corner.

Sunday, June 19, 2005

Sunday's Long Run through West hill and the West Shore

Today's long run took us through every type of terrain. We had great views of the lake, some monster homes to admire, challenging uphills and downhills and we ended with a brisk jaunt along the "mast" trail in the Rouge valley. What a run! The coffee afterwards was a welcome treat as well. Good times.


Today's Long Run: Posted by Hello

Scotiabank Marathon Weekend Training starts this Tuesday

Latest News

The training for the Scotiabank Waterfront Race Weekend starts this Tuesday, June 21st at 7pm. This week's session will be held at the Pine Ridge Secondary School track, 2155 Liverpool rd. Please come dressed for a run.

I have sent out questionnaires to all participants who have emailed me with interest in doing the training. Please fill these out and return them to me ASAP so that I can begin assembling your personal training program.

If anyone is interested in joining this training, please contact me at: Email Ken

Watch for updates every week as well as tips and links to articles that we have talked about in our training sessions.



More information about the training series, check out: Training with Ken

Thursday, June 16, 2005

Upcoming Programs

The next month will be a busy one at Hit The Road. The training programs for the 1/2 Marathon and Marathon aimed at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront marathon weekend start on Tuesday June 21st. Ken will be taking care of this program and I know it will be a great. There's already a fun group signed up and it's not too late if you're interested. Click here for all the details.

If you're looking for details for our upcoming beginners 5K program please be patient, we are finalizing details of the location of this clinic and will post all the information as soon as it's final. What I can tell you now is that the program will be taking place in Pickering starting in mid July. If you're interested and need more details feel free to e-mail me.

As always, you can run with us at any of our club runs on Saturday's and Sunday's. We post the details each week of the location for the runs and offer a variety of distances and paces. It's a great way to come out and give us a try if you are thinking of taking any of our programs.

Monday, June 13, 2005

Jun 18 and Jun 19 Club Runs

Saturday - Trail Run
where: Heber Down Conservation, Whitby
when : 8am
duration: 1hour 15 minutes
pace: steady....hmm, maybe some stairs?


Sunday - Road Run
where: McDonald's McCafe, Port Union and Hwy 2
when: 8am
distance: 20k, 26k
pace: easy, with walk breaks

Feeling hot?

Congratulations to all of you who made it out to run this weekend. Saturday's run at Rattlesnake Point was just about as challenging as it gets but all of us finished well, especially with the heat! Wringing out my shirt after the run was pretty gross and I don't think I was dry for a couple of hours.

Sunday's run was another hot one but we got through it all the same even if we were a little sluggish after Saturday's effort.

It doesn't seem that long ago that during the long runs I was concerned about freezing one side of my face.

Keep cool everyone and take it easy in the heat and smog.

Friday, June 10, 2005

About Hit The Road

To keep up to date on what's going on at Hit The Road...Running, sign up for our FREE email Newsletter.

COMPANY PROFILE
Hit The Road has the vision of encouraging individuals of all abilities to maintain a healthy lifestyle. We provide programs, services and products to enable anyone to lead a healthier lifestyle.

We offer many programs aimed at improving the fitness level of individuals or groups from Beginner Runner programs up to Marathon programs and Personal Best Boot Camps. We have programs for all shapes, sizes and fitness levels with a focus on fun.

Hit The Road specializes in Corporate or Charity Programs aimed to help you set up you own organization's team to raise awareness for your organization, build team spirit, break down department silos, reduce stress and increase productivity. We come to your organization's location and give the participants the tools and training they need to help themselves get fitter and help the communities around them. This program benefits your organization, your employees and the community at large.

Hit The Road prides itself on being a social enterprise and as well as the financial bottom line we also focus on the social bottom line by ensuring that the communities in which we are based benefit from our presence.

Hit The Road Mission Statement:

To encourage anyone, of any ability to discover the many benefits of a healthier lifestyle through fun and exciting running classes, products and services in a non-intimidating atmosphere.

Privacy Policy:

All information collected will be used EXCLUSIVELY by Hit The Road and will not be shared with any third party. Information collected will only be used for statistical analysis purposes, emergency contact and for the purpose of conducting business with you. If you do not wish to receive group e-mail updates from Hit The Road, please e-mail info@hittheroadrunning.com and request to be removed from our mailing list.

Thursday, June 09, 2005

Running in the Heat

Wow this week the heat has been oppressive. It's important to remember to run smart in weather like this. The best time to run is very early or late in the day when it's a little cooler.

It is common sense to carry water with you when it's hot but don't forget the sunscreen too. Wear light colour technical fabrics to help keep yourself cool and always wear a hat to keep the blazing sun off your head.

The air quality is also going to be bad when it's hot so don't expect any blazing speeds. Take it easy and if you need to, cut your run short or take extra walk breaks.

Just like running in freezing temperatures, it's a good idea to run a loop route rather than an out and back route. If you need to cut your run short, you can probably take a short cut home.

Hydrate all day long even if you're not running, you'll feel better for it.

If you feel dizzy, confused, have trouble speaking or walking straight (any more than usual) stop and get help.

This Saturday is the second of the 5 peaks races for this year at Rattlesnake point, I'm hoping it will cool down a bit. Don't forget the bug spray.

Sunday's run will be in Markham. Click here for details.

Ken's Scotiabank Marathon and Half programs start soon so if you're interested sign up soon, it's going to be a tonne of fun.

If you know anyone who is new to running who would like to aim for the Scotiabank 5K, tell them about our site as we will be posting details of a beginners program very soon.

Tuesday, June 07, 2005

Summer Kick Off Bbq

Here are a couple of shots of us all having fun. Much Thanks to Lisa for hosting such a bunch of "rowdys".







Monday, June 06, 2005

club runs June 11 and 12

Saturday June 11
what: 5 Peaks race # 2 (www.fivepeaks.com)
where: Rattlesnake Point, Milton
when: 10:00 am
distance: choice of 5k sport or 14k enduro

Sunday Jun 12
what: HTR club run, long slow distance with scheduled walk breaks
where: Tim Horton's in Markham ( Hwy 7, just west of Ninth line)
when: 8am sharp
distance: choice of 15k or 22k
.

What a weekend

Saturday's trail run through Rouge Park was great and I think everyone there had a good run. Even the snake didn't put anyone off. By the way I looked it up and it wasn't a Massasauga Rattlesnake, probably an Easter Fox Snake which acts like the rattlesnake to put off predators. Apparently this behavior does not put off guys named 'Dave'.

Our BBQ social was another big hit with everyone having a great time with all our families and a tonne of food.

Saturday night was the post race party for those who did the Ottawa or Mississauga marathons which is why I was in bed all day Sunday while others were out running the Alfie Shrubb 8K in Bowmanville. I haven't been able to see the results yet but I'm sure you all did great despite your lack of sleep on Saturday night.

Marathon Party Pictures

Here are some of the Pictures from the Ottawa Marathon Clinic celebration Party. It was held Saturday night at the Fox Goes Free pub on Kingston Rd. in Pickering. Thanks again to Paula for hosting us! We all had a great time.











There are more Pictures to see in the Marathon party album at: http://kenniemimaa-marathonparty.buzznet.com/

Thursday, June 02, 2005

Saturday's BBQ

The location for this weekend's BBQ has been changed slightly...we will still meet at Heber Down Conservation area in Whitby, following are directions to where we will meet.
From Taunton Road, go north on Brock Street.
Turn left on Robmar Road.
Left on Ashburn. Look for the cars!!

On the menu:
Hamburgers and beverages
Bring a side dish and a condiment

See you at 11 for a short run through the beautiful trails and at 12 for lunch.

If you have any trouble finding us or arrive later than 12, give Tony a call at 647 882 9755.