Video: Walking the Thames Valley Parkway (TVP), 2024 (7)

There Are Several Ways to Travel on (or Near) the TVP

There's Tarmac, Wild Trails, Kayak & More

Travelling south on the Thames River near Oxford Street

Introduction:

So far in 2024 I am averaging about 39 walking miles per week on two of the three main branches of the TVP. Admittedly I am on tarmac 80% of the time, easy-peasy; I do wander off sometimes onto natural trails in order to get closer to turtles, birds, Canadian geese and people gliding by in kayaks. 

I encourage all who are able to enjoy the walkways provided, they are a lot safer than walking, running or biking on roadways and after about 3 - 4 months you will know dozens of "the regulars," and however long you planned to walk will get 5 - 20 minutes longer because of friendly chatting : )

Please click here to view "Walking the TVP, 2024 (7)" as found on YouTube.

Some shots from along the way:

Please click here to view Walking the TVP, 2024 (Part 6)

More videos to follow as long as I keep on walking with cameras. Plans are to "keep on truckin" 'til I'm 95. Then I'll take a month off to learn how to scuba dive with a camera. 

Photos GH

Video GH

Video: Walking the TVP, 2024 (6)

Spring Has Sprung, The Grass Has Ris'

I Wonder Where Gord Harrison Is?

I've got my morning coffee, a good camera. So, off we go!

Introduction:

A coffee, up to three cameras, (occasionally) a walking buddy, along with a vague idea of where I might like to walk. That's about all I need for the next two hours.

The Thames Valley Parkway (TVP) in London ONT originates in the core of London, or downtown by The Forks, and then meanders off in all directions at once. I can walk for an hour in any direction, turn around and get back home in time for supper. Lovely. And if it's a lovely summer's day then I'll try to get home by 5pm so I can enjoy Happy Hour on the porch* before the supper bell rings.

*Happy Hour, a Canadian tradition for many, usually includes an IPA or two.

Photos I take along the way usually end up on Facebook or in a video destined for YouTube.

Click here to view Gord's latest video.

Please click here to view Walking the TVP (5)

More to follow. See you on the TVP!

Video by GH

Photos by GH

April 2022: Finishing on a High Note

  The LCM and RA are Evident But Not a Hindrance

The Month of May Will Tell the September Story

Winter tried to have the last laugh in April. I think it succeeded!

Introduction:

The walking habit has been strong in the month of April; 140-plus miles so far - with another full week (on track for 40-plus more miles) to add to that in just a few days. The running habit could not catch hold in early April because an LCM (lower calf muscle) was still revealing it needed more rest. 

On April 3rd and 5th I tried walk/runs but arrived home with a bad feeling, recorded in my notes. "Watch out!! LCM may be trouble in the future," I said. And I was right. Two days later I cut my running in half and still said, "Oh oh! LCM! Google 'calf injuries.' NOT GOOD." And the red star means something serious as well... I'd better be careful.

And I was careful for another two weeks, walked a bit slower, dusted off my exercise bike on one occasion, cut a couple of long walks into 2 shorter distances. On April 22 I completed a 5.5-mile walk/run on a positive note. 

"LCM, no pain. R.A. (right ankle) @ 90%." (Stiffness was evident but not a hindrance).

And the next two walk/runs received good comments and high scores : )

Some minor stiffness was evident but definitely not a hindrance.

This morning's walk (April 28th) was into a cold headwind but the LCM was not sore, not even a bit. So I am looking forward to another 'good and steady' WR on Thursday, possibly Friday. If all goes well then I look forward to a good month of May, walk/running every other day in the 6 - 8 mile range, with hopes of making the transition to running at a slow and steady pace for the whole nine yards, or the entire distance at least once per week. 

More details to follow, including thoughts about a September and/or October half-marathon race.

Photos From Along the Way:

Please click here for more information about The GREAT Canadian Comeback.

Photos GH

The Lady in the Long Black Coat

Walkn Home from UWO

 The lady in the long black coat is almost straight ahead, walkn her dog

I have been walking to the University of Western Ontario for quite a few Thursdays in a row, in order to scan microfilm. On the way home on the last Thursday in February the snow started to blow up a bit... and I had a camera with me.

I took several pictures as I closed the gap between myself and another regular user of the Thames Valley Parkway, starting with a shot or two while we crossed Baldwin Flats on our way south-east to Gibbons Park.

 A snappy day on the university campus

  D. B. Weldon Library is home to a giant cache of microfiche

 I am walking south on Baldwin Flats and notice a black coat far ahead

 Looking back toward the way I came

The lady has almost disappeared from view

 Looking back toward the way I came... again

Some of my favourites, with a bit of editting:

Please link to Scott and Gord's Excellent Adventure - Bermuda 1969.

Photos GH

Photos From Along The Way

Terry Fox Path, Port Bruce Pier and Beyond.

[Photo: 'Froggy day' whether you're coming or going]

Some days bright, some foggy, some on the path, some on the beach, some under Wonderland Road counting drops that make a good splash. Walkn.

 Going

 Another Steady Eddie

 Splish Splash

 Island in the Sun

 Five- and six-milers are the norm.

A good fitness habit is growing. And I don't hate

pushups anymore!

By the numbers:

Another good week. Holding steady with miles 'til running weather is here.

496 pushups, situps, deep knee bends, etc., in my fun and fitness routine.

"Charles, I ain't skinny and my ribs ain't showing. But...."

Please link to more Photos From Along The Way.

Photos GH.