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Comments from 2006
Scrapbook comments from 2006 |
Comments from 2007
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My reflections on the 2006 walk (Mike Bonkowski, Nanaimo, BC):
- This was my 4th time at GLW; (I missed 2002 as I was just starting to get
into walking back then). I plan to keep on doing this walk, every year.
- For my 4 years of GLW's, my finish-time has only fluctuated a bit. The 4
years range from 10:54 to 11:20, a fluctuation of only 4%.....so I guess you
could call me "Slow & Steady".
- The best part of the experience for me continues to be the people that I
meet during the day, both fellow participants and the volunteers. I like
meeting up with people in the early hours of the walk, and then meeting up
with them again at various places further down the road. This year's
frequent-meetings for me were with the couple that are opening a restaurant
in Youbou, and the couple with the video camera......We must have met 5 or 6
times during the day, along the route.
- I used a pair of Nordic walking poles for the route, and they worked
great. I think I might have been the only person to use 2 poles for the
event......I didn't see any others, except for a few single poles and wooden
sticks. The poles helped with stability, when I was tired. They also
helped keep me in a rhythm. They also helped with push-off power on the big
hill. I had no blisters or chafing problems with my hands on the
pole-grips.
- For electrolyte & sodium replacement, I used Nuun tablets, which I added
to the water from the rest-stops (I also guzzled plenty of gatorade).
www.nuun.com
- For blister-prevention, I used big pieces of Dr. Scholl's moleskin this
time, instead of just using a few smaller patches. I had one big piece on
the bottom of each foot, just below the toes. I also had a large
wrap-around patch on each heel. I still ended up with some heel blisters,
but no bottom-of-foot blisters.
To reflect on my energy-level, pace and attitude, I can roughly divide the
walk into 3 segments, which all felt different:
- Segment 1 was from start to RestStop#3......and this felt ok, no problems,
just a steady pace. I like doing 20-k walks, so this segment was
comfortable for me.
- Segment 2 was from RestStop#3 to RestStop#7. This was my low point. I
was tired, slow and had thoughts of failure. I realized that I was behind
my goal-pace, and I couldn't do anything about it. Still, I kept going,
albeit slower than I had expected.
- Segment 3 was from RestStop#7 to finish. This is where I felt better,
and some speed kicked-in, and I felt stronger, faster, and happier. Must
have been something from the friendly ladies from the DragonBoat team at
Stop #7 ! The big hill was fantastic for me, as I did some passing.
Rest Stop #9 is a highlight, as my parents traditionally park there car at
the end of the pavement there, and they sit there in their lawnchairs, next
to Stop#9, waiting to meet me, and visit for a couple of minutes. The last
12 km of pavement felt great, as I continued to make up some ground, did
some passing, and felt very happy. The red-hat lady at HoneyMoonBay were
on the road again, greeting walkers with a poem and her tambourine & maracas
(she is a real gem!). I guzzled my gatorade too fast at Stop#12, and felt
a bit funny, but once I burped a few times, I was ok! The finish-line
was fun, happy, and I felt elated and satisfied.
- I had the privilege of walking with a GLW board member (and her young
neice) for a few km early in the day.......what a fine job all the Society
members do! Well done!
- I visited Michaela's art gallery on Sunday morning.....that lady does some
fantastic work, and seems genuinely interested in the GLW event. I
encourage the Society to retain her services as "official artist", for the
next term that comes up.
- re the rest stops along the way, I kept track, and my longest pit-stop was
18 minutes at Stop#3......which was for a sock change and a fix-up of my
moleskin patches. My next longest stop was maybe 10 minutes, and most were
under 5 minutes.
- Yes, I kept track of my arrival-time at each rest-stop on a piece of
paper, so that I can later crunch my numbers to see how my pace changed from
segment to segment throughout the day.
Thoughts on using Walking poles:
I first started thinking about walking poles or Nordic walking poles as some call them, in 1996 when my wife and I were getting ready to do a walk in Spain. I talked with people who had done this particular walk of over 800kms over three mountain passes and the ones who had walked with one pole thought that if they did it again they would use two poles. This got me thinking and we purchased two sets of poles from MEC and tried them. It wasn’t long before we took them back. If you pull them past the stops when adjusting them, they are very difficult to get back together. We then purchased LEKI light weight poles and are very pleased with them. The worst things you have to put up with are the comments from people as you pass by, “Where is the snow”. Would I go on a walk without them, absolutely not? The poles help you establish a constant rhythm and pace. They also allow you to take in the views without worrying about your footing as they provide stability over any terrain. When going downhill they can be put out in front of you to brace yourself on rough or steep declines. By using the poles it gives the upper body a good workout without you realizing it, since you can put as much effort as you want in using them to push off with. Poles also take a lot of strain off your knees, it is estimated at about 30% less of a knee load. When on a trail you use the metal tip they come with and on pavement put on the Nordic walking rubber tips that provide a good grip for pushing off. I used them in this year’s 2006 Half Marathon in Victoria as this is the first time they have allowed them in on a trial basis. I am hoping they will allow them into the full marathon next year. I credit my poles and the refreshment stands for the Great Lake Walk result of 6.7km an hour over the 56km course. For those of you under 65 years of age, I am sure the same benefits would apply.
Bob Dowker
Dear Carolyne,
I want to thank you and your committees for organizing the 2006 GLW
and for sending me the beautiful framed print (oldest female to
finish). Myself, my daughter and granddaughter plus 2 others who walked
are members of FOR THE LOVE OF AFRICA Society and I don't have the exact
amount, but I believe we raised over $6000.00 for the children in
Tanzania. My daughter and granddaughter are in Tanzania at this time
building a septic field and upgrading the school (which we built 2 years
ago).
Once again thank you for the Michaela Davidson print.
Sincerely, Kate Insley
It has been a month since the Great Lake Walk, and I’ve had to wait that long to sort out some of my feelings. I now have some very positive thoughts - the volunteers were so encouraging, and kept the mood light. A highlight was the two little girls, who did a little cheer for us as we passed - way out in the middle of nowhere. “Two-four-six-eight, who do we appreciate? Walkers, walkers….Yeah” They had no idea how much we appreciated them!
In the past I have always been opposed to marathons, as I think they are harmful to the body. By entering the ultramarathon, at the request of a friend, I hoped to find the answer as to what drives people to continue when they are hurting. We did manage to finish the walk, but it still intrigues me to think of the people who removed their shoes in Honeymoon Bay, and walked to Lake Cowichan on their blistered, bloody, bare feet.
It helped to have a talkative partner. She kept me concentrating on other things, and the old legs just kept pumping. We certainly know each other better now than we did the day before.
After the walk was over, we headed in to bathe our feet. Within 10 minutes, my partner started to pass out, and I felt queasy. We didn’t even stay for our foot massage - which was one of the reasons we entered the walk. Her sickness lasted 12 hours, and I was sick for 24 hours. Really, the after-affects were worse than the walk itself. They say time heals everything. I do recall at the end of the walk, we said childbirth was easier!! (Mind you, that was a few years ago!!) Looking around the gym at the finish line, there were other folks much worse off than we were. Thank goodness for my walking partner’s husband who bought me some nausea medicine, pop, and jello, to help build up strength. One should have those items in the house if you are thinking of doing the walk next year.
I have come to the conclusion that a successful walk is the result of proper footwear - both socks and shoes. I had no blisters whatsoever. A couple of weeks prior to the walk, I tried on various shoes on which I’ve put many miles. Each pair had “hot” spots which I knew would cause me trouble in the big walk. So a week prior to the event, I bought a great new pair of walkers, in which I could feel no problems whatsoever. I bought them locally, and now have a white pair as well as a black pair. You can’t get too much of a good thing.
We let everyone know it was a one-shot deal, and no one should expect to see us in the Great Lake Walk next year. But now, after a month, I think it would be nice to shave some time off that 12 hours, 48 minutes and 17 seconds!!
Thanks to all the volunteers worked so energetically to make this event successful. It is one we will remember forever. Each rest stop was a treat, and the Red Hatters gave us the energy to make it all the way.
Penny Repesse
Thank you for yet another wonderful Great Lake Walk - my 4th. The
organization continues to be superb - thank you, Carolyne and your army of
help. It was great to see Maureen involved at so many sites:-) The
volunteerism is spectacular - as coordinator of the Cowichan Valley Garden
Tour for the last 5? 6? years, I KNOW how crucial it is to have volunteers
and how difficult it sometimes is to get enough.
The support stops and the enthusiastic welcome at each made the hours pass
so pleasantly. Have you thought of having a friendly and fun 'contest' where
runners/walkers could 'vote' for fun categories - the
craziest/weirdest/loudest/happiest etc. rest stop workers? (I still wish the
route were reversed for many reasons - tar, hill, sun, shade, potholes in
daylight, less traffic at 5 am in Lk Cowichan etc. etc. but I haven't made
any headway with that request previously!)
The St John's Ambulance volunteers were so helpful, thoughtful and fun! Iggy
and John were so good to me during my moments of weakness and their
assistance for many others with far more serious needs. The foot angels
continue to amaze me with their kind care of sweaty, calloused and bleeding
feet - sometimes after completing a full shift as caregivers before arriving
at Lk Cowichan Community Centre.
Thanks to Michaela Davidson for the lovely picture and for the T-shirt
design - and thanks to the committee for another shirt to add to my
wardrobe.
I had a wonderful day - especially as the memories of exhaustion fade so
quickly. I so appreciate the opportunity to gain pledges for our individual
choices of worthy organizations. Yours is one of the few events that I have
found where I can choose which agency to support. Stephen Lewis Foundation
Projects for Zimbabwe and I give you heartfelt thanks and appreciation for a
memorable day. I do hope that more people will register for the Walk in
2007.
Sincere thanks to ALL involved in Great Lake Walk 2006.
Sincerely and appreciatively
Bridget Bruneski
Team: RBC ROYAL BANK
Comments: Thank you for the wonderful day. It was an experience far beyond expectations. The rest stops were, in short, superb! The beautiful day combined with a wonderful team of volunteers and friendly participants made this day very memorable. The item that really stands out is the outdoor singing of "Oh, Canada" at 5:00 AM. I couldn't believe that we all received the beautiful print by Michaela Davidson, what a momento. This event gave so much to me. Thank you again.
Shelagh Glanville
DEAR ORGANIZERS AND VOLUNTEERS OF THE GREAT LAKE WALK 2006,
What an outstanding edition this was. Alison, my daughter, was participating for the third time, and I was on my fourth go-around.
Here are some of the highlights from our perspective:
• The woman at the check-in desk said there were over 500 participants for this year's event: happy to learn that attendance is increasing.
• Liked the goody bag: just as good if not better than going through the contents of a Christmas stocking.
• The weather was perfect for an event of this kind: like magic!
• Singing O' Canada before the start of the walk.
• The enthusiasm, noise making, encouragement, humour, and information given by various members at the check points certainly provided a boost and was much appreciated.
• There was a fine variety of food and drinks available at the stations.
• Two ladies on an ATV: attached to the machine was an intravenous assembly: some sense of humour!
• A "free-spirited" woman with a tambourine who offered encouragement to the participants.
• Two young ladies with pompoms doing a routine: way to go, gals!
• Careful monitoring of the participants along the route.
• Even wildlife was an interested spectator: Alison came within a few paces of a black bear during the latter part of the walk.
• The warm reception at the finish area
• The friendliness and helpfulness of the organizers and volunteers
• Meeting old and new friends
A great deal of effort went into producing this memorable event. Our heartiest congratulations to the organizers and volunteers! It was a privilege to take part.
Thank you,
Daryl & Alison Bissell
We continue to think this event is the epitomy of community spirit and an example of the human spirit challenging physical hurdles - all for individual and great human causes. Thank you GLW, I intend to participate every year that the legs will take me through it.
Les Hudson
Once again, you managed to turn on perfect walking weather. I keep wondering how you manage this every year. I had a great time, thank you for my 5 year pin, everything was wonderful, and your rest stops as much fun as usual, with such nice people, even after all the hours of keeping track of us. Look forward to seeing you next year, if the legs are still working!
Kind Regards, Eulah Varty
The GLW was totally amazing. It was such a complete surprise to me to be the first female finisher. I'm absolutely thrilled!
Please pass on huge thanks to all the volunteers from both my son and me. We were so impressed by:
-super volunteers
-super rest stations
-super weather
-super scenery
-super organization
Many many thanks to you and all your GREAT GLW committee,
Margaret Symon
To the Great Lake Walk Organization: The 2006 GLW was my first
walk / marathon-like event that I have ever participated in. I think that
your organization did a FANTASTIC job of organizing the event. I can't say
enough about the energy and enthusiasm of all your organizers and volunteers
- they made the event extraordinary. The encouragement and enthusiasm at
each rest stop was key to maintaining a focus and having fun during the day.
Thank you for a wonderful day of exercise, fun, community spirit, and I take
responsibility for the pain! Keep up the fantastic work.
Sincerely,
Jim Myhill-Jones
HI
I just wanted to thank all the organizers and volunteers for the Great Lake
Walk. The whole race from start to finish was organized perfectly, the rest
stops were major highlights along the way and the volunteers were fantastic.
Their encouragement and high spirits kept all of us going. The festivities at
the finish line were great and a most welcome site!! Thanks again and I look
forward to enjoying another "great" walk next year!
Ev Bowers
Dear Organizers, Thank you for a wonderful experience. I was so
impressed with the volunteers’ enthusiasm and encouragement. I was walking
with a group whose goal was to raise money for a friend of ours who died a
year ago. Our fund is called the "Lucy Child Memorial Child and Youth Care
Scholarship/Bursary". Thanks to your walk we raised $730 and are still
collecting pledges. I am hoping to get the amount to $1000 so we can give a
good amount as a scholarship/bursary and bank the rest to earn interest for
next year. Thank you again for giving us all such a warm introduction to
your beautiful community.
Judith Belton
Four and a half months ago a very good friend of mine Kristina
said to me at the end of one of our fun runs " will you train with me for
the Great Lake Walk"? I didnt even hesitate and just said YES . This event
was the first I had been involved in over 10k so you could only imagine my
nerves! The morning of was so neat, we got up at 3am, I put on all my
favorite running clothing right down to my fav sox, Oh and of course I didnt
forget my blush lip gloss and maskeira haha, We ate some food and GOT
PUMPED! It was so unbaleaveable to start running in the dark up a logging
road.. I looked behind me at one point and just saw TONS of bouncing
lights... Then there was the aid stops.. WOW, how would anybody make it with
out them??? They cheered us coming like we were the first people to come by
at every stop, And I tell ya, by the end of this run that is just what I
needed. My friend and I felt great until about 33k then Kristinas right
hip-flexer went... So at that point she had to make the choice to get into a
truck and go home or suck it up and finish... And she sucked it up like a
champ and finished with all she had left in her...Im so proud of her and
everybody who finished.. And yes Im proud of me too!!! haha.... I felt super
great until the end going down the hill to the road, then oh boy the left
knee wanted to shutter down.. but .... You dont go 46k and not feel
something bad going on somewhere on your body right?!?.. Thank you to all
the people who put on this race and to all the people who joined the race..
It is something that has left a very warm spot in my soul...
And I would also like to say GREAT JOB to the 16 year old cute little blonde
gal in the blue basket ball shorts with sox on her hands who ran the hole
thing with such strength, and to the guy we met with the "5lb " (he told me)
water pack sack who did it for his sister. You guys ROCK! and ILL SEE YOU
ALL NEXT YEAR!!!!!
xxxJEN KOROPECKI XXX... mader'in
*****~~~~~~~WHO DOES THIS STUFF!!~~~~~~~~~****
Just wanted to say a big THANK YOU to all the organizers and
volunteers for this very well run event. You guys were awesome from start
to finish.
My girlfriend Janet and I commented several times during the hours of how great
you were. Our first time and will definitely recommend it to others.
Thanks
Rose Arsenault
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