I Wish You Could Hear the Stillness

Over the hills and through the woods.......I can't get lost if I follow my own cross-country ski tracks.


An aging snowman guards a solitary soul resting in the prime lake-front cemetery.


The December high-noon sun clears the distant hills but is incapable of creating short shadows.


Even in oblique winter rays, my sun-drenched swing invites a quiet repose...


Can you hear the chime break the stillness?

Seventeen-Mile Hike is Just a Walk in the Park

This is our sign post at the beginning of the hike on the 17-mile trail at Oak Openings Preserve Metropark near Toledo where we always get a group shot (from left to right, Cheryl, Andrea, Marita, Susan, Karen).


I should count sometime how many bridges and boardwalks are along this trail. There are dozens, but today it was dry under most of them. This is much different than the spring hike when we could have used several dozen additional bridges to span over wetlands.


After 8 miles of hiking, we had our picnic lunch around a grouping of logs. We were visited by horses and their riders. It is not uncommon to see more of these park users than other park visitors when we are further away from the parking lots. No one was too tired to greet the horses and treat them to some apples and carrots.
Before we started walking in the morning, we spotted a car at this junction in case anyone wanted to opt out of the second half of the walk. Andrea left only because she needed to get home to do some school work. The rest of us were looking forward to more of the autumn scenery and pleasant weather.


Yes, there was some brilliant reds along the trail, back-dropping Susan, Marita, and Karen here.


And yellows to match our spunky mood. With just a couple of miles remaining to complete the trail, don't these 50&60-somethings look like youngsters? Maybe that is pushing it, but we felt spirited!
Come on, lil' tike, see if you can do it! At least get out there and enjoy the splendid gift of change and color. The yellows will add a little zest to your life.

Tri Training

Too much time has passed since I posted last and I haven't just been training for next Sunday's Sylvania Triathlon. I have been taking care of water gardens and vacationing too. That doesn't mean that this annual event hasn't been on my mind.

In the photo above you can see us get ready for our last practice swim at Olander Park in Sylvania, Ohio. Team Toledo Triathlon Club does a great job of helping athletes prepare for races. Take a look at their website www.teamtoledo.com to see local training opportunities for swimming, running, and biking. Imagine the help and inspiration available if you are thinking about setting up a triathlon as a personal fitness goal. You might do one event each year or several events and help gain points for the team. Team Toledo just won the Mid-East Region Championship for the second year in a row. Yeah Toledo!

The Sylvania Triathlon started in 1985 with Jim and Joyce Donaldson's enthusiastic support of this growing sport. Their Woman's Only Triathlon on July 27th closed out with a field limit of 400. Visit their web site at: www.eliteendeavors.com

7:30 AM is the start time for the Sylvania Triathlon this Sunday, August 10th at Olander Lake. The sandy beach is rainbowed with 750 colorful swim caps donning the heads of chilled, but fired-up, nearly-nude swimmers. Rays of the rising sun stretch westward over the lake, sparking the drive within each participant. Their's and several hundred spectator's voices swirl together, lapping the early morning stillness with the National Athem. Applause sets the trigger and the gun is fired. The lake volcanizes into an eruption of flying arms, flashing legs, and spurting white water. The energy settles in the corn fields of the northwest Ohio bike route and is nearly extinguished on the paved streets of the Sylvania run course. The athletes finish after 2 to 4 hours in a steamy sweat.

Come witness the surge of athletes this Sunday. They will be doing their best, whether they have chosen the olympic, sprint, relay or duathlon. Launch them on and imagine yourself on the course a year from now. That is enough time to steer your fitness plan into a reality. Tri it!

Post Script, Post-Race, August 10, 2008, 3pm:
It's done, and I'm sitting up to tell you about it. A second place finish in the women's 55-59 age group brought home a trophy (hey, there were only 2 of us; what happened to the other 3 women in this age group who signed up?)
The first place finish went to a friend of mine, Pam Oatis, and boy did she improve since I last saw her in competition- 2:48:07 . Congratulations Pam!
(see all results at www.eliteendeavors.com)
My time was on the slower end for me 3:10:07. I'm not making excuses here, but the gears on my bike failed after 2 miles so I did the remaining 23 miles in a single gear. There is always something to deal with.
A funny thing happened too. I poured 2 cups of gatoraid over my head at the 4 mile stop on the run. I thought it was water. My face became caramelized while running into the sun. I had a garden hose shower at the 5 mile water-stop.
The best part is completing the event and feeling good for the next 364 days! As a bonus, I'm leaving tomorrow for a wilderness canoe trip in the Boundary Waters. Talk to you when I get back!

Spring Chicks Hike in May

It is a lot greener and cheerier around the 11-mile sign post in May than it was in April. These women are still smiling after several hours of hiking 11 miles on the 17-mile scout trail at Oak Openings Preserve near Toledo, Ohio. That is Lynn (age 50) with the walking stick she bought in the Smokies. Marita (age 65) is wearing the Swan Creek Day Breakers tee shirt which she designed. Marita and Lynn smiled even bigger when they finished the last 5 miles!


This is the group which started the hike. From left to right: Lynn, Pat, Marita, Susan, and me. Pat (age 53) and Susan (age 62) had intended to hike a section of the trail. They ended up walking further than they had ever walked before!
I must give all of the women credit for even showing up at 8 am last Saturday. It was raining and cool. They could have stayed home in bed. I'm so proud to associate with women who leave fear and laziness behind and step out for change and challenge.


This spring hike was not an easy one. Much of the trail was covered in water and had to be hopped from log to log, or we would scout a way through the woods to get around the standing water and boot-sucking mud. Pat is balancing well here!

Then we had some dry areas like the oak/blueberry forest pictured below in which Susan is leading the group. Can you see the yellow blaze on the tree in the left foreground? That's the color you follow to find your way along the entire 17-mile scout trail (which is really only 15 1/2 miles due to rerouting around wet areas).

The trail weaves through much more than wetlands, flood plains, and flatwoods dotted with vernal pools in the preserve's 6000 acres. We enjoyed the filtered light of the savannas, prairies with blooming blue lupine, whimsical pine plantations, and cactus-studded sand dunes. The migrating songbirds whizzed around us and stopped us in our tracks with their chorus echoing overhead. Deer spotted us while we took our breaks. Sweet aromas stimulated deep, deep breaths. And safe completion boosted self-esteem and self-confidence.

Congratulations to Susan, Pat, Lynn, and Marita! I mention your ages so we all know that even "old" spring chicks can....can....can.....and can!

Break My Day

If you can't travel to the Smoky Mountain National Park and trek on up to the Appalachian Trail, you can experience life on the AT vicariously by absorbing yourself in a copy of Bill Bryson's true story, A Walk in the Woods. This was a best seller for a few years. I was told during my visit on the AT in April that the number of thru-hike starters is down to its normal numbers. According to a worker with the trail alliance, this is a relief since many readers would attempt to hike the trail without proper preparation or an understanding of the "leave-no-trace" ethic.



Shortly after I returned to Toledo I took an 8 mile walk with this playful group, the Swan Creek Day Breakers. They meet nearly every morning of the year at 6:45 AM. They walk 4 or 5 miles together even on super-cold mornings when all they can see of each other is a nose and two eyes. They see the seasons change, study birds and flowers, and meet and greet others on the trail. They have semi-annual potlucks and celebrate each others birthdays. In the winter, these day-breakers get to walk in the light of the lingering moon.



The Day Breakers were enthusiastically telling me stories about experiences they have shared on walks in "their" park. Swan Creek Metropark has become such a part of their lives for the last 13 years that they refer to it as "my" or "our" park. A few times a year they travel to other parks. I met with them at Oak Openings Preserve. I was the youngster, their ages ranging from 65 to 80. You know, they didn't even notice when it started to rain. They mindlessly adjusted their hoods and jackets while they continued with their happy banter and gentle tread.




You can sit in your easy chair and travel vicariously all you want, or you can get up early and make your day with the Day Breakers. They made mine!

Beach Blast 5K Run

Excuse the tilt, but I hurriedly shot this sunrise photo while riding my bicycle to the race start.


From Cayo Costa on the Gulf coast to St. Augustine on the Atlantic coast, we have found another Florida State Park in which to tent camp and call home for a few days. We were signing in at the ranger station at Anastasia State Park when I noticed a flyer about the upcoming Beach Blast. Students enrolled in the sporting facilities and events class at Flagler College in St. Augustine organize this event each spring. It includes a volleyball tournament, surfing contest, and a 5K run. I haven't run 3 miles since last summer's triathlon, but when I signed up I was hoping this Beach Blast 5K would kick-start my training.


This is the race course...out and back on the beach (3 miles total). Look at that storm moving in. It was a beach (you know what I mean) running against 15 mph winds.



I watched out for this young guy when I heard his name was Devin, my son's name. He gave me a big smile and wave when he passed me on the course but fell behind later. I cheered him in as if he was my own son. His mom took this photo after the race and vowed to start a fitness program herself.

Did you read the inscription on the mug in the top photo? At the awards ceremony, the students called me up as the recipient of the 2nd place female, age 50 and over award. I remember coming in behind a woman in a green shirt at the finish, but they didn't call her up for 1st place. The students awarded some other woman 1st place. We asked the students what our finish times were but they said those got all mixed up (papers were blowing around in the stiff wind). So the 3 of us ladies had to figure out our placement. Remembering our approximate times on the clock at the finish line, we determined I should have been placed third. We told the students, and they gave me a different mug. The prize mugs were wrapped in cellophane with pretty ribbons. When I unwrapped mine back at camp, the inscription read "2nd Place Female, Age Group: 18 & Under." Bless those kids!

Step-It-Up A Notch

Cheryl and year-round Floridian, Kornelia, kayaking on the Indian River, Vero Beach, Florida

Walking and jogging at Olander Park, Sylvania, Ohio

While I am spending the winter in Florida, I am hanging out with some new-found friends who live in Florida year round. It is amusing that they will spend their evenings at home cuddled up in a blanket on the couch. Meanwhile, I am outside in shorts and bare feet. Yesterday I went kayaking with two year-round residents who were dressed in long pants and fleece jackets. I was in shorts and bare feet again. Afterwards, when we were were making plans for our next paddle, one of them suggested that we wait until it warms up a bit. It was 71 degrees! (Kornelia has since corrected me that with the wind-chill factor it was much colder....about 62 degrees!)

It's what we get use to, isn't it? In Toledo I will spend November and December evenings on the couch wrapped up in a blanket even though I am next to a blazing wood burner. We just need to burrow a bit; the shorter days and longer nights are our bio-rhythmic signal to slow down regardless of the ambient air temperature.

We have been gaining day light since the winter solstice nearly a month ago, so it is time to step-it-up a notch. It is important for the body to start moving more again. Get outside a bit. The outdoor air is essential to clear our heads and fill our lungs with "essence of oxygen." It will invigorate you.

There are several ways to get outside in winter in the Toledo area.
The Metroparks (metroparkstoledo.com) has dozens of trails to walk or cross-country ski, and believe me, I miss those opportunities to ski (but I did go 5 times before leaving for Florida).
Olander Park in Sylvania has a walking program called the Frosty 150 which runs until April 30. It is an honor incentive program with an achievement award extended to those who complete the milage. Pick up a log at the information box outside Nederhouser Community Hall or phone 419-882-8313 (olanderpk.com).
The Sylvania Senior Center has an indoor walking program which utilizes the Tam O'Shanter Sports Center. If you are 55 or older, whether you are from Sylvania or not, you can use the fitness center at the Sylvania Senior Center for free (419-885-3919). There is a volunteer fitness instructor from Wildwood Athletic Center who comes on Fridays from 12 to 1. She will help you get started on the weight machines and elipticals, teaching you proper form and routines to meet your goals. Say Hi! to Jill, it is so kind of her to give her time and expertise.

If you want to be with a fun bunch of people who go outdoors all the time regardless of the weather, become a member of Hosteling International-Toledo Area (www.hitoledo.org or phone the activities chair, Pat Squire 419-243-7680). It cost less than $30 for the year to have at least one free, planned outing each week, usually walking or bike riding. These people got me started riding bicycle, and now I am doing triathlons.

I want to mention Transformations Institute. I haven't done any of their programs, training or retreats yet, but I know the woman who started it, Pat Altvater, and she is dynamic. If you are looking at weight loss beyond dieting, she has a multi-media program to change behavior, choosing health for the mind, body, and spirit. There is a fitness connection, FIT, which you can find more information about on the web (www.transformationsinstitute.com)

Now you will have no excuse not to be ready to hike with me in the spring. We are going to do the 17 mile trail at Oak Openings Preserve on the 17th of April and May, and September and October. It's easy to remember the date, right? 17 miles on the 17th. I'll have a healthy lunch and energy bars to keep you going. (But I can figure a way for you to cut off at 8 miles if you insist!).

There are 2 backpacking trips coming up too; May 3-4, and October 11-12. These are for women only, experienced or not. Imagine completing the 17 mile trail in 2 days with a self-contained backpack loaded with tent, food, and clothing. If you are a decent walker and don't have back problems, you can do this. I've led dozens on this trail, ages 12 to 70.

Then we have an out-of-town cross-training camp. The best part about this is its location...in a home on a beautiful lake surrounded by woods in northern Michigan. This is for women of all abilities, and will include choices like mountain biking, running, swimming, nature hikes, kayaking,yoga and campfire chats about fitness, healthy foods, and athletic training. Joyce Donaldson, coach and Olympic triathlon officiator, will co-lead this fitness booster on May 29, 30, 31 and June 1. See www.eliteendeavors.com for more information or contact me at cherylmccormick@gmail.com.

I know of a sure way to keep me fit and that is to plan to enter one challenging athletic event per year. My goal is to do my best even if I have to walk to complete the event. This keeps me going with some training goals all year long. The frosting is sweet---being around sweaty athletes and being called one myself!

If you feel a little fearful of the cold, take the time to read the article "Personal Best: Too Cold to Exercise? Try Another Excuse" in the New York Times, Health/Fitness & Nutrition, January 17, 2008 (www.NYTimes.com). I fully agree with the physiologists....keep moving, the body generates the heat to keep you warm. Just stay dry and be aware of hazards like frostbite and hypothermia. Understand that cold air does not induce asthma; dry air does.

Step-it-up a notch and rev-up the body thermostat. The cool air will feel like a summer breeze on your rosy cheeks.

The Chicago Marathon was Hot!

If you haven't heard and have any interest in marathons, you will hear that today's 26.2 mile race in Chicago was one that broke many records, but they weren't time related. It was a record breaking scorcher of 87 degrees and high humidity. Runners were begging for water and walking as early as 5 miles into the race. I saw many leave the course in Lincoln Park to stand in line at a public drinking fountain, and others left the course for a few splashes to wet their heads at an ornamental fountain and they still had 21 miles to go. It was tough day for the 45,000 runners and not so easy either for the 1.5 million spectators on the sunny sidelines. I rode bicycle along most of the course but was stalled often due to the crowd and never connected with Livia, my daughter, until she was finished.
Livia crossed the finish line in 4 hours and 8 minutes, a very respectable time in the best of conditions, but she really wanted to break 4 hours. In the last mile of her run, she heard the police tell the runners to walk, that it was just a fun run. Livia couldn't understand why in hell they would call this run fun, and determined to complete it with the gumption she had given it the previous 25 miles, ignored their plea to walk. She didn't realize that the race had been canceled due to so many emergency calls and lack of water on the course. They diverted slower runners through a huge short-cut and Livia couldn't figure out why so many runners were coming in to the finish line from the opposite direction. It got very confusing; runners were collapsing left and right. One of Livia's friends who was watching the race near mile 21, caught a woman who collapsed in his arms and observed 4 others fall nearby. I honestly didn't see anybody collapse but I was near the front of the group where perhaps the runners were better trained and had access to more water to drink and pour over themselves. I stopped twice while riding my bicycle to help give water to runners which was hurriedly made available with hoses running out of local restaurants. The runners looked like they had been roaming the desert for days, and I couldn't believe that nearly every one of them thanked us.
I want to catch the news soon to get the details. All in all, I think it was a great event, with thousands of volunteers, cheering crowds, polite and friendly spectators, an unbelievable force of determined athletes, in a remarkable city along the shore of Lake Michigan. I hope the news doesn't mar my appreciation of this record-breaking marathon, a hot one for sure.

17 Mile Hike

What a day! Five women, ages 26 to 63, completed the 17 mile scout trail at Oak Openings Preserve Metropark near Toledo, and one woman walked 8 miles.
The pace was steady, but the rain was steadier. It was hard to talk over the rain sometimes, but there was a lot of conversation and laughter which helped the miles roll. The exception was the last 2 miles in which each of us seemed to be holding our whines about tired legs, wet bodies, and general weariness to ourselves. "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all" prevailed.
The trees didn't offer much color on this first day of October, but we couldn't overlook the color of the fungus which Karolina posed next to.
We all finished strong, cheers and high-fives extended (and one low-dive from Patty!), completing early enough in the day (2:40 pm) and with enough energy to enjoy the afternoon at home in the SUN! Karolina (from Poland) and Jenny (from Ireland) were not planning on missing their Latin dance lesson in the evening. I'd say they were cramming a lot of culture into one day....spending 6 hours during the day walking 17 miles with a group of wild American women in the forests, floodplains, and prairies of the globally-rare Oak Openings region, and moving to a different rhythm in the evening dancing with Latino friends to the rumba, samba and salsa. Isn't life refreshing when we step out!
Congratulations (in order of descending age!) to Judy, Patty, Mary, Karolina, and Jenny.....I sure enjoyed spending the day with women who demonstrate Out is In! and Fitness is Fun!

Training for the Chicago Marathon

The Chicago Marathon is coming up on October 7th. My daughter Livia, who lives in Chicago, decided several months ago to do it. She has kept a very rigorous training schedule all summer. I know she just completed a 20-mile training run last weekend. She said it was fun because a large group did this run, and some of the course passed along the shores of Lake Michigan. There was music and food afterwards, but I don't think it would be worth the effort even if there was a lot of chocolate!
I want to show you these photos I shot of Livia when she was Up-North in Michigan with us at the end of August. I know Livia has been training hard, but does anyone have the right to look this good after running 13 miles on hilly, dirt roads in 85 degree heat?
This won't be her first marathon. She did one in the spring of 2004, in Tennessee, I think. And she did another one before that in which I remember the date and location very well. It was in May, in London, in 1982. She was born 5 months later. You don't have to be an obstetrician to figure whose legs hauled her across the 26 miles of cobbled, pub-lined streets of London-town. And if you can't figure this, I will tell you for certain, that those legs never, ever did it again!
But I am forever thankful that they carried her for 9 months, and it is certain that those ol' legs will be dancing a jig in Chicago-land when Livia McCormick crosses the finish line October 7 th.

Done for Another Year

I'm done. I completed the Sylvania olympic length triathlon yesterday, the only one I do every year. I always feel relieved, lighter (literally), and healthier for it. The draw-back to this mid-August triathlon is the realization that there won't be many more days of simplified clothing, bare feet, and outdoor swimming. But I feel good!
I'm happy with my time (3:08:23) and with my recovery. I came in fourth in my age group and received a medal. I am thankful that I completed the event in the heat without complications, and I wasn't ashamed to walk when I felt too overheated to run. It was exciting to be with 900 athletes from 32 states, some of the athletes being world class. You can view the results at http://www.eliteendeavors.com
So after a day of rest, it is time to scrub off the body markings, hang the medal, and get back to work. More so, I want to feel the still-warm earth under my bare feet without thinking about running, to swim the still-warm waters with all the joy and grace of a relaxed frame, and to reap the benefits of a stronger mind and body on whatever roads I cross.
It is so nice to be done, but not finished!

Amy says, "It's a Celebration"

Tomorrow is the triathlon. I always feel nervous before this event even though it is my eighth time. The weather is suppose to be in the upper 80's to mid-90's and humid. That makes it tougher for me since I have a problem dissipating heat. The 1 mile swim will be fine, the 26 mile bicycle can be tolerable with the air cooling the skin, but the run......I have decided to take an umbrella and walk the 6 miles if I have to.
I remember three years ago standing on the beach with hundreds of other athletes donning swim caps and goggles preparing for the start. Many were jumping and shaking, trying to stay warm in the 7:30 am coolness and release some nervous tension. I noticed one woman who appeared to be relaxed, with a smile gracing her pretty, 30-something face. It made sense to me that I should hang next to her and catch her vibes, like some kind of athletic strategy. I had seen her at some of the training swims and knew her name was Amy. Wanting to know her secret, I inquired, "Amy, don't you get nervous before these events?" She turned to me with a bigger smile and total confidence. "No," she replied. "This is the day I look forward to. This is a culmination of all the hard training I've done and now I can see what I can do. It's a celebration!"
Those few words have helped me get through some hard training runs and bike rides, but I intentionally pull them to the front of my mind when I'm nervously anticipating the start, when I am hitting the brick in transition from the bike to the run, and especially on the run when I am most tired and wanting to quit. Then I hear Amy coming up behind me on the run. I know it is Amy even before I see her. It is a springy, higher pitched sound I hear, different than the heavy thud of a running shoe. Amy has one leg and a substitute prosthesis for the other. You may find that inspiring, but you really should see her joyful bounce and hear her cheerful reminder when she passes me by, "It's a celebration Cheryl!" That's the pull I need. Thanks, Amy.

All-Women Triathlon

Well, I did it today. I had never planned on doing more than one triathlon per year since I started doing them when I turned 50. That seems to be enough to keep me strong and healthy. But I had heard lots of great comments about this new format...a women's only triathlon of a sprint distance (400 yard swim, 12 mile bike, 3 mile run). Last year's participants told me it was fun, well-organized, well-mannered, and had good food! They said it was inspiring to see so many women of so many ages, sizes, and abilities setting themselves up for something new, and most are new to the sport. But interest is growing. Last year, the first year for this event in the Toledo area, there were 230 racers. This year it closed out at 350. I knew the race directors, Joyce and Jim Donaldson and their Elite Endeavor crew, had a good reputation and lots of experience in managing complicated events like a triathlon, so I had to "tri" it.
And I tried hard. I won my age group, 55-59. There were two things that I found striking. One, I never heard so many "I'm sorry" and "Excuse me" pardons in my life, and two, this Sprint distance (less than half the olympic distance I usually do) is begging me to switch over. You see, I have enough energy in reserve to brag. Do you see the photo of my trophy?
You can see the race results and more information about Elite Endeavor events at www.eliteendeavors.com.
You might get inspired and decide to try a "tri" too!

A Bear of a Run

Oh, I dread the day when I have to do the long run. (See Blog title "Natural Talents") Each year I try to get one 6-mile training run in, the distance I must run in the olympic- length triathlon I challenge myself to each August. I was on vacation up-north and I decided to run around the lake. A real runner would be thrilled with this convenient,10K, out-the-door, fantastically beautiful route through the forest and along the shore on trails and dirt roads. "Alright, let's get this over with," was my bummer attitude. I checked the clock on the garage wall before I left: 8:57 a.m.
When I was 3 miles into my run, there were two trucks parked on the road and a couple of guys walking slowly in the road, looking down. I stopped to see what they were looking for. Bear Tracks! I drew a circle in the sand around some of them, with the intention of returning to get some photos. But first I had to run all the way back home, and since I was half-way around the lake, there was no short route. I ran, and fast, I think. I can hardly remember the hills, the heat, the distance. I was determined to get a photo before a car ran over the tracks. I hurried in the house to fetch my camera and a ruler, and mounted my bicycle to return as quickly as possible. I did it! See the photos! I also learned from these bear hunters much about bear behavior, diet, and habitat, and that the location for the State of Michigan record bear (32 1/8 skull size) is less than 2 miles from my house.
How long did it take me to do the 6-mile run? Does it matter? I enjoyed that run!

Natural Talents

Running is not a fitness choice of mine , but a necessary component of a triathlon. I have chosen to do one olympic-length triathlon (1mile swim, 26 mile bike, 6 mile run) per year. This helps me to stay strong and healthy all year and also helps to avoid injury through cross-training rather than concentrating on any one repetitive activity. Besides, all the components can be done outdoors which offers more interests and healthier air.
The other day I needed to pass through a school playground to return to my car after a 4-mile training run in a local park. I decided to check out the funny- mirror, something I use to love playing with as a kid visiting county fairs. Some would make me look tall and skinny, others would make me look short and fat, and they all made me laugh. The funny-mirror in the playground was the short and fat kind and it didn't make me laugh. It made me look exactly like I felt.....heavy and tired. Distance running always does that to me.
After that embarrassing photo I can proudly ask you to view the one of me swimming across the lake up-north, something I usually look forward to even when it is chilly. I move with ease, feel light and fluid, and am always invigorated when I finish. What a joy!
Have you given yourself enough play to figure out what you are good at, and the time to enjoy it?
(Photo Credit: Cheryl McCormick, Dan McCormick)