On Sunday April 25 something good is going to happen and you can be a part of it.  Thousands of people are going together in Beacon Hill Park to run, walk and roll their way in the Times Colonist 10K.  Two groups benefit from you participating in the 10K: the Heart and Stroke Foundation and Raise-A-Reader.  But one individual will greatly benefit from participating – you.  This is an opportunity for you to show the bariatric surgeon you are working with just how active you are in support of your health.

Some weight loss patients who will look at this and say “I can’t do this”.  Some will say “I can’t walk 10 kilometres”.  Well, nobody just drops what they are doing and walks 10 kilometres.  However, the event is 70 days away from now.  That means if you go out and walk one kilometre three days this week, the step up to two km the following week , and then try four kilometres after that and so on, by April 21 you would easily be used to going the distance.  Others would say I am not an athlete; that may be true.  But this isn’t about athletics, you can be pretty sure you won’t win the race.  But by making the effort and participating you will be improving your health and demonstrating your conviction to adopting a healthy lifestyle.    And this is also a matter of being sensible about your limitations.  If you have earnestly worked out and practised, and you are still limited by your injury, size, or ability, then only do what you can.  Either way you will have participated and tried your best.  That is the true essence of being an athlete.

Prior to the event, we will take a group photograph which will hang in Dr. Tang and Dr. Amson’s office.  And during the time leading up to the event you can let your doctor know how your workouts are going and track the improvements you have made.

One last comment, the Times Colonist 10K is fun.  You and about ten thousand other people will gather at the north end of Beacon Hill Park at 8am on the Sunday morning.  This is one of the largest walking events in Canada.  There is electricity in the air as you cross the starting line on your journey.  Along the way thousands of people will cheer you on.  Water stations will keep you hydrated and bands of musician’s will keep you entertained.  The path goes around and through Beacon Hill Park and along the Dallas Road waterfront all the way down to Ross Bay where you turn around.  The trip back goes along the waterfront to Ogden Point and around to the Parliament Buildings.  The greatest moment is when you cross the finish line in front of the Legislature.  It is the most amazing feeling of accomplishment.  Stay around and have a snack to refuel your system, meet up with your friends (they will be proud of you).  In truth, anyone seeing you wear the competitor’s t-shirt for the TC10K will be proud of you.

If you register before February 14^th you will save and it will only cost $30.  Make sure you mark in your registration that you are on the WLS Biggest Losers Team.  Your registration includes a participant shirt that will have the TC10K logo on the front and our team name on the back.  The TC10K is a family event, so bring your family.  They can help train with you and are great supporters along the way.  You must register by March 23 to be part of team but if you do register late, you are still welcome to walk with us.  You can register online at http://www.eventsonline.ca/events/tc10k/index.html or pick up a brochure from Frontrunners or any of the sporting goods stores.  There are even brochures in Dr. Amson’s office.

One of my practice training walks is each Sunday morning at Beacon Hill Park.  You are welcome to join me at 10am for a one hour walk.

Author:
Blake Handley
You can contact Blake at: blake.blamar@shaw.ca
http://members.shaw.ca/vicbigguys/

2 Responses to “Run, Walk or Crawl 21st TC10K WLS-Biggest Losers Team”

1. jeanh says:

   February 7, 2010 at 5:57 pm

   The 2010 TC10K Run/Walk race is scheduled for Sunday April 25 not April 21, as mentioned above. Also final date to register as a team member is March 23, after this date up to April 24 you can still register for the race, however as an individual participant only.

   Good luck to all who participate, I am hoping we have great weather again this year for the race.

   Jean

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2. Roxeanne says:

   February 27, 2010 at 8:53 pm

   I am hoping to register me and my boyfriend to do this. I really enjoyed it last year!

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