Jingle Ribbits, Blinging Westies, and Tree Trot Trips.

Thanks for coming out to the annual Trot to the tree on a warm and sunny Saturday morning. Will definitely not be the same tonight. Thanks to those below for helping decorate the tree for the 10th-ish year. 

I see Char, Neil, Joanne, Peter, Liz, and Lorianne up top with a little Merlin sweeping the floors.

Memories of an old trot with young friends. One of these people just celebrated a birthday on Friday the 13th. I will let you guess. One clue, she is wearing slick tights!

Merry Christmas from the Jingle Ribbits.
Willie, Kristin, John Arthur Itis?, Ally, Wendy, and Ken

Hello everybody. another foot of snow in Calgary makes for some great toboggan weather for when the little nieces arrive in T-3 days. Sunday at 8 am our Christmas vacation starts - and our free time ends! But I can't wait to dunk their little heads into the six foot high snow pile I have made in the back yard.

The little muchkins Mikaela and Nikita

A quick recap of last weeks events. As you may recall we participated in the annual Amble with Angus. We had a successful journey to the third highest fundraising team in the event. Thanks to all for your support.

Warmed by the fire of Flames Central - with Tamara and Carroll.
Carroll can't move her jaw it was so cold

Seeing the McDougall Centre and the busy politicians always gets a smile

This week we will have the usual trot from an unusual place. Let's head to Max Bell Arena and do a loop around the zoo. Shall we see you around 9 am? I thought so!

As for the next week or so, Tuesday and Thursday night are definitely out for me. I am sure Lauren at the Tech Shop will have some great deals for the group if you show up for the Boxing Day trot. With having the family in town until Jan 2 I might be conspicuous in my absence. Just don't forget to support the rest of the group and share the paths!

Speaking of Lauren and the Tech Shop. She is hosting a new learn to run class starting the first week of January. If you fell off the wagon, broke your leg, but have the gumption to get back out there and do it again, give her a dingle and I guarantee she will take care of you with check-backs and high-fives.

May you always have a little:

In your life and wear your seasonal colours well

Merry Christmas and thanks for being a running buddy.

Friday the 13th is a great day for a trot.

Today is the 13th day of the 12th month of the 2013 year. With two '13' numbers this must be a lucky day. It was lucky of sorts for the Food Bank as Ally, Robbie, Greg, and the Rudolph's Runners below all trotted 5 km in the chill of the Calgary morning to the 12th Annual Amble with Angus. Thanks to all of you that supported our team to third place in fundraising for the Food Bank. If you can't remember if you donated to us, 'test' the donation page by clicking on our photo! Thank you to those special Thursday OJ members who I know supported the cause!

From left, Lorri, Cathy, April, and John

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I had been asked by Peter to consider a snowshoe trip for tomorrow. I would love to but...I can't do it myself. If you are interested in skipping a trot and doing a snowshoe I can put you in touch. Sorry Peter, I can't do it this weekend.

BUT...if you have the thought that supporting a bird or two survive the winter, please join me at the unconventional time of 930 am (Susan, Char, and the rest of you early hour-haters take note) at the Tech Shop in  Mission for the annual Christmas tree trot to Sandy Beach. Please bring a bird feed bell (many stores sell them for cheap) or the like to help decorate the tree. There are also regular ornaments and animal memorials posted on the tree of which you can add to the collection. I think Ally has a wonderful one for her dog from last year.

I think I see Merlin, Tamara, Neil, Liz, Peter, Joanne, and John
At least that is what I think!

If you can't make Saturday I expect we will have a redo trot on Thursday at 630 pm again from the Tech Shop.

Frozen Nose and Toes (and other events that we love)

Holy is this cold! Yes, we have been out in colder, I think -55C with the wind chill was the coldest, but I am older and much more wiser. No Freeze Willie! If you don't know that story you will have to ask Willie the next time we trot.

Speaking of the next time we will see those who are foolish enough to push the duvet off and put insulated underwear on when we meet at Eau Claire for a 9 am start on Saturday. We shall see some of you soon. Who might be there?

Crazies from the other week. From left; Joy, Peter, Allyson, Zoong, Jodi, and Carroll.

Or perhaps the true crazies of Tamara and John. 

and those above on the trot. Look, we found Willie!

A couple of events coming up that you might find of interest. First from Greg:

And second is one that comes from my first marathon coach and the reason I am what I am when it comes to left-right-repeat. I rarely ask but would you consider sponsoring our team and know that your money has gone to the Food Bank? In April's words:

Dear trotters,

I’ll be participating in The 11th Annual “Amble with Angus” on Friday, December 13th 2013 @ 7:30am. 

This 5km fun run is in support of the CBC Calgary Suncor Energy Food Bank Drive.

Last year Team- “Rudolph’s Runners” were the top fundraisers!  Please help us repeat our success for the food bank! We can’t do it without your help so please join me in raising money for a great cause by sponsoring our campaign. Just click on the link below and it will take you to our team page where you can sponsor us:

Team Rudolph's Runners: Click here to sponsor us!

Or- there is still time to join us.  The antlers are free and really quite fetching…

 Thank you in advance for your generosity!

Cheers

April

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In case you find that your sweating too much while exercising Sara provided us with an option that will not only make you more attractive to others, it will also help you get ready for breakfast.

Deodorant to the Starrs
or
Sweat never smelled so sweet

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And finally for Joy, perhaps a Christmas gift for me and the 50th Calgary Marathon race???