Penguin World Conference IV
Toronto, Canada
May 24 to 27, 2002The first international Penguin encounter and the first encounter outside of the United States
PWC IV Report from Virginia Vance of Southgate, Ky...
(Short version ) PWC4 - a totally amazing experience. My first conference but definitely not my last. I highly recommend PWC's. I can only second (third, whatever) what the other penguins have said about the amazing job the Toronto Penguins did. (Long version) I decided to attend PWC4 after meeting Tonya Fischer at the Flying Pig Marathon so I ended up at a different hotel. Fortunately, it was less than a ten minute walk to the Penguin hotel. I arrived late on Friday due to construction in my beloved Windsor so I missed the ethnic dinner.
On Saturday, I met the Penguins for the 7a.m run. I don't run on sidewalks so I walked with Toni Hall (who had inspired me to run my first race in 99) and new penguin Debbie. After the walk, I met Ken and Linda. Then a group of us headed out for breakfast. After breakfast, I registered and signed up for the great quilt raffle. Then, we attended the forums - I went to John's and decided I have to go to the training camps. Then I went to Karen's . It was a panel and it was great.
Later on, we had a wonderful dinner at Joe Badali's which ended with some fantastic chocolate cake and I won a penguin as a door prize.
The next morning, I arrived at the Courtyard around 4:45 and talked with Glenn while we waited for penguins to show up. Glenn had us so well organized everyone was on the bus and we were able to leave five minutes early. We arrived at Zellers Plaza in Burlington and walked to the start/finish area. I was one of the aid station workers so we boarded a bus and took off. Glenn had worked at least one water station and had us organized in no time. We were filling and stacking cups of water and gatorade. Our aid station was amazing. We had a band, a cow bell, potato chips, pretzels, etc (food courtesy of Kelly). I hope the runners enjoyed the station as much as I did. I second everything Julia said about Richard. It's all true and he has a great sense of humor as well. There are a lot of wonderful stories to be told by the racers and other water station workers (hint, hint, Kelly).
By the time the bus arrived back in Toronto I was ready for a nap (unfortunately there was no time). A quick lunch and then it was time to get ready to go to the Island for the awards banquet. Thanks Kathryn for arranging for us to use the Yacht Club. The food was excellant and several people were eyeing my veggie lasagne. John in Bosnia sent several penguins and a wonderful card that Karen read to us. Thanks John.
As Mary D said Carlene made a wonderful quilt and I won it. For those who didn't make it to this conference, I will bring it to PWC5 in Chicago next year. A quick ferry ride back and the evening was over. Many of us met for breakfast and then I had to leave for the long drive back to KY. I was luckier than some and my drive was uneventfully except for the chat with the border guard. She was very surprised that 85 people from all over would gather for a race. I wish I had had more time to explain the Penguins to her but there were many unhappy drivers behind me.
It is hard to describe the feelings of belonging and love that was at this conference. The penguins are a wonderful group and I will be forever gratefully that I found all of you. I know I have used the word amazing a lot but it was a truly amazing experience. Someone wrote earlier that they were not the same person they were when they went to Toronto - I feel the same, my life changed for the better (again) because of the penguins.
In closing, I can only say how wonderful it was to meet John, Karen and all the wonderful Penguins who attended PWC4. To the Penguins who did not attend, you were missed and I thank you for all your virtual race reports, I loved having them to read this morning. I hope to see each and everyone of you in Chicago next year.
Gini
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