My favourite time of year...

Only in Canada's far east does the start of training for a 10-mile summertime race, and the removal of outdoor Christmas lights, fall on the same weekend. Regardless of the misery that is our weather this time of year, the start of Tely 10 training, is for me, almost as magical as Christmas is for most other people.

There's the hustle and bustle of runners, new and old, returning to the streets; red noses warn by those brave souls who venture out for a quick loop at sunrise; and the chance to catch up with running buddies who all but disappeared with the first snowfall last year.

If only there were presents.