Last Long Walks

I just finished the last long training walks before the 3 Day. The plan was to do 18 miles Saturday and 8 Miles Sunday. I ended up walking 15 miles Saturday and 13 Sunday. I attended two official training walks this weekend. Since Saturday was the day after Halloween there wasn't a big turnout for the walk. I only had one RSVP but four people came. None of us were very motivated. As a group we decided to switch the schedule and walk 8 miles Saturday and 18 Sunday. After 8 miles I drove to Tempe to help notify businesses along the route that we would be walking by in two weeks. Most people seemed very excited that we were coming. I was exhausted after the long day of walking. I came home and fell asleep at 7:00 pm. I got up early on Sunday and met with the training group again. We walked 11 miles but then the other ladies had to leave because they had other plans for the day. I went to the Litchfield Arts & Crafts Fair and walked around a little more. The training was productive but I am so tired. I need a vacation to recover from my weekend.

18/15 and "I DIDN'T DIE!"

I completed 18 miles Saturday and 15 miles Sunday and I didn't die! Woohoo! Surprisingly I wasn't sore the next day either (maybe a little stiff though). My motivation for the weekend was that I really wanted to complete my milestone badge. When I registered for the 3 Day I was given a badge holder, a card, and a sheet of stickers. Each sticker represents either a training, fundraising, or event milestone. When you set up your fundraising website you can give yourself a sticker. When you complete a 10 mile training walk you can give yourself a sticker. There are 16 total milestone stickers. The last one I needed was the 18/15 back-to-back. I was determined to finish the miles this weekend because I didn't want to do it again another weekend. I did it but just barely. I scheduled the training walks this weekend and planned the routes. There were 7 walkers on Saturday. Two left after the first 9 mile loop. The rest of us continued. When we got back to the park we had only done 17 miles. Two of the walkers stopped there but I really wanted to finish all 18 so three of us took a "victory lap" around the park for the last mile. I got up bright and early again on Sunday. I was a little sore but after walking it off the soreness went away. We had 4 returners for Sunday's walk and one addition. The other walkers had other obligations Sunday afternoon so we only finished 9 miles as a group. I walked 3 miles more around the park but had to go to my team's fundraiser at Wal-Mart. Sunday evening I decided to walk my dog for the last 3 miles. We barely walked 100 yards when a loose dog ran over and attacked my poor dog. She got bit on the lip and was bleeding a little and shaken up so I had to take her home. She is fine thank goodness. I finished the miles while talking to my friend Lauren but don't tell the safety crew because we're not supposed to talk on the phone while walking. Oops!

This is me after walking 18/15 back-to-back

This is my Milestone Badge. The pink 3 Day pin is the 2008 walker pin, the purple pin is the training walk leader pin, the pink stickers are milestone stickers, and the black stickers with hearts represent who I am walking for. The green heart is for a grandparent, the purple heart is for a friend, and the yellow heart is for other relative.


Putting the last sticker on

My completed milestone badge

My Training Walk Story

It seems like everyone training for the 3 Day has some weird training walk story. Melissa has several. She's had water balloons thrown at her, beer cans thrown at her, and she's been bitten by a dog. She also trains in a ghetto neighborhood so that might explain some of it. Martie has had a stranger stop and offer her a ride because they didn't realize that she wanted to walk. Well I finally have a story to tell today. Remember in my garage sale post how I mentioned that the community sign was stolen? Well I found it today while I was walking around my neighborhood. Totally random since my neighborhood is 10 miles from Martie's and we live in the fifth largest city in the US. That sign could have gone anywhere. At first I saw it and didn't think much of it. Then I looked again and realized it was a professionally made sign. Most individuals having a yard sale don't have professional signs. I called Martie and asked what the name of her community is. Sure enough it was their sign. I "stole" it back for them. I can't believe someone would steal a garage sale sign but at least they have it back for next year.

Still Going Strong

I'm almost finished with week 7 count down and I'm still going strong. I've been so blessed to not experience any injuries yet. Knock on wood! This weekend will definitely be a big test with 17 miles on Saturday and 13 miles on Sunday. I'm scared but I will let you know how it turns out. I signed up for two official training walks so that should motivate me to get out of bed both days. If you are training for the 3 Day and need motivation or if you are thinking about doing the 3 Day next year I definitely recommend participating in the official training walks or becoming a training walk leader. I don't think I would have done half the walks if I had to do them by myself.

In other news my medical form has been reviewed and cleared so I am now able to complete the final phase of check-in. It looks like I really am going to do this walk.

Week 9 Update

I did really well with the long walks this week but I skipped a few of the short ones for D-Backs games. Saturday I led a 15 mile training walk. I had a great turn out with 10 people. I really enjoyed the route and I think it had plenty of pit stops. We made good time too because we had to be at Foot Solutions for a nutrition clinic at 10:30 and we got there right on time. I felt really good after the walk but two hours later I didn't feel too good and ended up tossing some cookies and other niblets but I won't go into details because that is probably TMI. The cause might have been slight dehydration. I need to better monitor my liquids on long walks. I also had a really bad pain in my hip.

Lisa led today's walk. It was a 10.5 mile walk. I almost didn't go because my hip was still hurting. I decided to push myself anyway. After the first 5 mile loop my hip was hurting even more. Being the stubborn person that I am I didn't give up. Half of our 8 person training group left after 5 miles but I kept going for the last 5. I finished the walk and amazingly my hip felt a lot better in the end.

Things are picking up on the fundraising front. I finished the Pampered Chef fundraiser and I should be able to add $120 to my website as soon as the check arrives. Melissa and I are having a bunco party next weekend and hopefully that will help me meet my $2200 goal. We have lots of great prizes for bunco including a $120 tanning salon gift card, personal training sessions valued at $110, handmade artworks with values between $10 and $100+, lots of restaurant gift certificates, and many more prizes. In total we will be giving out over $1000 in prizes. It should be lots of fun!

Training Summary

I had a really good training week this week. I didn't take a rest day since I took last Saturday off.

Monday	3 miles	Easy walking
Tuesday	3 miles	Easy walking
Wednesday	6 miles	Easy walking
Thursday	5 miles	Moderate walking
Friday	60 minutes	Easy cross-training
Saturday	11 miles	Easy walking
*Sunday	5 miles	Easy walking

*This is planned for tomorrow but I should be able to walk 5 miles easily.

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

I just came back from Texas and had a good ole time. I got to visit with family and friends and do lots of shopping. I spent the first few days in Austin with my sister. She is expecting twins so I co-hosted a baby shower for her. I got in several good training walks while I was there too. Austin is hilly so this was even better training. Unfortunately I missed the 10 mile Saturday walk but I did a combined 9 miles or so on Friday while walking around the neighborhoods and the outlet mall. My sister's neighborhood has some really nice walking trails. Austin was also at least 15 degrees cooler than Phoenix so I didn't have to get up super early for the walks.

The rest of my vacation I spent in Houston. It rained every day we were there. I still managed to get in some daily walks outside between downpours. The last day I walked around the mall before it opened because it rained most of the morning. This was the best walk though because it was cool inside the mall and they played music. I walked 6 miles or 3 times around the mall. Then I treated myself to a big soft pretzel and some shopping.

While I was in Texas I also discovered the New Balance outlet in Houston Premium Outlet Mall. I got a pair of New Balance 828 shoes. I loved these shoes so much that I went back and bought a second pair. Since they were running a $15 off special they were only $45 each so I couldn't pass them up. I saw the same shoes at the New Balance Chandler store for $100 so I think I got a pretty good deal. I also picked up two pink ribbon t-shirts. Since New Balance is a big supporter of the 3 Day I like to support them too.

The Expo

I'm a little behind on postings since I was on vacation. I attended the Arizona 3 Day Expo on August 9th. The Expo was held at the JW Marriott Resort in Northeast Phoenix. To kickoff the Expo there was a 10 mile walk starting at 5:00 am. I left my house at 3:45 am to pick up Martie so we could carpool over there. We got there in time to register and stretch. The walk was really nice. I think it gave me a little taste of what the 3 Day will be like. There were some Crew volunteers cheering us on and telling us where to go. Also some of the Bikers For Boobs crew was there to stop traffic for us. I think there were 300 walkers or so. I learned a few things to keep in mind for the 3 Day. First of all, with so many walkers there will surely be a back up when the daily walks start, especially if all walkers start at the same time so slow down and remember it is not a race. Second, don't stop at the first bathroom break. It seemed like 298 of the 300 walkers all stopped at the first pit stop (and there were probably only 2 stalls). Thankfully I didn't have to go. The second stop had much nicer bathrooms and there wasn't a line. Third, don't forget the sun screen. Luckily I didn't get burned but I got a little tan. Finally, Komen miles are longer than regular miles and the same was true for this "10 Mile" walk. I think I need to step up my training a little and walk a mile or two more than the recommended plan each day.






It was a wonderful walk and the Crew people were super nice. I didn't think there was going to be snacks along the way but about 2/3 through the walk there was a stop with pastries and water. It hit the spot.


The Expo started after the walk. The 3 Day sponsors were there handing out goodies and selling merchandise. Our first stop was at the cheering station table. Martie made a poster with our team name on it. They are going to take the posters to the cheering stations at the 3 Day.

Next we went around to the different outfitters and checked out the merchandise. Runner's Den had a special on socks. Any pair you could find in the bin was $5. I picked up a pair of Brooks socks and New Balance Double Layer socks. I love the double layer socks. They are wonderful. Next we stopped at the Chiropractor's table and grabbed a pair of free pick shoe laces. They are so adorable. We checked out the pink tents they will have at the 3 Day. We also ran into some of the people we've been training with and stopped to chat. We saw a "how to pack demo". The lady giving the demo was super organized and she had an awesome duffle bag. Since we were tired from getting up so early and the walk, we decided to skip the workshops and head home.

100 Days to Go!

I received an email today stating that phase I of the online check-in for the 3-Day is now open. This phase opens 100 days prior to the 3-Day. I can't believe there are only 100 days left. I am excited but also nervous. My training is going really well so I think I will be ready but 60 miles in 3 days definitely makes me nervous. I also have some fundraising left to do. I still need to raise around $500 to be able to walk. I have some fundraisers that I am planning for the next few months. I am doing a Pampered Chef catalog show in August. I am going to be auctioning off some donated art on Ebay. Martie is going to help me with this and we are going to split the donations. Our team is planning a kick ball tournament. I am looking forward to that. It sounds like so much fun! I also might be having a Bunco tournament. Martie is having a Bunco tournament later this month so if her's turns out well then I might have one too.

There is still a lot to raise and a lot of miles to walk but I will hopefully complete these goals in the next 100 days.

A Successful Week

Week 16 is officially complete! I think I did very well with my training this week. I almost stuck with the schedule.

Here is the recommended schedule:

Monday	Rest
Tuesday	3 miles	Easy walking
Wednesday	15 minutes	Moderate cross-training
Thursday	5 miles	Moderate walking
Friday	30 minutes	Easy cross-training
Saturday	8 miles	Easy walking
Sunday	6 miles	Easy walking

This is what I actually accomplished:
Monday Step & Sculpt Class (step 45 min, sculpt 15 min)
Tuesday Rest
Wednesday Walk 3 miles, Step Class (step 45 min)
Thursday Step & Abs Class (step 45 min, abs 15 min)
Friday Walk 4 miles
Saturday Walk 8 miles
Sunday Walk 6 miles

I am addicted to step aerobics. I should swap some of that time for walking but overall it wasn't too shabby. I have noticed my endurance increasing lately too. Unfortunately during Saturday's walk I got some minor blisters and shin splints. It didn't stop me from walking on Sunday so it wasn't too bad.

Weekend Recap

The weekend plans were ruined by thunderstorms. We were going to go to Flagstaff and spend the weekend camping and hiking but halfway there it started to rain. Then it started to pour. We continued to drive, hoping the rain would stop. We got to Flagstaff and it was still raining. We went to dinner and drove around the town. We thought we could wait it out. There was no way we could set up our tent so we rested in the car. By midnight we decided to turn around and go home. It was a very disappointing trip. I stayed inside our house the rest of the weekend and read books, watched movies, and baked. Saturday evening I walked about 5 miles. I intended to walk today but finished less than a mile. I've been doing ok with the walking plan and overachieving on the cross training. I really enjoy step aerobics. I could go every day of the week but I need to cut back and do more walking.

Training Walk & Fundraiser

Last weekend I led two training walks. We walked four miles on both Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday we had 12 people come out and Sunday there were 6. I enjoyed meeting other 3 Day walkers. I think I'm going to have a great group of people to train with. I hope everyone continues to come to the training walks.

Leap's will be donating 25% from last weekend's sales to my walk. Since our training walk group met up at Leap's I was able to kill two birds with one stone. I don't know the weekend's total yet. I've been super busy with work lately that I haven't made it back to pick up the donation. I hope to get it tomorrow morning.

Official Training Walk #2

I went on my second official training walk today. I met two other 3 Day walkers in Avondale and we walked 3 miles. It was another hot day in Arizona but after the sun started going down it was perfect walking weather. The other walkers were super nice. I will probably join their team if I don't hear back from my other potential teammates soon. They had some really good ideas and some great tips for the 3 Day. Both of them walked last year and they are back for more so it couldn't have been too bad. I hope to do many more training walks with these ladies. They were so nice and they are fun people to hang out with.

Training at Chase Field

I went to another Diamondbacks game this weekend. The Dbacks played the Washington Nationals. They finally got out of their slump. It was a great game and a very short 9 innings. The game was under 2 hours long. This was my first time to see our star pitcher Brandon Webb pitch in person. He is awesome and definitely worth of his Cy Young award. The Dbacks won 4-0. All 4 runs were homeruns. I was also able to get some training in by walking around Chase Field. It is nice to be able to walk around indoors while the temperature is 100+ degrees outside.

Official Training Kickoff

The Official 3 Day Training Kickoff was yesterday in Chandler. We met up at the New Balance store, signed in, did some stretching, and went on a nice 3 mile walk. After the walk there was a drawing for a $75 New Balance gift card. Unfortunately I didn't win. It would have been nice though. We were able to hang around for a while and meet other 3 Day walkers while we snacked on bagels and fruit. I met a few walkers but most were from the East Valley so I probably won't be able to train with them. Maybe I will see them again at the 3 Day in November though.

A Walk in the Park

I met up with Sarah this morning for a training walk. Sarah is walking the in the Seattle 3 Day with her mom. I believe the Seattle 3 Day is in September. It is interesting to hear about other 3 Day walks. Sarah said the Seattle 3 Day has a lot more hills. She also has to prepare for colder weather and a much higher chance of rain. It rarely rains in Arizona so I am not really worried about it. We walked about five miles around the city park. The weather was really nice this morning. We finished up just before it started to get too hot. I came home and made a fabulous fruit smoothie with strawberries, mango, papaya, and pineapple. It was the perfect treat after a nice walk.

Swing Batter Batter

After the volleyball tournament I went to the Diamondbacks game with Sandy. It was Chris Young bobble head night. The Diamondbacks played the Detroit Tigers. They ended up losing 2-3 but it was a good game. After the game we stayed for the Trace Adkins concert. I was surprised to see so many country music fans in Arizona. It was a great concert. We had a blast! I am going to count this as my training walk for the day because we parked a mile away from the stadium plus we walked around the stadium to get to our seats. So I got in at least a 3 mile walk on Saturday in addition to playing 7 volleyball games. I am exhausted.

I'm Lovin' It

The original plan was to do another mountain hike this weekend but Chase wimped out. He didn't want to do any walking today but I talked him into waking up this morning, walking to McDonald's, getting some breakfast, and walking home. I don't think he realized how far the McDonald's was. I looked it up on Google and found out it is 3.7 miles each way. But I didn't tell him. It is only a few minutes by car but it took us about 1 hr 15 minutes each way to walk. It is a very nice and refreshing walk through quiet neighborhoods. There were sidewalks the entire way and we only had to cross one busy street. The breakfast hit the spot. I was starving since it was almost lunch time when we got there. We made the 10:30 am breakfast cutoff only by a minute. Immediately after we ordered they switched the menu board to the lunch menu. I had a deluxe breakfast and blue Powerade and Chase had an Egg McMuffin and ice coffee. We rested for a little while before heading back home. I think this is going to be our new Bill Clinton workout.

This is the first weekend that I've been sore. The blister on my right foot is getting bigger and my butt and thigh muscles are aching a little. No pain no gain I guess.

Mountain Climbing

Saturday morning Chase and I got up early to hike the White Tank Mountains. We've done several hikes in the White Tanks but this was the first time we've been down Ford Canyon Trail. The full loop is long and strenuous with lots of hazards. We decided to take the trail to the abandoned dam and turn around. It is about 4.2 miles to the dam (8.4 miles for our total hike). We started at 7:30 am and finished just before noon. The first two miles were a nice, easy stroll. The last two before the dam were tough. I am starting to realize that the hiking trails in Arizona are a different level then what I was used to. Even on some trails I thought were strenuous there weren't any warning signs. When you see a warning sign you know it will be challenging. We continued anyway. There were some pretty difficult rock walls to climb and some steep trails. We finally made it to the dam and it was a total let down. The river bed was dry but we passed some pools of nasty standing water. We also saw lots and lots of lizards. It felt really good to finish such a challenging hike. We stopped for some pizza on the way home. Chase took a nap for the rest of the day and I went to work. We are planning to hike another trail next weekend.

I Like My Toes

Last weekend Christy and I got pedicures. I figured that I better take a picture of my toes since they might not look this good for a long time (see Inspirational Poem). Linda told me after she did her three day her feet have never been the same again. I will be sure to take some before and after pictures to keep track.

Sunday afternoon I completed my first 10 mile training walk. Woohoo! I am building up some awesome calluses from all this walking. I also got my first blister. =(