Registered!

I'm registered and ready to begin this journey ...

SAN DIEGO ... NOVEMBER 2010!

Hope you'll join me again!

Route ... Day 1

Day 1:

We started at the COW Palace ... (no cows) ... just before sunrise. The opening ceremonies were, of course, very moving. We were ready to begin. We took our first steps to the cheers of a few loyal supporters, then we were on our way.

We walked from the COW Palace through Daly City.

After walking through some beautiful neighborhoods (Seacliff) and past the Zoo ... eventually we made it to the Great Highway ... along the coast and through Ocean Beach.

It was beautiful.
It was here that I met MY loyal supporters!

Here we are, Jersey Girls for Shore ... Beth, Faye, Beth, and me ... on the Great Highway.

I spent some time with my Cheering Station, then walked on my own for a while. This is just before Lands End Trail.

Wait ... I just lost a photo ... maybe this IS Lands End Trail.

Beautiful.

I caught up with Faye and Beth along the trail. I think this was taken just after the 100+ steps that we climbed (without a complaint ... not even a whimper!)

The Golden Gate Bridge is behind us ... Our final destination for day 1!

And, of course, we finally arrived at the bridge ... but didn't get a chance to cross it until day 2!

Home sweet home

Our home away from home for two nights was Crissy Field by the Golden
Gate Bridge. It was kind of hard to walk on and pull our gear on the grass there ... wonder what kind of grass it was!

The directions were clear as to where we had to go.

(Notice the port-o-potties behind the signs ... I had to learn how to flush all over again!)

Our tents were pink.
Beth was able to finagle a tent just for me ... and one just for her ... so I didn't have to worry about bothering her with my snoring. (I snore? Really?!) I am also eternally grateful to Beth and the boys for helping me pitch my tent!

I should have taken pictures of the food lines ... and the dinners we ate ... but I didn't. Here's the dining tent, though. Where are all the people?

I was going to take pictures of the 3-day village the second night we were there. Severe wind warnings had the crew disassemble most of the village so you will have to imagine the 3-day store, the massage tent, the mail tent, the medical tent, etc. The dining tent stayed as did our little tents and the memorial tent. The trucks were there as were the port-o-potties.

Cheering Stations

All along the 60 mile route were cheering stations.

The kids were the greatest.

Here are a few pictures of people who made us feel like rock stars!

Frankly, this was the best of all the cheering stations ... complete with flat cats and one living breathing rock star ... SKEEZIX THE CAT!!

The next day the same sign was carried by a different group ... and joining the flats was the great FIONA BUN!

If there was a prize for the best cheering station ... this would win the pink ribbon!

The San Jose Police ...

One of the bonuses of this walk was the San Jose police who rode their bikes all 60 miles.

I've never seen such muscular legs.

(And such lovely buns ... )

I was told that the correct pronunciation is ...

MAN Jose!

Yes indeed!

A few of the things that made us laugh along the way

When you're walking many, many miles ... it's nice to have a good laugh.

Here are some of the things that made us laugh.

This is a guy who was working a pit stop on day 1. Look at him. I thought he was Elvis ... but now I'm not sure.

This "cancer sucks" van was at one of the cheering stations.

I loved the way it was totally decorated with bras.

Fabulous!

If you want to feel svelte ... I highly recommend hanging with these lovely ladies!

They weren't afraid to strut their stuff along the route.

Finally ... for this post at least, the sweep vans were beautifully decorated!

I especially liked this one ... "Hookers for Hooters."
The ladies on board were loud and hilarious. I always looked forward to this van passing by.

*Sweep vans picked up any walkers who couldn't finish any part of the walk. I'm pleased to tell you that I never set foot in a sweep van!! I attribute that to "good training!"

In the beginning ...

In the beginning we were bussed from our hotel to the Cow Palace ...

In this picture, we "Jersey Girls For Shore" are posing in front of a wall on which we dedicated our walk. My walk was dedicated to Mom, Cynthia, Phyllis, Bee, and Lisa.

It was a most emotional time for me.

I was thrilled to see that Stacey, a wonderfully brave woman who is a breast cancer survivor, was a big part of the opening ceremonies.

If you're reading this Stacey ... congratulations on an amazing 60 miles!

You are an inspiration.

We left the Cow Palace and began our first 15.5 miles.

Along the way we picked up two more Jersey "Girls" ... and we all met my cheerleaders!

What a great group!

Just the beginning ...

60 miles down ... 60 more to go?

I'm on the plane, goin' home, after an amazing visit to San Francisco ... a beautiful city. I saw 60 miles of that city on a wonderful walking tour! I'm trying to upload pictures ... but I guess that's not as easy to do at 40,000 feet. (I have a lot of pictures ... so don't worry ... I'll get to that later.)

I want you to know that I walked every step ... slept in a tent ... showered in a truck ... ate sitting on a piece of cardboard on the ground ... met wonderful friends ... and have decided to walk again. Heck ... I didn't get one blister so why not! I'm hoping that Debra will train and raise funds so that she can experience this with me.

I want you to know that I raised almost $6000 with your help! The San Francisco walkers and crew raised almost $5 million for research and awareness. That's only San Francisco ... don't forget there are many other walks.

I carried you ALL in my heart ... and carried ribbons in honor of survivors or in memory of those we lost to cancer. I walked for my mom ... my friends Cynthia, Phyllis, and YOU AUNTIE BEE!!! I also walked in memory of my friend Lisa. It was an emotional journey.

Thank you for continuing to read what I have to say. I promise to jazz it up with some great photos!

Love--Roberta

San Francisco

Flat Jeter2 and I are here in San Francisco! (Well ... in South San Francisco!) Tomorrow we'll be picked up by the great Food Lady, herself ... and taken on a sight seeing tour of the city. CAN'T WAIT TO MEET THE FOOD LADY!

I have my team shirts and I'm ready to go. Tomorrow I'll have more pictures.

My Journey

Here's to the owner of Evergreen who waves every time I pass his place ...

and here's to the man who stands behind the newstand and ordered PowerBars for me.

Here's to the "fast walker" who always passed me by...

and here's to the girl behind the counter at Nara who asks "Are you walking in this heat?"

Here's to Joan who walked with me on Sundays ... we'll walk when I get home.

And here's to Susie and Gail and Mark who walked by my side ... to the rear ... in front of me.

Here's to the woman wearing the Avon shirt and will walk the 2-day this year in New York.

Here's to the two women who called out "Hey 3-day" and gave a thumbs up!

Here's to the cyclists and runners and walkers who waved and said "Good morning." and made me feel like an athlete!

Here's to all my friends who donated to the Breast Cancer 3-day on my behalf ... you took me way beyond my personal goal!!!

And here's to my Blogger, Facebook, Catster, Twitter friends ... I love you all ... you CCLs!!!

And to my dedicated readers ... YOU'RE THE GREATEST! Thank you for following my journey. I'll see you in San Francisco!

Finally ... here's to Bee, Phyllis, Cynthia, Lisa and MOM. I'm doing this for you... every step of the way...and I'm taking you with me.

A Few Things

I received a letter from my newest friend Cathy DeVleming today. She sent me stickers that she had left over. She wrote "Too bad we don't live closer. I think we'd be friends if we did!" I don't think we have to live closer. The 3-day brought us together ... and we ARE friends!

Another great thing about the 3-day!

Here's the little display I put together in school.

It's called a "3 Day Sale" and it's up for ... that's right ... 3 days only.

$10 a ribbon. They're selling like hotcakes! (sorta)

Too bad it's next to the "Denim Day" display for breast cancer.

I WILL PACK TONIGHT!

My last virtual trainer

So here's my last virtual trainer. When I first opened it I thought ... 18.5 then 22.5 then 15? Are you kidding?

Then I realized it was The Walk! Hello!

Countdown: 1 WeekYour Training Schedule for This Week:
Monday--Rest
Tuesday--5 miles--Easy walking
Wednesday--30 min--Moderate cross-training
Thursday--Rest
Friday--18.5 miles--Day One

Saturday--22.5 miles--Day Two
Sunday--15 miles--Day Three

Training Tip of the Week: Inner Strength (Visual Imagery)
Congratulations! You are only one week away from your Breast Cancer 3-Day. Remember to go through your packing checklist early to make sure that you have enough socks, sunscreen, blister care supplies and personal prescription medications. Do not buy a new pair of shoes at this point. Bring 2 pairs that you have already trained in. Remember to take off your toerings and refrain from getting a pedicure.
It has taken a lot of time, energy and determination to reach this point of the Breast Cancer 3-Day and you should feel proud of yourself. It also is natural to feel a little nervous. Visualization is a tool used by many world-class athletes to prepare for an athletic event. Repeating the images and sensations of a successful Breast Cancer 3-Day will train your subconscious mind to accept them as the truth, banishing any underlying negativity.
Each day this week, imagine yourself at the finish line of The 3-Day, smiling and feeling strong. Feel the breeze on your face as you walk and hear the crowds cheering you on. Feel your feet moving along the sidewalk, light and energized. Think about the clothes you are wearing and how they feel against your skin. Imagine the joy and pride course through you as you walk into camp with hundreds of newfound friends.
See the rows of breast cancer survivors in a sea of pink, thanking you and congratulating you. Imagine every little detail in your mind exactly as you want the experience to be. This is visualization and the more times that you return to this powerful image, the more likely it is to become reality.
***

So this message is for my dear friend Charlie who's faced with the biggest challenge of his life ... VISUALIZE A LONG HEALTHY LIFE ... FEEL THE LOVE AND POSITIVE THOUGHTS ... "IMAGINE EVERY LITTLE DETAIL IN YOUR MIND EXACTLY AS YOU WANT IT TO BE" ... AND YOU WILL BEAT THIS!

Teri ... John ... and YOU!

Sometimes someone will do something so special ... and it just catches you off guard!

Teri Glazebrook (mom of China Cat and Willow) made this for me! I LOVE IT! Teri also made a very generous donation to the 3-day!

Once again ... I'm so overwhelmed!

I also received a wonderful donation from Sir Grout ... and John Pelton. He made it in memory of his wife Sheryl.

AND THE GROUT IS STILL CLEAN!

This experience is beyond anything I could have imagined. We have raised $5318 for breast cancer research ... and awareness.

And there's more to come.

UNBELIEVABLE!

Every Penny Counts

Gina, my neighbor at school, brought me a surprise yesterday. She put this container on the counter of her nail salon this summer. I counted the contents last night. The pennies, nickels, dimes. quarters (and a few dollars, too!) totaled $83.03! Sweet! Thank you Gina!

***

In less than a week I'll be in San Francisco. I have a lot to do. There's one last 3-day fundraiser for the school. I'll show you tomorrow!

What a day!

MET MY GOAL TODAY ... AND MORE! MORE THAN $5000 FOR BREAST CANCER RESEARCH AND AWARENESS! IT'S A GREAT DAY! THANK YOU FRIENDS!

ribbons

So today I finally went to Staples and had some ribbons copied on pink paper. Then I wrote some "In honor of" names ... cut them out ... and had them laminated. Just wanted to see how they would look. I'm going to be wearing these ribbons on my walk (a little hole punched at the top and some kind of toggle closure will keep them attached to my waist pack) Tomorrow I'll display them at school. What do you think I should ask for as a donation? $5.00? $10.00???

Meanwhile ... all my donors who have made a donation "in honor of" or "in memory of" will have a ribbon ... and, after the walk, I will send them out.

Nice huh? I've seen walkers carrying ribbons and was always impressed.

***

The countdown has begun. It's less than 2 weeks!!! YIKES! I'm so excited!

why I walk

When I look at the picture I posted yesterday ... I am faklempt.*

It says it all ... there's the reason I am walking 60 miles!

I walk for my daughters!

*faklempt: Yiddish: overwhelmed

Blogging in the New Year

Sashi, Mom, and Deb

***

Well ... I got this little Acer Aspire one to take with me to San Francisco. It's only 8.9" big and it's as light as a feather. I think I can hide it in my duffle. (I think I'll insure it for $1000 so if anything happens to it I can get a better one!) All I need is a better battery as this one doesn't last long. So Auntie Bee ... I plan to blog from the walk!

***

Today is a holiday ... Rosh Hashannah. My daughters Sashi, Deb, and I will be going out for a walk in just a few minutes ... then off to Temple to start the New Year. The holiday greeting is "Wishing you a sweet New Year." That is my wish for you.

L'Shana Tova. A Good Year.

training

With just two weeks to go ... my personal trainer is winding down.

Ten miles sounds so easy to me. I remember the first time I actually walked ten miles. It was quite an accomplishment!

***
Countdown: 2 Weeks

Your Training Schedule for

This Week:
Monday--Rest
Tuesday--4 miles--Easy walking
Wednesday--45 minutes--Moderate cross-training
Thursday--5 miles--Moderate walking
Friday--45 minutes--Easy cross-training
Saturday--10 miles--Easy walking
Sunday--8 miles--Easy walking
***
I knew that going back to work after a summer off would interfere with my training ... I leave the house early and return home late so it has been tough to keep up. The weekends have been mine, though, and I've kept to the schedule.

I can't believe that at this time in two weeks I will have walked almost ten miles of the first day of my 3-day journey.

I will be walking with YOU in my heart!

Cathy ... you go girl!

This is my Facebook friend Cathy Goss DeVleming. She just finished the Seattle 3-day. (I hope she doesn't mind my borrowing her picture!)

Here's the message she left on my FB page tonight:

Getting excited for the SF 3Day? I just finished walking in Seattle and as a first time walker I must say - what an experience! I wish you all the best on your upcoming journey. I've enjoyed reading your blog and the pictures you post are beautiful. You live in a lovely area. Have fun in San Fran!!!

***

For your information ... Cathy raised well over $5000!

I'm closing in on $4000 myself. I'm so proud of that accomplishment ... and it's due mostly to my CCL friends! "Catzowey!"

Getting close!

Yesterday was a busy day ordering team shirts ... changing hotel rooms ... deciding whether to buy an air mattress or not ... and, when I had the time, doing a little bit of work. I also happily accepted another donation that brought me that much closer to my goal of $5000! Those great CCLs in San Francisco are planning a dinner Sunday night complete with a boobie cake! I'm so excited.

***

I didn't walk yesterday. I could have left school early and had a quick training walk ... but I didn't. I feel guilty. Tonight I have to tutor and will be getting home too late. I promise to walk tomorrow!

***

Getting close Readers ... Getting close!

On my walk ...

This is one of my favorite spots on my nine-mile route.

It's the tip of Sands Point.

You can see Manhattan on a clear day.

Can you make it out in this picture?

After September 11th, people drove here to see the smoke from the towers.

The police soon closed it to traffic.

In just over two weeks I'll be on my way to San Francisco.

I can't wait!

If you have been reading my blog ... but not leaving comments ... please leave one now.

I'd just like to know that it's not just Auntie Bee and I who come here everyday! (You, too, Trudy!)

Holy Cow!

I take pictures with my phone while on my walk and then send them over to Facebook and title them "on my walk today." A while ago I happened to see this cow (no ... not a real cow!) in somebody's yard. When I saw it I was so excited because it was wearing Yankee pinstripes. Yesterday ... the cow was "tipped!" I had to get a picture. So here it is ...

Poor #8!

Not to worry ... today he was on his feet again!

...

Tomorrow I'm going to call the 3-day to see if Debra can crew. She is registered to walk ... but hasn't done any fundraising.

I wish she could walk with me ... but even a 22 year old has to do SOME training!

Stay tuned!

Lucky Town

Well, you know this has been a tough week. I've lost friends ... and I'm worried about others' health. I finally had a chance to walk today ... and I took a long one (almost 18 miles!) I walked alone for the first 3 hours ... with Bruce Springsteen singing in my ears. The first song was "Lucky Town" Here are the words:

...

House got too crowded clothes got too tight

And I don't know just where I'm going tonight

Out where the sky's been cleared by a good hard rain

There's somebody callin' my secret name

I'm going down to Lucky Town

Going down to Lucky Town

I wanna lose these blues I've found

Down in Lucky Town

Down in Lucky Town

Had a coat of fine leather and snakeskin boots

But that coat always had a thread hangin' to loose

Well I pulled it one night and to my surprise

It led me right past your house and on over the rise

going down to Lucky Town

Down to Lucky Town

I'm gonna lose these blues I've found

Down in Lucky Town

Down in Lucky Town

I had some victory that was just failure in deceit

Now the joke's comin' up through the soles of my feet

I been a long time walking on fortune's cane

Tonight I'm sleepin' lightly and feelin' no pain

Well here's to your good looks baby

now here's to my health

Here's to the loaded places that we take ourselves

When it comes to luck you make your own

Tonight I got to dirt on my hands but I'm building me a new home

Down in Town in Lucky Town

I'm gonna lose these blues I've found

Down in Lucky Town

...

"I'm gonna lose these blues I've found" Those words just hit me. I'm going to try to lose these blues ... and I'm going to focus on how lucky I am. Lucky to have my family and friends. Lucky to be able to walk 60 miles. Lucky to be able to make a difference.

...

"The sky's been cleared by a good hard rain."

I think it's time to smile again ... but not to forget.

...

"Here's to my health" and here's to YOURS!

...

I'm steps closer to making my Journey to San Francisco.

"Down in Lucky Town."

Lisa

Ronnie and I were on our way to Pennsylvania yesterday to help our friend Bob celebrate his 65th birthday when we received the call from Debra.

Lisa lost her fight.

My friend Lisa has been battling a rare form of Leukemia and finally decided that a bone marrow transplant was her last hope. She told me she was doing it for Alyssa ... her beautiful daughter and her best friend. She held on to see Alyssa graduate from Ithaca College and begin her career at CNN. I guess she knew that Alyssa would be ok.

Lisa was smart and funny and a great friend. I can't imagine how painful these last years have been for her. Her decision to have the transplant was a brave one.

I will miss my dear friend.

How lucky I am to have had her in my life.

Thank you Sir Grout!

Remember when I had the floor and grout cleaned this summer? The salesman for Sir Grout, John, happened to see the display for my walk that I made for school. He was very interested in hearing about what I was going to do. It turns out his wife had breast cancer.

When the job was finished andJohn saw how pleased I was, he told me that he would give me $50 for every job I recommended. Nice!

A few weeks ago my friend Gail had her floors cleaned by Sir Grout.

John called tonight to thank me for the recommendation. He said that, if I didn't mind, he would like to donate the $50 to the 3-day on my behalf ... and he told me that he would add to that in memory of his wife.

If I didn't mind? I'm delighted!

Thank you John and Sir Grout ...

and by the way ... my floors look great ... and the grout, once black with dirt and coming up in some places, is perfect!

Go to www.SirGrout.com to see the great work they do!

Home ... Kathleen Masterson ... Thorlos

Home!

I had such a great time in Provincetown ... it was hard to leave. (It always is!)

...

A few days ago, while walking down Commercial Street, I stopped at a very small craft and jewelry fair. I met a woman who makes "smoothy" (beach stone) necklaces. I stopped to talk to her because I had seen and admired her beach stone jewelry in a shop in town. Her name is Kathleen Masterson. She looked at my 3-day shirt and asked if I was doing the walk. She told me that she was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and will start her therapy in a few weeks. I will add Kathleen's name to the list of those women for whom I walk.

If you would like to visit her website it's www.kemdesigns.net.

...

I walked 16 miles today. That's 2 miles less than I had wanted to walk.

I'm showing my Thorlo socks in this picture.

I recently ordered 3 pair of these Thorlos for long distance walking. I was asked to write a review of the socks ... then those nice Thorlo folk asked me to post a picture of me in my socks.

Whaddya think?

The end of my WALK-ation

It's the end of my WALK-ation. I've walked 7 miles each day for 8 days and 15 miles one day ... a total of 71 miles this week. We had fabulous weather and I had great company walking each day. I feel so sad to have to leave this beautiful place tomorrow. Each year it is more and more difficult to say goodbye to Provincetown.

Tomorrow I return to Long Island and Sunday I start my regular training schedule. There's just over a month 'til San Francisco.

Fun Times in P-town

Susan, Susanne, Deb, and I were almost out the door to catch "Naked Boys Singing" in P-town last night, when my phone rang. It was the 3-day calling to congratulate me on my fundraising. I was so excited! Now ... I'm on vacation so I should be forgiven for forgetting her name ... but she commented on the name of our team (Jersey Girls For Shore), told me how pleased she was that I had increased my fundraising goal, and asked if I would be able to share fundraising tips with other walkers. I will do that later! It was a great call!

...

I thought I'd be able to upload some pictures for you. P-town is so beautiful and my walk takes me to the most glorious spots. The cable I brought doesn't fit into my small camera, unfortunately, so I'll share with you when I get home. The picture above was taken with my Blackberry. It's my favorite spot on my walk. I'm not sure the picture does it justice. To the left is the jettie ... to the right are the dunes ... and all around is the ocean. It just takes my breath away. Love It!

...

About the "Naked Boys Singing" show we went to last night ... they really are naked ... and

they do sing and dance. Those high kicks were very exciting! After a while ... it didn't even matter that they were naked! I will say ... Debra really enjoyed the show. Fun times in P-town!

WALK-ation

Look at me ... blogging while here in Provincetown on beautiful Cape Cod. Debra arrived the other day with my new netbook. Now I can share my WALK-ation with you. Of course I don't just walk everyday. The weather has been wonderful and I spend time at the beach or pool reading, enjoying the sun, and even going in the ocean.. We got here just in time for Carnival ... so we had the chance to participate in some of the festivities on Commercial Street. We've enjoyed eating at a few of our favorite restaurants and have had a few cabin-cook-outs. I walk everyday. When Beth was here last week, we did a 15 mile walk on the bike path to the beaches and through town. When I walk with Beth we spend a lot of time laughing. That's the way to get through all those miles. Susan and I walk everyday ... in fact, I suspect she'll be coming out of her cabin any minute to get me. We walk 7 miles at a nice clip. So, although I didn't follow my training schedule last weekend (I was supposed to walk a total of 34 miles on Saturday and Sunday) I am walking! Now that I have my "little friend" (my netbook ... no name, yet!) I'll be able to share some pictures of my Provincetown with you.

Boston Youth Corps

I was reading about the Boston Youth Corps today and thought ...

THESE KIDS ARE AWESOME!

So I thought I'd introduce you to a Youth Corps member I met on my walk in Boston and reprint some information about these wonderful young adults.

The Youth Corps is a full crew team, just like every other team on the 3-Day, only harder to get onto. Besides being between the ages of 10 and 16 and having a personal connection to Breast Cancer, you have to fill out an application, write five essays, go through an interview process and raise a minimum of $500, although for the last few years the average has been around $1000 per team member. On the 2009 Boston 3-Day the 20 Youth Corps members raised over $25,000. The Youth Corps arrives on Day One at 4:00 a.m., sleeps at camp both nights, and attends the Crew Training day, just like every other crew team.

The Youth Corps was created by David Bechhofer in memory of his wife Suzanne and to allow young adults a chance to contribute to and enhance this amazing event. In 2004 with a pilot team of ten young adults and two adult leaders the first Youth Corps crew team rocked the Boston 3-Day. The team has grown since 2004 and now has twenty youths and five adult leaders in its sixth year. Throughout the past six years the Youth Corps has impressed everyone at the Boston event including many of the staff. That is one reason why we are trying to expand the Youth Corps to cities other than Boston so that young adults will have a chance to participate in the fight against Breast Cancer.

...

Amazing ... yes?

Nancy Goodman Brinker

While I was waiting for my car to be serviced this afternoon, Nancy Goodman Brinker was at the White House receiving the nation's highest civilian honor from the President of the United States. I watched CNN as she and 15 other "agents of change," received the 2009 Presidential Medal of Honor. President Obama said:

"Before her sister died, Nancy Goodman Brinker promised her that she would do everything she could to make sure another family wouldn't go through that pain. The next morning she woke up thinking, 'How can I keep that promise? I'm only one person.' Well, every day of Nancy's life since then has been an example of what 'only one person' can do."

I watched with pride as she received her medal ... proud of Nancy Brinker ... and proud that, because you have decided to support me on this walk, thousands of dollars in my name will benefit Susan G. Komen for the cure.

Thank you.

To learn more about Nancy Goodman Brinker click here!

Congratulations Chicago Walkers ... I'm raising my goal to $5000!

While I was resting my "dogs" after another 4 hours of walking yesterday, the Chicago 3-day was finishing it's last 20 miles. To see a video click here!.

Congratulations Chicago Walkers!

Every event is exciting to me.

San Francisco is just around the corner!

...

I've posted about my friend Joan who I walk with on Sundays. Yesterday she handed me a very generous check ... which means my fundraising is not finished! I am raising my goal to $5000! Wouldn't that be the greatest if I could reach that goal? I think I can do it!

...

My mom's friend handed my mom a $20 bill and asked her to send it to the 3-day in my honor. I sent her a thank you note that moved her to send me another $30. How's that?! Thank you Eleanor.

5 hours

I left the house at 8:30 this morning and returned around 1:45 ...

I call that 5 hours of walking with a few brief stops for water and a call to Mom. I'm not going to lie to you. I'm tired ... and my feet hurt ... but it was a beautiful day and I'm sure I got my 15 miles in!

I'm glad Ronnie is working tonight. I intend to get into bed and rest up for tomorrow's walk!

...

So ... here's the virtual training schedule I got for next week.

I'm confused about Saturday and Sunday.

Shouldn't I be walking 16 miles?

I'll have to contact the 3-day trainers.

...

Countdown: 8 Weeks

My Training Schedule for This Week:
Monday-Rest
Tuesday-5 miles-Easy walking
Wednesday-45 minutes-Moderate cross-training
Thursday-6 miles-Moderate walking
Friday-45 minutes-Easy cross-training
Saturday-8 miles-Easy walking
Sunday-6 miles-Easy walking

Favorite

This is my favorite spot in Port. Yesterday I sat on a bench looking out at the water and reflected on how fortunate I am. I am fortunate to have a wonderful family ...to live in a lovely community ... to have outstanding friends ... and to be able to do this walk.

A $1000 donation was made to the Breast Cancer 3-day on my behalf by "All the Kitties in the Blogosphere." I was blown away! Thank you Karen Thompson and Max ... and all the kitties who wish they could have won the netbook! What you did win ... was my heart!

I am so very fortunate.

2.3 million

I just read that the 2009 Cleveland 3-Day event raised 2.3 million dollars "with dreams of life without Breast Cancer." Congratulations Cleveland walkers!

...

I read a walker's diary "Zero to 60 in 3 days." It's an emotional account of her last day of the event. You should read it!

In 59 days I will be starting my 60 miles in San Francisco.

It's hard to believe that I'm almost there.

...

Countdown: 9 Weeks

...

My Training Schedule for This Week:
Monday-Rest
Tuesday-4 miles-Easy walking
Wednesday-30 minutes-Moderate cross-training
Thursday-5 miles-Moderate walking
Friday-45 minutes-Easy cross-training
Saturday-15 miles-Easy walking
Sunday-11 miles-Easy walking

The PsychoKitty Speaks Out and raises some cash!

The PsychoKitty Speaks Out

I was overwhelmed by Max's post yesterday!

It was a wonderful incentive ... that little netbook ... but I never thought a $5 chance to win it would bring in so much money for Breast Cancer research via The 3-Day! Thank you Karen ... and everyone who participated. A special thank you to Ian who took it "over the top!"

...

Rain, rain, rain didn't keep me from my training walk yesterday. I came home after 2 1/2 hours in the rain to change my clothes ... then walked some more ... only to get rained on again!! I actually enjoyed it, Auntie Bee, until the thunder started. That part wasn't so great ... but I had less that 1/2 mile to go.

Today is a "rest" day and my feet appreciate that!

13.6 is almost 14. Congratulations Cleveland Walkers

I'm pretty sure my virtual trainer said 14 miles today.

I was slightly under with 13.6. I'll make up the additional .4 tomorrow Auntie Bee. I took Ronnie on a ride tonight to get the actual mileage. Was he impressed? I dunno.

I'm impressed with the 3-day walkers in Cleveland.

Tomorrow they will be finishing their 60 miles at a most emotional closing ceremony.

CONGRATULATIONS CLEVELAND WALKERS!!!

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I have been observing runners and their fanny packs. The question is ... should I get a new fanny pack with the 4 small bottles for water ... or a new fanny pack with 2 regular size bottles on each side for water ... or just use the old fanny pack and find that water bottle holder that attaches to the belt and call it a day?

Speaking of runners, I can hear them coming up behind me then passing me. They come in 2s ... two women talking without a problem ... not out of breath or anything. Go figure.

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2 months until San Francisco.

I CAN'T WAIT!

Congratulations Boston Walkers!

The Boston 3-day took place last weekend. As I did my training walk Saturday I thought of the women and men who were participating in the first Breast Cancer 3-day walk. This "Boston girl" was excited to hear that the walk started in Framingham ... the town next to my hometown Natick, and made it's way through Cambridge ... my last address before moving to New York.
I am sharing this little travelogue with you from 3-day. You can get a feel for the mileage and the way the walk works:

July 24-26, 2009
It all began on a rainy Friday morning at Farm Pond, where participants braved the wet and the mud and faced the first day with excitement and smiles. The 19.7-mile route featured many memorable highlights, including some incredible support at Bertucci's in Wellesley. After a long, wet day of walking, we settled in to camp.
Saturday's 22-mile day also featured some great support along the route, including the Granite Angels at the top of Belmont Hill, the cheer-leaders at Arlington High School and numerous cheering stations at Horn Pond, Heritage Farm and the YMCA in Woburn. We were cheered on by the Minute Men in Lexington, the Pink Posse and the Fallen Angels. Thanks also to the Candy Castle in Lexington and Shaw's Supermarket.
Sunday's 15.3-mile route wound through Cambridge, including a picturesque walk through Harvard Square. Along the way, we enjoyed free donuts at Sofra and support at the Mt. Auburn Star Market. On the way into Boston, we walked through Boston Common and the public garden, through Downtown Crossing and along the waterfront and past JFK Library. It all ended with a celebratory Closing Ceremony at the University of Massachusetts.

Congratulations Boston Walkers ... "One of the great things about the Breast Cancer 3-Day is the spirit of kindness that we create for three days while on the event. It's like living in a bubble - the world the way we wish it would be. It's a world where every walker, from the first to the last, gets a cheer as she or he enters camp. Where a stranger may help you set up your tent, or carry your bag. Where a long line to wait in just becomes another opportunity to make a great new friend." I will always remember the kindness I've experienced in the past walks and I look forward to my walk in October when I will once again share the spirit of kindness with my fellow walkers.

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Training Schedule for This Week:
Monday Rest
Tuesday 4 miles Easy walking
Wednesday 30 minutes Moderate cross-training
Thursday 5 miles Moderate walking
Friday 45 minutes Easy cross-training
Saturday 14 miles Easy walking
Sunday 10 miles Easy walking

what's in YOUR fanny pack?

Thought you would like to see what I carry in my fanny-pack (I hate the sound of that) on my long walks:

*keys to the house (notice the Chamberlain key ring that Mike bought last year for my birthday!)

*driver's license, atm card, and insurance card

*cash for water

*band-aids ... just in case

*moleskin to cover that one l-a-r-g-e blister I have on the side of my foot

*extra pair of socks

I also carry my phone (not pictured) and sometimes I carry my camera (for which I can't find the battery charger ... hmmm.)

This fanny-pack has been with me for the past 10 years. It's not pretty ... but it does the trick. I also have a water bottle carrier that fits on it to make it even more attractive. The longer the training walks ... the more I will appreciate that water bottle carrier.

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Saturday I walked 12 miles ... just short of the 13 I was supposed to walk. I was disappointed but I made up for it with a great walk on Sunday ... 11+ miles!

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I found out that I have degenerative disc disease (as do many people my age) and I went to a physical therapist who gave me stretching exercises to help me out. I was pretty bummed when my doctor told me after an x-ray. I have been dealing with lower back pain for about a year. My back never bothers me when I walk ... only when I stop to talk to someone ... then I have had everything from stiffness to spasms. Hopefully the therapy and continued stretching will help that.

Long Walk Home

Last song on my ipod as I finished my walk this morning ... "Long Walk Home" ... the song that helped me make the decision to take this long walk in October.

"Everybody has a neighbor ... everybody has a friend ... everybody has a reason to begin again."

My mom was the reason for my beginning this training again. I'm so glad I listened to Bruce!

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Today I was going to try out the stationary bike, but I have an early doctor's appointment tomorrow so I decided to switch my schedule around a bit. The bike isn't fixed, of course ... but we'll cross that bridge later today ... harharhar!

The best $4.29 + tax I have spent

I bought this moleskin for my blister.

I cut a piece to cover it ... put on my socks and shoes ... and went out for a nice walk.

It's like I didn't have a blister!

Ah ... comfort!

Worth every penny!

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It's raining today. I pulled out my new rain poncho (that looks like a clear plastic bag) and did my 4 miles (which was really more than 6 miles ... but I'm following my training schedule aren't I?!)

Feeling great!