A Charlie Brown Christmas?

I’m not sure who felt inspired to decorate this tree in the middle of the woods but I thought their efforts deserved a mention.  A lot more has grown around it since I took this picture a month ago but I look for it on my return walk and it always makes me laugh.

I’ve spent a lot of time on this trail in the last month.  This past weekend I logged 10 miles on Saturday and another 15 on Monday.  It’s the first test for myself – how will I hold up?! Well I have to say I feel like it’s a lot tougher than it was last year.  See I think my hip joints actually remember what I did to them and they are fighting back.  It just means in the next few weeks I have a lot of work to do.  It’s not necessarily the distance, but the consistency of the walking at this point in the game.

Just a few more weeks until the big day!!

So you always wanted to be a cheerleader?! Now’s your chance!

The route has been announced and the cheer stations public! You may be asking; what is a cheering station? Well it’s scheduled stops throughout the route where people can gather to cheer on loved ones or the crowd in general.  What you may not know is these are strategically placed in locations we may really need that extra boost of love and cheer.  Last year it was a Saturday afternoon cheer station that really got me through an incredibly steep and obnoxious hill.

Last year my Mom and Aunt Nancy made an appearance on Friday and John joined my Mom on the hottest Saturday I can remember.  The above photo is of Christina and I at the first station. Mom and Nancy had noise makers, posters and silly bands to brighten out day.   I have to say, originally I thought; no one needs to come – I’m only going to see you for a minute.  Honestly though? It is really awesome to see a familiar face or two along that long stretch.  There were quite a few folks that devoted their weekend and were at every cheer station I passed by – waving signs, making noise and dressed in some fabulous outfits.  Lots of neighbors were out offering a spray of a hose or a much needed freeze pop.  I think I had a dozen freeze pops that Saturday!

Details are below for this year’s stations; maybe I’ll see some of you there!

Friday, July 22
8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
St. Paul's Church
502 Washington Street
Wellesley, MA 02482

Saturday, July 23
7:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Robins Farm Park
51 Eastern Avenue
Arlington, MA 02476

11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Parker Field Playground
81 Worthen Road
Lexington, MA 02420

Sunday, July 24
7:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
Shaw's Supermarket
699 Mount Auburn Street
Cambridge, MA 02138

8:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Cambridge City Hall
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge MA 02139

9:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Boston Public Garden
Intersection of Commonwealth & Arlington Street(between the statue of George Washington and Swan Boats)
Boston, MA 02127

It’s hazardous out there!

That’s me last year posted right next to that hazardous sign with my two water bottles.  That was day 2 and it was HOT HOT HOT!!

In some of these extreme conditions get people extremely dehydrated because they don’t pay attention to the 3 Rs of the 3 Day.  Refuel, Rehydrate, Relieve yourself.  That’s right; you should be drinking enough to see the inside of that port-a-potty on a regular basis.  Hey guess what? No one likes port-a-potties – but they are a heck of a lot better than the alternative. Bring plenty of hand sanitizer and take one for the team.

It’s important to alternate water with Gatorade – I don’t think I drank the stuff for 6 months after last year’s walk! Don’t forget the salty snacks as well to replace the sodium levels in your body.  No need to pack them, the walk is scattered with pit stops and grab and goes stocked to fuel up throughout the day.

I hope they have those PB&J gram cracker thingies again this year yum!

Why the heck won’t it all fit in my bag!? I need a bigger bag….

That’s it – you get one bag. One bag for your clothes, sleeping bag, pillow – whatever you want to bring – you get one bag.  Oh and did I mention that one bag can’t weigh more than 35 pounds?? Even packing for this event takes training!

In all seriousness it all makes a lot of sense.  With so many walkers, and crew and volunteers it really is important to minimize baggage and encourage people to pack light. Besides somebody has to load that big ol’bag of yours into the truck and you – yes you – have to carry that bag from the truck to your tent assignment after walking your first 20 miles.  Trust me; you’ll want to pack light.

Here are a few tips on packing that I’ve learned from the professionals and my experience last year.

1.     Make a list. Take the list Susan G. Komen offers on your participation page and add/subtract from there.  She has thought of practically everything so pay attention!

2.     Pack your things in Ziploc bags.  Okay, I know this seems extreme but trust me it will make your life a heck of a lot easier and it will really save you should (and when) it rains. Pack each day’s outfit in a gallon ziplock and label it Saturday or Sunday – trust me, you don’t want to waste precious energy fishing through your bag for that last pair of socks.

3.     Invest in towel service.  It’s only $10 and it will free up a lot of space in that bag of yours that is quickly filling up.  They will give you a fresh and clean towel each day J

4.     Don’t be a camping hero – you will want an air mattress or mat. I didn’t think I would but after day two my joints were not happy with the hard ground.  Keep in mind this tent is small – it fits a queen mattress snug and don’t forget there are two of your in there plus gear. I’m exploring the idea of a small pool float this year – I’ll keep you posted on how that one goes.

5.     Lastly, save your list.  Maybe you’ll do it again next year, maybe you won’t – but it will be great to have your own list to reference.

These are just a few suggestions, all received from the brilliant staff and volunteers on the 3-day.  Please feel free to share some of yours.

This Susan G Komen woman has it all together.  I mean seriously, people have been doing this walk for years and they really do a nice job getting it organized.  They make everyone feel at home – even if you are huddled in a tiny tent in a giant tent city. 

There is almost anything you would want at camp.  Someone to cook you dinner – and you don’t even have to do the dishes! Chair massages, a clothing and accessory tent to do a little shopping, a lounge AND showers in a tractor trailer!!!

I can’t even describe how impressed I was with this – I mean really – who thinks of these things?!  The showers were clean, hot and just about the most wonderful thing at the end of 20 miles.

At camp there are a few activities on the big stage for entertainment.  There is a tent decorating contest and the introduction of our favorite little fans; the Youth Corps.  The Youth Corps is made up of young people between the ages of 10-16 that cheer, encourage and volunteer throughout the 3-day experience.  They are an amazing group of young people and I can’t wait to meet this year’s group!

Check back soon for tips on packing for the 3-Day!

I’ve got mail?!

Here’s a sneak peak at how to put a smile on that tired walker’s (aka me) face when they arrive at camp. 

Send them mail!!!! Seriously, it’s super exciting to get a piece of mail – especially if it’s not a bill.  So you aren’t able to contribute financially but want to support your walker? Send them a card, a note or a drawing or a photo from that adorable child or dog of yours.  Funny, inspirational, stick figures whatever – it’s all greatly appreciated!

So here’s the info – but the most important detail?! All mail must be postmarked no later than July 12^th – otherwise they won’t have time to sort it and get it to camp.

            3-Day for the Cure

            ATTN: Name here (Amy Kelly if you’re looking for suggestions  J)

            P.O. Box 181270

            Boston, MA 02118

They say envelopes only please. Don’t forget the deadline, all items received after that will be returned to sender….and no mail wants to be returned.  Just so you know; I have been known to send my own postcards from camp to super special supportive folks <wink, wink, elbow nudge>.

Stay tuned for more spectator information as the walk gets closer.  I’ll tell you more about cheering stations and the closing ceremony.  Thanks again to all my supporters I can’t believe the walk is only five weeks away YIKES! Thanks to the help and support of people like you I’m only $900 away from my goal!

68 miles down....loads more to go

My, it’s been a busy month – where has is gone?! I’ve been walking all over I tell you.  My husband and I went to Oakland, California to visit our family (and explore wine country of course).  We had a great time visiting and got to explore quite a bit by foot – we even walked across the Golden Gate Bridge!! The views were amazing and it was great to fit a little training in while on vacation. Across and back the bridge is approximately 3.4 miles.

Well now it’s back to work and the rain seemed to return with us.  I managed to complete 9 ½ miles on Sunday and it felt great.  A lot of people ask me – how do you do that? How long does it take? Aren’t you bored?  The answers are easy.  If you put one foot in front of the other over and over again your really start to get the hang of it. Seriously though, I can’t imagine doing it without company or an audio book or two. Currently I am listening Anne of Green Gables.  I loved reading this when I was younger and it’s been fun revisiting it.

Tonight I’m planning on 5-8; I guess it all depends on the weather and my feet.  Breaking in a new pair of kicks today – love that new cushy feeling!!