Another mile!?

That’s me with just one mile to holding. What a LONG last mile.  Last year the walk ended at Umass Boston.  All the walkers gather in one place until the very last one strolls in (I was a straggler last year coming in just 15 minutes before the deadline!).  Once all of the walkers are gathered we walk the very last stretch together.  The closing ceremonies bring an overwhelming wave of emotions.  That’s when the grand totals are announced.  Money raised, numbers of walkers, volunteers, band aids and even how many bananas eaten (trust me not a one by me).

With the Help of God and Fellow Walkers we can Surely Save Those Priceless Knockers!

The walk is full of amazing people and of course a lot of boob references.  I just had to sneak a photo of this fantastic man last year at lunch. It’s this kind of humor that helps to keep spirits high and feet moving.  Other favorites include; save second base, big and small save them all. Can’t wait to see what’s new this year!

Med Tent STAT!

I truly don’t understand how I got blisters on my little toes.  I can understand the heels or the sides of your feet – but I didn’t get them there – only the sad little toes.  Did I mention I didn’t get any during training?!

Well here’s a photo of my first visit to the med tent – Day 2 sometime in the morning.  The medical crew is made up of licensed professionals, doctors, nurses – the real deal. What is their most common task? Blister care – THANK YOU Medical Crew!!  Seriously what these people do for us and they don’t even complain about our smelly feet.

Tips for blisters?

o   No pedicures leading up to the walk (BOOOO!).  This allows natural calluses to form over time and will protect your feet for the big event

o   Use glide or other anti-chafing products on your feet

o   Carry mole skin with you and as soon as you start to feel a ‘hot spot’ wrap that area up

o   Wear socks and shoes that fit right (I think this was where I went wrong – a little too much room some of my socks) and invest in moisture wicking clothing/socks

o   Take off your shoes when you rest and change your socks half way through the day

In all seriousness, this walk could not take place without the dedicated volunteers and staff.  I hope my visits to the med tent are less frequent this year but I’m so glad they are there to help!

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.