I am so excited that training for the Susan G Komen for the Cure Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk has officially started. It's an exciting time.
Now anyone who knows me knows that training is my weak spot. So what did I do for motivation? I signed up and was accepted to be a training walk leader. Stop your snickering...ok you can snicker. I deserve it. I'm not saying I wasn't "serious" about walking the past 3 years as I was. However in 3 years I have yet to finish all 60 miles. And while I KNOW it's not a competition to see who finishes first and who does all the miles, it's been a personal goal of mine to do exactly that. Walk all 60 miles. I am determined this year. So- no excuses about training, or not.
Now, I hate the heat (funny coming from this Arizona native I am sure), and I am NOT a morning person. However I will put aside my own discomfort to make sure I train and am most prepared to walk this year.
So I put out the challenge to you all- train this year, train with me. Share with me your tips to get and stay motivated because let's face it, walking at 4:30 am in 100 degree heat is NO ONE'S idea of fun!But I bet we could make it fun.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
A Permanent Reminder
2011 will be my fourth Susan G Komen for the Cure Breast Cancer 3 Day walk. Since 2009 I had wanted to commemorate my walking, and my dedication to keep walking in a meaningful way.
This past Saturday I finally did just that. I got a tattoo.
I got the idea from some other walkers who had a very similar design. As a matter of fact, I had a picture of their tattoo that I took in to my artist to use as a reference. It was a pink ribbon with pink Converse sneakers hanging by the shoelaces from the center.
However, since we don't walk in Converse All Stars (well some people might-I certainly don't) I wanted my Nike's. He took notes and we made the appointment.
I arrived Saturday at 11 for our appointment and he hadn't drawn it up yet. I did not bring the picture with me this time so I was a little nervous. He however, remembered what I wanted and sat down and started drawing.
About 20 minutes later he showed me the sketch and it was perfect. It was a more flowy ribbon with the sneakers hanging from the tail of the ribbon. Above it it said "3 Days" and underneath it "60 Miles".
I approved the desgin and we went about getting it inked on my right shoulder blade. About an hour later it was finished and I could not be any happier with the work. I will have a permanent reminder of my journey the past few years, and the next as needed until we have that cure. It brings me joy. It reminds me of what I have accomplished, and what I can accomplish.
So, for your viewing pleasure...here is my new tattoo commemorating the 3 Day walk.
Isn't it beautiful? The shoes are very similar to my Nike shoes I walked in. The colors are the same. The shading is amazing. I love everything about it. The design, the colors, and most importantly what it symbolizes to me.
If anyone who sees this is in the Phoenix metro area...go see Joe at Idle Hands tattoo. He was the artist.
This past Saturday I finally did just that. I got a tattoo.
I got the idea from some other walkers who had a very similar design. As a matter of fact, I had a picture of their tattoo that I took in to my artist to use as a reference. It was a pink ribbon with pink Converse sneakers hanging by the shoelaces from the center.
However, since we don't walk in Converse All Stars (well some people might-I certainly don't) I wanted my Nike's. He took notes and we made the appointment.
I arrived Saturday at 11 for our appointment and he hadn't drawn it up yet. I did not bring the picture with me this time so I was a little nervous. He however, remembered what I wanted and sat down and started drawing.
About 20 minutes later he showed me the sketch and it was perfect. It was a more flowy ribbon with the sneakers hanging from the tail of the ribbon. Above it it said "3 Days" and underneath it "60 Miles".
I approved the desgin and we went about getting it inked on my right shoulder blade. About an hour later it was finished and I could not be any happier with the work. I will have a permanent reminder of my journey the past few years, and the next as needed until we have that cure. It brings me joy. It reminds me of what I have accomplished, and what I can accomplish.
So, for your viewing pleasure...here is my new tattoo commemorating the 3 Day walk.
Isn't it beautiful? The shoes are very similar to my Nike shoes I walked in. The colors are the same. The shading is amazing. I love everything about it. The design, the colors, and most importantly what it symbolizes to me.
If anyone who sees this is in the Phoenix metro area...go see Joe at Idle Hands tattoo. He was the artist.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
A new adventure begins
I am about to embark on my 4th Susan G Komen for the Cure Breast Cancer 3 Day. I did not realize when I first started in 2008 that this would become my passion. I am grateful that it has.
I have become a Breast Cancer expert it seems like. I read every article I can find. I share stories. I post on my fantasy football sites the articles I read...remind the boys to do their exams as well as preach to them to make sure the women in thier lives are doing there exams.
I have been known on my team (Team Walking On-the best team ever!) to have a bit of a uh hem lack of training. My first year, I did 1 (that's right I said ONE) training walk. ANd it was a 15 miler at that. Needless to say, I didn't fare so well. THe second year I trained more...but finished the event on crutches and had that replaced with a walking boot after the event followed by over a month of physical therapy.
In 2010 I was determined to train and started off pretty well. My foot stated to bother me so I gave in (ok meeting an amazing man and falling in love did not help the motivation to train either). I did however take extra care with my shoes and got custom insoles. I had my best walk to date.
So here I am ready to start 2011. I'm going to the gym to lose weight, I did my first 1/2 marathon (ok I did 9 of the 13.1 don't chastise me), and I'm going to run my first Pat's Run which is 4.2 miles all to help get me in 3 day walking shape. I've signed up to be a training walk leader. I can't slack on training if I'm leading the walks right? Right?
I also submitted an application to be a 3 day ambassador. I felt like one already to all my "boys" as I call them. Oh-I need to tell you all about my boys-but I'll get to that later.
I received a lovely email telling me I was accepted. So here I am, ready for my 4th walk and I am going to be a 3 day Ambassador. Oh the stories I can tell. I have PLENTY of horror stories of what NOT to do (unfortunately, I had to learn these all the hard way).
Before I tell my first horror story, let me talk about my "boys". I am a bit of a tom boy (but also a girlie girl and yes I understand the complete contradiction). I am a sports junkie and play fantasy football (12 leagues isn't too many is it?) Most of my leagues are online with guys I have never met in real life, yet who I talk to either on the site (shout out to pigskinaddiction.com), by email, or by text. These boys have become some of my biggest supporters. I would not be able to walk each year if it were not for them. Literally. Last year A week and ahalf before the deadline to check in online to tent with my team, I had only about $800. As a single mom putting down my debit card to make up the difference was daunting. It was a risk I would not be able to take and I knew I would not be able to walk. I made a quick post to tell them and say sorry that I would not be able to walk for thier loved ones this year. This was unacceptable to them. Over the next week I received email notification after email notification that another donation had come in. My boys came through and in a BIG way. One of the guys had a friend who passed away from cancer and his family created the "Mike McNeil Organization". He got them to donate a large sum. As a result on the event I wore one of their shirts from their pub crawl. It was a hit with all who saw it. It said "Boo Cancer. Hooray Beer". I love my boys and I love the support both emotional and financial they give me. I am also honored that they trust me to walk for their loved ones and I do it honorably and humbly.
Ok...my first horror story. For any first timer, PLEASE let his be a lesson in what NOT to do.
Day 2 of my first walk in 2008, I wore a pair of skorts. I had worn them around but again, since I had done all of 1 training walk hadn't worn them enough. They crept up in the thighs. Anyone of you who have a little weight and thighs that touch know exactly what I am talking about. As a result of the "creepage" I was also starting to get some chafing. Well, we have all been taught (or will be taught) that when you start to get a hot spot on your foot to put some mole skin on it. So I thought to myself "It works on the feet, it should work for this too right?"...I can hear y'all start to gasp and giggle already...so I took 2 full sheets of mole skin and slapped one on each thigh. Seemed like a good idea at the time. On I proceeded to walk and it went fairly well until my calf muscles seized.
So that night in the showers I tried to peel the mole skin off. Not an easy feat. One that was not entirely successful either. I was left with quite a bit of adhesive on my thighs. Did I mention that body heat makes the adhesive very sticky? No? Did I mention that I slept in my clothes for day 3 with my adhesive filled thighs? No. Well it does, and I did. Everytime I hit the port-a-potty I literally had to PEEL my pants away from my very sticky thighs. I had to take rubbing alcohol to them at home to get the adhesive off (which add to the bit of chafing was not fun. I am sure my boys learned some new words to take to school).
So, learn from me. Mole skin on a hot spot on the foot =good. Mole skin on a chafing thigh=not good.
I will be imparting more of my "What Not To Do" lessons as I blog on my training and my 4th walk in November.
I have become a Breast Cancer expert it seems like. I read every article I can find. I share stories. I post on my fantasy football sites the articles I read...remind the boys to do their exams as well as preach to them to make sure the women in thier lives are doing there exams.
I have been known on my team (Team Walking On-the best team ever!) to have a bit of a uh hem lack of training. My first year, I did 1 (that's right I said ONE) training walk. ANd it was a 15 miler at that. Needless to say, I didn't fare so well. THe second year I trained more...but finished the event on crutches and had that replaced with a walking boot after the event followed by over a month of physical therapy.
In 2010 I was determined to train and started off pretty well. My foot stated to bother me so I gave in (ok meeting an amazing man and falling in love did not help the motivation to train either). I did however take extra care with my shoes and got custom insoles. I had my best walk to date.
So here I am ready to start 2011. I'm going to the gym to lose weight, I did my first 1/2 marathon (ok I did 9 of the 13.1 don't chastise me), and I'm going to run my first Pat's Run which is 4.2 miles all to help get me in 3 day walking shape. I've signed up to be a training walk leader. I can't slack on training if I'm leading the walks right? Right?
I also submitted an application to be a 3 day ambassador. I felt like one already to all my "boys" as I call them. Oh-I need to tell you all about my boys-but I'll get to that later.
I received a lovely email telling me I was accepted. So here I am, ready for my 4th walk and I am going to be a 3 day Ambassador. Oh the stories I can tell. I have PLENTY of horror stories of what NOT to do (unfortunately, I had to learn these all the hard way).
Before I tell my first horror story, let me talk about my "boys". I am a bit of a tom boy (but also a girlie girl and yes I understand the complete contradiction). I am a sports junkie and play fantasy football (12 leagues isn't too many is it?) Most of my leagues are online with guys I have never met in real life, yet who I talk to either on the site (shout out to pigskinaddiction.com), by email, or by text. These boys have become some of my biggest supporters. I would not be able to walk each year if it were not for them. Literally. Last year A week and ahalf before the deadline to check in online to tent with my team, I had only about $800. As a single mom putting down my debit card to make up the difference was daunting. It was a risk I would not be able to take and I knew I would not be able to walk. I made a quick post to tell them and say sorry that I would not be able to walk for thier loved ones this year. This was unacceptable to them. Over the next week I received email notification after email notification that another donation had come in. My boys came through and in a BIG way. One of the guys had a friend who passed away from cancer and his family created the "Mike McNeil Organization". He got them to donate a large sum. As a result on the event I wore one of their shirts from their pub crawl. It was a hit with all who saw it. It said "Boo Cancer. Hooray Beer". I love my boys and I love the support both emotional and financial they give me. I am also honored that they trust me to walk for their loved ones and I do it honorably and humbly.
Ok...my first horror story. For any first timer, PLEASE let his be a lesson in what NOT to do.
Day 2 of my first walk in 2008, I wore a pair of skorts. I had worn them around but again, since I had done all of 1 training walk hadn't worn them enough. They crept up in the thighs. Anyone of you who have a little weight and thighs that touch know exactly what I am talking about. As a result of the "creepage" I was also starting to get some chafing. Well, we have all been taught (or will be taught) that when you start to get a hot spot on your foot to put some mole skin on it. So I thought to myself "It works on the feet, it should work for this too right?"...I can hear y'all start to gasp and giggle already...so I took 2 full sheets of mole skin and slapped one on each thigh. Seemed like a good idea at the time. On I proceeded to walk and it went fairly well until my calf muscles seized.
So that night in the showers I tried to peel the mole skin off. Not an easy feat. One that was not entirely successful either. I was left with quite a bit of adhesive on my thighs. Did I mention that body heat makes the adhesive very sticky? No? Did I mention that I slept in my clothes for day 3 with my adhesive filled thighs? No. Well it does, and I did. Everytime I hit the port-a-potty I literally had to PEEL my pants away from my very sticky thighs. I had to take rubbing alcohol to them at home to get the adhesive off (which add to the bit of chafing was not fun. I am sure my boys learned some new words to take to school).
So, learn from me. Mole skin on a hot spot on the foot =good. Mole skin on a chafing thigh=not good.
I will be imparting more of my "What Not To Do" lessons as I blog on my training and my 4th walk in November.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Tribute to Scott Wedell-the little brother I never met
The little brother I never met.I wrote this for sportsjabbet.net about Scott Wedell who at the very young age of 19 lost his battle with Rhabdomyosarcoma- a fairly rare form of cancer. Our little corner of the Internet is certainly not the same without him.
I adored Scott Wedell and loved him like a little brother. Crazy considering we had never met. But I felt a connection to him from our first interactions.
When I drew him in the secret Santa exchange, I was thrilled. I still remember sending him an ASU hat (to bring a little of the desert to him) and his worm and scorpion suckers. I recall his message to me when he got them. He thought they were cool…in that gross but awesome way scorpion and worm suckers are cool.
We bonded over his love of PF Chang’s. I also loved it and did before I even started working for them.
It was that love of our food, and his struggle that first sprung me into action. I went to the CFO’s admin and told her all about this sports loving, cancer fighting guy and simply asked “What can we do?” Next thing I know I’ve got a hat, shirt, bracelet, mini Terracotta Warrior statue, Lucky Cat, and gift cards for him. I was jealous. I didn’t even have a warrior statue and wanted one! I went around to my team and again, told them all about Scott and how he loved us and sports. Everyone signed a card for him. I packaged it up and sent it to him. He was so excited when he received it as he had no CLUE it was coming. He told me how much he loved it and couldn’t wait to go and order more Chang’s.
From then on, Scott was a part of the PF Chang’s family. I would get asked by team members and Mary the admin to the CFO how he was doing. I’d give them updates. We all looked up and learned more about his cancer. We all looked into the Proton Radiation he was undergoing. He was a part of us…and today, we are all saddened.
Scott and I debated in the NFL debates last year. He made me think. Here was this young “kid” who knew more than me. That didn’t seem right. But that was Scott. He knew more about stats and sports than people twice his age. He studied, he memorized, he learned and he shared that knowledge. He was a great contributor who wrote thoughtful and insightful articles. Sure there was some homerism in there but aren’t we all big homers when it comes to our teams?
On his Bleacher Report profile, he stated he hoped to be a sports writer. Little did he know…he already was.
In 2009, I participated in my 2nd Susan G Komen Breast Cancer 3 day walk. While mainly a walk for Breast Cancer, I walk for all cancers. It was the first year I walked for Scott. Last year, I again walked for Scott as well as others. In 2011, instead of walking in support of Scott, I will be walking in memory of him. It doesn’t seem right, and it doesn’t seem fair. I would gladly change places with him. I’ve lived. I’ve loved. I’ve experienced the joy of being a parent, of marriage. I had the fun of going away to college and the parties that go along with it. These are things Scott will miss out on. Things that the Rhabdomyosarcoma took from him.
They say people come into your life for a reason. Scott came into all of ours to teach us and show us what true strength and courage looks like and acts like. Here was an amazing young man, his whole life ahead of him fighting for just one more day…one more hour, one more birthday, Christmas, football season. And yet, I can’t recall a single moment where he ever complained. He didn’t want our sympathy. No one ever gave him pity. When we expressed our love and concerns, he tried to make us feel better, when we were trying so hard to do that for him. Scott never had that “woe is me” attitude. He had once said that he had come to grips with his death. I remember how much that shook me. How I felt it was so unfair that at his young age he should have to THINK about his own death, much less come to grips with it. It was like he had accepted his path. How at 36 even I haven’t come to grips with my own death yet. His concern was for his family and friends. Typical Scott. He had a tender, gentle, and caring heart about him. He was a comedian and would always make me laugh and smile. Scott had a quit wit and a sharp sense of humor that will greatly be missed by all who knew him.
Some people come into our lives for a season, some for a lifetime. While his lifetime has now ended, he will forever live in our hearts, our minds, and our memories. Scott will be in all our lives for a lifetime and beyond.
While he taught us so much, how to stand in the face of adversity greater than most of us have ever and hopefully will ever know, I think what he will be the most thrilled with…is that he turned each and every one of us into Jets fans…if only for a few games. I believe in my heart of hearts, that he is looking down on us, laughing, smiling, eyes shining saying, “So THIS is what it took to convert you all?” and “About damn time!” Now, all he has left is to convert us to TCU fans. But I have an inkling that some of us will cheer for them a little more, and a little louder next season to make up for the voice they lost.
Scott…RIP my friend. You will always be remembered and loved.
God saw you getting tired, and a cure was not to be.
So he put his arms around you and whispered, “Come with me”.
With tearful eyes we watched, and saw you pass away.
Although we love you dearly, we could not make you stay.
A golden heart stops beating, hard working hands at rest
God broke our heart to prove to us, he only takes the best.
Monday, February 7, 2011
What's the difference between a half marathon and the 3 day?
Ok, other than the actual milegae involved overall (13.1 miles compared to 60), what is the difference between walking (with a small amount of running) a half marathon and walking 1 day in the Breast Cancer 3 day walk?
In reality...a LOT. In the 3 day, we take frequent breaks (oh how I love the Pit Stops). We also have as much time as we need (as long as the sun is out) to finish. Ok so there are small considerations but there is AMPLE time to get to each stop and lunch.
I recently walked/ran the PF Chang's 1/2 marathon. It was my first. I will say it was a lot harder than the 3 day. We were given 4 hours from when the first group started to finish. That is not a lot of time. I have a tiny bladder (seriously, when pregnant they need to relocate my desk into the restroom-ugh) and if I'm drinking I need to stop. There were much less places to stop which created long lines and a serious delay. I was a bit frustrated that I felt so rushed to complete the event. As it ends up, I had to get bussed to the end (I'm slow what can I say). By having to get bussed, I was not going to be able to complete the ocurse and walk through the finish line. Well, this was unacceptable to me. I walked around and moved a baricade to get back on the course so I could finish. I ended up walking about 9 miles of the 13.1. Not too shabby for a first timer. However, had there not been such a rush, I know I could have finished all 13.1 miles.
There were similarities to the events however. The half marathon had its share of supporters. Mainly local cheerleaders but they were wonderful. There were also people is funny costumes. I don't know about you but I don't want to run (or walk) 13.1 miles with a tutu on! I give credit to those that do. I don't envy them their port-a-potty breaks though. :-)
I did enjoy both events and came across quite a few 3 day alumni walking in the half marathon. As one told me as we were crossing that finish line "This is a good training walk". Indeed it was.
I would love to do the half marathon again, and I guess to finish on time I need to either walk faster or run more, or drink less so I have to pee less. I did suggest to the organizers that they give a tad bit more time. I think more people would be able to finish and that is one heck of an accomplishment. I think more people would come back if they were not "rushed through" as I along with others felt.
Until then, I'll continue to walk the Susan G Komen for the Cure 3 day walk!
In reality...a LOT. In the 3 day, we take frequent breaks (oh how I love the Pit Stops). We also have as much time as we need (as long as the sun is out) to finish. Ok so there are small considerations but there is AMPLE time to get to each stop and lunch.
I recently walked/ran the PF Chang's 1/2 marathon. It was my first. I will say it was a lot harder than the 3 day. We were given 4 hours from when the first group started to finish. That is not a lot of time. I have a tiny bladder (seriously, when pregnant they need to relocate my desk into the restroom-ugh) and if I'm drinking I need to stop. There were much less places to stop which created long lines and a serious delay. I was a bit frustrated that I felt so rushed to complete the event. As it ends up, I had to get bussed to the end (I'm slow what can I say). By having to get bussed, I was not going to be able to complete the ocurse and walk through the finish line. Well, this was unacceptable to me. I walked around and moved a baricade to get back on the course so I could finish. I ended up walking about 9 miles of the 13.1. Not too shabby for a first timer. However, had there not been such a rush, I know I could have finished all 13.1 miles.
There were similarities to the events however. The half marathon had its share of supporters. Mainly local cheerleaders but they were wonderful. There were also people is funny costumes. I don't know about you but I don't want to run (or walk) 13.1 miles with a tutu on! I give credit to those that do. I don't envy them their port-a-potty breaks though. :-)
I did enjoy both events and came across quite a few 3 day alumni walking in the half marathon. As one told me as we were crossing that finish line "This is a good training walk". Indeed it was.
I would love to do the half marathon again, and I guess to finish on time I need to either walk faster or run more, or drink less so I have to pee less. I did suggest to the organizers that they give a tad bit more time. I think more people would be able to finish and that is one heck of an accomplishment. I think more people would come back if they were not "rushed through" as I along with others felt.
Until then, I'll continue to walk the Susan G Komen for the Cure 3 day walk!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Week 13 NBA Rankings
I haven't posted any of these yet this season. I need to rectify that.
So, starting now, I vow to post my weekly NBA power rankings.
Here are my week 13 ones.
1. Spurs- They still have the leagues best record. They took a mini tumble a few weeks back losing some games they shouldn't have, but they still hold on.
2. Celtics- Boston is clingling to the #2 spot. Can they hold on?
3. Heat- the "Big 3" have had their ups and downs this season but they are slowly climbing back up the rankings.
4. Lakers- they had a lackluster start and many including their own players were questioning their heart. They have a long road in front of them if they want that 3 peat. However, the Lakers are notorious for turning it on late so don't count them out yet.
5. Bulls- Depsite losing Jakim Noah to injury, they have still put together a 30 win season to date. They have major wins over some of the favorites including the Heat, Celtics, and Lakers.
6. Magic- I guess making that trade with the Suns etc was good for them. They have been turning it on and could be a major force in the playoffs.
7. Hornets- Got a huge win over the Spurs and have put together a nice run reminiscent of thier start. Can they keep it together or will they falter and fall from the rankings once again?
8. Thunder- A very young team going through some growing spurts but still a very dangerous team. Keep your eye on them this season and in the next few as the youngsters improve and gain experience.
9. Mavs-They topped the rankings just a few weeks ago but have tumbled far, and fast. If they don't turn it around they will drop next week.
10. Trailblazers- They are playing hard. Will they improve once Roy, Oden and Camby return? Aldridge is enyoing their time away as his game play has improved dramatically.
So, starting now, I vow to post my weekly NBA power rankings.
Here are my week 13 ones.
1. Spurs- They still have the leagues best record. They took a mini tumble a few weeks back losing some games they shouldn't have, but they still hold on.
2. Celtics- Boston is clingling to the #2 spot. Can they hold on?
3. Heat- the "Big 3" have had their ups and downs this season but they are slowly climbing back up the rankings.
4. Lakers- they had a lackluster start and many including their own players were questioning their heart. They have a long road in front of them if they want that 3 peat. However, the Lakers are notorious for turning it on late so don't count them out yet.
5. Bulls- Depsite losing Jakim Noah to injury, they have still put together a 30 win season to date. They have major wins over some of the favorites including the Heat, Celtics, and Lakers.
6. Magic- I guess making that trade with the Suns etc was good for them. They have been turning it on and could be a major force in the playoffs.
7. Hornets- Got a huge win over the Spurs and have put together a nice run reminiscent of thier start. Can they keep it together or will they falter and fall from the rankings once again?
8. Thunder- A very young team going through some growing spurts but still a very dangerous team. Keep your eye on them this season and in the next few as the youngsters improve and gain experience.
9. Mavs-They topped the rankings just a few weeks ago but have tumbled far, and fast. If they don't turn it around they will drop next week.
10. Trailblazers- They are playing hard. Will they improve once Roy, Oden and Camby return? Aldridge is enyoing their time away as his game play has improved dramatically.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
My 3 -Peat 3 Day Experience
This is another article I had posted elsewhere but never to my own blog. (Could I be anymore of a slacker?)
Thank you!When I did my first Breast Cancer 3 day walk in 2008-I thought it would be a onetime thing. That bucket list item I could do, then cross off. Little did I know that it would become my passion?So here I sit…sore after doing my 3rd Susan G Komen for the Cure Breast Cancer 3 Day walk, in a reflective mood. 3 days, 60 miles, 1 goal…a world without breast cancer. It seems so simple in writing; however the reality is starkly different. There were over 1500 walkers and over 350 crew members in the Arizona walk. It was a mini town. There was the sea of pink tents we camped in. And let me tell you, while the “official” temp was a low of 41, I can guarantee you it was colder than that. My bag the next morning had frost on it and while my tent was zippered up tight, there was still dew INSIDE my tent the next morning. It was NOT 41 degrees.There was the post office where we could pick up any mail sent to us by loved ones. There was the dining tent (heated for the first time thank heavens!) where we ate and watched the program, there were the port-a-potties, the 18-wheeler shower trucks, the medical tent, and god bless the national sponsors Energizer, AT&T, Bank of America and New Balance for providing Internet access to check email and our social networking sites, for plugs to charge our cell phones, and for chair and foot massages!There was the Remembrance tent. As I stated, this was my third year walking, however it was the first year I found myself inside the Remembrance Tent. Outside were the white tents from the other cities…with messages written on them from loved ones, to those they had lost in the battle. Inside were the pictures of former walkers and/or crew members from 3-Days around the country in years past who were no longer with us. I don’t know why I was so afraid of going into this special tent in years past. Maybe because thankfully-I have not lost a relative or loved one to this dreaded disease…yet? Or maybe it was because I know how emotional I get on the walk anyways and I was scared? I don’t know why I avoided the tent. But I went this year. It was one of the few quiet places in camp. While it was steps away from the dining tent and the loudness of camp program, those sounds were drowned out. No one spoke in the Remembrance Tent. No words were needed. Our sniffs and soft cries were all that needed to be “said” as we looked at the names and faces of too many people lost. Of brave women who walked and crewed for years doing all they could to raise money and awareness to hopefully find a cure. There were women who had registered to walk in events in 2009 and 2010 that could not participate as their battle ended before they could walk. I have made a vow NEVER to skip this very important part of the 3 Day again. Shame on me for not visiting sooner. My resolve was strengthened Saturday night. I looked at those faces smiling back at me, some with hair, some without-and I knew more than ever why I take this sometimes painful journey. For them, for myself, for my nieces, for my sister, my mom, my friends, for you and your loved ones. So someday I won’t have to take that journey.Day one started out with stretches and Opening Ceremonies. While some of it was the same, there were some differences. As we dropped off our gear and walked down into Freestone Park where Opening was held, there were white strips where we could write the name and a quick message to those who have lost their fight with Breast Cancer. These strips were then attached and raised on the flag pole as a “Memorial Flag”. It was a touching site to see so many names…too many names.After Opening we were officially off to start our journey. I cannot say thank you enough to all the communities we walk through. The support we receive is amazing. From people standing in their drive ways with water, Gatorade, candy, stickers, or just standing there watching us pass by clapping and saying “Thank You”. It is an amazing and humbling site. We passed little kids handing out pink lemonade, Red Vines (my favorite!), passed messages written in side walk chalk to keep us going.The firefighters…oh my stars the firefighters! They come out dressed in pink to cheer us on. This year the Gilbert F.D handed out these beautiful key chains. It was a circle that said “Fight like a girl” and in the middle was a spinning pink boxer glove with a pink ribbon on it. Fight Like a Girl indeed. I gave this keychain to Michelle, my co-worker that I first started to walk for.Each year there are designated cheer stations. These are NOT to be missed as a walker. We get sprayed with water bottles to cool down, get applauded by strangers, but it is also a place to meet friends and family for a hug, some tears and a boost that keeps us going.There are the costumes the walkers wear, the spectators wear, and that the safety crew wears. Just when you have seen it all…someone comes up with something new. You never know WHAT you will see on the 3 day!But mostly, there is time to reflect, to talk, and to remember. Walking 20 miles a day leaves a lot of time to think. We talk with people we have never met before and soon, you are friends. We share stories about why we made the decision to walk in the first place. We share stories with the virgin walkers of what to expect, and why we keep coming back.This year, one of the teachers at my youngest son’s daycare walked. This was her first year. I had her join our team and we spent a lot of the 3 day walking together. Seeing the event through first timer’s eyes brought me back to three years ago when I was a virgin walker. Seeing her get emotional at the cheering stations, crying due to the pain of a blister she was too afraid to look at, seeing her laugh and smile…it all brought back memories. And while I still cry at the cheering stations, seeing her cry made me cry all the more. I was so proud of her! Being able to walk up to her when she came across the finish line and give her a hug and cry with her…I remember how I felt the first time I did it. Hell I cried again this year thinking “I did it”. I was honored to be able to tell her how PROUD I was of her, to hug her, and then tell her, “Let’s go get a victory shirt!”, then walk with her to do just that.We joke that as walkers, we’re cheap. We get so excited to come into a pit stop and get a sticker for our badge, or to stop for the Girl Scouts who are handing them out. We’ll walk for STICKERS! Well, I walk for those and the Red Vines. I admit to being a licorice snob and won’t stop for a Twizzler…but if someone has a case of Red Vines…oh, I grab one every time!Day one took us through Gilbert, Chandler and into Tempe. Day two took us through Tempe, up through ASU and on into Old Town Scottsdale. From there we went through Papago Park and back through Tempe to camp. Day three for the first time ever they bussed us to start our day. We started out in the shadow of Camelback Mountain walking past multi-million dollar homes in Paradise Valley and through the Biltmore area. We then passed through into Phoenix and came right down Central in the heart of downtown. We then crossed through the Willa and Encanto neighborhoods that are designated as historic districts. We finally arrived at Closing at the Arizona State Fairgrounds.I started this the day after the walk. It’s taken me until Wednesday to finish. I know there are sights and sounds I am forgetting. I’m sitting here 3 days out…still a tiny bit sore but not too bad. The worst has passed. My ankles are swollen as the excess water we took in and the extra salt starts to leave the body…but I don’t care if my toes look like sausages right now. I don’t care that my cute pedicure is ruined (to be corrected this weekend with a nice new pedicure). All I know, is I am looking forward to doing it again. I have already signed up for 2011. I just need to decide if I am still walking in Arizona or if I want to pick a new city. I am open to suggestions!I care that Arizona walkers raised over $4.4 MILLION dollars for the Susan G Komen for the Cure. A large portion of which will stay with the local affiliate to help men and women with little or no insurance get the care and treatment they need. I care that soon, I won’t have this event to look forward to each year as we will not need to have one…we will have found the cure. I care that because of some of the most amazing people…I was able to walk this year when I didn’t think I was going too. I care that with each footstep…we are closer to the cure. I care that each footstep is for the Survivor’s. For they are the TRUE hero’s. They are why I walk. They are my inspiration, my hero’s.I have one last request of everyone. Candy Coburn came to camp and did a concert as well as performing at Closing Ceremonies. She has a song titled “Pink Warrior”. She is donating 100% of the profits of the song to the Susan G Komen for the Cure. Please, go and download the song.
A toddler with Breast Cancer
I read an article in OK magazine about a toddler who is the world's youngest breast cancer survivor. Knowing OK is known mainly for its celebrity gossip, I had to search out the truth behind this story.
Enter google (seriously, what did we do before we had google?)
See the story here from the Today show:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/41161182/ns/today-today_health/
What a brave and strong little angel. Her family will be in my prayers. I hope she never has to deal with this again, that it truely is gone for good.
Enter google (seriously, what did we do before we had google?)
See the story here from the Today show:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/41161182/ns/today-today_health/
What a brave and strong little angel. Her family will be in my prayers. I hope she never has to deal with this again, that it truely is gone for good.
What exactly is the 3 day?
This is an article I wrote back in August for Sportsjabber.net in honor of Cancer Awareness month.
What exactly is the 3 day?
As most of you know, I walk in the Arizona Susan G. Komen for the Cure Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk.
However I get asked over and over again, "What is the 3 day?"
The 3 day is simple yet hard to explain. Let me tell you what it is NOT. It is NOT a race. In fact, no running is allowed. There is the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure, but that is a 5k race. The 3 day is 60 miles in 3 days-averaging 20 miles a day and TRUST me, you do NOT want to run that.
It is also not an endurance walk to see who is the last woman (or man) standing. We don't walk all 60 miles at once, and yes we do get breaks, LOTS of breaks.
What the 3 day is however, is 3 days of love, hope, inspiration, laughter, tears, and making a difference. It is about the CURE.
There are 3 day walks all over the country. The official 3 day season has begun. Last weekend was the first walk in Boston, and this weekend Cleveland had it's 3 day walk. Next weekend...it's onto the Windy City. From now until November, there will be a 3 day walk in a city across this nation. Each walk will have thousands of men and women who have all raised a minimum of $2300 walking to find a cure. There will also be hundreds of volunteer crew members supporting the walkers.
There are a total of 15 walks each year. Each event is exactly 3 days and the walkers walk 60 miles. Some days it's more than 20, others (like the last day) it's less.
Day one starts off with opening ceremonies. It is funny, uplifting and inspirational. My first walk, a team member asked me if I had tissues. I said no and she gave me some. They were torn to shreds by the time we were done. Instead of having a moment of silece, we shout the name of the person or persons we are walking for, putting their spirit on the walk. To hear thousands of names being called out at once...you can't help but feel inspired...and shed a tear or two or three.
Now while we may walk 20 miles a day, we don't walk it all at once. Approximately every 3 miles there are pit stops. Each pit stop is themed and it's a big party. At the pit stops we re-fill our water and Gatorade, fill up on some food (man those peanut butter and jelly uncrusables are FABULOUS!),and take a much needed stop in a blue port-a-potty.
As we walk we have "walker stalkers" who follow us around honking and cheering while their cars are decorated with pink-bras, ribbons, whatever.We have people standing in their lawns telling us thank you as we pass, handing out popsicles and water. There are little girls with stickers, elementary kids with banners. They tell us "Thank You" when really, it should be us thanking them for giving us a much needed boost.
You see men and women in the most outrageous outfits in all varying shades of pink. Our safety crew motorcycle riders stop at intersections and guide us across safely, usually dancing the entire way. If the light is red? More reason to dance or stretch. People wear 46DDD bras OUTSIDE of their clothes, or on their hats. Men are dressed as women. Women wear tu-tus and feather boas (ok, so do the men). On the 3 days, fanny packs are in fashion! Although this year I have retired my fanny pack in favor of a Camelback.
After we complete the miles for the day, we walk into camp where we get to hear inspirational stories, hear surprisingly good karaoke, shower in 18 wheeler trucks, and sleep in 2 person pink tents. Sometimes, you know your tent mate ahead of time, and others you meet them that first day. However, you will be life long friends (even if they snore) by the end of the 3 days.
As fun as it sounds (and trust me it is FUN), there is a seriousness about the 3 day as well. When you come across a fellow walker with pictures on their shirts with the names and those all so final dates under them, or you are tired and sore and think "I can't do this" and the bald woman fresh from chemo pats you on the back in encouragement, you realize why you are there and why its so important, or the lady that is old enough to be your grandmother passes you by with a smile and again you think..."Well if she can do it, so can I" and take those remaining steps (although feeling a little bit like a slacker as she walks by looking to be pain free and you're contemplating sweeping...again). After all, it beats the hell out of chemo.
My first year I did not train and as a result could not finish days 1 and 2. I am stubborn however and walked day 3. I finished. I was last one in (I even have the LAST WALKER pin to prove it), but I finished.
Last year I trained...I was ready to finish all 60 miles. Day 1 I finished and walked into camp from the front entrance for the first time. I felt GREAT! Then day 2 came and I started to get pains in my foot. It felt like a sprain on the side. I kept walking because again, I'm stubborn. When the pain went from throbbing to stabbing, shooting pain I finally stopped walking. A few visits to medical and a trip to the ER later, I was on crutches and in a "post surgical boot" and red carded which means not allowed to walk.
I was in tears. Devastated. Until my team captain reminded me that it wasn't about walking. It was about raising the money. The people I walk for would have been proud of me. It took a while to accept.
It is about grit and determination. It is about the will to do something. Something that matters. It about saying "ENOUGH" to Cancer. It's about doing something to help bring cancer to its knees. It's about making a difference in the lives of people I know, the lives of people I will never know. The lives of people not even born yet. So a month of a walking boot and physical therapy after the walk, I was ready to sign up again for my 3rd walk.
Every day we go to work, we go home, watch TV. We eat way too much junk, don't work out enough (boy am I guilty of this), and worry way to much about things that really don't matter all that much in the grand scheme of things. Things that don't make a world of difference in whether or not the world is a better place at the end of the day.
It's not the walking in the 3 day that brings about the cure. The publicity helps. Of course it does. Think back to the time Susan G. Komen was first diagnosed with breast cancer. It wasn't talked about. It was taboo. People thought you could "catch it". So if I have to dress silly, laugh at team names like "Save the Magic Mountains", "Saving Second Base" etc, find the most different and interesting ways to say "Breasts". I mean there is the standard Ta-Ta's, Boobies, Titties, the aforementioned Magic Mountains and Second Base, there is all sorts of ways I never even thought of. If it takes all of that to remind men and women to do thier self exams, then I will do it.
So if the walking doesn't cure breast cancer, what does?
What is the real goal of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure? It's the fundrasing. Raising monies for research, treatment programs, education programs WORLD WIDE! How does promising clinical trials research studies around the country sound? A cure, or a vaccine for breast cancer is possible. IN OUR LIFETIMES.
That is what the Breast Cancer 3 Day is about. A lifetime...for EVERYONE. A lifetime without the fear of Breast Cancer. A world without breast cancer. For your wives, our daughters, our mothers, our sisters, OURSELVES, for the FUTURE.
It comes down to a WORLD WITHOUT BREAST CANCER. A WORLD WITHOUT CANCER. Why? Because everyone deserves a lifetime.
What exactly is the 3 day?
As most of you know, I walk in the Arizona Susan G. Komen for the Cure Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk.
However I get asked over and over again, "What is the 3 day?"
The 3 day is simple yet hard to explain. Let me tell you what it is NOT. It is NOT a race. In fact, no running is allowed. There is the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure, but that is a 5k race. The 3 day is 60 miles in 3 days-averaging 20 miles a day and TRUST me, you do NOT want to run that.
It is also not an endurance walk to see who is the last woman (or man) standing. We don't walk all 60 miles at once, and yes we do get breaks, LOTS of breaks.
What the 3 day is however, is 3 days of love, hope, inspiration, laughter, tears, and making a difference. It is about the CURE.
There are 3 day walks all over the country. The official 3 day season has begun. Last weekend was the first walk in Boston, and this weekend Cleveland had it's 3 day walk. Next weekend...it's onto the Windy City. From now until November, there will be a 3 day walk in a city across this nation. Each walk will have thousands of men and women who have all raised a minimum of $2300 walking to find a cure. There will also be hundreds of volunteer crew members supporting the walkers.
There are a total of 15 walks each year. Each event is exactly 3 days and the walkers walk 60 miles. Some days it's more than 20, others (like the last day) it's less.
Day one starts off with opening ceremonies. It is funny, uplifting and inspirational. My first walk, a team member asked me if I had tissues. I said no and she gave me some. They were torn to shreds by the time we were done. Instead of having a moment of silece, we shout the name of the person or persons we are walking for, putting their spirit on the walk. To hear thousands of names being called out at once...you can't help but feel inspired...and shed a tear or two or three.
Now while we may walk 20 miles a day, we don't walk it all at once. Approximately every 3 miles there are pit stops. Each pit stop is themed and it's a big party. At the pit stops we re-fill our water and Gatorade, fill up on some food (man those peanut butter and jelly uncrusables are FABULOUS!),and take a much needed stop in a blue port-a-potty.
As we walk we have "walker stalkers" who follow us around honking and cheering while their cars are decorated with pink-bras, ribbons, whatever.We have people standing in their lawns telling us thank you as we pass, handing out popsicles and water. There are little girls with stickers, elementary kids with banners. They tell us "Thank You" when really, it should be us thanking them for giving us a much needed boost.
You see men and women in the most outrageous outfits in all varying shades of pink. Our safety crew motorcycle riders stop at intersections and guide us across safely, usually dancing the entire way. If the light is red? More reason to dance or stretch. People wear 46DDD bras OUTSIDE of their clothes, or on their hats. Men are dressed as women. Women wear tu-tus and feather boas (ok, so do the men). On the 3 days, fanny packs are in fashion! Although this year I have retired my fanny pack in favor of a Camelback.
After we complete the miles for the day, we walk into camp where we get to hear inspirational stories, hear surprisingly good karaoke, shower in 18 wheeler trucks, and sleep in 2 person pink tents. Sometimes, you know your tent mate ahead of time, and others you meet them that first day. However, you will be life long friends (even if they snore) by the end of the 3 days.
As fun as it sounds (and trust me it is FUN), there is a seriousness about the 3 day as well. When you come across a fellow walker with pictures on their shirts with the names and those all so final dates under them, or you are tired and sore and think "I can't do this" and the bald woman fresh from chemo pats you on the back in encouragement, you realize why you are there and why its so important, or the lady that is old enough to be your grandmother passes you by with a smile and again you think..."Well if she can do it, so can I" and take those remaining steps (although feeling a little bit like a slacker as she walks by looking to be pain free and you're contemplating sweeping...again). After all, it beats the hell out of chemo.
My first year I did not train and as a result could not finish days 1 and 2. I am stubborn however and walked day 3. I finished. I was last one in (I even have the LAST WALKER pin to prove it), but I finished.
Last year I trained...I was ready to finish all 60 miles. Day 1 I finished and walked into camp from the front entrance for the first time. I felt GREAT! Then day 2 came and I started to get pains in my foot. It felt like a sprain on the side. I kept walking because again, I'm stubborn. When the pain went from throbbing to stabbing, shooting pain I finally stopped walking. A few visits to medical and a trip to the ER later, I was on crutches and in a "post surgical boot" and red carded which means not allowed to walk.
I was in tears. Devastated. Until my team captain reminded me that it wasn't about walking. It was about raising the money. The people I walk for would have been proud of me. It took a while to accept.
It is about grit and determination. It is about the will to do something. Something that matters. It about saying "ENOUGH" to Cancer. It's about doing something to help bring cancer to its knees. It's about making a difference in the lives of people I know, the lives of people I will never know. The lives of people not even born yet. So a month of a walking boot and physical therapy after the walk, I was ready to sign up again for my 3rd walk.
Every day we go to work, we go home, watch TV. We eat way too much junk, don't work out enough (boy am I guilty of this), and worry way to much about things that really don't matter all that much in the grand scheme of things. Things that don't make a world of difference in whether or not the world is a better place at the end of the day.
It's not the walking in the 3 day that brings about the cure. The publicity helps. Of course it does. Think back to the time Susan G. Komen was first diagnosed with breast cancer. It wasn't talked about. It was taboo. People thought you could "catch it". So if I have to dress silly, laugh at team names like "Save the Magic Mountains", "Saving Second Base" etc, find the most different and interesting ways to say "Breasts". I mean there is the standard Ta-Ta's, Boobies, Titties, the aforementioned Magic Mountains and Second Base, there is all sorts of ways I never even thought of. If it takes all of that to remind men and women to do thier self exams, then I will do it.
So if the walking doesn't cure breast cancer, what does?
What is the real goal of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure? It's the fundrasing. Raising monies for research, treatment programs, education programs WORLD WIDE! How does promising clinical trials research studies around the country sound? A cure, or a vaccine for breast cancer is possible. IN OUR LIFETIMES.
That is what the Breast Cancer 3 Day is about. A lifetime...for EVERYONE. A lifetime without the fear of Breast Cancer. A world without breast cancer. For your wives, our daughters, our mothers, our sisters, OURSELVES, for the FUTURE.
It comes down to a WORLD WITHOUT BREAST CANCER. A WORLD WITHOUT CANCER. Why? Because everyone deserves a lifetime.
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