Saturday Sightings

I walked in a new place today. Since I am just doing "maintenance" walking I am varying my routine. Anyway this morning I was walking around a local recreation area. There were about four fields of youth football going on. It was hilarious! Now please know that I am not making fun but all of the action just tickled me to death. There were three outcomes to every play. It was either a long run for a touchdown, a fumble, or a long run for a touchdown called back for a penalty. Just too cool all the way around. I was telling a friend who has daughters cheering at this level and she told me that last week their opponent actually had a pass play. It confused her daughters' team and they got the stuffing kicked out of them.
As a long time ago youth soccer (5 - 6 year olds) I got quite a kick watching the games as I wandered by.
And the little girl cheerleaders!!! Break my heart they are soooooooo cute. There was always one in the line looking at the girl next to her for moves. She stayed about one half beat behind everyone.
So dear friends training for this journey has not all been sweat and blisters. Sometimes I have seen things that are just too cool not to share.
Now what would a post be without a big BEG. Think of those precious little girl cheerleaders and their future hubbys out on the field. Wouldn't it be nice if they did not have to worry about Breast Cancer?
Think about that one and go click on DONATE HERE.

Welcome Newcomers!

Thanks to SaucyWildcat for referring you over to my site. She is a dear friend and has supported me in all of my previous journeys. For those of you here the first time, this a diary of my training and other mindless things while I prepare for the Breast Cancer 3 Day in Tampa FL. If you are not familiar with this great event go to www.the3day.org and take a look. A great event for a great cause – fighting breast cancer.
So, welcome to my site. Browse around and check out the scenery. Most importantly click on the Donate Here button and help me in this battle.

THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL JUST MAY BE YOU

Too Much or Too Little

Congrats to my teammates who have completed their back to back walks. I mean 22 and 20 miles in a weekend are great and will serve you well in your journey. While I cheer your accomplishments I worry about you also.
Long long long time ago I ran marathons. My training method was that I knew I would be out on the road for at least 3 hours so that is how I trained. Basically if I could run 3 hours, I could finish the course. I approached my first 3 day event in 2001 in the same way. I calculated how long it took me to walk a mile and then figured out how long it would take to do 20. I did not include pit stops and lunch. So what I have found is that if I can walk 15 miles with no stops for potty, snacks, or water (I do carry water and hydrate) I can do the 20 in the event. I have done this for this year's journey and am now wondering if it is time to scale back.
You see, I would hate to go out this weekend, walk 15 or 20 and get blisters, wreck my knee, throw a hip, etc, etc. Now is the time to lay back. Know you can do it. Get your head into the game (cause folks the last 5 miles is on guts alone). Make sure you do not hurt yourself.
This is totally my personal training plan and I recommend it to no one else. I also prep for the first day by drinking lots of beer and eating the largest steak the waiter will serve the night before so that tells you how healthy I am.
Anyway, to my fellow travelers out there, be careful in these last few weeks. You do not want to miss the event. It is well worth the effort, blood, sweat, and tears you have put into this experience so far.
And oh by the way if you haven't donated yet you can still click on the Donate Here link and help make a difference (what would a post be without a beg for $$?).

I AM READY!!!

The money is there (thanks you guys and don't think yall are off the hook yet I want more $$$).
The legs are just where they ought to be (right on top of my feet).
I just watched the safety video during on-line check in. There were constant shots of walkers. I bawled through about half of the 13 minute video. The head is there!!
In less than a month I will be sending out my experiences from the first day. I am so excited.
Remember, we can all make a difference. I do the easy part. All I do is put one foot in front of the other. You do the hard part. Write me a check, go to the Donate Here button. Failing that, please keep me and my 2200 best friends in your thoughts and prayers as we walk for you and yours.

THANKS SO MUCH
(and keep giving)

Nerd HNT

OK

I know that wearing socks with sandals is really not that cool. However, after 3 sixty mile walks where I developed MAJOR heel blisters I have switched walking footwear from sneakers (fitted by a pro) to sandals. Another reason I am walking in Tampa. An old man wearing sandals WITHOUT socks would be the exception down there!

My Third "Stroll"

When I made my first journey sometimes it was hard to explain to people why I was walking. You see, I had never had a Mother, Sister, Aunt, etc affected by breast cancer. In fact, none of my friends had been “touched” either. It was just as I sometimes joked "a calling". Unfortunately that changed right after the first walk. Around the first of 2002 we were at an old friend’s house. We were talking about the normal stuff – kids and where we were when. There was a lull in the conversation and “P” allowed that she had something to tell us. Long story short, she had been diagnosed in early November of 2001 and had in fact already had some minor diagnostic surgeries. P and her husband told no one until all of the holidays were over. I went straight home and registered for my second walk.
P’s attitude throughout her entire ordeal was great. She attacked the disease with a vengeance. Granted there were times during chemo and radiation that she was not her normal bubbly self but hey lets cut her some slack here. She and her husband constantly kept us (and all of their friends/family) up to date on all of the details. I learned that on Valentine’s Day 2002 she faced the inevitable and shaved her head. I also learned that in medical terms a wig is a follicle prosthetic (kind of like a fake leg I suppose).
P is now a five year survivor!!!!!!!
That year was not good for my friends. A few months later we learned that our dear friend S had been touched also. S and her husband were very quiet about the whole ordeal and all I really know (or care about) is that S is now a five year survivor also.
So my good (and patient) friends, I dedicated my third walk to the courageousness of my two dear friends P and S. They were with me every step of the way. As a matter of fact, P was at closing ceremonies with cold champagne and beer for celebration. I was honored to just have her at the ceremonies but was also glad to get the cold beer!!
P and S, you inspired me to get back into the fight. Thanks for your help.

Things That Go Slither In The Morning

One of the disadvantages of taking morning walks through wooded areas (even though there are paved paths) is you got to always wonder "Did that stick just move or should I be running like a thief"? Now since this is also part residential running like a thief could very well get you shot. This city's finest tend to shoot first and give you a fair trial in the hospital. Anyway, great walk (12 miles). Trying to tune back the distances so I don't hurt myself. You really don't want to get this close to be shut out by being stupid.
Getting more excited as the day draws near. This is the most selfish thing I do for myself.
And it is not to late to hit the Donate Here button!!!

Thank guys........

Timing Is Everything

So there I was. Getting ready for a good long walk this morning. I even went to bed a little early so I would get enough rest. Since I had some "appointments" Saturday I was going to start walking around 7 (cool and light also). Alarm went off, I got up and was getting ready. For some strange reason I looked at my watch. It showed the time as 430. Couldn't be, cause my alarm went off at 6. Checked the cell phone, checked the microwave, checked the stove, etc. All of them said 430!!!!!
Bimbo house cleaner strikes again. Normally it is just something like moving an item on my bathroom sink area or turning the volume way down when "dusting" my clock radio. Nope, she managed to mess the time up by exactly 2 hours.
GGGGRRRRRRR
Oh well, guess I will take that long one in the morning.
Don't forget to go to Donate Here..................

GO TEAM

I am excited to announce that I was invited to join (and I have accepted) Team SOB’s for my Tampa Bay walk. The SOB’s (Sons, Others, & Brothers) are an offshoot of team Thanks For The Mammories which is making another successful journey. This is the first time in my 3 Day experience I have joined a team and am looking forward to the fun and camaraderie that I am sure will be with me on this trip.
To my new teammates: Guys thanks for having me. I hope I can help.
To my supporters: Now you have a group to root for and not just me. Go out to the www.the3day.org, and check us out at the Tampa Bay walk site.
And OH BY THE WAY, don’t forget about the DONATE HERE button just to the right of this message. Give til it feels good.

THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL JUST MAY BE YOU!

MADE IT

I MADE MY FUND RAISING GOAL!!!!!!
YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!!
Now I ain't gonna quit asking you to give till it feels good so if you haven't clicked on my Donate button, it is high time you did.

THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL JUST MAY BE YOU!!!!!!