Breast Cancer 3Day: Training Update

Monday, September 21, 2009

The San Diego walk is nine weeks away and I'm starting to freak out. I won't say I'm behind per se, but I'm definitely not on pace with the virtual training schedule I get in my email. I think that's why I pushed myself too hard today. That and the craving for a smoothie.

I decided to get an early start since our heat wave is supposed to be coming back. I was hoping for an overcast day at the beach but no such luck. I started walking about 10 minutes to 9:00. I set my Nike+ for an 8 mile walk thinking I'd go slightly past where I normally turn around.

About halfway to that point, I started getting hungry and naturally I'd left my granola bar in the car. I remembered that there's a 7-11 not too far past my turnaround spot so I thought, "I'll get a banana and ice for my water. Excellent idea."

Then, I remembered there's a Jamba Juice only a little bit farther than the 7-11. "Ooh, even better, I can get a smoothie for lunch. Excellent idea." After that I couldn't get Jamba Juice out of my head and I passed by my usual turnaround spot not really thinking how much distance it would add to my walk. I got my smoothie, they put ice in my water bottle, all is good and I'm heading back to the car.

About 20 minutes later my knees and my hips started to protest a little. Then they started hurling obscenities at me. When they began to curse the day I was born I knew I was in trouble. Fortunately, they didn't go on strike and leave me in a crumpled heap on the side of the road.

I called my mom for some motivation but she must have been screening her calls working or at lunch. I think around mile 9 I wondered if I actually had the guts to hitchhike back to my car. I was hurtin' y'all. Then I remembered the Tweet Ilina sent out last week about her good friend just being diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer.

Which got me thinking about my godmother, Margie, who passed away 2 weeks before my mom's fifth walk in 2003. And
Deb's mom. And all the other moms, wives, sisters, aunts and cousins who have been or know someone who has been diagnosed. I quit bitching and kept walking. For a total of 12.57 miles. That's the farthest I've walked at one time so far*.

I'm in a lot of pain right now. A lot. But it's not chemo. It's not radiation. It's not a mastectomy. I'll be fine in a few days. Those with breast cancer are effected for life. Thank you to Margie and all the other angels for giving me strength today. Here's to putting one foot in front of the other.




Help me reach my goal for the San Diego Breast Cancer 3-Day!


*The last time I walked I did 7 miles. I DO NOT recommend adding that much distance at one time. By the time I'm recovered enough to go walking again I'll be even further behind. Totally not worth it. Please consider helping me meet my fundraising goal. I've got a long way to go and not a lot of time. Click the banner above or follow this link. Thank you!

9 comments:

  1. After just completing the Seattle 3 Day Walk and having trained for 6 months, I am still nursing the blisters I got under all of my toenails and all over my feet! I completed 44 miles and was red carded on day 3, they did let me cross the finish line which was awesome! Go on line and get as much information about blister prevention as possible. I did not have a problem until the back to back 20 miles with heat and swelling in my feet. The medical tents have excellent assistance, unfortunately I didn't use them until too late. I wish you all the best and am volunteering in San Diego for the 3 day walk in November. Wanda Menees

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  2. RIGHT ON, Mel! You truly have the 3-Day spirit! I just finished the Seattle walk as well, and gotta say I had those moments where my body was downright cursing me, like one brutal hill on Day 3 that just kept on going. But like you, I kept those angels and folks I walked for in my mind and they carried me up that hill. Keep up the great work and that mental game! It's half the battle those 3 days.

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  3. Hi, I want to commend you on your walking also. I am assisting my wife in her training, she has been at it since June and is now at 15 miles for this weekend. I do all of the support and make sure she takes regular breaks, eats and drinks plenty of water. I hope you do well, the effort is well worth it, she doesn't have any pain anywhere and is doing great and I know you will to.

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  4. Mel, what city are you walking??? I'll be in SF...let's kick it Girl!!!!!

    Valerie (from Nashville)

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  5. Go, go, go Mel!!! I did the Seattle 3-day as well and am still recovering my tootsies. Take good care of your feet and you'll be fine. I've heard tons of advice--the best seems to be focus on training your feet (which is what you're doing) and use Body Glide religiously. One gal told me to try Body Glide then put on hosiery feet and socks over that. That's what I'm trying in 2010. :)

    Best wishes in your 3-day!
    Tara

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  6. You are such my hero...Plus, you're walking for my mom and all those other ladies and I'm not and I'm really proud of you.

    How are your bruises?

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  7. If my totally lazy butt can do the 2 day walk, you can do it too!
    Good Luck!

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  8. Maggie, Team "Cause We Care", TampaSeptember 23, 2009 at 1:05 PM

    WE all can do this,young, "older", fit or fat because we are motivated by the people we love or have loved. There isn't a person left on the face of the earth that hasn't been connected to this disease one way or another but ever step, painful or prepared, we take is about love, hope, and a world without breast cancer. Let's d0 this thing!

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  9. Go, go, go! Awesome that you are doing this. :-) -Christine

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