Day 3

Day 3 was probably the most inspiring. Of the nearly 2 thousand women who walked some were in treatment for breast cancer and there were many more survivors as well. On this day we really got to see the sheer number of us. Going through San Francisco we were more of a team and we actually met people we hadn't seen the 2 days prior. There were women from Alaska, Chicago, Nevada and points beyond. We met a gentleman who had walked every 3 day last year and planned to do the same this year. He was funny. He knew the exact menu for each day. I guess the foundation isn't too creative in the food department. Alison and I also figured out that it wasn't a race so we stopped in a cafe for a mocha and had chocolates from another store. There were some women who even went shopping. If we do this again that might be something to think about, seriously. The weather was cooler and the adrenaline was flowing. When we reached Fort Mason to get organized for our victory walk I didn't even feel my feet. I was floating. The cheers were constant and we felt like we really did accomplish something. Mike, Brendan, Don and Emily were there to cheer us on as well. Mike even got champagne for us to celebrate with! It made the event even more special to know that our family and friends supported us for those 60 miles. Thanks again to all of our supporters. Your emails of encouragement and phone messages got us through. Until we do this again, keep the Komen Foundation in your heart and if another 3 day walker asks for a donation, please do. It really does matter!!

Day 2

Our second day was a trip over the Golden Gate through Fort Baker to Sausalito. From there the route took us through Mill Valley and then back over the bridge to our camp site. We walked more than 22 miles this day. Alison and I did really well. We started out a little worried because Alison developed shin splints on her right ankle the night before. With the help from the medical crew her ankle was taped and many Ibuprofens later she felt much better. We walked slower, which was great for me, and we iced her ankle at every pit stop. It seemed to work and by the end of the day she was cured! I, on the other hand, didn't pay too much attention to my hot spots on my right foot and started to blister around the little toes. But, it didn't stop us. After dinner there was dancing in the big tent! Luckily camp shuts down at 9pm so even though we danced harder than we walked we were able to get to sleep at a decent time. On to day 3!

Day 1

Our walk started at the Cow Palace with an emotional send off by the 3Day Crew, there were tears. Well over a thousand of us walked through Daly City, past Lake Merced, toward the San Francisco Zoo. From there, we traveled through Golden Gate Park, surrounding neighborhoods, and finally Crissy Field where we set up our base camp. Our miles today totalled 20.4. Alison and I are looking forward to tomorrow where we head across the Golden Gate to Marin.

Alison and I are great walkers. We are mid pack, some faster, many slower. Our only complaint so far are minor hot spots on all 4 feet. Weather is great, will eat a good dinner, and will have no trouble sleeping.

Keep wishing us luck, 39.6 miles to go.

The Walk is Finally Here!!!!

This Friday, September 5 we will start our 60 mile Breast Cancer Walk. The walk will take us through San Francisco, over the Golden Gate and back again with camp set up in the Presidio. Our final day will be Sunday September 7. After several miles of training Alison and I are ready to go! We have our gear, good shoes and socks and the all important water bottle. If you are interested in keeping up with the walk please go to the3day.org and click on the support link. That link will give you information about the web cam, cheering stations and the final celebration in San Francisco. We would like to thank everyone who gave us well wishes, donated socks and discounted our shoes. And a big thank you to all who helped us get to our $2200 goal. We are very proud of our accomplishment so far and couldn't have done it without the help of good friends.
Keep us in your thoughts this weekend,
Adrienne and Alison

Update

My family and I had a great opportunity to go to Hawaii. We explored Oahu and Big Island. My time in Oahu was mostly spent at the APMA conference but I was able to see much of the island on my free time. We explored Waimea Valley (both islands) and numerous beaches; some so remote four wheel drives couldn't get there. What a beautiful place to be. While we did walk a lot, they were low miles but taxing none the less. Now that I'm back home and the Komen walk is less than a month away I got serious and did my first 20 mile back to back this past weekend. I joined the Warming Hut Hotties of San Francisco and did two 10 mile loops on Saturday. The walk was through the Presidio and neighboring areas. On Sunday I did the Ft. Mason to Tiburon walk again. This time I really enjoyed it. The weather was great, clear as a bell, (except for the bridge), and there was a slight breeze. I must admit that I didn't want to get up at 4:30am to start a second day of walking but was glad I did. Some women came from the Sacramento area: made me ashamed to complain. All in all I fared pretty well and my only injury was to the top of my left foot due to improper shoe lacing. (Shame on me). I did a no-no and walked through pain because I didn't want to break stride. On the next scheduled stop my foot was painful and numb. Today my residual pain is located at the 1st Metatarsal joint. I'm hoping to recover soon. Now that time is slipping away and the walk is closer than ever I need to step it up a bit. Hope to get in some good mileage this week. Until the next blog,
Adrienne

Rafting the American River

Last weekend Alison and I and a group of family and friends rafted the lower 1/2 South Fork of the American River. Affectionately known as Camp Mollish we tamed the river! This is our 6th year of rafting and I think has to have been one of the best. Needless to say we didn't walk much but boy were my arms sore, (not to mention the part of my anatomy that sat on that hard raft for the afternoon)! Boats were tipped, people, (or carnage as described by our guides), floated down the rapids and paddles were flying everywhere. There weren't any injuries, I think, and judging by everyone's face a good time was had by all. Our friend who succumbed to breast cancer was a regular on this trip, even during her chemotherapy. She was and still is a great inspiration. There was a little chatter about this being our last year, but, quite frankly we all had such a good time that next year is inevitable. So, on to walking again. My personal goal is to get at least 2 back to back high mileage walks this weekend. We'll see!

14 Mile Walk

On Sunday July 6 my husband and I joined the Warming Hut Hotties on a 14 mile walk at the Sawyer Creek Trail off of 280 in Milbrae. It was a sunny day with a slight breeze, very comfortable. The first part of our walk was 6 mile round trip down the south path, second part up and down Hillcrest 3 miles and the last part 5 miles up the north path. What we didn't expect was the steep grade of Hillcrest. Boy what a work out. I think that contributed to our leg pain the next day. But it was worth it. The walkers are great and give a lot of support. I tried a new pair of shoes, Asics which worked out pretty well. They have a different feel than my Brooks. Anyway, my goal is to increase my mileage and do a back to back one weekend soon. Thanks again to all who donated to the 3 day on my behalf. Because of you I am officially registered and can rest easy about the up -coming event.
Adrienne

Walk to Tiburon!

On Saturday, June 21, my husband, son and I joined the Warming Hut Hotties of San Franciso on a 19.5 mile walk from Fort Mason to Tiburon. It just so happened that we had a heat wave and it was at least 80 degrees as we crossed the Golden Gate Bridge! It was a terrific walk, going through Sausalito, Mill Valley, Strawberry and then Tiburon. We caught the ferry back to pier 41 and walked back to our car after a nice lunch at Alioto's. I must say that the walk was challenging but worthwhile. It gave me a little confidence and encouraged me to keep training. Only about 2 more months until the 60 mile walk! Oh, and a plug for the Hotties. What a great group of walkers. They train hard and have the best routes.

San Francisco Training Walk June 7

Yesterday Alison and I walked 10 miles what seemed to be up hill only. We started at Lincoln High School on 24th Avenue went up the mosaic stairs to a fantastic view. From there we traversed the neighborhood until we reached Golden Gate Park. It was fun exploring the park while training. Our trip through the park ended on the Great Highway at the beach. It was cooler there, the ocean was beautiful. Our walk down the highway led us to Noriega and up again, up and up until we reached 24th Avenue. And then again up until we reached the school. The 3 Day had an expo and we were able to see the tents we will use along with hosting work shops. All in all it was a fun walk, a little tiring. I know that I'll have to do more 10 mile hikes and work my way up this summer before the 3 day.

Finally a new posting!

WOW! It has been over a month since the last blog. Since then Alison and I have been Jazzercising on Tuesdays and Thursdays and have tried to get together at least once a week for a long walk. We have walked the Los Gatos creek trail about 7.4 miles last week and yesterday we hiked Montgomery Hill in San Jose. That is a killer hill. We managed to work our way around for about 3.5 miles. Oslo the dog came along and thoroughly enjoyed the walk. He can run the hill, I can't. Along with walking and Jazzercise I have been trying to do weights, elliptical and treadmill. So much for bragging -

Hip, Hip, Hurray!

Well, today I met and exceeded my donation challenge of $2200!
Thanks to all of my good friends and colleagues who share my willingness to support the Susan Komen fund for breast cancer.
I am so very excited and can rest a little easier knowing my challenge has been met.
Now, on to the training!

Update #4

Well, last weekend was Easter and quite frankly I took a little time off. We had a nice walk on the beach with Oslo and found out that he really is afraid of the ocean. After escaping from his harness he romped around the sand until we were able to snatch him back. I guess that counts for exercise! Since then I have been trying to do about 3 miles a day. Eventually that will need to be increased if I plan to go 20 or more miles per day. I hope we get to hike in a new setting this up-coming weekend. The fundraising is going well and I am nearly at my $2200 goal. I am truly grateful to all who have contributed. Enough said,
Adrienne

Update #3

Last weekend was a no walk for me. Instead our family adopted a one year old dog named Oslo from the Humane society. He is a Shepard/lab mix and loves to walk! He has been on 2-3 mile jaunts with me since last Saturday and today he walked with Alison and me down the Coyote creek trail. If you haven't walked it, it is worth the time especially in the early spring. Alison spotted a large turtle on a log in the creek and numerous birds and squirrels. Oslo did quite well and so did we, by the way. We did 6 miles in under 2 hours. The walk is paved and mild hills, more inclines than hills. Our goal is to take the trail to Morgan hill which is about a 14 mile walk. The weather today couldn't have been nicer, we dodged the rain drops.
Other news is that Alison and I bought our official walking shoes. We are still trying to evaluate them. I have found out that my Brooks Ariel is not too suited for Jazzercise. I actually got a fairly good cramp in my foot. But the shoes seemed suited to the trail. Both of our shoes are roomy and hopefully will accommodate for swelling. Time will tell. I hope to get out and walk at least 2 miles tomorrow and continue training. Only 6 months to go!

Update #2

Well, Alison and I are now a 'Team in training' for the 60 mile walk. We did our first long walk last Saturday and walked from Monte Sereno to the Lexington Dam. It was tough for me, Alison walks fast. Our mileage was 8.15 miles and our time was roughly 3 1/2 hours. A little longer than we would have liked but not bad for our first outing. Not to mention that we walked up hill a great deal of the time. My fundraising is going along as well. I still have a way to go but hope to exceed my goal of $2200. Hope to continue training each day. I hope next week that we do about the same length of walk but on relatively flat terrain.

Update

Well, I got sick this last week and didn't walk too much. Yestderday I tried the treadmill and boy did that hurt! Breathing is tough when you have a chest cold. I'm feeling better today and I hope to get back into the swing of things shortly. This Wednesday I will attend an information meeting regarding the walk. I hope to get more info about the route, etc. I have made progress with my donations To date I have raised $595! I'm very proud of that and hope to meet my goal sooner than expected. Hope someone is reading the blog, I hope to have more exciting news soon,

Adrienne

First training weekend

This past weekend my daughter and I started to train for the 2008 breast cancer 3-day. We were able to walk from Seacliff beach to Manressa State beach (Sand-dollar beach) a total of 6.8 miles. Not too bad for the first day. On Sunday we took it a little easy and walked from Seacliff to Capitola. We were very lucky, the tide was out and we were able to make it there and back with out having to wade in water. The weather was cool, more sun on Saturday than Sunday but well worth the time. With the tide so low, there were many tide pools and my daughter spotted a bright red starfish along with urchins. The mileage for Sunday was 3.2 miles. All in all we did quite well for our first weekend out.
Regarding the walk I have one pledge so far from a terrific pianist. If anyone is interested go to the3day.org and check out my personal page. Donations are greatly appreciated.