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