Day 3 - 60 Miles in 3 days... I DID THAT ! ! ! ! ! !

Well folks,   the 3-day walk is complete.   I am still energized from the closing ceremony that took place 2 hours ago.   I am grateful to be home, I must say,  but the ride home.. was a killer.. I was grateful to walk around when we arrived home.  I think Tuesday or Wednesday will be a 2 or 3 mile walk.  It seems like so trivial compared to what I've done in the past 3 days.

Step /mile Total for the 3-day: 
Friday 52140 = 22 miles
Saturday 48305  (Thanks dad for the 2 mile ride -  and then the 2 mile walk with you :-) ) = 20.5
Sunday 45047 = 17.5

In one word, I can only say the event and participating in it was AMAZING ! ! ! !   There are some truly wonderful people in the world, and I got to be with over 1200 of them between the walkers and volunteers over the past 3 days.   That doesn't even count all the cheering people, and people who offered us sprinklers, water, lemonade, treats, baby wipes (YES,  how refreshing ! !! )  you name it, they were there for us !   They kept thanking us,  the survivors along the road, thanking us,  the sign of the person who lost their mom,  thanking us..   SOOO Many people have been touched by Breast Cancer...    If the money raised can help,  then the miles were well worth it!    They continue to find new cures,  they are able to educate and help women and men detect earlier so they have a better survival rate.

Thank you for all of you who were cheering and encouraging me and donated to me.  I exceeded the needed funds of $2300.00 by $700.00 for a total of $3000.00 ! !

    Cleveland 3-Day walk raised... $ 2.5 MILLION  ! ! ! ! !    

During the walk, I received a small card from someone.   It rings so true, now that I've completed the 3-day.   The card read:

It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which,

more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome.

~ William James

Here are the pictures from day 3, I hope they make you smile, laugh and be happy!  

I feel privileged to have participated in this awesome event ! !  

Cheers !  :)
-Rose

Chalk work on the exit of Westlake Recreation Center at 6:45 a.m.  on Day 3. ! 

Met Wendy (from Vermillion) at the last leg of Day 2,  we met up again at Pitstop 1 on Day 3.

People brought their pets out, this one looks very comfortable !!

These signs were very touching.   Many people came out to thank the walkers,  I was tearing up at many of the cheering stations. 

Teams had their supporters that showed up every day. 

Caution Boobs Crossing was near the end at Baldwin Wallace campus.

People dressed up their Pets for the Cause. :)



Berea Firefighters out supporting us.  To the left of this on the grass, they had set up a water hose as a sprinkler,  it felt awesome in the heat ! !  This was about 1 mile from the finish. 




Another fire fighter in support of a Breast Cancer cure



People's humor was fun !   This was in Berea toward the end... Alot of the ladies stopped for a stretch by the tree and a photo by the 'balloons'. 

Front Yard Watering spots were the best toward the end !!  The folks who did this were angels !!

Kid-Crew.  They were with us all three days,  playing music and more importantly putting chalk phrases to get us through the last quarter miles.  Very Thought provoking.  THANK YOU Kid Crew !!!

The End - Berea Fairgrounds.   Holding area before the Closing Ceremony

 

60 miles in 3 days -    I DID THAT ! ! ! ! !

This sign sums it up for me! !



Before the final flag, there was a "Shoe Salute" to the survivors who walked and continue to fight



The final flag in the closing ceremony celebration.

 Aches and Pains?   Yes,  some.  (Just ask my husband.  LOL)     I am happy to report though, only 1 blister, and one sore toe.  The day after the walk, I was up and able to move around ok.  A bit slow,  but,  doing ok.    Glad I took the day off from work, but,  pretty sure if I needed to go in, I could've.   Training and all those long walks on multiple days was key.  While I am still overweight,  my feet and legs were accustomed to the walking and walking in muggy hot weather.  I also walked in rain,  (yes, I experienced blisters from that too back in our raining spring, but only for a few miles.. not 20).    I over heard some women saying, "Oh, I didn't train for this, but I'm in shape and work out"  well,  they were the ones at the medical stations every pit stops with multiple issues.  They were in great shape, but they had not developed the callouses and blisters over time to be ready for that much walking.   Don't think that I'm bragging,  but,  just stating that you can't enter into something like this lightly.  I was grateful for the 3-day coaches tips, the training information and for the training walks I did with others who gave awesome advice.   I used Burt's Bees coconut foot creme instead of vaseline or body glide, and it was great for my feet.   I only used the moleskin on day 3 to cover the tender outsides of my feet and the one blister.  I also read from Walk Pete Walks website  http://www.walkpetewalk.com/ a participant guide.  (I met Pete on the walk, as he had a shirt with his website on it. I thanked him for it as it gave great advice. ! )

P.S.S;   I've been asked, what next?   Well,  I will continue to walk, (but, not as much at 4 a.m.)  I feel so awesome after all the training, that I have to continue.   I've lost over 40 lbs doing this and more importantly, it's been for a  cause that needs the money to support the end to something that has touched so many lives. 

We have to continue to fight for cures for Breast Cancer and other cancers and diseases.   While my mom did not have Breast Cancer,  she was still taken tooo soon from us.  I thought of her often on the walk.   The walking was very therapeutic.  It was definitely an awesome adventure and I would consider doing it again.  If I don't personally do it next year, I will be out there cheering people on.  

The inspiration of others is a powerful thing.  It provides hope, courage and strength. 

Thank you again to all who donated, cheered, supported and hugged throughout these 3days !

Day 2 - Sunny - 21.7 miles. Check.

Started walking at 6:40 a.m.   It felt cool this morning with a much welcomed lower humidity.  The walkers were going and going.  Some with red calves,  others limping with blisters.  I was happy to not have either.  Crossing my fingers for today.  I'm glad to be getting in some miles before the day heats up with the sun.  Walked past Crocker Park very early - before any shop were even thinking of being open.   At some point,  I really wasn't sure where we were, as I just kept watching the arrows and walking. 

Shirt back of a guy walking in front of me with his wife ! 

The neighborhood people were soooo  gracious to have treats and water and stuff for us !

Some of the crazy energy that we met at the Pit Stops.  The Crew was FANTASTIC!!    

Some of the small stands had really funny signs too  ! ! They made us laugh!

These precious kids were passing out popsicles.  The cherry one hit the spot - Thanks kids !

Jerry was the most inspirational guy that would appear everywhere!   All the 3-day walkers appreciate Jerry's motivational support.  He always knew just what to say to keep us going !

Save the Tata's Tavern

I had to pass on the beer, but did stop to take a photo ! :)

At the 11 mile mark, just before lunch.  Daniel,  Hannah,  Rebecca and Dennis were at the cheering station.  I was soooo excited to see them.   Rebecca was at camp all week,  so I was thrilled that she came right after being picked up from camp. (thanks hunny).   It energized me to go the next pit stop (which was lunch and a much needed foot break).

Thanks to my family for coming to cheer me on !  It really  helped ! !

Lunch time entertainment !

Just after lunch,  my dad joined me for a 2 mile walk.    It was great to visit with him.   (Sorry dad I forgot to get a picture of us !)   Maybe at Closing ceremonies tomorrow.

Final pit stop # 5 for day 2 !    2.4 miles to go from here.  I can do this !

Outside Westlake Park recreation center

This is VERY True !   When it seemed it was too hot, the feet were sore, or I was tired,  someone would be there on the side of the road, and energy came to keep going!!

I made it through day 2 ! ! ! ! !

WOW, What an amazing first day ! ! ! 22 miles ! Check !

The day started out very warm, muggy ,and rainy.      I arrived at Cleveland's Port Authority at 6:15 a.m..   The opening ceremony started at 6:30.  It was a very emotional and energizing 30 minutes.   There were many tears in the crowd as they spoke about breast cancer, survivors, those working through it and those who had passed.  The walk started at exactly 7:00 a.m.



6:20 a.m. Cleveland Port Authority

                                          


The crowd began and the walking was good.   Going past the rocking roll hall of fame

 and I swear, before I knew it we were walking through downtown and Edgewater.  (It was pouring, but thankfully, my poncho kept me somewhat dry).  I was hoping for no blisters, and walking walking...  felt good,  no blisters so far. (The Burt's bee coconut foot cream was keeping a nice barrier  yippiee).    

There were a total of 5 Pit Stops...  the card they gave us, listed all of them so we knew how many miles in between.   There were SOOOO many people cheering us on.   Complete strangers,  Saying Thank you for walking.   The signs thanking us for walking and raising the money for a cure.   The Crew,  Safety staff,  Jerry.  (Oh my gosh,  Jerry - THANK You for your encouragement... especially after getting up Rocky River Reservation's massive hill.   Your encouragement to say Hey, not everyone can do that, and you did,  Keep it up.  You're doing great.  Aren't you glad you trained?  - YES I am.)    Jerry was around it seemed every corner,  cheering us on.  

I was grateful that my brother came to visit.  He was at the 12-14 mile area.  He walked some with me, and that was awesome.   He's such a great brother.  Love you John!

Camp arrival around 4:30...    wow.  22 miles,  I did it! !   right to the foot massager I went.  That was soooo  great. ! ! !

Dennis came to pick me up at 5'ish,      home and showered by 7.    It's about 8,  and I'm beat.  I'm going to upload some pictures I took today.  They truly don't do justice to the awesomeness of the day ! ! !

Day 2 - Sunny and humidity expected to be lower.   Yippie. :)

more tomorrow / Sunday.

Cheers and good night.



Boob Mobile

One of our supporters in Lakewood who decorated their front yard

Another support who had treats on her front yard !



Picture outside Pit Stop 4 - this was at 15.2 miles



Rose and Elvis Breastly ! :)

Day 1  - DONE ! !  

Tentland  (I however, opted to have a good night sleep at home. )

Found this at about 17 miles.    Thought it was too funny and had to take a picture, hope it wasn't a walker that left it...

Newsnet5 on Friday. I made the news. Weeeeee

Let the walk begin ! !

It is the morning of the walk.  I have finished packing my bags and watching the weather forecast.  It is already 79 degrees and muggy.  Glad that I did all those hot / muggy days since Alaska. hahaha.    There is a threat of thunderstorms,  but, I've walked in gusty windy days with storms over the lake too.  Check.

So, I'm off.  I appreciate everyone's well wishes.  The e-cards, e-mails, text messages, calls and prayers.    Look for me in the sea  of pink out there.   

I'll try to post each evening to give people who told me they've been reading this an update.

Oh, and the other main reason for this walk other than an amazing goal was to raise money for the Susan G. Komen cancer research.  To do the walk,  it was needed to raise $2300.00   Thank you to soooo many, I've raised $3000.00   THANK YOU,  THANK YOU  !  !

Cheers for now ! :)

The last week+

July 18-29th !   The Final Count Down !

I continued on the 24-week training program.   The final weekend was a much welcomed relief of walking Sat/Sunday 10 and 8 miles.   These were done in hot and muggy days but much easier than the previous few weeks.    I walked Thursday and Friday July 21, 22 and then the 23 and 24th.   On Monday, July 25th,  I felt really good.   Tuesday, July 26th was the last walk before the weekend.

Total training miles to date: 725 ! ! !

When I started they said the average 3-day walker does 585 by the event.  I thought wow.. that will be alot...   but,  in reflection,  725.. You can really do whatever you set your mind to. (THANKS MOM!)

I've mentally prepared myself to deal with the heat, humidity, thunderstorms.    I'm personally proud of sticking to this and whatever the upcoming weekend will bring, I know that I've done everything I can to be ready.   

Cheers for now !

July 6th - July 17th
The trip home from an awesome vacation always seems sooo long.     We departed Vancouver Airport, at 7:00 p.m.   after being in the airport most of the day.  

The good and the bad of a long day in the airport.   
Bad:  Vancouver does not allow you to go through security/check in for flights more than 3 hours prior to your scheduled departure.     This means,  that you can sit in the waiting area outside of the airline ticket counters.   They had ample seating area and there was an attached hotel that you could have lunch at along with other food court type areas.  There was also a train (thank you olympics) that would have taken us back to town for a few hours,  but, we didn't want to check our luggage some place for that time.
Good: Having nearly 7  hours to hang out at the airport, gave alot of opportunity to walk.   I did some miles outside the airport in the fresh air along their service road.  It had a sidewalk that went along side the airport fence.   I did this one stretch until where the side walk ended multiple times and the steps added up to over 5 miles.  Yippie,  mileage while waiting. Bonus ! ! :)  (Oh, I must thank my husband for being so kind as to watch our bags while I walked.  Rebecca was busy socializing with kids from the trip who were also waiting, Daniel was playing something on his iTouch near an outlet).   We were all sort of bummed that our vacation was ending.  The good news is,  we're already discussing our next trip...  Disney World for Thanksgiving or Spring Break?  :)    

The flight home was uneventful.  Red-eye flights are not my favorite, but the price was right for a family of four.

By Friday - July 8th, I got back into the recommended 3-day training program.    My first weekend back,  I took advantage of the extra vacation days between returning from the trip and returning to work.   I picked up the steps and mileage to return to a multiple walk combination.   The next week,  I got back into the religious 5 miles on Monday, 5 miles on Tuesday, 5 miles on Thursday,  4 miles on Friday, 17 miles on Saturday,  7 miles on Sunday.   (YES, I did say 17 miles on Saturday... In 90's and humidity).   It was a very long day,  but, I paced myself and was very proud that I didn't collapse! :)    I began thinking, OK,  I can do this.  I WILL do this.   

On Saturday,  July 16th,  when I did the 17 miles,  Rebecca did 3.5 with me.   We kept joking about how great it was when we'd have those 20 steps under a tree and how 'cool' it felt.   Having the sun beat down and no breeze on pavement.... no fun,  but,  we kept walking.   Upon her finishing the 3.5 miles,  we had lunch and drank alot of water.    Instead of gatorade or a sports drink for replenishing electrolytes,  I've been using a product my brother gave me.  It's been awesome.  It's called Rehydrate.  It is an electrolyte replacement powder that you mix with water.   It tastes good, and I can definitely feel it working.    If you're interested in this product,  you can order it here: https://www.advocare.com/02112467/


Mileage total as of  July 17th = 679 !  !

July 4th in Alaska ! No Fireworks, but spectacular sights ! !

June 28th - July 5th.  Alaska ! !
We went on a week long Disney Alaska Cruise after our days in Vancouver.  We departed from Vancouver on June 28th.   I didn't get much walking in that day, so I was determined to walk on the cruise.  Deck 4.   One lap = 1/3 of a mile.   Wednesday - June 29th.   Walking in the open ocean.   I did 18 laps.  6 miles.   it was cool, breezy and I was on the 'deck' longer than anyone else that came and went.   There was something very peaceful about walking those laps alone.   I would pass the occassional person, and the runners and some faster walkers would pass me.   I was happy that I was able to walk on the ship.   I tried to mentally capture the coolness of the walk, as I anticipated that the end of July in Cleveland will likely be hot and muggy.   I hope the mental captures will resurface when I need a mental cool down.

Since I didn't have internet access on the ship,  this is a summary after the fact.    In the three ports of call,  I did alot of walking also.

In total for the 7 day cruise,  I only gained 4 pounds. (of which 2 weeks after the cruise, I lost),  I walked a total of  68826 steps or 31.3 miles.   Not bad for vacation.   I was happy that there was plenty of opportunities to keep the walking going.       Here are some photos of amazing Alaska,  If you ever get a chance to go there, I highly recommend it.   

Average temperatures,  were 55 degrees.  It was comfortable and absolutely awesome beautiful.

-Cheers.



Rose and Goofy staying warm on one of the cooler afternoons



Calm seas. :)

View from Disney Wonder's Bow

Inside Passage

Beautiful waterfalls

Would be a nice place to live if you had a small plane and a big yacht ! :)