Not a steed, but a Tassahara!

Labor Day Weekend  training required a Saturday’s trek of 15 miles, and my walking-partner, Anne and I chose the Norman Shores Drive neighborhoods for the morning: beautiful homes, of varying ages, sizes and style, some with million dollar views, gave us plenty to look at and the first 11.5 miles went by virtually effortlessly. A break to meet some friends at McAlister’s Deli for lunch, followed by the final 3.5 miles, completed at Jetton Park – the path through the woods is 1.4 miles x 2 came to more than the 15 that was required; the path through the woods is also completely in the shade – wonderful when the temperature is 91 degrees, and there isn’t a breeze.  After finishing, I headed home for a neighborhood BBQ – a cold shower was just what the dr. ordered. As I dressed for the party, I noticed what looked like bruises on the calves of my legs.  It didn’t hurt to touch them, but it looked like all of the blood vessels had burst – can you say UGLY?? After some googling, the best I could come up with is something called “Golfer’s Vasculitis” – strikes long distance walkers, (not cyclists or runners) women more than men, over 50, when the temperature is over 90. No treatment, just time, leg elevation, and cool compresses, oh and, no walking!  

By Sunday, both legs looked less “angry” (my mom loved that expression), but a burning sensation had started under the skin, like someone was holding a lit match to the area. Unfortunately, staying put and catering to it was not possible. Sunday’s mileage was 11 miles and I set out early in the Sailview Neighborhood in Denver. My plan of attack was that I would walk 8 miles, break for breakfast, and then finish the last 3. (I always need a plan – A, B, & C when possible – let’s just say I like to believe I am in control ;-)   Set out at 7 a.m., with my camelback lumbar pack, banana, sunflower seeds, and lance peanut butter crackers – the stuff that dreams are made ofJ  ¾ of a mile into the 11, I realized that putting ice in your camelback is NOT a good idea – ice melts, condensation forms, and butts get wet! One mile into the walk, the clouds cleared out, and the sun rose higher in the sky, and with it, the heat. This was going to be a LONG morning. Every turn seemed to bring a hill to climb, and at 5 miles, I decided that I had done enough, I could head back to the car, no one would know!  It was at that point that my cell rang and “daddoo” came up on the screen (a/k/a Steve). After a brief conversation, my walk continued.  Shortly thereafter, I could hear a bicycle coming up behind me, and I thought: “Really? with this road as big as it is, you have to ride right up on my butt?”  Then I turned to see the culprit, and there he was –– my hero, my husband.  He brought his company, his support, AND a water bottle filled with Diet Coke and jingly ice!!  OMG, people! It was exactly what the dr. ordered, and the morning turned around.  Believe it or not, he walked the last two miles with me, pushing his bicycle along the way.  My knight in shining armor, not on a steed, but a Gary Fisher Tassahara bicycle!

Walking through the seasons . . .

When I started this training, just 17 weeks ago, it was the tail end of spring. The pansies planted last fall were fading, and begonias, geraniums and petunias were taking their place. Then came the summer of 2012 – the hottest on record – and miles were logged, in over 100 degree weather. HOT, HOT, HOT and humid, as well.  Who knew sweat could burn so much when it lands in your eyes?!  Tried to keep to the sidewalks, as the heat from the asphalt seemed to take its toll on the feet. Sunburn was the norm, and staying hydrated was a challenge.  My hair went from reddish brown to blonde in a matter of weeks; lawns changed from lush green to brown. Neighborhood pools once loud with the laughter of children grew quieter as preparations for back-to-school began and  last minute vacations were squeezed in.

Yesterday, with only 47 days left 'til THE Walk, I found myself crunching through the first dropped leaves of fall. Acorns lined the pathways of Jetton, and I noticed that some leaves have already started to turn. Fall has always been my favorite season – the crisp air, the changing leaf colors, memories of Steve & my first few dates which included car trips out east on Long Island, especially beautiful this time of year;  and since we moved to the lake, the reflection of the foliage in the lake is unmatched! 

Sunday morning's temperature was perfect for walking, and there was a gentle breeze that kept the bugs away – all in all, a great morning to fit 6 miles in before church. So glad I won’t have to walk through winter!  J

Long time, no blog...

Much has taken place since the last time I blogged about my training…much has remained the same.

I’m still walking – less than 8 weeks  til the BIG EVENT. It’s still hot, I’m still trying out belly packs, back packs, water bottles, camelbacks, road snacks ; still need one more pair of sneakers to break in before the real thing; sun visor vs. floppy hat vs. cotton hat vs. low profile cap; body glide vs. Vaseline; compression shorts or running shorts; one pair of socks, or two; short sleeves, no sleeves; water or sports drinks.  Definitely, water!  After a week of not feeling well, with flu-like symptoms, I discovered that I am allergic to sports drinks – Who knew???  My left foot developed a nasty case of Athlete’s foot and one HUGE blister that developed between the third and fourth toe on my left foot. Made walking painful to say the least, but remembering the mantra of our old Scout troop, that is, “if there’s no blood, it doesn’t count” I sucked it up and kept putting one foot in front of the other. What a sight I must have been as I limped my way through the Birkdale neighborhood for my 8 mile walk. The good news?  (there’s always good news) – favoring the left foot helped build the muscle in my right thigh into a force to be reckoned with!  Just about the time my foot started to heal, I threw my back out – wish I had an exciting story to tell, but actually, I went under my desk to unplug a copier and couldn’t stand up!

Thanks to some TLC, rest, and lots of ice, three days later I was able to walk 14 miles, slowly.

More good news -- with lots of help from family and friends, (thank you, family & friends) I made the goal of $2300, so that’s no longer an issue (fyi – if you don’t make goal, you don’t walk, it’s just that simple).  Hotel arrangements have been made (no, I’m not camping, although the pink tents were certainly tempting), airline tickets have been purchased, and two recommended phone conferences have been completed. 

Only 53 days until the “3 day” – what will I do with all that free time??