Another Saturday Update (a day late)

I am sorry I am a day late in my blogging. I had a very busy, but exciting, day yesterday, and I didn't get home until really late last night. So I started off yesterday by meeting Melissa in Atlanta at the Loudermilk Center, and we set off at 7:10 on a 10 mile walk around downtown Atlanta with about 150-200 other walkers. I am VERY glad we ended up doing that walk, because it gave us a little introduction to what October will be like. We were very fortunate to have nice weather-it was overcast but there was no rain, and it wasn't too hot or humid. I'm not sure how fortunate we'll be with the weather on the "real" walk, but yesterday was nice. We did our first five-mile loop around the aquarium, The World of Coke, by the Westin and all those other hotels, and many other places I can't even begin to remember. We then had a "pit stop" at our starting point, where they had volunteers handing out snacks and water and Gatorade. They have told us many times that this event could not be possible without the crew, or volunteers, and I truly believe that is the absolute truth! Everyone who is willing to give their time to make sure we have enough hydration and food, and also the people who stand at different intersections to make sure we cross the road safely, as well as the people in "costumes" who stand at corners to make sure we remember to smile are so important, and they deserve more of a pat on the back than the walkers, I think!

So after we had our pit stop, we continued on our second five-mile loop, and this time we walked through Piedmont Park and a very long way down Peachtree street. We finished around 11 am and then went to the Expo that the 3 Day was having at the Loudermilk center. Before I talk about that, though, I want to mention that 10 miles might not seem like a terribly long way to walk, but my feet and ankles and shins defintely felt it. Places on my feet that didn't hurt after 5 miles really started to burn at about 6 and 7 miles. It was great practice for me to see what I need to do as far as foot care. For some reason even my shoulders are tired today, so that walk wore me out. I will probably appreciate only walking 10 miles once we get to the 20 mile-a-day part, though! Melissa and I were excited to realize we walked half of a day of what the actual walk will be, so we know we CAN do this!

The Expo was good and very educational. We got to see what our tents are going to look like, as well as how the camp is going to be set up at the event. We also got to see how frequently the pit stops, "grab and go" stops, and lunch are spaced out. We went to a workshop about what and how to pack for camp, and it gave me some good ideas about how to bring only the necessecities. We also got free chair massages, which really felt good after walking. Melissa made a video that she's going to be able to put on her website, so look for more on that later. The walk and the Expo were both very motivating, and I can't wait for more training and then the walk!

I think I've rambled enough for now. I'll be back next Saturday, and until then, keep thinking pink!

~Jennifer