So I'm back! Sorry I've been gone for so long, part of it was because I got bored with the whole "walking thing" and figured you didn't need to be bored too. Most of it was life getting in the way. In any case I'm back and promise to try not to fall off the face of the earth again.
Since my last update (assuming my math is correct) I have walked 67 miles. I don't feel like it's been that far. The walking aspect of this is actually getting much easier. The hardest part at the moment is finding time to walk. Hopefully this will get easier once school is finished because the daily mile requirements are only going up from here.
Like I said the walking itself is getting easier. I find that I hit a wall around 5 1/2 - 6ish miles but if I can make it to 6 1/2-7 I can make it to the 8 mark no problem. This allows me to challenge myself in other ways. I've been starting at about 3.8mph and going at that speed for as long as I can, though it usually drops down to about 3.5 by the 3mile mark. Also on Thursdays, the "moderate" walk day I turn up the incline to about 3% which absolutely kills my speed. In any case on "easy" days I have managed to shave a solid 10 minutes off my first three miles, which is not something I'd ever thought I would get excited about.
Wednesdays and Fridays are supposed to be cross training days and I must admit I haven't been keeping up with these. Partly because I got a little off track so I'm walking every day to catch back up to the training schedule without loosing any miles. Although a big reason this is so hard is because it is so vague. It's not like the walking days that the training program tells me exactly how far to walk, at what minimum speed, and how hard I should push myself. It just says "Cross train!" The suggestions of things you can do include biking, elliptical machines, or stair steppers, but this just doesn't feel like cross training to me. I really want to work on my core and upper body for this, I just don't know how. I desperately want to go back to yoga, I just simply can't afford it. There's a gym somewhat near my house that is pretty inexpensive, has good hours (at least during the week when I'd need it), and has free personal training, I'm just avoiding signing up there, and I don't really know why. I guess once I get caught up again and cross train days need to be used as cross training again I will need to reevaluate my plans.
As far as fundraising goes I have been slacking. The walking is easy. The asking for money is tough. I need to start sending out emails and making calls. I know there are plenty of people out there willing to support me, I just need to ask. I'm also considering putting together some cute little boxes/cans with information (and my blog URL) and asking local businesses if I can leave them at their registers for people to donate. I feel like this might work nicely, people can put in whatever they have, even if it's just their change, but still can come here and really see what they are donating to.
I need to update the blog a little bit. Add some links down the side to important posts and the 3day website maybe. I am also going to include a running list of those who have donated as a sort of thank you. I also need to sign up for more walk related events, I know there is a meeting coming up about event prep. I think they are going to be talking about shoes and how to pack and that kind of stuff. Couldn't hurt to check it out.
Speaking of shoes, I think I need to invest in some better ones. Although the neat athletic socks my mom got me (that I need to go buy more of) are great, they only go so far. My shoes are ok for shorter 3 mile days but by the time I hit 6 (which isn't even the farthest I've walked at one time) my feet are killing me. Once I have some spare cash I'll hit up one of the places giving discounts to participants and see what they have to suggest.
I got a pedometer/odometer the other day (thanks mom & dad!) it's nothing fancy but it will help now that the weather is getting nicer since it will keep track of distance for me. I'm also curious to see how many step I take per mile. I think it will be a cool stat to add to the blog!
Well it's getting late and this post is getting long. I have lots to do tomorrow including my first 10 mile walk. Wish me luck!
Distance since last post: 67 miles
Total Distance: 82 miles
Good luck!
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