Hey, I put some new shoes on and suddenly everything is right...

This morning, I went to a "Sole Mate" clinic hosted by the La Place New Balance store. 4 New Balance employees came in an hour before the store's regular opening time to meet with 3-Day participants. 9 other first-time walkers came but, for once in my life, I was the first one there!

The program was headed up by a marathon runner/shoe expert who asks us to think of him as a "pharmacist for feet." I, of course, loved this analogy so much that I can't even remember the name of his profession (something pod-based I'm sure). He talked for a good 45 minutes about anatomy, common foot complaints/concerns, sock selection and shoe fittings. He answered some questions about blister prevention and treatment then gave us each a pamphlet entitled "The Foot Owner's Manual." Cute, right?

Anyway, the foot pharmacist told me I was a "healthy footed pronator" based on my Harris-Beath mat footprint. "Healthy footed pronator" sounds kind of like a dinosaur species to me, but I guess it just means that I roll inward when I walk. According to http://www.nbannapolis.com/, pronation is "An inward tilt rotation of the hind and midfoot (valgus) when weight bearing, a lifting of the outside border of the midfoot (eversion), and an outward swing of the forefoot (abduction). Pronation is generally observed in the pes planus (low arched) foot." Who knew?!

Betsy, my new favorite New Balance employee, took some additional measurements and selected several walking and running shoes made especially for pronators like me. I tried on different sizes, styles and colors, and eventually I found my sole mate...

Not only are they adorable, but they are oh-so-functional! I usually have trouble fitting into New Balance sneakers, either because my big toe rubs the front or the ankle support is too high (I feel like the princess with her pea.), but I ended up finding a sturdy yet comfortable pair today.

I also left with a clearance-priced track jacket, some free pink shoelaces and a stick of Body Glide, which I hear is a lifesaver on these walks... (I wish Coach Dalton would have told me about this stuff back in high school!)

I was feeling motivated to continue shopping, so I headed over to Dick's in Legacy Village for some compression shorts and a sleeping bag. I also bought an emergency poncho, more because I am a sucker for the stuff on display by the register rather than actual concern for rain.

I am still having trouble finding a waist pack and a travel pillow. I found an inflatable pillow online at some military supply store, but the shipping was going to cost me more than the item itself, so I cancelled that idea. Let me know if you know of any good, cheap camping stores in the Cleveland area. If I can't find a suitable waist pack by July, I'll be borrowing my mom's throwback fanny pack for the walk... And, trust me, no one wants to see that.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. -Chinese proverb

My "Get Started Meeting" was held at the Beachwood Library on Saturday morning. (Yes, Mom, I woke up before noon on the weekend.) I expected to meet a few women, hear some personal stories and register for the event. It was so much more than that, and I think it made me realize that The 3-Day is so much more than a 60-mile walk.

The "Get Started Meeting" was 2 hours of idea sharing and pure inspiration. There were 3 cancer survivors, about 20 first-time walkers and even 1 man in attendance! Two past walkers/organizers were there to share their experiences and lead us throusgh a slide show of pictures and background information. The first slide read "Imagine a world without breast cancer."

I'll give you a minute to imagine it...

The slide show went on to answer all the questions I had in mind and even some that I didn't know I should ask (like, how/where do we shower?). Both representatives are self-described "3-Day Junkies," and their enthusiasm was infectious. Having already tackled first-time jitters, fundraising challenges and the walk itself, they were able to address our concerns and encourage us all to go above and beyond.

We watched an inspirational DVD, and I swear there wasn't a dry eye in the room. It was really amazing to see how much The 3-Day has changed the lives of men and women around the country. Watching the video, I was able to see what a huge undertaking this is for event coordinators...

Thousands of walkers have to hydrate, eat, sleep, shower and walk. Hundreds of crew members have to be trained and transported between pit stops, cheering stations and the campground. Even more survivors and co-survivors attend the opening and closing ceremonies. And the preparation for all of this is unbelievable - from neighborhood training walks to New Balance "sole mate" and "nutrition & hydration" clinics, this event requires time, effort and donations from individuals and corporations alike.

The kindness of strangers also seems to be an integral and overwhelming part of the event, and the meeting leader said something that has stayed with me - "The 3-Day is 3 days of what the world could be."

Please visit my personal page on The 3-Day website to donate. I took the liberty of donating $10 to my own cause in addition to the $90 registration fee today, and I hope you will help me raise the remaining $2,290 over the next 6 months.

My new favorite T-shirt

Way too pricey for me to buy from Zazzle, but I love it so much that I just might have to start a screenprinting business in my basement... Well, technically, it'd be my mom's basement, but I'm sure she'd go for it ;)

By the way, Happy Valentine's Day!!!

How YOU can help!

I have had several questions (most of which were from my dad) about how and when to donate.

I am attending a "Get Started Meeting" in Beachwood on Saturday, February 21st to pick up my registration kit, learn how to navigate the 3-Day website and meet other beginner walkers. I'm also hoping to pick up some tips and tricks from any seasoned walkers in attendance... For example, how do I avoid getting blisters on my feet? (Ew.)

After my "Get Started Meeting," I will set up an account through the 3-Day website, to which donations can be made in support of my $2,300 fundraising goal. I will be posting my donation site's web address once I find out the specifics, so please stay tuned to this blog. Along with providing a link to my *hopefully* easy-to-use donation account, I will also copy and paste some FAQs from the3day.org regarding how to donate and tax deductibility.

I can't wait to go to my "Get Started Meeting" and finally GET STARTED!!!

P.S. Dad, even though I don't have my donation account activated yet, you're still welcome to send money. You can write the check out to E-M-I-L... just kidding :)

In the beginning...

Today marks the start of my journey toward "The 3-Day," a 60-mile walk benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The event will be held rain or shine July 31-August 2, 2009 in my latest hometown... Cleveland, Ohio! I am starting this blog to track my training and update friends and family on my progress. Another blogger moved me with her account of last year's 3-Day, and I hope my latest endeavor will inspire others to get involved in the fight against breast cancer.

I first learned of The 3-Day a few years ago while flipping through a book about breast cancer at my aunt's house. After my college graduation and subsequent move to Cleveland, I found myself thinking more seriously about getting involved as a volunteer or walker but was unsure when I would get around to it. Well, I'm finally lacing up my sneakers because there's no time like the present!

When I told a co-worker about my lofty goals, she asked what motivates me to walk and to raise the $2,300 individual fundraising requirement. The reasons are simple:

1. To remember my grandmother, a gentle woman with a heart of gold... And to honor my aunt, whose picture belongs next to the word "courage" in the dictionary.

2. Because battling sore feet and summer heat for 60 miles over 3 days is nothing compared to the battles fought everyday by men and women with breast cancer. I intend to cross the finish line a stronger person with a greater respect for the sacrifices of others.

3. For mothers, daughters, sisters and friends past, present and future. Whether a sufferer, survivor or supporter, breast cancer impacts all of us.

Please go to http://www.the3day.org to learn more about my upcoming adventure!