It is Saturday after Thanksgiving. It is a 14 mile day. Definitely a good walk to work off the Thanksgiving meal. Today, Lori, Jen and Mary joined Beth (1/2 marathon) and myself. Khris was out of town for the holiday. We started out together, then Jen and I picked up the pace since I had to walk 14 miles and Beth only 8 miles. Everyone, but me was only looking at walking the 8 miles, because Jen and Lori had to flyer the Christmas parade in Grafton.
Jen walked with me to the Shorewood sign on Lake Drive on the East side of Milwaukee. Then she told me I was on my own. Jen did mention when she got back to her vehicle she would drive by to see how I was doing. I had to walk further north to make up the 2 miles we cut off by not walking the point by the McKinley Marina. Now, I am on my own and not sure where I was going. I finally saw the sign for Big Bay Park and looking to see which way I had to go, but then to my surprise, Jen and Lori were walking across the street to let me know where I needed to go. This is definitely what having mentors is all about. They were able to direct in the right direction and then again I was on my own. I was able to finish the 14 miles in about 3 hours and 10 minutes.
After walking, I went home to start Christmas cookie baking. I invited Abby, from church, to help with baking. Erin was there with Mackenzie wrapping Christmas gifts. Another long, but fruitful day.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Tuesday, November 20
The three of us training for the PF Chang marathon who have been meeting for team walks decided to get together for a 5 mile walk. Sheila, an alumni, was able to join us. The four of us headed out after getting a few pictures before we started. We went about 5.2 miles and then headed home to start preparations for Thanksgiving. Again, it is always great to be able to walk and take the time to get to know another individual. We decided that we would continue to try to get together at least once each week for a team walk. As I mentioned earlier, we took some pictures, but I cannot get them transferred off the camera. We will have to take new pictures to post them on the site. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Saturday, November 17
What an early morning, had to drive to the lake front to meet with the team for a group walk. I finally met Khris, the other individual who is walking the full marathon. It was nice, because we walk at about the same speed, so we can keep each other focused. Today, it was 12 miles. This is the longest training so far. We finished the 12 miles in 3 hours and 10 minutes. That did include some stops on the way for Gatorade and a snack if needed. After the first Gatorade stop, Khris and I started to walk a faster pace and so we got quite a bit ahead of the individuals training for the 1/2 marathon. The 1/2 marathon training was 8 miles.
During this walk, we were able to talk to Team In Training alumni. They will come and walk with us to mentor and keep us motivated. It is always fun to hear about their past marathons and how many they did and what they are training for now.
After finishing the walk, Dan and I traveled to Babcock, Wisconsin, to Jeremiah's Crossing. We were planning on helping with a project on the ranch and learning more skills in training Journey. Before going to the ranch, we traveled to Marshfield to check into the hotel. After checking in, we went to the ranch where Erin and Mackenzie will be joining us. Finally, when we all went back to the hotel, we had everything on a cart and we headed for the elevators. We all got into the first elevator, hit the 3rd floor button, the elevator car did not move. We hit the alarm, no one came. Then we hit the emergency phone button, the alarms and intercom went off and finally someone from the hotel was on the phone. (Of course, I do not like elevators to start with, after being caught in one). Someone suggested we should try to open the doors, so Dan was able to push them open and we found out we never moved. We then proceeded to empty the cart and carry everything up to the 3rd floor. Between 3 of us, it was not too bad, good thing Dan and I checked in earlier. After arriving at our room, to our dismay our room keys did not work. Now, I had to go back to the registration desk to have our keys re-encoded and then back up to the 3rd floor.
Finally, we are getting settled. Erin goes in to the bathroom, sees some tissue in the toilet, so decides to flush it, now we have a plugged toilet and a wet floor. Does the excitement never end?! Well it did and we settled down to feed Mackenzie and get some rest.
During this walk, we were able to talk to Team In Training alumni. They will come and walk with us to mentor and keep us motivated. It is always fun to hear about their past marathons and how many they did and what they are training for now.
After finishing the walk, Dan and I traveled to Babcock, Wisconsin, to Jeremiah's Crossing. We were planning on helping with a project on the ranch and learning more skills in training Journey. Before going to the ranch, we traveled to Marshfield to check into the hotel. After checking in, we went to the ranch where Erin and Mackenzie will be joining us. Finally, when we all went back to the hotel, we had everything on a cart and we headed for the elevators. We all got into the first elevator, hit the 3rd floor button, the elevator car did not move. We hit the alarm, no one came. Then we hit the emergency phone button, the alarms and intercom went off and finally someone from the hotel was on the phone. (Of course, I do not like elevators to start with, after being caught in one). Someone suggested we should try to open the doors, so Dan was able to push them open and we found out we never moved. We then proceeded to empty the cart and carry everything up to the 3rd floor. Between 3 of us, it was not too bad, good thing Dan and I checked in earlier. After arriving at our room, to our dismay our room keys did not work. Now, I had to go back to the registration desk to have our keys re-encoded and then back up to the 3rd floor.
Finally, we are getting settled. Erin goes in to the bathroom, sees some tissue in the toilet, so decides to flush it, now we have a plugged toilet and a wet floor. Does the excitement never end?! Well it did and we settled down to feed Mackenzie and get some rest.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Monday, November 19
Today, the MP3 player and I went for our usual walk. During this walk, I was greeted by individuals and their dogs. It is always nice to see another individual in the morning, knowing you are not alone. I also met an older gentleman as I passed by him twice before I actually met up with him at the dent. During the second time around, he smiled and said, "I saw your twin on the other road." When I met up with him at the end of the 4 miles, he asked how many I was walking. I told him 4 today and that I was training for a marathon. He thought that was great, and then stated that when the weather permits, he walks about 2 miles and it takes him about 50 minutes.
We said good bye as he was on his last part back to his house and I turned into our driveway. You never know who we are going to meet, when trying to make a difference for others.
We said good bye as he was on his last part back to his house and I turned into our driveway. You never know who we are going to meet, when trying to make a difference for others.
November 12 - 16
This was another week of me and the MP3 player for the 4-5 mile walks each day. During this week, I actually had the opportunity to watch two deer walk across the road just a few yards in front of me during two different areas of the route. What a site to see. I bet the deer hunters wish they were there with me and it was hunting season.
On Friday this week, it was about 7:20 a.m. and it was really quiet during the walk. All of a sudden, I heard this sound, (like a bike tire coming to a quick stop and sliding across pavement). I jumped, along with my heart to my throat, turned around to see a squirrel about 3 feet off the ground moving toward a tree (it was like seeing Rocky, the flying squirrel).
Dan was hoping to start walking with me again soon, but he received a phone call from the doctors office, stating the molds for his orthotics were destroyed. He had to return to the doctors office to get the new molds made and now wait another few weeks.
On Friday this week, it was about 7:20 a.m. and it was really quiet during the walk. All of a sudden, I heard this sound, (like a bike tire coming to a quick stop and sliding across pavement). I jumped, along with my heart to my throat, turned around to see a squirrel about 3 feet off the ground moving toward a tree (it was like seeing Rocky, the flying squirrel).
Dan was hoping to start walking with me again soon, but he received a phone call from the doctors office, stating the molds for his orthotics were destroyed. He had to return to the doctors office to get the new molds made and now wait another few weeks.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
November 5 - 9
I know I putting this week together. Nothing really happened this week and I need to catch up. On Wednesday, I went to meet for the group walk at the Lake Bistro, downtown Milwaukee. Well needless to say, I was the only walker that showed up with all the runners. I was feeling a little left out. The nice thing about having coaches is, one of the coaches (the runners coach), MaryAnn said she would walk the 4 miles with me. She said I could set the pace, but she pretty much did, but then again she is a runner. I was able to keep up with her, just a few shin pains, but on the way back, no problem. Had to get my legs muscles warmed. It gave me a chance to get to know someone else from the TNT team.
Found out later that the walkers are not following the schedule that was originally set, even though it stated it was for the runners, we still followed it. I am hoping that the walkers can get a schedule set-up to meet during the week sometime to walk together. I have always enjoyed this time, walking with other TNT team members.
Found out later that the walkers are not following the schedule that was originally set, even though it stated it was for the runners, we still followed it. I am hoping that the walkers can get a schedule set-up to meet during the week sometime to walk together. I have always enjoyed this time, walking with other TNT team members.
Sunday, November 4
There was a group walk on Saturday, where I would have walked 10 miles, but I could not make the group walk, due to being out of town for work for the day. Because of this, I had to plan to walk today. On the weekends, I call Sarah and see if she is available to walk, the time goes by so much faster.
Church lasted longer for Sarah and us, than expected, so we got a late start and Sarah had to leave by 2:30 p.m. So she came and walked 5 miles with me. We walked back to the house after the 5 miles and Erin and Josh were already there. We sat for Mackenzie the night before and they came to pick her up.
I talked Erin into walking the last 5 miles with me. She packed up Mackenzie, the guys were watching the Packer game. We walked about 2 and 1/2 miles and then we called to have Dan come and get Mackenzie, she had fallen asleep in the front pack carrier. Dan came out and got Mackenzie, then Erin and I finished the last 2 and 1/2 miles, before heading home to make dinner.
It was great to have Sarah and Erin join me for this walk. It was the first double digit walk I had to do since I started training. Thank you
Church lasted longer for Sarah and us, than expected, so we got a late start and Sarah had to leave by 2:30 p.m. So she came and walked 5 miles with me. We walked back to the house after the 5 miles and Erin and Josh were already there. We sat for Mackenzie the night before and they came to pick her up.
I talked Erin into walking the last 5 miles with me. She packed up Mackenzie, the guys were watching the Packer game. We walked about 2 and 1/2 miles and then we called to have Dan come and get Mackenzie, she had fallen asleep in the front pack carrier. Dan came out and got Mackenzie, then Erin and I finished the last 2 and 1/2 miles, before heading home to make dinner.
It was great to have Sarah and Erin join me for this walk. It was the first double digit walk I had to do since I started training. Thank you
Friday, November 2
Tonight, it was 4 miles and I have company. Dan decided he would walk with me, even though his feet are bothering him. Next week to he goes to the doctor to get molds made of his feet to get some orthotics made.
During this walk, the sky is clear and we can see the stars and Dan locates the big dipper. It is always amazing even though we walk the same routes, what new things we see each time.
During this walk, the sky is clear and we can see the stars and Dan locates the big dipper. It is always amazing even though we walk the same routes, what new things we see each time.
Thursday, November 1
Well, it is back to reality again. I am walking the familiar route once again. Dan went bowling, co I am on my own for walking, but I had to get it done, before Scott came over. He was coming down to the bowling alley with Peyton, but we were heading to the grocery store first.
Even though the time change has not taken place, it is still dark by the time I finish. Some parts of the walk seem to get longer in the dark. So, here I am walking down the middle of the road, listening to the MP3 player and swinging a flashlight.
Even though the time change has not taken place, it is still dark by the time I finish. Some parts of the walk seem to get longer in the dark. So, here I am walking down the middle of the road, listening to the MP3 player and swinging a flashlight.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Monday, October 29
I'm still in Dallas and I have to walk 4-5 miles today. I decided to rise early and meet the group for the group walk once again. This will be the last day we will be walking as a group because the conference ends tomorrow. Again, there is about 8 of us ready to walk. This time the individual that led the walkers on Sunday, decided to run. We were on our own, but I was somehow asked to lead the way, because I knew somewhat where we were going because of the walking I did on Saturday. We walked and visited for about two miles and headed back to the hotel to get ready for the sessions. When the sessions ended for the day, I headed back to the fitness room to walk another 4 miles on the treadmill. The sad part was, my batteries in the MP3 player died and I did not get out to purchase any before now. I walked to the music in the room and hum of the treadmill.
After finishing my walk, I headed out to see the JFK museum, where Oswald hid on the 6th floor. I did not get to tour the museum, because I got there with only 1/2 hour left. I got scammed into listening to a local tell me his version of how JFK was shot and show me where the to "X's" were located on the on ramp to the highway where the bullets first hit JFK and where the fatal shot was.
Now off to dinner at the House of Blues and then back to the hotel to see what I can fit into my suitcase to fly back home on Tuesday.
After finishing my walk, I headed out to see the JFK museum, where Oswald hid on the 6th floor. I did not get to tour the museum, because I got there with only 1/2 hour left. I got scammed into listening to a local tell me his version of how JFK was shot and show me where the to "X's" were located on the on ramp to the highway where the bullets first hit JFK and where the fatal shot was.
Now off to dinner at the House of Blues and then back to the hotel to see what I can fit into my suitcase to fly back home on Tuesday.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Sunday, October 28
I am still in Dallas, it is not a scheduled walk day, but I decided it would be good to do something. This morning I was up at 5:45 a.m., just enough time to brush my teeth and pull my hair back and head down to the lobby. The conference had planned a walk/run group. I thought this would be a good way to meet some other individuals at the conference. There were about 8 of us that gathered, introduced ourselves and went on our way. We walked about 3 miles and then back to get ready for the conference.
As we walked, in the dark, there was not a lot of traffic, it was Sunday. We saw a few police officers, but we also passed by some homeless individuals, who slept not in cardboard boxes or with blankets, but sitting upright on the bus stop bench.
This time of the morning is definitely a time to walk with others. The experience was great!
As we walked, in the dark, there was not a lot of traffic, it was Sunday. We saw a few police officers, but we also passed by some homeless individuals, who slept not in cardboard boxes or with blankets, but sitting upright on the bus stop bench.
This time of the morning is definitely a time to walk with others. The experience was great!
Saturday, October 27
It is Saturday morning in Dallas. I wake up and it is still dark at 7:30 a.m. I think to myself, great, I guess I have to start walking on the treadmill. I am not walking in the dark in Dallas by myself. I grab the MP3 player, find a radio station and head to the fitness room. I have checked out the fitness room the day before to see what type of treadmills they have. There are just a few others that are in the fitness room. I claim one of the treadmills, hook up the MP3 player and watch one of the TV screens in front of me at the same time. I have to walk 10 miles today, this is going to be a long time on the treadmill. The treadmill I am on is by a window, so I am able to watch the sun come up. I walk 5 miles on the treadmill and then decide that I am going to try to walk the route that was mapped out for me the day before by the shuttle driver.
I head back to my room, grab my fuel belt, fill the water bottle with Powerade, grab some gum, identification and my cell phone. I was just talking to one of the students at work on Thursday before I left, how I always walk at home with no identification and no cell phone. I always talk to students about not carrying identification on them, but then what do I do the same thing. I decided that being in another state, I better not do that.
The walk outside was great, it was warm,(not as warm as the fitness room). As I am trying to follow the route, I pass the place where JFK was shot, (but did not know it until later) and the "AA" building (sports arena). This is where the route was looking right, I stopped an officer and asked where a street was, his reply was,"They changed the name of that street." You will have to go back to the corner and turn left. I follow his directions, but Dallas is not on a grid, so it is hard to decipher where I was going, not being familiar with the area. The good thing about where the hotel was, it had a rotating restaurant attached, so you could see the ball (restaurant) from a distance. I ended up cutting off part of the route, but found my way to another part of it. At the end, I was a little short of the mileage, so I walked around an area that I was familiar with a few times and was able to get the rest of the mileage in. During the walk, the locals would watch and they could tell I was not from Dallas. ( I just don't know what gave me away, map in my hand and being dressed in shorts and a sleeveless shirt). While I was walking a few of the locals would cheer me on saying, "You are doing good." It was amusing. After this, I decided that the next day I had to walk which was Monday, that it was going to be on the treadmill.
I head back to my room, grab my fuel belt, fill the water bottle with Powerade, grab some gum, identification and my cell phone. I was just talking to one of the students at work on Thursday before I left, how I always walk at home with no identification and no cell phone. I always talk to students about not carrying identification on them, but then what do I do the same thing. I decided that being in another state, I better not do that.
The walk outside was great, it was warm,(not as warm as the fitness room). As I am trying to follow the route, I pass the place where JFK was shot, (but did not know it until later) and the "AA" building (sports arena). This is where the route was looking right, I stopped an officer and asked where a street was, his reply was,"They changed the name of that street." You will have to go back to the corner and turn left. I follow his directions, but Dallas is not on a grid, so it is hard to decipher where I was going, not being familiar with the area. The good thing about where the hotel was, it had a rotating restaurant attached, so you could see the ball (restaurant) from a distance. I ended up cutting off part of the route, but found my way to another part of it. At the end, I was a little short of the mileage, so I walked around an area that I was familiar with a few times and was able to get the rest of the mileage in. During the walk, the locals would watch and they could tell I was not from Dallas. ( I just don't know what gave me away, map in my hand and being dressed in shorts and a sleeveless shirt). While I was walking a few of the locals would cheer me on saying, "You are doing good." It was amusing. After this, I decided that the next day I had to walk which was Monday, that it was going to be on the treadmill.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Friday, October 26
Today I was up early and off to the airport. I was traveling to Dallas, TX for work. During my travel, it was on my mind on how was I going to walk 10 miles on Saturday. When I spoke to individuals at home about finding a route to walk, they would look at me and say, "You are not walking in Dallas, the hotel must have a treadmill." My goal was to find some place to walk outside, treadmill, boring....
When I arrived in Dallas, I caught a super shuttle to the Hyatt. After dropping off the other two riders, I asked the driver if he knew of a safe route and one about 5 miles long that I could walk. After explaining to him that I needed to walk the 10 miles in training for a marathon, he was more than willing to show me a route on a map and drive part of the route to get mileage.
After arriving at the Hyatt, checking in and getting settled, I decided to check out the area and find a place to have lunch. I took my map and another map that I received from desk services and proceeded to find my way from the hotel and through a tunnel to get to the main street (Houston) in Dallas. In the tunnel, I asked two men, who looked like they knew where they were going, how to get up to the street level. They did not know, but a local woman overheard and said she knew where I wanted to go and she would show me. I decided to ask her if she knew of a good route and showed her the map from the shuttle driver. Her comments to me were, "You are going to walk, take the train." I said, "I did not want to take the train, I needed to walk and find where things were." She kept on insisting on the train, but finally pointed me in the right direction to Houston Street.
I found a restaurant which was tex-mex after a few wrong turns. What a way to get to learn the city. I talked to the waiter and asked his opinion on the route mapped. He said it was a good route and it would be safe as long as it was done in the daylight. Now, I think I am ready for Saturday. I start to plan out the time schedule, since I needed to be ready by noon, when the conference started.
When I arrived in Dallas, I caught a super shuttle to the Hyatt. After dropping off the other two riders, I asked the driver if he knew of a safe route and one about 5 miles long that I could walk. After explaining to him that I needed to walk the 10 miles in training for a marathon, he was more than willing to show me a route on a map and drive part of the route to get mileage.
After arriving at the Hyatt, checking in and getting settled, I decided to check out the area and find a place to have lunch. I took my map and another map that I received from desk services and proceeded to find my way from the hotel and through a tunnel to get to the main street (Houston) in Dallas. In the tunnel, I asked two men, who looked like they knew where they were going, how to get up to the street level. They did not know, but a local woman overheard and said she knew where I wanted to go and she would show me. I decided to ask her if she knew of a good route and showed her the map from the shuttle driver. Her comments to me were, "You are going to walk, take the train." I said, "I did not want to take the train, I needed to walk and find where things were." She kept on insisting on the train, but finally pointed me in the right direction to Houston Street.
I found a restaurant which was tex-mex after a few wrong turns. What a way to get to learn the city. I talked to the waiter and asked his opinion on the route mapped. He said it was a good route and it would be safe as long as it was done in the daylight. Now, I think I am ready for Saturday. I start to plan out the time schedule, since I needed to be ready by noon, when the conference started.
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