On Saturday, October 24, we had our first group walk. Our coach Jen planned out a walk in the Wauwatosa area which was approximately 4 miles. Jackie, Dan, Jen and myself all particpated in this walk. We were missing two. We started out together as Jen discussed attire to wear during the walks and being prepared for the weather.
We met at 7:00 a.m and the morning was cold. This was a good day to experiment with how many layers may be needed as the weather gets colder as we progress through the training. After a little bit, Dan and I went out in front as Jen walked with Jackie. The one thing about the training, everyone walks at different paces, so it is an opportunity to pair up with someone else and get to know others on the team.
As Dan and I walked, Dan was keeping his hands up in his sleeves, his hands were cold (and he did not bring any gloves). Being the good wife, I gave him my gloves. This helped him not to be so tense while walking. Now, you may be thinking that my hands are cold. Always have a backup plan. One of my layers had sleeves with a cuff/mitt that folds over the hands. I was good.
Even though Dan and I walk hills during our training during the week, there was one hill that gave a little more challenge. Even Dan complained his shins hurt. Dan and I finished about 15 minutes earlier than Jackie and Jen. As we waited for them, it gave us the opportunity to stretch. I really noticed at this time my hamstrings were tight. It was a good morning of training.
It has been fun and exciting to be able to train with Dan. It has a different feeling doing this together, totally different from when I trained in 2007/2008 for the Rock n Roll Marathon in Phoenix.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
We have been training, but it has been a challenge some days trying to find the time. We are only walking time right now to just get our endurance built up. In November, we will be starting with miles. One night Scott joined us and I thought Dan walked fast. Dan even made a comment about how I take one and half steps to his one, Dan was taking one and half steps to Scott's one. Scott was thinking about joining us in training for the marathon and participating. I think his bubble got burst when he went to work and tried to get support.
Another night, we went out late and took Mackenzie (our 2 year old granddaughter) with us. What an adventure. It was dark and we needed to take a flashlight. I had one and we Mackenzie always likes to have a flashlight. We gave her one. We tried to get her to shine it out front when a car would come and that is when she would hide it. Then she would shine it up at Dan as he is pushing the stroller, in his face, then he could not see where he was going. It is always fun when the granddaughters come along.
Last night it was actually very warm here, it hit 69 degrees. Dan and I walked at 6:45 p.m. Pretty dark, but it is surprising how many other people are out walking together or with their dog. We have to take advantage of the nice weather when we can right now. Today it is raining, but we will probably use this as a rest day, since I am attending a stretching clinic tonight (if I feel better) and Dan bowls.
Another night, we went out late and took Mackenzie (our 2 year old granddaughter) with us. What an adventure. It was dark and we needed to take a flashlight. I had one and we Mackenzie always likes to have a flashlight. We gave her one. We tried to get her to shine it out front when a car would come and that is when she would hide it. Then she would shine it up at Dan as he is pushing the stroller, in his face, then he could not see where he was going. It is always fun when the granddaughters come along.
Last night it was actually very warm here, it hit 69 degrees. Dan and I walked at 6:45 p.m. Pretty dark, but it is surprising how many other people are out walking together or with their dog. We have to take advantage of the nice weather when we can right now. Today it is raining, but we will probably use this as a rest day, since I am attending a stretching clinic tonight (if I feel better) and Dan bowls.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Tuesday, October 13
Today was a stressful day for Dan and myself. I arrived home at 5:00 p.m., Dan was not home yet, so I decided to start getting ready to walk because I had a meeting I needed to go to at church. As I was putting my socks on, Dan drives into the subdivision. When he enters the house, Scott says to Dan, you better hurry because mom is ready to go. As we are about to head out the door, we remember Schwans will be coming soon. We have our list created, so we decide to put it on the door and ask Cary to come back later.
Off we go. This time we take a different route in the subdivision and as we are walking, we are listening to birds and I believe we heard the same owl from the night before. One thing I really enjoy about waking in the subdivision is that we never know what we will see or hear.
Writing about the training is not always entertaining, but it helps me to put things into perspective. Again, we are on the 40 minute training schedule for this week. This is to get us use to walking longer time periods, because when we start getting into the longer training days of miles, we will be walking for a minimum of an hour to start before going for 2-3 hours.
As we walked back into our subdivision, the Schwans truck drove past. Yes, it was Cary the Schwans man. We have formed a relationship with Cary and we always enjoy talking to him when he comes each month. It is great to learn how others have handled circumstances in their lives. With the sharing, we learn how these circumstances has made each person stronger in life. Then to our surprise, Cary was the first to actually make a online donation for us. What a blessing he is in friendship.
These are the days that will be challenging, but with the support of family, friends and prayer, we will strive on for the purpose we started this for. To continue to help Emma (our sponsored child) and the many individuals that are affected by blood cancers.
Off we go. This time we take a different route in the subdivision and as we are walking, we are listening to birds and I believe we heard the same owl from the night before. One thing I really enjoy about waking in the subdivision is that we never know what we will see or hear.
Writing about the training is not always entertaining, but it helps me to put things into perspective. Again, we are on the 40 minute training schedule for this week. This is to get us use to walking longer time periods, because when we start getting into the longer training days of miles, we will be walking for a minimum of an hour to start before going for 2-3 hours.
As we walked back into our subdivision, the Schwans truck drove past. Yes, it was Cary the Schwans man. We have formed a relationship with Cary and we always enjoy talking to him when he comes each month. It is great to learn how others have handled circumstances in their lives. With the sharing, we learn how these circumstances has made each person stronger in life. Then to our surprise, Cary was the first to actually make a online donation for us. What a blessing he is in friendship.
These are the days that will be challenging, but with the support of family, friends and prayer, we will strive on for the purpose we started this for. To continue to help Emma (our sponsored child) and the many individuals that are affected by blood cancers.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Monday, October 12
Today was the first day of 40 minutes of walking. Dan and I walked through the subdivision across the street. While we were walking we left Scott to start dinner. He had Peyton for the night and we were waiting for Erin and Josh to bring Mackenzie over for the two girls could spend time together. While we were walking, Mackenzie was dropped off and Erin and Josh ran off to Walmart to pick up a few things. Now that left Scott with two 28 month old girls and trying to make dinner.
Dan and I are enjoying our walk together, working on a fast pace and listening to an owl hoot in the trees. Now, Dan and are 3/4 the way through the training when we receive a phone call from Scott asking where we are. I ask him, why, what is going on. He then proceeds to tell us, how he has both Peyton and Mackenzie on his own and his hands are full of flour and dough and he has two little girls that had accidents. I can just imagine the sight. When we arrived home, Scott had both girls by the cutting board helping him roll and dough and cut noodles. He did well.
We finally got dinner finished and had a good time letting the girls play and visiting with the kids.
Dan and I are enjoying our walk together, working on a fast pace and listening to an owl hoot in the trees. Now, Dan and are 3/4 the way through the training when we receive a phone call from Scott asking where we are. I ask him, why, what is going on. He then proceeds to tell us, how he has both Peyton and Mackenzie on his own and his hands are full of flour and dough and he has two little girls that had accidents. I can just imagine the sight. When we arrived home, Scott had both girls by the cutting board helping him roll and dough and cut noodles. He did well.
We finally got dinner finished and had a good time letting the girls play and visiting with the kids.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Week of October 5
The last time I posted, it was Monday, October 5. On Tuesday, we did walk. I started the walk without Dan because he had to work late. When he met me, I was 3/4 the way through the walk. We finished the walk together before it started to rain. On Wednesday, we walked down the road to Kohl's. It is about 2 miles. Wednesday was to be a rest day, but I figured a shorter walk would be good, plus Dan needed some items to walk in the upcoming cold. Making sure we have the appropriate clothing to walk in the cold weather is so important. There is no wimping out now because it is too cold. Thursday was our rest day, so we did not walk, but Dan did bowl.
Friday morning early we headed out to meet friends (that we know from NWMC) in Holland, MI. Needless to say it rained the whole way and was still raining when we arrived. We could not walk, due to not bringing appropriate rain gear. We ended up driving around for a few hours before being able to check into our hotel. When our friends finally arrived, we went into downtown Holland and did some window shopping. Yes, in the rain. At least it was only drizzling then.
On Saturday morning, we all drove to Grand Rapids, MI and walked around the outside art show and downtown Grand Rapids. Of course, this was after we finally found parking and I thought parking downtown Milwaukee was bad. After saying our good byes, friends headed back to Detroit, MI and Dan and I headed back to the hotel in Holland. The weather was still good, so Dan and I took this opportunity to walk around a small area of Holland to get our training in.
After this, we decided to see a movie (Couples Retreat) and take some time to relax. It was a good weekend with friends.
Friday morning early we headed out to meet friends (that we know from NWMC) in Holland, MI. Needless to say it rained the whole way and was still raining when we arrived. We could not walk, due to not bringing appropriate rain gear. We ended up driving around for a few hours before being able to check into our hotel. When our friends finally arrived, we went into downtown Holland and did some window shopping. Yes, in the rain. At least it was only drizzling then.
On Saturday morning, we all drove to Grand Rapids, MI and walked around the outside art show and downtown Grand Rapids. Of course, this was after we finally found parking and I thought parking downtown Milwaukee was bad. After saying our good byes, friends headed back to Detroit, MI and Dan and I headed back to the hotel in Holland. The weather was still good, so Dan and I took this opportunity to walk around a small area of Holland to get our training in.
After this, we decided to see a movie (Couples Retreat) and take some time to relax. It was a good weekend with friends.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Dan and I have been training for a little over a week. The training was off to a slow start, but we are now picking it up. The first week, it was hard to get into the training, we seemed to be busy every night and then it would rain. On Saturday, October 3, Dan had to walk by himself, because I had a work function at Great America. Let me tell you though, I did get my walking in.
Our coach has started our training different this time. When I trained in 2008, I was scheduled to walk so many miles each day. This time, we are just walking so many minutes each day. It does not matter how many miles we walk. Even with this, Dan and I are still pushing for a goal of walking faster than I did in 2008. Now for Dan this is easy, he has long legs and has longer steps than I do. For me, it is about one and half steps for one of Dan's. Dan's goal is to finish the marathon (26.2 miles) in 6 hours. He is hoping to cut a minute off my time of 14 min 51 sec mile.
During our time walking we get to talk and catch up on what is going on. How the day went and what we need to do. Today, Dan was very excited because he actually received his first donation from a co-worker.
So training has started, we are doing it together, which is great! It has also been reassuring, when others let us know that it is great we are facing this challenge together.
To keep up with our progress, please visit our Team page at the link below.
http://pages.teamintraining.org/wi/mardigra10/TeamSaugstad
I look forward to letting you know how we are doing. Thanks for visiting my blog. Brenda
"He give strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength." Isaiah 40: 29, 31
Our coach has started our training different this time. When I trained in 2008, I was scheduled to walk so many miles each day. This time, we are just walking so many minutes each day. It does not matter how many miles we walk. Even with this, Dan and I are still pushing for a goal of walking faster than I did in 2008. Now for Dan this is easy, he has long legs and has longer steps than I do. For me, it is about one and half steps for one of Dan's. Dan's goal is to finish the marathon (26.2 miles) in 6 hours. He is hoping to cut a minute off my time of 14 min 51 sec mile.
During our time walking we get to talk and catch up on what is going on. How the day went and what we need to do. Today, Dan was very excited because he actually received his first donation from a co-worker.
So training has started, we are doing it together, which is great! It has also been reassuring, when others let us know that it is great we are facing this challenge together.
To keep up with our progress, please visit our Team page at the link below.
http://pages.teamintraining.org/wi/mardigra10/TeamSaugstad
I look forward to letting you know how we are doing. Thanks for visiting my blog. Brenda
"He give strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength." Isaiah 40: 29, 31
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