Back on track

Well, after four weeks off due to a two minor but painful back to back injuries, I got back on the walking trail this morning. I couldn't have planned it better since week 8 is an easy week as far as mileage goes so I'm pretty grateful for that. I tried out a bunch of new gear this morning, taking to heart the"Walk with it? Train with it!" message. Not only did I get a nifty new waist pack with water bottles. It was one I was actually wanting to try but wasn't sure if it would fit. I found happened upon it at our local outdoor sporting goods store (REI) and guess what? It fit! I've only walked with it one day but so far so good. I also loaded it up with several new items that I would ultimately have with me at the 3-Day. I have a mini-first aid kit, chap stick, moleskin, body glide, and tiny folding scissors. I still have several more of those little items that I would typically be caring at the 3-Day that I need to be sure to incorporate into my training walks but I'm feeling like I'm off to a good start and that feels great!

On a sad note, I reached out through the Susan G. Komen training Share List in an attempt to hook up with walkers in my area. I did this because I live in Sacramento, CA but am walking in Phoenix, AZ and have pretty much been walking by myself since I started training. To put it mildly, that was getting a bit boring. So anyway, I exchanged some emails with Barbara and we were supposed to meet for our first walk this Saturday. Upon emailing her to confirm, I discovered that she had lost her fiancé just a few weeks prior and was heading out of town to seek some family support. I cannot begin to describe how sad I was for Barbara and wanted her to know that even though we never met, we are bonded through the 3-Day and that I would support her anyway I could. Barbara's story is a sad reminder that life butts its way into our training schedules in many different ways. Some simply annoying and others completely tragic. No matter what life circumstance might be interrupting your training, please remember that the training plan will always be there – ready for you when you're ready to jump back in and that the MOST important thing is for you take care of yourself.

If interested, I am including a link to the article Barbara sent me telling the tale of her heroic fiancé.


Sincerely,
Jami

Week 8??

Well, I've been down and out for a while now. At the end of week four, I was having some pretty uncomfortable foot pain and decided to lay off for a bit. After two weeks, with no real improvement I went to the doctor to have a look-see. X-rays determined there was no stress-fracture (Yay!) but there was arthritis (Boo!). The Doc suggested I take one more week off, continue taking anti-inflammatory medicine, then get back on the road. About a week after that, I got an infected cyst on my inner thigh, which pretty much made walking impossible. I was quite afraid this second injury was going to be a doosey but after a week of antibiotics, I'm good as new and ready to get back on the road. Seems like I lucked out since Week 8 seems to be a mild one so I'm anxious to get back out there and get training.

With the Boston 3-Day starting this weekend, I was definitely feeling the pressure of not being on track with my training. I have addressed some of the issue in my previous post about issues I've been having with getting my walks in…

• I have found a few other women in my area that are training for the 3-Day. One that is actually training for the AZ walk, which is pretty amazing and a few others that are training for San Diego. We haven't managed to hook up yet but I'm certain we will soon.
• I still have a few more pieces of gear to get. I'm going to try out one of those little nylon backpacks and ditch the waist pack – I hate it. J I also need to find a hold for my iPhone. I plan of doing both of these tonight after work so I'm ready to go in the morning! J

Anyway, I just wanted check in real quick. I'll report back later with an update on my progress this first week back on the road!

 

~Jami