New Balance - Training Walk Kick Off

On Saturday, May 14, I attend a Training Walk Kick Off in Alpharetta.  It was sponsored by New Balance.

This was a beginning walk to kick off participant's training for the 3-Day in October.  Special thanks to my boys for tagging along, even though the mall and stores weren't open yet, so sorry!  I really do appreciate their patience and support!!!

The morning started with registration.  During this process, they grouped us in waves so that there would not be large crowds on the streets.  (During the real walk, streets will be blocked of for the walkers.)  I was grouped in the Pink Wave which was first.  Our guide was very energetic and lead us in stretching before we began our 3 mile walk through the mall area.   We were all given directions and the course was marked clear in case we couldn't keep up with the guide. 

During our 3 mile journey I got to meet some of the people participating in the walk and here some of their stories.  Some were walking for the first time, while others had walked before.  Some were survivors, some were walking for loved ones, and some were walking with their company as a team.

It was really great to hear the stories from past participants.  It was also an encouraging and learning experience for me.  They gave me some tips on how to prepare, lots of talk about blisters, and what to expect during the 3-Days.  I am happy to say that I was able to stay with the guide for the entire 3 miles and felt that I could go farther.  I am looking forward to adding more miles this summer. 

When the walk was complete, we were invited into the New Balance Store to discuss socks, shoes, and foot care for the walk.  The store owner nicely gave a discount on all purchases for the 3-Day walkers.  Not only that, a portion of the sales go right back to Susan G. Komen.  New Balance is one of the 3-Day's biggest supporters.

I met with a salesman who measured my feet and did several tests on them using a computer.  It was neat to see my feet on the computer and find out where areas of stress were located and suggested shoes, socks, and inserts were given.  I then tried on several different types and styles of shoes to find the perfect shoe for my foot.  The sales rep said that I really needed to alternate two pairs of shoes during my training and continue during the walk.  Buying new shoes before the walk was not recommended, shoes need to be broken in.  I ended up purchasing two pairs of shoe and socks.

The shoe to the right was the #1 recommended shoe for my foot.  Both pairs that I purchased are really comfortable and I have been alternating them during my walking and my workouts since the purchase.

New Balance gave away several door prizes.  No, I was not lucky enough to win.  They also gave each participant a "goodie bag" for attending the event.  The photo below is my second pair of shoes and my New Balance bag. 

  
I am still so excited about walking the 3-Day and this event just make me that much more excited and ready to participate.  I am looking forward to more training walks and clinics.  In June, I will be attending a "how to pack" clinic.

Race for the Cure

Oh my have things been busy around here...so much going on to end the school year.  My family has had something every weekend from the beginning of March till now.  This is the first weekend that we haven't rushed off somewhere.  We are so looking forward to a relaxing summer.  Only one more week of school left!

Despite all the things going on, I have still been working toward training and raising money for the 3-Day.  On Saturday, May 7, I participated in the Komen Race for the Cure in Atlanta.  It was a 5k.  It was amazing to be in the presence of 17,000 people all running/jogging/walking to find a cure for breast cancer.  One thing this race taught me was that I need to find a place to train with more hills, running in downtown Atlanta was tough.  I have also been concentrating on my walking, instead of running, probably another reason for the struggle.

Though I struggled, it was really beautiful running through downtown with all the large building as the scenery.  I thought that I was going to have to run by myself, but at the last minute my parents came through, as always.  They drove up late the night before to care for my children so that my husband could run with me and then drove back home after the race.  We had a great time running and of course my kids loved being with their Grandparents. 

Wow, there are a lot of people behind me in the photo.  Here's another photo and yes, you read right...17,000 people.  It was so crowded at the starting line, I believe we had to walk the first 5 minutes, till the crowd thinned out a little.  In the photo above, I have my back to the starting line.  The photo below shows the people who were in line behind us.

Here's a photo that Scott took of us...the guy in between us makes me laugh!

I am so thankful that my husband and children have been so supportive of my 3-Day journey.  They have tagged along to many things, some to praticipate and others just to sit, wait, and watch.  Their encouragement and support keep me going!

As the race came to a close, there were people separating the participants as they were approaching the finish line.  Survivors to the right and everyone else to the left.  When crossing the finish line, I really just wanted to stop and watch the survior lane.  What an honor to witness those who have fought breast cancer and won - cross the finish line too.  As each survior crossed their name was called out and they were welcomed and celebrated by many watching at the finish line.

I was honored to Race for the Cure and in awe of those surviors who ran/walked/jogged as well.

All in all, this journey is in Celebration of my Mother and helping to find a cure for future generations.

I love you, Mom!  Happy Mother's Day!