I have survived Day 1 of the Arizona 3-Day!!

I'm using the internet in the Energizer bunny tent at Camp... just wanted to post that I survived day 1!! It's been an amazing experience so far; I walked about 18 out of the 20 miles, wanted to give up but I didn't!! and I know I will sleep good tonight to take on tomorrow's 22.5 mile route.

it's almost here!!

wow, I can't hardly believe the 3-Day is just two days (really only 1 1/2) away!! Right now, I'm at the stage where I need to pack and make sure I have everything I need- I have my second pair of shoes, I have plenty of pairs of socks, I have athletic tape for my feet, I need to make sure I have new batteries in the camera... I know I'll forget something, but that's really not important at this point. What is important is that I just reached my $2300 minimum yesterday, so I can participate!

Since this is a big cause, Komen makes sure that you commit big when you sign up for this; that's why there's a (high) minimum amount you have to raise... When I signed up in January, I really had no idea whether I'd be able to actually raise it, but throughout the course of the year, I have been continually amazed at people's generosity. Even after getting the minimum, I've been getting last minute donations-- the first time, I said "thanks, but I've got the money; I don't need any more." My donor's reply (very wise) was, "it's not for you, it's for breast cancer."

One of the most recent 3-Days raised over 7 million dollars (!!!) for the fight to end breast cancer-- I can't wait to see the sea of pink at the opening ceremonies, the cheering people along the way, and to experience the emotion of the closing ceremonies when I've actually finished! (I'm sure I can't wait to see the comfy couch, our bed, and my feather pillows at the end of it, either-- lol!)

so, if you've been thinking about donating, if you know someone who had breast cancer, if you've lost a loved one to this disease, or if you know at least 8 women- because one in eight women will be diagnosed (that number is horrible!! we can put men in space, and spend countless millions of dollars on who-knows-what, but we still have to fight this disease) then please think about donating to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Over 75 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to programs, research, and education. You can donate to me here: http://www.the3day.org/goto/jennifer.ahlstrom

donate to one of my teammates who still hasn't raised the minimum by clicking here :

3-Day TaTa sisterhood page

and be sure to check out this page: Research and Grants to see how they use the money.

And wish me (and my feet) luck!!

Confessions of a 3-Day slacker

So, I have officially NOT fractured any bones in my left foot!! Yeah, I know I never mentioned any problems with my foot-- that day I walked the 8 miles, I did something to it. Don't know what, but it hurts off and on. I can still walk on it, but I wanted to make sure that it wasn't serious. And it wasn't!! (I still don't know what I did to it, but as long as it's not broken, I'm good. Probably just a deep bruise.)

Now I have no excuses.

The 3-Day is only 16 weeks away (eek!! if I counted right), and I'm currently not doing everything I can be to train. There, I've said it-- I'm only walking 2-3 miles a week, and slacking.

It's just my natural tendency for delaying and procrastination kicking in, I know, but this is definitely not something I can procrastinate about, or I will regret it in November, for sure.

Last Saturday, I walked 3 miles outside in the heat and humidity (ick!!). I didn't start until about 9:45 am, and it was already over 90 degrees. My own fault, because I could have gone out at 5:30 when the dogs got their breakfast, but I didn't.

Sunday, I went to the gym and did 4 miles on the treadmill (in the AC!) 1 mile on a cross-country program, and 3 miles at a flat incline, mostly walking with a little jogging thrown in there, too. I never thought I would ever want to jog or run, but I realized halfway thru my 45 minute session that running covers the miles and racks up the calories burned quicker. Kinda elementary, I suppose, but I really never realized just how much quicker, if you know what I mean...

Thanks again to Tom for my pink iPod birthday present!! I listened to a few podcasts, including watching a video of a great TED lecture on creativity. (must find more of those!) The iPod was much better than the inane television program that was playing on the TV in the health club... a new rendition of Robin Hood- it looked more like Men in Tights to me, but not near as funny, and I wasn't sure if the humor was on purpose, or if it was just that bad. (I'm leaning toward the latter.)

(don't get me wrong, I was still watching the seconds tick down on the treadmill program, but the iPod at least made it more enjoyable.)

Last night, I started Weight Watchers again (for the LAST time, this time). I know I need the accountability with measuring and recording my food to keep me on track eating healthy things instead of "snacky empty-calorie" things, the accountability to the scale every week, and the camraderie and inspiration of the weekly meetings. I did it once before, so I know it works if you do it, I just have to DO it.

So, here's some inspiration for me:

the Front Burner blog: an interesting blog I just found, with blog posts about running

the Couch to 5K program, which literally talks you thru starting from the couch, and works you up to running a 5K (which is a little over 3 miles, I think) in 9 weeks.

Cathy Zielske ran her first 5K race 6 months after starting her weight loss and fitness journey! read about it here.

some other blogs for when I have time (I haven't actually read any of these yet, so they may be good or bad; they just looked interesting at first glance):

The Amazing Adventures of Dietgirl (written by a Scottish woman)

Get Fit Slowly (weight loss and fitness from a male perspective)

Feed the Soul (nutrition and weight loss)

Yell at Your Fat (audio podcast about losing weight and getting fit)

Being Healthy for Busy People (more podcasts; these look a little like the things that run on the TV in the Dr's office waiting room)

I've never thought of myself as a runner, because to me, runners are Serious Athletes (somehow I hear it with capital letters in my head), but it would be kinda fun to be able to say "oh, it was nothing, just a 4 mile run..."

or at least be able to to walk the 60 miles without keeling over! just kidding- I don't plan on keeling over, but I don't want to be the last one into camp. (not that there's anything wrong with that, I just don't want it to be me.)

weekend photo round up

usually weekends are reserved for relaxing, but the last couple, we've been busy. This past weekend we worked on our patio ---> screened porch conversion. The framing is all up, and needed to be painted before we can install the screen. Turns out there was a lot more wood there than we thought! Tom stayed up all night (!!) on Friday, getting most of it primed... I started on the finish coat when I got up Saturday morning. The two of us worked most of the weekend on it, till it got too hot to work, and finally finished the painting around lunchtime on Sunday. Whew!! Now, we just need to put up the screen. And cut the trim to length. And paint the trim. And install the trim.... okay, so it's not as far along as we'd like to think, but it will definitely be done by fall, which is okay, since it won't be cool enough to sit out there till then, anyway.

After working outside in the heat all weekend long, THIS is how we both felt!! Ariel is so funny- she has that kitten energy, tearing around and bouncing off walls, then konking out all the sudden...

The pic above was taken this afternoon; Tom grabbed the camera and snapped it quick, before anything happened to upset the status quo-- Butters and Ariel, sitting next to each other, with no hissing or swatting of paws!! It's amazing what hunger can do, hmmm?? Really, it's been going pretty well, all things considered; I've actually seen Butters playing chase with Ariel a few times, till she gets overwhelmed, hisses, and stalks off to sulk. I don't know whether they'll ever snuggle together like Pandora and Butters used to, but getting along together is a good start, after only a few weeks.

These last two photos are some of my latest art/craft projects. The pic above shows two 8x10 inch mixed media canvases that I've made recently. The top one features a Buddha-patterned napkin, layered acrylic paint, gold details, and an inspirational quote. The bottom one features rubber stamping with heat embossing, acrylic paint, hand-dyed cheesecloth for texture, glitter, beads, and another quote (this one from Willa Cather). They're both currently for sale in my Etsy shop, and the net proceeds from the sales will benefit my 3-Day for the Cure Walk fundraising efforts.

These pendants are also currently for sale in my Etsy shop. All proceeds from these will also go towards my 3Day fundraising, and even better, all these have FREE shipping! These pendants are lots of fun to make; the dominos are a fun shape, and not quite as small as the scrabble tiles. I've found it a bit difficult to find patterned paper on a smaller scale that looks good when trimmed to these sizes (1x2 inches and 3/4 inch), but that's what makes it a challenge!

it is so worth it!!

Last Friday was our team fundraising event "Pink & Black for the Ta-Ta's." It was a frantic couple weeks, trying to get everything ready, and I was really frazzled leading up to it. The night before, I got totally overwhelmed from all the running around and staying up late to get things done. Tom gave me a hug and said "just remember, you're doing this for all the people who can't." I said (okay, I sorta whined), "that's great advice-- where did you come up with it?" He replied, "YOU wrote it- I got it from your 3-Day blog!!" (awww, both for that comment, and for the fact that he does read my blogs.)

Friday's fundraiser was a great opportunity to see this sentiment in person- the Pink Heals tour was there with their pink fire trucks (BTW, firemen who wear pink are hot!! lol!), we raised money for our walking team, celebrated with survivors, and honored those who have lost their fight with breast cancer. It was a very moving experience, and it was great to be a part of it. (for more information about the Pink Heals organization and the work they do via the Pink Ribbon Tour, you can click here.)

This woman (I'm sorry I don't know her name) lost her daughter to breast cancer in March. She actually found her daughter's name on the fire truck and got to sign hers next to it.

This truck is absolutely covered in names and tributes, which is kinda scary, when you think about it. We (as a species) have the intellectual ability to send people to the moon, invent all sorts of technology to make our lives "easier," and we spend billions of dollars on space exploration, the military, etc. yet we still haven't found a cure for this disease, or so many others out there. I'm glad to do my part.

(Plus, I was on my feet running around ALL DAY long, so I'm counting it as training!!) :D

(all photos were borrowed from the Pink Heals facebook page, which can be found here, for those of you who are on Facebook.)

a wonderful 3-Day pick-me-up

Do Something Amazing A bit of inspiration about doing the 3-day walk that focuses on what you can do, not what you can't.

3-Day Saturday

...subtitle: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly (not necessarily in that order.)

I think I should abandon the "3-Day Thursday" concept altogether, don't you? Trying to blog on a specific day takes the spontaneity (that word looks wrong, but I looked it up and I did spell it right, amazingly enough!) out of the whole blogging thing-- I just don't have the discipline to blog according to a specific schedule.

Anyway, I'll start off with "The Ugly" picture, to get it out of the way:

This is what my right heel looks like. It's pretty ugly, isn't it?? It's my own fault, though... I've tried out my new running shoes a couple times now, and I think they feel pretty good. So this morning, I decided to get up early- well, the dogs get us up early every day: their stomachs ring the breakfast alarm at 5 am- but I decided to stay up after feeding them and go walking. I set out to do 8 miles with a potty break in between, to give myself a more realistic idea of what I'm getting into when actually walking the 3-Day. Above is what my heel looked like after I finished. I knew the right heel rubbed a bit, but I don't have any moleskin (yet!), so I just decided to go for it. {now for a total aside: Tom took this picture-- he said (rightfully so) that only someone who loves you will take a picture of your blistered foot just so you can document the experience for posterity --any other bloggers out there have similar experiences??}

When I stopped back at home for my potty and snack break, I put more anti-friction powder in my socks and taped up my heel with some duct tape (I read on the internet about using it in a pinch if you don't have moleskin). About mile 4.05 (right after I left the house for the second loop around the neighborhood, actually), my heel started smarting, and my calves and legs started protesting loudly.

The Bad: a) I didn't put sunscreen on beforehand-- so, I have a bit of a burn. It was pretty pleasant outside when I started out, and for some reason I associate needing sunscreen more with the temperature than the amount of sun that's shining. Maybe it comes from all those years of living somewhere (the Midwest) with months of gray, overcast skies?

b) also bad, my attitude- I think I must have wanted to give up at least 6 times on the second loop around the neighborhood: thoughts like, "am I really sure I want to do this?" and "there's no way I can do this" were pretty persuasive, along with the nagging shooting pains from my heel.

The Good: a) I actually pushed through it, and I finished!! (I even jogged a couple times, although my overall walking pace was a lot slower the second time around.) I didn't even take any shortcuts through the neighboorhood- I did the entire 4 mile loop! I know I have a long ways to go to build up my endurance for 3 days of 20 miles each, but for me, this is going to be a lot more of a mental thing than a physical thing, for sure.

b) even greater: when I got home and took off my shoes and socks, I turned on the computer to check my mail-- just the normal check for emails from my Yahoo groups, the comic strip I have delivered to my mailbox-- nothing special. I had a very unexpected message in my inbox: I had sent a donation request letter (asking for a donation of goods for our raffle fundraiser) to one of the local stores we shop in. I was going to give it a few days and call them back next week, but the manager beat me to it: he said not only would they be glad to donate $100 in merchandise (way more than I had anticipated) for the raffle, but they're also going to donate to my fundraising campaign, too!! (woo-hoo!!!) I was TOTALLY not expecting that!! So, maybe this pain and suffering is worth it, after all...?? I definitely know it is; it's just easy to forget. (the store is the wonderfully helpful Maricopa Ace Hardware, by the way-- a really nice neighborhood store where they're glad to help you with whatever you need, and they make fresh popcorn in the afternoons.)

For me, this walk is turning out to be so much more than just a "walk." It's turned into lessons in finding out that sometimes the answer is "yes" when you ask for something. (If you don't ask at all, then you for sure won't get what you want, right? And if the answer IS no, then you just come up with plan B, because it's an important enough goal to keep on asking.) Also perseverence, and believing in myself (this one is a hard one for me, but on November 15th when I've walked 60 miles after having raised at least $3500, then hopefully I will have learned- a little, anyway).

you all have a good rest of your holiday weekend, and I'll do the same (wearing my flip-flops!!).

look-- I got Pearls! (sort of a 3-Day Tuesday post)

but first, more domino pendants in progress... it's a challenging size, that's for sure! I don't hae a lot of patterned paper where the patterns are small enough to be recognizeable in a 1 x 2 inch space... but, that's what's fun about it, too. I love that Martha Stewart brand butterfly punch-- the vintage novel letters that spell the word "Fly" were definitely a pain in the neck, but I really like how these have turned out. The other day, I remembered I had some glass flat-back marbles, and made a pendant using one of those. Which I love, too, because it magnifies the paper underneath. So, my birthday is later this week. I've never been big on birthday celebrations, so it's not that I'm really looking forward to it, but I know I have some birthday money coming... My first two thoughts when I get "free money" are always "art supplies" and "books," not necessarily in that order- LOL!! But, then I thought again. I have sooo many art supplies and books already, did I really want more, when I don't have enough time to use the supplies and try all the ideas I already have?? And, add to that the fact that I did a 4.25 mile 3-Day training walk on Sunday morning in the wrong pair of shoes... I wore the shoes I wear for "everyday," and they are definitely not up to "walking" standards. (not a good idea, I know, but for some reason that fact didn't dawn on me till the next day, when I was trying to figure out why my feet hurt so much-- then, it was like, Duh!!) And, I know I need to buy "real" shoes that will be up to the challenge of 60 miles... Anyway, long story short, I decided to use my birthday money for a pair of running shoes, which is soooo not like me, since anyone who knows me knows that I am so much more about relaxing on the couch reading a book than being outdoors walking, but as soon as I made the decision, it just felt right. (weird, but true.)

Here they are!! (the brand is Pearl Izumi- never heard of it, but apparently they are a pretty good-quality running shoe.) They look much high-tech up close, believe me!! I might not be able to recognize my feet when I have them on-- LOL! I haven't been this excited about a pair of athletic shoes in I-don't-know-how long (like, probably never). Thank goodness I went to a running store; the sales associate was so helpful, I didn't feel embarrassed about my clueless-ness at all. She analyzed my gait using a camera, then brought out pair after pair of shoes for me to try on. I asked her, "how will I know which ones are best?" and she answered, "just walk in them- you'll get a feel for it." and I did, amazingly enough... these feel great on, even though my feet still kinda hurt from Sunday. Then, we went on to have "the sock talk;" where I learned all about moisture-wicking fabrics, and toe-socks. We stopped there, although I know there's more stuff I need to know about, and I will, of course, buy pink shoelaces at some point. (there's lots more to running and long-distance walking than I ever would have thought!!) Now, I just have to wait till Thursday, when I will have time to test them out- I'll let you know how they work!

Three-Day Thursday, on Tuesday

okay, okay, I know it's late... I've been busy! not all the time, but I knew I had some things going on after Thursday that I wanted to talk about, so-- anyway:

Last Tuesday I attended a Komen for the Cure "Get-Started" meeting in Chandler, AZ at the police dept community room. They host these meetings around the area to give people information about the 3-Day- to have an opportunity to learn more about it and ask questions before registering. I already registered, but went anyway- it was some really good information about the event, and the 15 minute video they showed was really inspirational.

Fundraising is always a concern for new participants, according to the team leader, but she can personally attest to the fact that it's not impossible to raise $2300-- she has raised $19,000 in six years of walking in the 3-Day!! She gave some really good ideas and tips for fundraising; I started scribbling down notes during the meeting, and have quite a few ideas in my head for ways to raise money.

On Friday, I met my fellow Ta-Ta Sisterhood members... it's going to be a lot of fun!! The team leader, Beckie, is really enthusiastic, and has tons of energy for this cause-- her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer last December. Not everyone was able to attend- so far, there are 11 of us (I think), and all of us are first-time walkers, which I think is really cool!! The big fundraiser we're planning is a raffle/auction and rummage sale in June at a local reception hall located in a restored mill. Click here for pics-- Shenandoah Mill. Beckie is thinking big, which is great-- she has already been talking to the local newspaper, is working on getting a TV personality to attend, the mayor of Gilbert, AZ will be attending... the idea is big-ticket auction items, and a LOT of publicity for the event!! Hopefully, we will all be able to raise our money sooner rather than later, so we can focus on our training.

Speaking of training, last Sunday I walked between 6 and 7 miles... and I didn't collapse or anything, which is good! I still need to buy a new pair of shoes-- after that, who knows what I can do?!? I will be updating this blog, but will also put some updates on my 3-day page, so you can go either place to see what's happening with my 3-day challenge.

3-Day Thursday

I've decided to do regular posts to track my personal Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure challenge; 3-Day Thursdays. Not sure if it will be weekly or less often; we'll see. Now, where to start?? Nov 12-14 seems like a long way off, but I know the time will fly! So far, I've raised approximately $700 toward my personal goal of $3500, which is a great start, but I'm still a bit leery of the fund-raising thing. I guess I find it difficult to approach people asking for money, but I'll have to get over it, won't I? I've gotten some good fundraising tips online at the 3-Day.org website , which I'll be testing out over the next few months. One thing I've decided is to save aluminum cans and cash them in. We already save our soda cans, but from now on the money will go to the 3-Day (rather than to buy more soda). I've asked the women in my art group to do the same, and will collect them periodically. I need to focus on my physical training as well as the fund-raising. I walk sometimes, and go to the gym sporadically, but walking 60 miles will definitely take some focused training. I'm going to use this challenge to develop some healthy exercise and eating habits, hopefully! The 3-Day.org website has some great information on training, and a suggested training plan. Next week I'm going to attend a "get-started" meeting that the Komen organization sponsors, and hopefully get some more training info then, as well. I also have tips for buying shoes, and have planned some walking routes around our neighborhood. Our subdivision is built around a large loop road, which I have found out is about 3.8 miles around, so that's a great route to start with!

I signed up for this event on my own, but I'd like to know some fellow walkers since I'll be spending 3 days with them! The 3-Day is basically a big hike and campout, just through urban areas. They have a huge support system of volunteers that help carry the gear from the start to the camping areas, help set up the meal tents, shower facilities, pit stops along the walking route, etc. This event is sooo much more huge than I ever thought it was before! Anyway, I found a team of walkers in the area (meaning south/east Phoenix suburbs) to join, and will be meeting them next Friday... I am now a proud member of the Ta-Ta Sisterhood! ("save the ta-tas" is another popular slogan related to breast cancer research...) You can visit the team blog here, and check out links to the individual team members. The team will be a great place for fund-raising and training support, and hopefully I'll come out of it with some new friends, too!

So, I've covered my own fund-raising and training efforts to date... now, a public service announcement of sorts about breast cancer, Susan G. Komen, and the 3-Day. The incidence of an invasive breast cancer diagnosis in women is a little less than one in eight. (a sobering thought... think about all the women you know-- I'm sure you know more than eight!) And, the incidence of breast cancer in men is about one percent-- yes, men can get it too! Since 1982, Susan G. Komen for the Cure has invested $1.5 billion in breast cancer research and community programs and promises to invest another $1 billion by 2017. Of every dollar spent, 84 cents goes toward their mission (research, education, screening and treatment); the other 16 cents goes toward administrative and fundraising costs. In 2009, the 3-Day for the Cure series took place in 15 cities nationwide and raised more than $91 million. (!!! wow!!!) So, I will be in good company, doing what I can to help eradicate a disease than can be devastating to a person's physical and mental health and well-being, not to mention a huge financial toll. If you would like more information, you can check out the Komen website, or the 3-Day for the Cure website. Please consider donating (my personal page is here)-- any amount will help-- but if your financial situation is such that you don't feel you can donate now, I'll be back soon with other ways you can help any 3-Day participant. (and thanks to my sister Jackie; I snagged the photos for this post off her Flickr site.)