Ok so I need advice/tips/suggestions from those on this board. I was just made aware that my friend is doing a 3 mile March of Dimes walk on April 26. She had a son who passed away at 20 days old from HLHS (hypoplastic left heart syndrome) and I have seen her family go through hell. To help out I decided to join the walk myself and try to raise funds. I am not asking you all to help in that aspect (but if you wish send me a pm I can send a link where you can donate). What I am asking is for helping in getting ready in 3 weeks. Short time frame I know but I am determined and motivated to do this.

As I said advice/tips/suggestions are appreciated. I have not done much walking at all but enjoy it. Its only 3 miles but for someone who has not done much physically I want to prepare for it. I know it may seem nuts that I need to get ready in three weeks but this is important to me.

For me its not just about raising the funds but also about being there for my dear friend and husband. Seeing the joy when finding out about the pregnancy, then the fear when they knew something was wrong, and then devastation when he passed away I know I need to be there to support them.

Thanks in advance.

start walking... honestly, thats going to be best for you. start now with walks around the block doing what is comfortable and keep doing it and try to go a little further each time.

last summer we did the komen breast cancer walk with people of all ages. my 5 year old twins managed it just fine as did "older" relatives that are not "physically fit".

i think it sounds a lot longer than it really is. those walks are generally geared towards all abilities, aid stations well placed along the route and always places to stop to rest. you are usually caught up in the moment, talking and enjoying the day with friends and family and you dont realize you are walking as much as you are.

have fun!

Thanks Shadowflag. I started today and got a good walk in. Plan on increasing the length every four days. It was good to get out especially that the weather was gorgeous here in Jersey.

Looking forward to the walk and supporting my friend and such a great cause.

My Siberian Husky dog was extremely high energy & required lots of exercise. 5-6 days per week i'd take the dog to a nearby Duke Forest walking/running maintained trail & it was exactly 3 miles & hilly. Our average time at a fairly good walking clip was 45-50 minutes. Hope that helps. I took my in-laws for the walk once when they were in their mid 60's & we lollygagged along w/ my 5 y/o & i think it took us just over 1 hour on the same trail. The kid started to lag the last 1/4 mile...piggyback ride time.

Make sure you have good shoes, that provide enough support. Wear socks that will wick to avoid blisters. Stay hydrated. Do so simple stretching afterwards. Other than that Walk, walk, walk.

Thanks Hoi and Mary Ann. I walked again today (Day 2) and actually felt good enough to just go a bit further then yesterday. Only two days of walking but it actually feels real good to just get out there.

And don't forget the sunscreen.

Sunday the 26th is the big day, right? Just wanted to say HAVE A GREAT TIME and good for you for doing this! :smiley1: Please let us all know how it went!
Mary

I have logged out my walks in my truck so I know how far I should go or how far I do go so I know I'm right but yeah adding a few 100 feet every night until you reach your goal

Good luck! I'm sure you'll finish. Don't worry about the time, just be glad that you've managed to get in shape to do it.

Well I did it :banana: I managed to walk the entire thing without quitting. The most I walked at home was 1.5 miles but now that I did 3 I know that I can easily do that when I walk at home.

Of course the heat really was not pleasant. Between that and the blooming trees I was most miserable last night. Of course the Zyrtec took care of my allergies so I am better with that. But being in the heat that long has caused a flair up of my rosacea - actually never seen a flair up this bad. It is what it is.

Regardless of my side effects I was happy to take part of such a good cause.

Thanks for asking guys.

PS I am glad I started walking prior to yesterday because that really helped me get through it.

:smiley40: Good for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :banana: :banana: :banana:

As someone with both allergies and a skin condition I can truly say I feel your pain when it comes to walking in the heat and when the pollen is high. I'm so proud of you for finishing!!

Hopefully this is the start of a long love affair with walking. It does become addictive and even though some days it's a struggle to get motivated, I always feel better after I do. (Not to mention that the dog never lets me forget... she grabs her collar and nudges my walking shoes to let me know IT'S TIME, MOM! :roflmao: )

WAY TO GO!!!

Mary

Congratulations!!! Now that you've started walking, don't stop.