Along with more than 5,000 other people who have signed up, I'm back for another 60-miles this November in an effort to help find a cure for cancer in our lifetime. This all starts each year with the official kickoff, and that happened early early this morning (6:45a!) in Cardiff. This 24-week kickoff was at the New Balance store in Cardiff; they (like CBS8) are the partners with the Susan G Komen Foundation for this event again this year.
It was a nice morning - still cloudy when we got going at 7am - and I got to welcome the crowd and talk a little bit about my experience as a rookie last year.
Last year I was proud to have walked each of the sixty miles (including forty in the POURING rain) and yet I didn't get one blister before or during the 3-Day. I attribute that to my training and equipment, and I learned all about training and got my equipment at this Kickoff Event in Cardiff last year - so those that were in attendance could learn a lot from the speakers today (especially first-timers!). Here's a shot of the early morning crowd:
Every one who does this fundraising and trains for the 3-Day has their own reason for doing so; some of these reasons are quire personal. But it's always nice to see those that are loved so proudly displayed.
After some stretching and information about shoes from Mike at New Balance, we were off on our way. This was a 3 mile walk up to Swami's and back, at a leisurely pace. . .remember, this isn't a race for us - and it's always good to get a pace going that will get you 20 miles a day for three days in a row. . .even when you're 24 weeks away from the event.
Here's my imitation of. . .well, perhaps I was a bit overtired having to get up so early.
And while there were several people who had already been on several of the 3-Days, there were also some newcomers to 2011. Here is a photo of me and three such rookies, who were expressing some uncertainty as to what to expect over the next 24 weeks. I told them I can certainly relate to that - and reassured them that with the right training and equipment they will be FINE. (AND have a great time, too.)
New Balance gives 15% off their products for this event, and not just today but throughout the training. Which is awesome. So of course while I was there I had to get five pairs of socks and a couple pairs of shoes for training - this worked out so well last year, why mess with success?
Last year, as it turned out with all the rain, I needed all three pairs of shoes. They were alternated each day in the middle of each walk, and it got me through all 60 miles. This year, the weather in November cannot POSSIBLY be as wet or cold as it was last year - right? We'll see what happens 24 weeks from now. . .but hopefully today's enthusiasm and excellent weather will be an indication of what's to come.
