7 Miles...Holy Cow Batman!@!@!@

This past weekend our team met as usual at the Hyatt to get in our weekly long walk. What was different this time for me was that 1). It was the highest mileage week for me so far...and 2). Coach Carole had asked me to map the route and lead the team.

Wait a sec...backup. You want me to do what Carole? Map the route and lead the team? Let me see...it must be the person behind me you are talking to. No..me. Are you sure?

Of course I am pulling your leg...but it does fit into the theme of the last year. June 2006...262 pounds and on death's door. Ok, maybe not death's door...but heading there all the same. I couldn't walk up a flight of stairs without getting winded. I couldn't walk a mile. I was severely overweight.

My how things have changed, and I have the higher power to thank for it. I have been given a strength I didn't know existed to change my life.

I have lost 60 pounds. I can walk seven miles (I did it Saturday). I run up stairs. I learned to eat sensibly and still enjoy the occasional treat. As I told my friend Carol...it has without a doubt been THE MIRACLE YEAR.

But I continue in not wanting my miracle to be all about me. I want it to be about helping others. I think I can do that in two ways... 1). Preach the weight-loss gospel. 2). Help raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and walk in a half marathon on their patient's behalf.

You can help LLS by making a donation toward my fund-raising goal through the link on the right-hand side. Please give generously.

I continue to be amazed in my soon to be 42nd year in finding that life STILL has tons to offer. Love. Fun. Wonderful Home. Unbelievable Family. And even in yer 59th year, my Wonderful Aunt Mimi is finding the same thing. As the cliche' says...IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO BE YOUNG.

Happiness is truly what you make it to be. And I continue to be blessed with a multitude of happiness. Thank you God.

Alaska Dawg

Ps. Please donate generously to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

The Longest Day

It's been a few weeks since I have posted. Life has just been going on at an insane pace.

But this past week we had what was our longest day so far. Our team walked 6 miles Saturday morning.

When you walk those longer miles, either training or alone, you find out stuff about yourself real quick. 1. How much can I push my body to do? 2. How much foot pain am I willing to endure? 3. Can I push myself to keep up a decent pace?

1.
I can push myself pretty far. I have walked farther going out hiking...but not all at one time. This was 6 continuous miles. and it was at a 16-17 minute per mile pace. That is pretty substantial.

2.
The foot pain issue is a problem that is just hit and miss until you find the solution. I changed shoes a few weeks back, and the Mizunos just were not working for me. After walking this past Saturday I went back to my favorite local running store and switched to Asics. This store has been so gracious in working with me, and this is the third pair of shoes that I have been in and they have taken the others back and given me credit. I have since walked in the Asics for up to 4 miles and only had a minimum of foot pain. So it is working itself out.

3.
I love walking with the team. With the exception of a few stops to stretch, my teammates keep me honest. they don't dawdle, so I don't dawdle. I was talking with a co-worker that is a cyclist, and he far prefers riding with a group. And walking is the same way. You have someone to talk to, and the group keeps a pace that brings the individual along with them.

Overall, I feel good about the upcoming 13 miles in Alaska. I know I can do it. I know it's going to feel great. I know I am going to take a lot of Vitamin I. lol

HIKE AND WALK ON GIRLS!@!@!@
Alaska Dawg