Busy weekend!

Not only did I walk 6 miles this weekend (only 3 miles each day... no big deal really!), but we celebrated my oldest daughter's first communion, hosted a baby shower for a friend, and went to a bbque to visit with yet more friends! It was busy to say the least!!

Busy and fast. I find that walking with friends makes the walks go faster. While spending 3 miles by myself isn't really that big a deal... walking 15 miles by myself with only my thoughts is L-O-N-G! I know because I've BTDT. Walking with team mates and/or friends also helps to keep me motivated to walk. Right now it is easy, but come July and August my motivation to walk tends to taper off a bit. I'm guessing that with 7 other team mates I'll get my walks in because someone should always be available, right?!

On Saturday morning I was dispensing words of 3-day wisdom, because I have tons, to my team mates who at least acted happy to hear it :) Important things that you wouldn't know if you haven't walked it before like:

1. You will never see a cleaner port-a-potty in your life. After 3 days of using them you will forget that they are normally disgusting outhouses that you want to avoid at all costs! Until you visit one that is not part of the 3-day and then you vow never to do it again :)

2. After 3 days of using beautifully clean and decorated port-a-potties at least 50 times each day/night, you will forget to flush the toilet in your house more than you will want to admit on your first day home!

3. Uncrustables are the best food in the world - at least when you are walking 60 miles. I have not tested that theory in the real world.

4. After you walk the 3-day you must remember that when people are honking they are not honking "for" you to cheer you on... they are honking "at" you because you've pissed them off! Once you finish the 3-day you will no longer have people cheering you on at every turn :)

5. Tractor trailer showers are really awesome! Just be sure to eat before you shower... you MUST eat before you shower or you risk feinting in the shower and being carried out in your birthday suit to medical by a male crew member... do not forget to eat first :)

6. You will get blisters, lose a toe nail or some equally disgusting thing will happen before all is said and done. But I promise it will all heal and you'll want to do it all over again (or am I the only crazy one?!).

7. You will be able to sleep in a little pink tent on a small air mattress. After 24 miles you won't even remember falling asleep, going to the bathroom at least 3 times or hearing the hundreds of snoring people around you!

8. You will cry during the event. I don't care if you never cry about anything... you will cry at some point during this 3-day journey. I lost count of the number of times I cried during the 2008 walk. It is overwhelming in a good way, satisfying and amazing.

9. Find clothes that work for you... I prefer wicking everything (even underwear)! Make sure you test drive all clothing that you think you want to wear on the walk... chaffing is not comfortable!

10. If you have a training walk scheduled and it is raining... WALK! The 3-day goes on (unless there is lightning) even in the rain. You want to train in the rain to make sure you have gear that works for you! I know it sucks but in the end you'll be glad you did!

That's it for today... it is a rest day after all :)
Keep walking!