Mission: Possible

Crossing the finish line with Danielle: 60 miles and three days after starting out.

VICTORY! 

WE DID IT! 

Yep, the walk is over and I am proud to announce that - with my dear friend, tent mate and doggedly stubborn walking partner Danielle at my side -  I made it all 60 miles. There is something to be said for walking three near-marathons in three days. Namely, that it's absolutely insane and it will show you that there are ways to hurt you never considered. Nonetheless, few things have ever been as rewarding as crossing that finish line, while holding my husband's hand, with a handful of dear friends at my side and with the knowledge that I made every inch of the journey under my own power. 

If you're considering taking or volunteering with this walk, don't hesitate. JUST DO IT! (If you want to form a team for 2009, just let me know ... I'm now an addict.)

It took us about 30 hours, gallons of Gatorade and even more gallons of water. It also required a dozen stretching stops, 15 pit stops, more trips to the chemical toilet than I even wish to count and lots of patience. There were plenty of laughs, a handful of tears and three trips to the medic from my four-member team. One person got red shirted when we found out his knees were too inflamed to walk more than the final mile on day three, another had fluid in his knees and a third suffered a serious sodium depravation. I finished with two blisters on my feet. Nonetheless, we persevered. 

More remarkable than our accomplishment were the men and women who overcame unbelievable obstacles. A group of eight para-athletes was recruited to do the entire course in wheelchairs - ostensibly to check if the route was ADA accessible. Another young woman trudged most of the 60 miles in a walking cast. When she got too sore, her walking partner pushed her in a wheelchair for a handful of miles. 

And none of these amazing tasks equals the performance of the hundreds of women and men who were sick from radiation, balding from chemotherapy and weak from their personal journeys through cancer. They did it anyway. 

Seeing these brave survivors, their families and their friends could buoy and drive me even when the exhaustion and fatigue seemed almost insurmountable. They are the reason we're doing this, and as the occasional sign along the route told us: "Blisters don't need chemo." 

Thank you to everyone who believed in me on this remarkable quest, and know that I humbly wish you the best of both health and love. Life is precious: Embrace it, and live it!

Love,

Regan

Safely in Chi-Town and ready to walk

It took long enough, but we made it to Chicago last night. Actually, this morning. 

Our plane was supposed to leave at 9:45 p.m. and touch down at 12:59 a.m. Instead, we got off about 1 a.m. and landed at 4:30. It was a massive fiasco that involved one plane being two hours late leaving Albuquerque, another being two hours late to push back from its gate and a last-minute, unannounced gate change. 

But we got here. 

Now time to hit the pavement. 

Loving that 5 day forecast!

I know it's probably bad karma to do this, but Thank-you Edouard! Yes, you've got a snooty sounding French name, and yes you're posing a threat to the Gulf Coast; but you're also losing speed now that you've hit land and most likely won't be anything more than a tropical storm. 

That said, Edouard, you're doing wonderful things for my walk. Here in Colorado, the temperature dropped like 20 degrees from Sunday to Tuesday. We had record-setting heat all last week: I haven't shut the windows of my apartment for two days! 

And check out this incredible 5-Day forecast. Would anyone have predicted this for Chicago the second weekend in August? It should feel like a sauna, but the National Weather Service (from which I took this forecast) says it will be more like a bathtub instead. Now, if we can just get WGN's Tom Skilling to agree....

    Today         Thursday      Friday Saturday Sunday

                            

    Mostly          Mostly          Mostly           Mostly        Mostly

Sunny         Sunny           Sunny            Sunny         Sunny

Hi 83°F       Hi 80°F          Hi 78°F          Hi 77°F          Hi 78°F

Fashion versus function: The debate continues.

As I've said before: Ah garb! I love garb but hate clothes shopping. Just one problem - the 3Day rules and Illinois state law require clothing in public. 

The reason I mention this is last week it occurred to me: Ah man! I only have one outfit that really works for hiking. Emphasis placed on hiking, which requires substantially more gear and fabric strength than a good long walk. On the other hand, in order to make it 60 miles in Chicago's humid temperatures, I'm going to need something soft and seamless that will wick away the sweat. Either way, one pair of denim hiking shorts and a tank top wouldn't cut it when I don't have access to laundry. (I did the wash-n-wear thing with my hiking clothes a lot this summer!) 

Fortunately, my dear friend Eve was with me Thursday when I happened to drive by a Sports Authority. On a whim, I decided to stop and see what they had for fitness clothes. Eve is always down for shopping - she's really gifted at it and has impeccable taste - so she gladly joined me. Her talent for finding things on the clearance rack was a God send, but I have to admit, we had slightly different opinions when it came to clothing priorities. 

Mostly function versus fashion. 

Eve would dig through the wracks, find really cute and really short blue and green hiking shorts and throw them at me. I would try them on, laugh at the fact that I thought I looked like a human Easter egg and shudder at the thought of walking in something with a 1 1/2 inch inseam for 20 miles. Granted, I know women who could get away with wearing those shorts for 5 to 10 hours a day, but they're distance runners -- not former equestriannes with thigh muscles the size of their heads. 

I, on the other hand, found the Champion (read boxing) brand shorts for women. They were on the sales rack and available in my size in both pink and white. They also hung down to my knees. Eve quickly vetoed this possibility, based on the risk of "man tan." Understandable concern, but at least it reduced the odds of people walking behind me getting more of an eye full than they bargained for. I'd hate for anything to think my clothes are working as hard as I am. 

Ultimately we came to a compromise: Champion had another line of really cute cross-training shorts that hit just about mid-thigh and that cleared the fashion test. They follow current trends in that they are designed to be folded over at the waist. I paired them with three nice Under Armor high heat tank tops (Eve's spectacular clearance find) and New Balance socks that support the Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure! 

I tested the entire shebang on the tread mill and was quite pleased with the results. Especially when Eve - who works in the apartment leasing office - greeted me with "I love that outfit, it's so cute!" 

No man tan here, baby. 

A remarkable thought

Hard to believe that one week from today, this remarkable journey will be over. I have trained for almost a half-year now, have raised more than $2,200 and have officially lost 13 pounds. The walk has been an all-consuming passion for me since February; and I'm not entirely sure what I'm going to do with myself once it is over. 

Probably start training and fundraising for the 2009 walk!

Seven days to go

What a long, strange trip it's been from my February decision to sign up for the 3Day. It's also been a great trip, a hard one and an inspiring one. Again, my most sincere thanks to everyone who has helped me along my way with everything from offering me their words of encouragement or gifts of blister-proof socks, to acting as my walking buddies or dollar bills. I never would have made it without you. 

I'm looking at the clock (it's 9 a.m Mountain time) and realizing that just one week from today, I'll be nearing the finish line on day one ... or half-way there, at least. They're starting us at the crack of dawn each day. I don't know if this is for the metaphysical thrill of seeing the sun come up over Lake Michigan; or for the more practical reason that it's hot as Hades in Chicago at this time of year and the organizers have thousands of walkers to keep healthy and strong for three days of near-marathons. Probably the later: Get everyone done as early as possible so we can avoid walking in the heat of the day. 

Nonetheless, in a few days I'm leaving to head back to Chicago and the humidity. I'll keep updating right up to the moment I leave for the walk, then try to post a daily update once I'm doing it. (No promises, though, I'm not sure about computer accessibility at the camp site.) 

Keep reading and cool, and I'll keep writing! 

Love,

Regan

An 11th hour request of my friends and supporters

Hello everyone, 

Well, I finally made it. Two thousand, two hundred twelve dollars from "go," I met my fundraising requirement. There is no way to thank everyone who has given so much of their time, support and hard-earned cash for everything they have done. Suffice it to say you've all done a noble thing and are saving lives. 

If you haven't donated, but would like to, may I direct you to Danielle Guerra and Maxwell Koziol, my two wonderful teammates. They have both agreed to take this incredible journey with me, and are busily fund-raising as well. Each has signed on to raise at least $2,200; I'm not sure how they're doing. 

If you would like to donate to either Danielle or Max, please log on to www.the3day.org. From there, click on the large "Donate Now!" button that is on the right hand side of the home page. It will take you to a page where you can search for a participant. Search for either one of their names. They both call Illinois their home state. 

Again, thank you all of your love, support and donations. I am overwhelmed by your generosity and will do my best to make you proud 12 days from now and always. 

Love,

Regan 

Oh happy day!

After five months of training and fund-raising, and exactly two weeks before the start of the walk, I hit on Friday a much desired milestone. 

Specifically, $2,212 in donations! Mission accomplished, dollars wise. 

So, again, thank you to everyone who has contributed their money, their wisdom, their love and their support to my campaign. I never would have made it without you all. 

I love you all,

Regan

Two-thousand, two hundred THANKS and a million feelings of GRATITUDE!

I remain eternally flabbergasted at the response that I have received to this personal journey. Today, I hit 99 percent of my fundraising goal! Just $13 more dollars to go until I reach $2,200 - all for breast cancer research, education and support. I have the most amazing circle of friends, family and loved ones who have come out in droves to encourage me on the Quest for a Cure. Therefore, thank you, thank you, thank you to all who have come out to donate to my cause. You're amazing people who are saving lives. 

1) Earl and Carol Foster, Huntington, WV: my wonderful uncle and aunt and great supporters (not to mention advisors on all things bone and joint related).

2) Jen Bruns, Waterloo, Iowa: My lifelong horse-crazy (be them steel or flesh-and-blood) friend and "little sis."

3) Kate and Jeremy Bartelt, Minneapolis, Minn: My "BFFs," personal environmental advisors and favorite people with whom to drink raspberry tea at 3 a.m.

4) Lisa and Greg Oelke, Dalhart, Texas:  My fantastic cousins and first people to ever take me mountain climbing.

5) Damon Coughlin, Collinsville, IL: My best friend from college, former housemate and über-talented cardiac nurse.

6) Doug and Jo Young, Iowa City, Iowa: My father's fraternity brother and his wife, who have long been something of a joyous, tailgating aunt and uncle to me.

7) Larry and Sheryl Foster, Sioux City, Iowa: My parents, my greatest supporters throughout my life, my friends and the pair who taught my brothers and me the importance of philanthropy.

8) Paul and Mary Jo Peterson, Mt. Prospect, Il.: My warm, loving and supportive in-laws. How lucky am I to have this family on my side?

9) Allison Smith, Palatine, Il.: A wonderful person whom I am overwhelmingly lucky to call "friend" and a source that I officially can never quote. Some sacrifices are more than worthy of being made. 

10) Jason C. Foster, Alexandria, Va.: My oldest brother, great advisor on all things long-distance training and "GTMO Bad Boy." 

11) Lt. Kelsey C. Foster, Lafayette, Ind.: My older brother, an outstanding advisor, supporter and All American Hero. 

12) Jenn Wiant (Crawford!), Chicago, Ill.: Jenn is a colleague, a friend and an inspiration. This remarkable woman is capable of planning her own long-distance wedding, handling two people's jobs and training for a marathon - at the same time. What a special person and how lucky I am to count her among my friends. (P.S. Congrats again, newly wed!)

13) Lorraine Duchnowski, Pekin, Ill.: I am overwhelmed by the generosity of Mrs. Duchnowski. Here is a gracious woman whom I have yet to meet, but who is willing to reach into her heart and pocket book to support a stranger all at the behest of her equally remarkable granddaughter, Jillian. Thank you, Mrs. Duchnowski. Thank you.

14) The Enck family, Crystal Lake, Ill.: Becki, Tim, Abby and Cam started as sources and quickly became friends. I had the honor of meeting this wonderful family when they welcomed me into their lives to tell their story. Now they are turning the tables, giving me both spiritual and financial support; and I appreciate it immensely. 

15) Lila Foster, Las Vegas, Nevada: My grandmother. My family's matriarch. My personal favorite weather watcher. A woman to whom I owe life itself. I love you!

16) Sondra and Lou Jacobi, Las Vegas, Nevada: My paternal aunt and uncle, and a delightful pair that guarantees there is never a dull moment to be had. Whenever I get tired, or bored, on the trail, all I have to do is imagine what Sandy's colorful response to this undertaking would be. Sandy, with your help, I'm keeping tits healthy for dipping in the 'taters! 

17) Howie and Dorothy Peterson, Wheaton, Ill.: Andy's aunt and uncle are his God parents. They're also two of the warmest, funniest and most welcoming people I have ever met. Since they learned about my walk, they've been gung-ho, 100 percent for it, both with their advice and their financial support. I can't tell them how much I've appreciated it. 

18) Jake and Julie Theisen, Sioux City, Iowa.: Jake and Julie are the sort of people who start off as your buddy's parents, and become your second set. This wonderful couple raised two amazing daughters and still opened their doors, hearts and home to a slew more. 

19) Louetta and Gary Johnson, Woodstock, Ill.: Lou is a former colleague of mine who I am proud to say is my friend. Since day one of my position at the Northwest Herald, she was a mix of receptionist, answering service, call screener, shoulder to cry on, advice giver and mother hen. Her husband Gary is equally delightful. I am so lucky to have had the chance to know them and look forward to making them proud.  

20) Wayne and Margie Janus, Chicago, Ill.: Mr. Janus has long been Andy's "second father." He's a warm, resounding ball of energy and love who will do anything for someone he cares about and trusts. His wife, Margie, is the exact same way. How lucky I am that they count me among the worthy recipients of their generosity. 

21) Richard and Barb Baehr, Inverness, Ill.: This wonderful couple is among my parents' group of motorcycle friends; and fortunately for Andy and me, their friendship transcends generations. Barbara, a tiny spitfire in a black leather jacket, is among the remarkable men and women for whom I am walking. I hope I do her proud!

22) Phil Baumann, Arlington Heights, Ill.: Phil is one of the long, long time friend of Andy's who most warmly welcomed me into his world. One-part zen master, one-part globe trotter and one-part businessman on a custom Harley-Davidson, it's always a delight whenever we get together. His generosity toward his friends transcends his always interesting stories. 

23) Virjean and Mike Verschoor, Sioux City, Iowa: I grew up just down the road from this lovely couple and their two daughters. They were the sort of neighbors that I could go to whenever I needed a baby-sitter, a distraction or, before I got my own, a horse fix; the sort of neighbors that would take in a small child and mend her "boo-boos" while her parents were jogging and unaware of the hurt. Clearly, the love and support has been a fixture of my life; it continues even now. 

24) Phil and Kay VanderStoep,St. Cloud, Minn.: Like the Youngs, the VanderStoeps are friends of my parents from med school. My brothers and I were just lucky enough to grow up regarding them as long-distance relatives. They continue to play that role today, offering endless love and support and the goodness of their very large hearts. 

25) John and Pat Stein, Sioux City, Iowa: Another couple that was always like another set of parents to me. There aren't enough words to express all that the Steins have done for me in the past, and now as an adult. So "Thank you" will have to do. 

26) Mike and Terri Ferrell, Sioux City, Iowa: Mike and Terri are the sorts of neighbors, friends and role models that quickly become your adopted "uncle" and "aunt." I consider myself incredibly lucky that Mike found Timberlane all those years ago, and that they became such close friends with my parents. Thank you, Mike and Terri, for all that you have done, and all that you continue to do. 

27) Tim, Patti and Ali Ferrrell, Inverness, Ill.: Tim is Mike's brother, Patti is Tim's remarkable wife, and Ali their gorgeous daughter. Like their relatives in Sioux City, the Inverness Ferrells are warm, loving and generous supporters of all things breast cancer and Susan G. related. In fact, Patti is one of the reasons I chose to do this walk: She is an alumna of the 3Day herself and her stories were wonderful. I look forward to the time the whole "gang" decides to take its annual motorcycle trek out to the Centennial State: The door is always open!

28) Len  and Ramona Peterson, Scappoose, Ore.: Len and Ramona are Andy's West Coast uncle and aunt. While I, unfortunately, haven't had a tremendous amount of time to spend with them, they've always been warm, loving and open to me. I consider myself lucky to count them amongst our large, colorful extended family! I can't wait until the first Pikes Peak climb, you two.

Finally, I would be remiss not to thank one person whose contributions transcend the monetary, standing, walking and sweating alongside me throughout this entire experience to date. He's even taking the time off of work so he can fly back to Chicago with me for the walk and will volunteer as support staff. What an incredible man:

Andrew Joseph Peterson, Colorado Springs, Co.: My amazing husband who has already logged hours in the tennis shoes with me to get ready for August; who has endured hours of mindless babble about the walk; who has carefully planned meals so my diet stays healthy; who puts up with his wife's crazy work schedule and ethic; and who is giving up his wife for three days so she can sleep in a tent, walk under the blazing hot sun and most likely come home smelling a bit like cheese. I love you, babe. 

Thanks to all of you who are reading this blog, supporting me along my way and sending thoughts and encouragement. 

With best wishes for good health and love,

Regan

Motivation comes with a crunchy, cookie crust

I love fortune cookies. 

If you've ever eaten Chinese food with me, you probably know that the fortune cookie is my favorite part of the meal. Not only because vanilla and almond are two of my favorite flavors - combine them in a cookie and YUM! - but because I love the tradition behind them. I think it's charming that someone cared enough all those years ago to write out little bits of wisdom and bake them into a wedge-shaped puff of air and dough.

I also love the superstition "Eat it before you read it." I strictly adhere to the belief that if you read your fortune before eating your cookie, it won't come true. 

So I was tickled last weekend to find two wonderful fortunes in two equally wonderful cookies that Andy and I received from our favorite Springs Chinese delivery. I had just put in a long Saturday of work and was facing another long Sunday. After working 20 hours in two days and cutting 34 newscasts, I knew Monday was going to bring with it another 8 miles of walking. My trainers want me logging 38 miles this week alone. 

I was having trouble finding the motivation to keep going. 

Then Andy and I broke into the cookies. Never did I expect to find two messages that will continue to guide me as I go. I thought them so great, I wanted to share them with you all. 

When you're disinclined to want to do something important - whether it be advanced training for a massive fitness event or going to work - remember: 

Dreams are extremely important. You can't do it unless you imagine it. ...

 and ... 

Energy is equal to desire and purpose. 

Here's wishing you plenty of dreams, imagination, energy, desire and purpose,

Regan

Feeling hot, hot, hot

It's hot here in Colorado. Like, 90 to 100-degrees-with-no-end-in-sight hot. Or, record-setting hot. 

For the fifth year since 2002, the Front Range is in the midst of a drought. Interestingly enough, my former home states of Iowa and Illinois have been flooding. Apparently, there is to be no balance ... but I digress. 

So, we've established that it's roasting here. 

All the better weather to train for Chicago's infamous 135 percent humidity. 

Yesterday, I walked 8 miles in the heat of the day. It topped out at 93. This is the forecast from ABC affiliates News Channel 13. You can see that today will be a refreshing 92 degrees. 

The seven-day forecast from our local ABC affiliate, News Channel 13. I chose this one because it's the best graphics. 

So, yes, the temperatures are scorching, but it's not like it's going to be any cooler in Chicago!

Here's wishing you health, a shady spot to unwind and a well-charged air conditioner.

It's the real deal...

After 23 weeks of training, it's hard to believe it's almost here. Andy and I bought our tickets to fly back to Chicago for the 3Day, so it's really, really official now. 

We're heading back LATE Wednesday the 6th, and will arrive at O'Hare early Thursday the 7th. I walk the 8th, 9th and 10th, and we will spend the evening with the in-laws in Mt. Prospect on the 10th. Our plane leaves mid-afternoon on Monday the 11th to come back home to Colorado. (Funny how quickly it became home, here.)

We're planning a Sunday-evening barbecue for friends, family and fellow walkers, if anyone would like to join us!

Can't wait to see everyone, for however short a time frame. 

Lots of love and thank you for all your support,

Regan

Another milage milestone

Well, another month down and another big milestone reached. Today, on my 15 mile hike, I crossed the 400 mile mark for my training! It took two separate walks - thanks to the need to break for work - but I got all 15 miles under the soles of my shoes. 

As I was walking, I figured out that it was mid-February when I began. About five months ago. So, if you average it out, that's about 80 miles a month, or 2.6 miles a day for five months straight! I know that isn't the case, because my trainers have had me build up 10 percent ever week for 24 weeks straight, but it's still pretty cool to think about. 

So, I figure I will log at least 100 more miles prior to the big 60 miler. It's a long way but for the first time I really feel as though I can do it. If nothing else, I know I'll have done everything I can to get all 60 miles completed. 

And I'll look good in my walking shorts!

Here's wishing you all good health, lots of love and plenty of milage on the soles of your shoes,

Regan

The Final Countdown!

Cue the bad "Europe" music!

The start of the 3 Day is officially in 27 days. Hard to believe: As I was taking a 13 mile stroll through the Springs the other day, it occurred to me how just four months ago Andy and I were exhausted after four miles. It used to be that at mile two, I was breathing hard, at mile three, my shins hurt and at mile four, I could see my life flashing before my eyes. 

My, how far we've come; and what a strange trip it has been. 

Hope to see y'all in Chicago Aug. 7 through 11. Keep walking and lots of love, laughter and wishes for good health to all, 

Regan 

A run-in with Ma Nature

I know Colorado weather is capricious. I know this. 

But after a 10-mile hike yesterday, I have come to finally understand why more experienced hikers say you always take your wet weather gear on the trail.

 

Soaked to the bone in front ...

Let me explain: At 11 a.m. Wednesday, I took off for a 5.1 mile jaunt to the Pikes Peak Library. My plan was to get in a good 10 miler round-trip and get back in time to take the dog out for a few miles before making dinner. I had everything that I was sure I would need: Extra socks, two bottles of sunscreen, First Aid kit, ID and debit card, hand sanitizer, gallon of Gatorade. The sun was shining and it was 95 degrees with just a few puffy clouds in the sky. Those conditions prevailed the entire 90 minute walk to the library. 

I spent about 1 1/2 hours at the library, getting my card, perusing the aisles and making sure that I would like the books that I was checking out.

 

... and dry in the back!

It was a different day when I left. Thunderheads stretched over the Front Range and threatened the Springs, a strong wind kicked up and thunder rumbled from both the east and west. Actually, it made for quite pleasant hiking conditions for the first four miles. The rain held off until I was about a mile away from home. Then all hell broke loose. 

Rain pelted down, hurricane-gale winds swept the area and overflow areas that previously held nothing but the sweat of the Earth flash-flooded. I went from wearing sunglasses to protect my eyes from the glare to wearing them to protect my eyes from the pea-sized hail. The temperature dropped about 20 degrees in less than 20 minutes, the fronts of my clothes were soaked and I was pretty chilled by the time I made it home. 

It's safe to say I learned my lesson about being properly prepared. From here on out, I will make sure I always have my poncho and warm-up jacket in the backpack with me - I just shudder to think what I would have done if the clouds had opened up earlier on the trail. 

Evidence that I didn't toss my clothes in the drier between taking those previous pictures. This was just weird!

Anyone else had a run-in with sudden bad weather while out on the trail? What do you keep in your hiking pack?

ThunderCats, Go!

Today was a massive day for training. I was supposed to walk 17 miles but actually rang in 18 after having to detour for lack of sidewalks. I also had, in the course of this monster undertaking, an interview for an adjunct professorship at Axia College, the University of Phoenix's junior college. 

For the sake of keeping the statistics comprehensible, I will use an N.W. Herald- style outbox. 

By the numbers: 

1: The number of interviews I had while on the monster walk

2: The number of power bars I consumed while walking

3 1/2 to 4: The miles per hour pace that I kept up 

5 1/2: The number of hours I actually walked

6: The number of liters of liquid I consumed on this monster walk

18: The number of miles I walked

1,800 to 2,700: The number of calories I burned today while walking

Milage on the soles of my shoes

Today, I walked across the state of Iowa. 

Not literally, of course, but I hit the milestone that is the equivalent of walking across my home state: 300 miles!

Three hundred three, actually, but close enough. 

I reached the mark while cruising across the Garden of the Gods's Upper Reservoir Trail. It's a gorgeous trail that runs above and on the perimeter of a massive open field through which the Utes once trekked.  It's also part of my favorite five-mile trip. 

Anyway, I was walking through a capricious Colorado thunderstorm, listening to Rusted Root and marveling at the incredible beauty and power that is the western weather when I hit the 300th mile. I didn't know it happened until I got home and double checked my personal journal and log book, but it was a very pleasant thing to find. 

Please understand that I've only count miles that are stepped in preparation for the big walk, not the day-to-day walking that I do around the house, work and on errands. Add those and I don't have any idea how far I've gone in the past 18 weeks. 

The funny thing about this is, there are still a few hundred miles left to go by Aug. 11. 

Nonetheless, 300 feels like a pretty powerful sum (it worked damn well for Sparta all those years ago.)

Wishing you love, health and a few more miles on your soles. 

Playing hooky

Andy takes a municipality-sponsored shot ... of mineral water!

I'll admit it: I played hooky for the day. 

After 17 weeks of hard training, I just didn't feel like treading six miles today. (I'll do it tomorrow on what is listed by the trainers as my "rest" day instead.)

Instead, Andy and I had our first "us" day in a long time. He's been working super long hours, six days a week, and on the Sunday that we do have off together, we've been taking these ridiculously long walks. Not that I mind, necessarily, given that we're climbing mountains and hiking through the Front Range; but it was nice to have a day just to relax a little bit. 

Sampling the mineral water from Seven Springs. Cheers!

So we only walked two miles instead. 

We went to my favorite city in the area, Manitou Springs. It got its name, and its early fame, from the mineral springs that permeate the area. There are about 10 throughout the area that are now enshrined in various fountains. This is the really cool thing: The city convention and visitor's bureau has a guided tour that you can take of the different fountains, complete with little plastic shot glasses. Each spring fountain has a brief description of its water's unique properties and a detailed history. My favorite was Twin Spring, which is located on a pretty steep hill and tastes like soda water. (It would be great with gin, by the way. :-) 

The tour is definitely a fantastic, and completely free, way to see a cool little community.

It's amazing to me

What sort of stuff you can pay a little extra for to support breast cancer research. OK, so we all know I'm a huge fan of the breast cancer stamps.  Yes, it costs 55 cents for one 45 cent stamp, but it's SO worth it to know that the extra dime is going to Susan G.'s foundation and supporting research. 

But since I've started this walk, i've been tickled to see the amount of things that have little pink ribbons on them. 

A few of my favorites: 

1) Socks. Yes, New Balance is the official shoe sponsor of the walk, but their little ankle socks have the ribbons, too. Explains why one packet of three runs like $15 when I could go to Target and get a dozen for the same price. Then again - one blister after 17 weeks of walking ain't too bad. 

2) Sun Chips. Those crunchy, tasty whole grain chips do, in fact, offer money to the Koman Foundation. 

3) All the Christmas cookie decorations I picked up last year are part of the "Bake for the Cure" campaign. Awesome

4) These nifty little "Sport Beans." These were part of a very generous donation-in-kind from my dear, dear friend Erin Berzina. She's one of those super-women triathletes, and she sent me these things, along with shoelace holders that keep your laces from coming untied and a pair of über (non ribbon-sporting) socks. I'm not sure how "Sport Beans" differ from "Jelly Beans" but I'm willing to give it a try, nonetheless. 

Especially since I have a synergistic connection that automatically makes me purchase anything bearing that little pink ribbon. 

Here's wishing you lots of love, health and plenty of pink ribbons to go around,

Regan

Like a blister in the Sun[day]

I earned my first blister yesterday. That's surprising to me, actually, given how much walking, hiking, climbing and general exertion my feet have undergone over the past four months, but I finally earned the little air puff Sunday. 

I don't entirely know how, it wasn't like I was doing any seriously hard walking. It was just 11 miles over generally good paths (an unusual thing for Andy and me lately) and paved roads. It really didn't even hurt at the time - or at least I didn't know it was forming. 

Nonetheless, there was the little blister, proudly standing out on the side of my big toe, when I sat down to rub lotion on my feet. 

So, for the first time in weeks, I'm sticking to the Monday schedule and taking today off. Gotta see if this little pocket of air and skin will drop down on its own before five miles tomorrow. 

Any advice, long-distance lovers, on how to deal with this thing? 

Here's wishing you good health and blister-free extremities,

Regan

30K

The new records keep on emerging, walking wise. 

On Saturday, it was 15 miles. It took the better part of five hours, spread over three walks, but I made the whole trip. My pedometer's final reading: 31,668 steps. 

Just five more miles to go to the end of Day 1. 

Today was relatively easy: 11 miles. Good thing tomorrow's a day to rest: I'm going to need it. 

Canine common sense

When a trail map doesn't succeed, try following a labrador!

Back in my horse show days, the joke used to be that a good equitation horse had a disc drive in its withers (that's the place where the neck meets the back, for you non-horsey types). The rider could slide a pre-programed disc into said drive and the horse would automatically perform a complicated pattern flawlessly. 

The truth, of course, was that the horses - such as my friend Kim's Genesis Kadence, Susie's Take Notice or my Binty - were so well trained and tuned in to their riders that they would respond to the slightest touch or shift in weight. It was actually a lot of work on both parties' parts, but horse and rider worked together so well that they made it look seamless. 

Well, if Binty had a disc drive, than - no joke - Jack has GPS. 

Today, I decided to do my five-mile walk in one of my favorite spots: the Garden of the Gods. Last Wednesday, we did the same thing, parking at a little turnoff along the road, walking a mile along a mountain-side pass to the tourist trap path of the garden, doing three miles there and walking the mile back to the car. No big deal and a well planned pathway. 

This week, I decided to vary that a little bit. I had my trail map, my camelpack, some water and a bowl for the dog, and lots of sunshine, so I was feeling good. Besides, it's only 450 acres of park, of which gigantic rocks and paved roadways take up about a quarter, so how lost can you get, right? 

Wrong. 

Here's the deal: The trail maps for the Garden of the Gods are completely inadequate. They only represent about a quarter of the actual trails, and the descriptions are completely wrong. The trail that I wanted to take is labeled the Chambers/Bretag/Palmer trail and is described thusly: "Challenging 3 mile trial originating from the South parking lot. This rocky trail nearly circles the entire park and provides excellent views of many of the park's rocks." 

This is how I would describe it: Chambers/Bretag/Palmer/Ute/Lower Reservoir/ Where the F**k AM I Trail. "Challenging 4 1/2 - 7 miles (depending on how lost you get) trail that wanders all over the park, gives you sweeping views of the most remote areas of the park, sometimes has you inappropriately treading on neighbor's property and changes names without any prior warning or signage. Breathtaking vistas, complete confusion, dress in layers and be prepared for the possibility of rattle snakes because nobody else is around." 

Clearly, I got lost. 

I somehow found the way back to the road (although I still don't know which stretch) and to the winding, weird path known, inexplicably, as the Buckskin Charlie Trail. It, equally inexplicably, merges with the Scotsman Trail and wraps around in a gigantic loop. According to the woefully inadequate trail map I had now crumpled up and stuck in my pocket in a disoriented rage, it should have merged with the trail I was originally on. Note I said "should have." 

Then the most amazing thing happened: As I was standing at yet another fork in the road, wondering where I should be going now, Jack did something he never does. 

He took control of the situation. 

With dogged determination (pun intended) he looked at me, looked down both branches of the trail, and headed down one. I had no better idea where we were going so I just let him lead. 

Which he did. For 2 1/2 miles. 

After winding around for about 5,500 steps, watching my dog's haunches disappear around the next bend and grateful that he was still tethered to me, I emerged next to the roadway (this one I recognized) where he dutifully was sitting. The truck was bout 500 feet away. 

So the moral of this long story is this: If you're ever lost, screw asking the confused tourists for directions (they're more befuddled than you are). Instead, just ask a lab.

Under the Coloradan sun

Now that we've settled into Colorado, it's safe to say we're in the desert. Actually, Colorado Springs is located right where the eastern desert meets the western mountain ranges. 

The point is, we get lots of gorgeous weather: Very little rain, few cloudy days and lots of bright warm sun during the day. Also, because of our altitude, the sun is very bright here, quick to bronze skin and goad you into a good, solid sweat. 

Yesterday, the temperature made it up to 86, the high so far for us, without a cloud in the sky. Jack and I walked for four miles under the blazing sun. While it wasn't an exceptional distance, easily accomplished in an hour, it was interesting to me how quickly the combination of warmth and glare sapped the energy right out of him. That was one tired pup by the time we were done. 

We're all building up our strength and stamina, which will be important in a few weeks. It's going to be another really active weekend: 15 miles Saturday and 11 miles Sunday. Hopefully, we'll be able to find a good hiking trail that either doesn't include a gigantic mountain in it, or that at least warns you so we're properly prepared. 

Oh, on a side note, turns out the path we were on (the Crags Trail in Cripple Creek) has mountain lions! Cool, huh?

If this is how they define moderate ...

For our 10 mile trip today, Andy and I decided to take a hike. We got a nifty guide to all the different hiking trails within an hour or so of the Springs and thought the Crags Trail sounded like a good fit. 

This sign marks the Crags Trail trailhead. A truer warning was never carved into galvanized steel. 

The trail was described as a five mile spur that connects the Crags Campground with the Little Horsethief Campground. It was also described as easy to moderate with an altitudinal gain of 500 feet. According to Bitchin' Betty, our navigation system, the base of the trail starts at 10,400 feet. 

The first stretch of Sunday's great adventure. 

It's really a cool trail: Well maintained, clearly defined. You really get a sense of history as you pass along about 2 miles of valley that separates two mountains. We passed through coniferous forests that opened up onto these wonderful open fields that were bounded by a lovely mountain stream. Jack loved it - going for drinks whenever he could and splashing around in the Jack Pack. All in all, utopia.

 

This lovely, babbling stream helped define the trail for the first 2 miles or so. We had to cross it a couple of times.

Then we got the mountain. 

The last half mile to three-quarter mile of the 3.25 mile trip we took was straight up the side of a mountain. About 1,000 feet straight uphill. And suddenly, the trail disappeared, turning instead into a stumble-as-you-can sheet of gravel and rock. 

So we stumbled and struggled and climbed, climbed, climbed. We came dangerously close to being passed by a 5-year-old and his friendly father, who relocated a few years ago from Tennessee.

 

Stopping for a breather and a family self-portrait about half way up the mountain. Jack sacrificed a tennis ball to the cliffs below. If you look closely, you can see some of the valleys a few thousand feet below us.

Ultimately, we emerged, victorious, on the top of the mountain - and probably somewhere near 12,000 feet elevation. The scenery and view was spectacular! The rear of Pike's Peak felt like just a stone's throw (presuming a good arm) away and the Rockies spread out like a tapestry before us. It made the snow (yes, I said snow, in June) and the bitterly harsh wind worthwhile - but not for more than a few minutes. To see photos from the summit (yes, Virginia, there are shameless plugs) click on the Rocky Mountain Dreaming link at the bottom of this page.

So instead of 10 miles we logged 6.5 today. But it feels like we walked 30. 

Andy snapped this victorious self-portrait after we made it back down the mountain. Getting back down was an entirely different adventure. 

I'm not entirely sure how the Colorado Department of Natural Resources defines "moderate" hiking, but if this trail is moderate, I don't think I want to know what "difficult" looks like. I'm not sure we have the proper equipment to scale Everest, yet. 

But I'm definitely willing to try it again!

Mission: Possible

This is easily the most footsteps my pedometer has ever recorded. 

For me, a mile comprises 2,100 steps. 

Work out the math, and you've got 14 miles worth of training steps there! Just six more to go to the end of Day 1. How's that for perspective?

Ten miles to go today. Last weekend, while on the walk from Old Colorado City to Manitou, we picked up a list of all the hiking trails in the greater 'Springs area. Sounds like we may be heading to Cripple Creek, on the other side of Pike's Peak, for a 5 mile one-way trail over there today. 

Wish us luck!

Here's wishing you all good health and love,

Regan