Breaking in the Jack-pack

Introducing the little black Jack-pack!

This is a really groovy little pair of saddlebags that secure onto a harness that the dog wears. It's very well balanced, with bands that run under his belly and cinch and an adjustable set of straps that go across his chest, just below his collar. According to the maker - a company called Ruff Wear that makes great heavy-duty dog stuff - he should be able to carry up to 30 percent of his body weight. That equates to about 25 pounds. 

The bags have two large water bladders with spigots that can be filled up so Jack carries his own water. They also have storage areas for daily food rations, those glorious plastic baggies that every dog owner should have, collapsable bowls, toys, anything else Jack will need on the trail. It's going to be very handy on the trail, since with the 10, 15 and 18 mile training walks, I'm going to have enough stuff of my own to carry. 

We also plan on doing a lot of camping out in the Centennial State, so this will literally allow Jack to pull his own weight.

Before we load him down at 6,000 feet elevation and then climb mountains, I wanted to get Jack used to it. So today I loaded him up with 10 pounds of my shoes and had him run around in it. Too funny, and he handled it really well. Hopefully, the video will post and you'll able to get a kick out of it, too. 

How do you handle overnight or long hiking trips with your pooches? Any suggestions? 

Here's wishing you love, good health, and a good laugh, 

Regs

Gearing up

Ah, garb. 

Andy and I made our quarterly pilgrimage to Cabella's last weekend. For those of you who haven't been there, it's the Mecca of all things sportsman. There's a rifle library, archery area, camping and backpacking shrine, fishing, boating and kayaking division, general store and deli where you can buy things like smoked bison sandwiches. All of this is built around a two-story display of outstanding taxidermy that includes moose, elk, bears, and warthogs. Pretty special place. 

Anyway, away we went, coupons and club points in hand, to get gear for the walk. The plan was to get a camelbak for me to take on the walk. This is a nifty backpack that holds a bladder full of water and that has a straw that pops over your right shoulder so you can sip as you go. Mine can hold three liters of reasonably well insulated liquid. Note that I said "mine." 

We went for a single camelbak. We came home with two of them, two adjustable titanium walking sticks with compass, a new pair of hiking pants for me, new shoes and, no joke, a little black Jack pack (as modeled above). 

Let it be known: Just like going to the grocery store on an empty stomach can be dangerous, going to Cabella's without a list can be financially fatal. 

But well worth it. ;-)

Not a nine-minute mile ...

But it was a nine mile day! At least that's what my handy-dandy pedometer told me before it reset as I was jogging across a busy stretch of highway. 

Andy and I hit a record distance today after helping a dear friend move out of her apartment and taking a long, lovely stroll through the Deer Grove Forest Preserve. After nearly three hours on the trek, we made our way back home, exhausted but proud, only to realize that it's only half of the distance I ultimately will be walking on any one of the three days. 

What perspective and yet what an awesome goal! 

With love and wishes for good health, 

Regan 

An Earth Day walking extravaganza

Today I walked 6.5 miles through Chicago, in a skirt, suit and nylons. 

Yes, I know it was all for work - I was down in the city covering Canadian National and the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern purchase - but I'm still counting it. Especially since it was twice what my trainers suggested for today! YAY!

For those of you who didn't know, today was also Earth Day. I love this non-Hallmark holiday because it's a time to really let Ma Nature know that you care. Plant a tree, pick up some trash, hop on the bike instead of in the car. In honor of my favorite not-Hallmark but not quite official holiday, I played Chicago professional. One of my favorite things about this facade is hoofing it alongside the other commuters along the Chicago River. You can tell who's really serious about it because they wear nice professional clothes - suits and skirts and ties and such - and tennis shoes, carrying their professional shoes in satchels, valises and computer cases. I personally strolled in a pair of black flats that I've had since my Boticelli's days, and carried my heels in my bag - just like I knew what I was doing. Doesn't hurt that playing Chicago Professional also really racks up the miles!

Andy drove my coffee and me to the Metra station this morning where I caught the train, rode it into the city and from which I hoofed it 1.5 miles across town to upper Michigan Ave. From there, it was a quick cab ride (sorry Kate, I ran out of time and had to make a press conference) 2 miles to Federal Plaza. Lunch break was with my father-in-law, the industrious Paul Peterson, who hoofed it with me about 1.5 miles to Millennium Park and back, then another mile or so back to the train station. From there, it was another hour on the train then a 1.9 mile trek back to the apartment where I sat on the balcony, made phone calls and listened to Spanish Flamenco music while I wrote a story on deadline. I got everything wrapped up and to my editor by 5:10 p.m. Not too shabby. 

Furthermore, it was one of those glorious days that you only get in spring in Chicago where it's warm, but not too warm, and the house could be left open. Everything smelled like loam and earth and cool possibilities when I got home. 

So, it was a good day. I did my part to reduce my reliance on the energy grid for a day, and we saved money on gas (a massive bonus) by only driving one car. It's just too bad that the demands of life mean we can't do this every day. 

Happy Earth Day everyone, and happy alternatives to driving!

With best wishes for good health and love,

Regs

Required reading

So, as I was cruising at 36,000 feet over the Midwest last week, I finally had the chance to read Bill Bryson's outstanding narrative nonfiction piece "A Walk in the Woods." It's hilarious and it has a really charming cover picture of a gigantic bear.

 You MUST read this if you have ever seriously: walked; thought about walking; hiked; thought about hiking; wondered what life is like in the mountains south of the Mason-Dixon Line; worried about the depletion of natural resources; or just questioned how you would feel if you came face-to-face with a full grown moose while filtering water. 

Bryson is a former reporter (yay!) and Iowa native who made good in England working for both the "Times," and the "Independent." He has also published several travel memoirs including "Neither Here Nor There," "The Lost Continent," and "Notes from a Small Island."

In "A Walk in the Woods," he hikes the Appalachian Trail with a Snickers-swilling, out-of-shape Des Moiner named, naturally, Katz. The memoir goes beyond just a travel log, however, and is peppered with richly researched descriptions of the history of the AT, the flora and fauna along the trail, and the impact that "civilization," as we know it, has had on Mother Nature's design. 

I read it just because I'm training for the big 3Day. Andy read it long before I did because he loves the outdoors and has long desired to through hike the Trail. Between laughing out loud, wiping away tears and engulfing myself in Bryson's experience, I must admit, I fell in love with the idea, too. Someday, perhaps, I will don my massive pack and follow my hubby on a walk in the woods of our own. Until then, I will read and reread this marvelous book; and I fully believe you should too. 

With best wishes for love, good health and happy summer reading,

Regs

It's been a while ...

Since I've last posted anything. Turns out that the "milestone" I felt compelled to blog about a few weeks ago was actually a detriment. While completing that jog, I felt a pop in my left knee and being the stubborn ass that I am, ran right through it. 

Word of wisdom: Don't do that!

I blew out the left knee - Dad thinks I pulled a ligament, and since he's the retired surgeon, I'm going with that. While, I haven't let it stop me, my injury has slowed me down a bit. Besides, we were out of the state and taking our strolls at higher elevations! (More on that later.)

It's feeling better now, and I continue to keep my knee braced, so I'm gearing up again for some serious training. 

Any advice for managing sports injuries? Favorite stories about your collateral (or lateral, depending on the location) damages? 

With best wishes for love and good health to all,

Regs

THANK YOU, revisited

It's astounding to me how well people have responded to this adventure I am on. 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.

5) 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.

6) 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.

7) 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?

8) 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. 

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

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

11) Jenn Wiant, Chicago, Ill.: Jenn is a colleague, a friend and an inspiration. This remarkable woman is capable of getting a master's degree in journalism from one of the nation's top schools, 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. 

12) 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.

13) 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. 

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. And I don't doubt that he will continue to do so:

Andrew Joseph Peterson, Palatine, Il. 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

A new milestone.

So, as you can tell in my post THANK YOU, revisited, I have many, many friends, family members and supporters who are marathoners, triathletes and military-trained athletes. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have their insights here to help me, and am quick to admit that by comparison I am in horrible shape. 

But I met a personal milestone, today. During my five-mile training session, I jogged for an entire mile! Not all at once, but interspersed between walking sessions over the course of three miles of fairly high-powered walking. And I managed to do it without feeling like I was dying for the next hour. 

Thanks, everyone, for helping me meet this milestone. Please keep the advice coming!

With love and best wishes for good health,

Regan

Out of the 20s

Hard to believe, but I'm now into week six of training, and just 19 weeks to go before the big walk! Nineteen weeks! Officially out of the 20s. Eeek. Maybe I should tell Ma Nature that and she can make it nice weather. 

How's your spring shaping up? 

With much love and wishes for good health (and the arrival of spring),

Regan