Day Three

Again, we were up before the dawn. Dr. George had instructed Mad to ice her leg last night and make sure to come to the Medical Tent first thing this morning. We were at the camp at 6:30 and in the tent at 7!







Here's Mad, waiting for Dr. George.

And here is Mad WITH Dr. George (who, by the way, I am in love with - his wife and kids notwithstanding. . . ) . Dr. George carefully examined Mad's calf and made the decision that she could walk (thank goodness - I was terrified he would send her home!) on the condition that she 1. get taped; and 2. LISTEN to her body. We were told we needed to walk AND use the sweep vans, so that she could give her leg some rest.

So we walked and swept - walking more than sweeping, all morning.

At the 2nd pit stop, I again confirmed my feet were not visually on fire, but on the off chance they were invisibly on fire, I rested them on a bag of ice for a while. It was sheer heaven, let me tell you.

We were thrilled to see Mad's Aunt Cooky at the first cheer station! We weren't expecting her, which made it extra cool to see her there, just waiting for a quick hello. It was so kind of her to take the time to stand and wait and watch for us. We really appreciated it!!

Check out this guy - he is walking ALL of the 3 days! Seriously. All 15 3 day events. I believe he is currently driving to Denver. If you are of a mind, he needs some fundraising help - go to 3day.me for more on his story.

Lunch's sandwich was soggy (mass produced food ain't easy). As such, I had Cheez Its and hummus. It was fabulous!

Here's what lunch time looked like. Because we utilized the sweep van, we had time to go to Medical, me for my calf, and Mad for her back. Mad got her first chiropractic adjustment, which she thought was weird - but effective. I was seen for this shooting pain in my calf. I was shocked, truly SHOCKED!! to discover that my muscle was hurting because of OVERUSE!! WHAT? REALLY?? 45 miles in, and my calf muscle was objecting to over use? Well, now. . .

We iced at the next pit stop as well. This pit stop was really important because our plan was not to use any more sweep vans. The next 7 miles were all for walking, if things went the way we planned.

Here we are walking in Mounds Park. We had just been replenished by Starbucks, courtesy of Mad's Dad, who was kind enough to take our orders, get the coffee, then stand on the route and fend off multitudes of walkers who also wanted our coffee while waiting for us to arrive. It was delicious. Fortified, we started the final 2 miles.

Only a mile to go when we came across this sign. I love it. I am so proud of Mad for all her hard work. She was such a trooper. She totally could have skipped this last day, with the perfect justification, but she plowed on, determined to finish what we started.

This guy was a source of inspiration throughout the walk. He was so cheerful and encouraging. His wife walked. Their kids showed up yesterday in the cheering section. Thank you Mullet Pig Guy!! You made it easier. Really.

Mad, happy to be done.

We hung out at the capitol for about an hour, waiting for final ceremonies.

Dina and Jim, and Tom were there, cheering us on.

We look forward to walking next year. Thank you for your support!

Day Two

We left the house at 7 and managed to hit EVERY red light between here and Maplewood. Then we couldn't find the camp. Mapquest: more helpful than hurtful? Or more hurtful than helpful? Discuss. . . Happily, we saw tons of walkers and Mr. J, in his sherpa role, located the camp.

Tons of pink tents greeted us. We hurried by, as it was ten to 8, and all walkers had to be on the trail by 8.

This Ramsey County Sheriff wore a fluffy pink boa while directing traffic. We were fortunate to have law enforcement in good spirits today. We also had a number of fire departments on our route who were also quite fabulous in their vocal support. . .

This sign says, in part, 'No Fishing.' If you look to the left of the car, you might be able to see someone fishing, which Mad and I thought was hilarious (thus, the pic!). I used to represent these people when the DNR would go on a tear and issue a bunch of tickets. . . Ah, the good old days. . .

At lunch, I was surprised to discover that my foot WASN'T actually on fire inside my shoe and sock. . . But look! Not on fire.

Mad jammed her toe this morning, so she took the lunch break as an opportunity to wrap a couple of toes together. Then we got walking again.

This is Jody's couch. More on Jody's story here: http://www.rowekamp.com/whyiwalk.htm. The walk is an odd mix of emotions. One minute I'm wondering if I should be amused or annoyed by the fact that Mad isn't speaking to me - AGAIN, and the next I am confronted with a couch belonging to a woman who died while her children were young, like Jody. Or a laminated picture on a guy's backpack with a sign that says, "I miss my sister." Or two women my age, walking and chatting, with a post on their back pack that says, "We walk in memory of our friend Barb, 7-24-09."

Sadly, at mile 19, we had to admit Mad's leg pain might need to be looked at. It was designated a 'sports medicine issue' and we were referred to the doctor. He thinks Mad may have torn her calf muscle. He strongly encouraged us to ice and take the bus, in the hopes that she can walk some tomorrow. He is working on a 'boot' for her for tomorrow to stabilize things.

We are hoping and icing. . .

Day One

Yesterday we went to Target and stocked up on medical supplies, water bottles, and a new back pack to carry it all in. We are now officially set on gauze, tape, band aids, sunscreen, and advil, should you find yourself in need.

Last night, we carefully packed the backpack. (Mad's need for back pack order was satisfied by the multiple compartments in the back pack.) We planned our outfits and accessories (okay, Mad planned accessories, I just found my shoes!) and went to bed early.

We were up before the dawn, puttering around the house getting ready. We were on the road before 6 a.m. Mr. J played sherpa for us. For those of you who weren't up, it was raining. . .







Here's Mad at opening ceremonies. Note the rain coats all around. Mad was far too cool for that. I, on the other hand, proudly wore my $1.00 Raincoat on a Stick I got from Northern Tool last year at the fair. It's a great big yellow billowy thing that could cover an oldsmobile! I am sure Mad was mortified. Maybe THAT'S why she refused to speak with me for most of the walk. . .

Yesterday I called the 3 day people because I couldn't find something I needed on the web. While on the phone chatting about the rain, Nanette told me about this foot covering - take a gallon zip lock, cut a SMALL hole in the bottom, put your foot through the hole, then put your shoe on. It worked GREAT at keeping my shoes dry. (You can also see the aforementioned yellow raincoat on a stick here.) Mad was positively MORTIFIED. She kept insisting I take them off. ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!???!! Walking 20 miles in wet shoes sounds horrid - and foolish. But then, Mad is 15, and I am more than twice that (okay, okay, almost 3 times that - leave me alone!) so my good sense took over and I left them on for the first 3 miles, until I was sure the rain had well and truly stopped. Mad was so annoyed she took to calling me 'mother.' When she spoke to me at all. . .

It took an hour to walk the first mile. This was due to a series of traffic lights and lots and lots of people.

Here is Mad at the Sculpture garden! This was just before lunch. We walked over the freeway and had lunch in Loring Park.

Here's Mad after lunch at the dandelion fountain. We also got a button that said, "Lick Cancer" on it from another mother daughter duo at this fountain.

Here we are at the 3rd pit stop. This is actually out of order as it was taken at Lake of the Isle, but I am too tired to move it.

Here's my Garmin, with 20.92 miles on it. What a day.

Ice cream to celebrate our finish. We finished at the head of the pack, as Mad has my 'lead dog' instinct (which I, by the way, was MORE than willing to ignore today!!) and insisted on 'catching' whomever was in front of us. Since we were in the middle of the pack at the start, there was ALWAYS someone in front of us.

Thank you for your kind words and support over the past months.

A sad morning

Yesterday, I learned a friend of mine is one of the 1 in 8 women who get breast cancer. Which, of course, is 'not fair.' What makes it more 'not fair' is that she was one of the 1 in 8 ten years ago - with a different form of breast cancer. Which, of course, is REALLY 'not fair.'

This morning, as I lay in my bed, Mr. Bailiff curled up at my feet, Diego and Bubba also on the bed, I thought about how life can throw curve balls to just about anyone. Thought about all those years I smoked. Thought about how helpless I felt to help my friend. Wondered if Macaroni and cheese with bacon freezes well. Wondered if hers was the kind of cancer that fed on starches, thus, should I leave potatoes out of the soup?

I'm not particularly fond of feeling helpless.

This morning at six, I got up and went for a training walk. It's all I can do. Oh, and I'm going to schedule that mamogram today. (Am I the only one who is SURE that just as my breast is as flat as it can possibly be, as I'm nestled up next to that big machine with that hospital gown half off, that the fire alarm is going to go off, or the power is going to go out, and I'll be locked in that damn thing for hours!! Surely I'm not the only one. . . )

getting close!

For reasons I cannot recall at this moment, my camera is at the office. I have been using this fact as a reason not to blog my walks. I'm done with that. Thus, a pictureless entry.

I discovered a fabulous recipe for a cold leek soup - with no potatoes! Thursday, after my morning walk, I slammed a cup of it. So fabulous. This morning, BEFORE my walk, I slammed TWO cups of it. It's really, really good. As such, I made sure to include the farmer's market in my walk as I am now out of leek soup and want some more.

As I was walking down Robert Street towards the bridge, the clouds over downtown looked ominous, but I ignored them. By the time I got to the bridge, it was raining in ernest.

I was all the way to Galtier Plaza at the cash machine before it occurred to me that I could have walked through the skyway and stayed dry. Duh. I did take the skyway a building or two before heading out and over to the farmer's market.

I am pleased to announce "The brussel sprouts are here! The brussel sprouts are here!" Whoooo hooooooo!!! I did a quick tour of the market, assessing what was available. I then availed myself to the best cheddar brat on the planet - Thank you Todd Romocky!! Then I went back and bought brussel sprouts, beans (finally priced at $2.00 a box - although peas remain at $3.00 a box. . . ), tomatoes by the pound, bacon (for the brussel sprouts, of course), and eggs (thank you Bob, of Otis farm!!)

I'd also like to give a shout out to AAFS, and whomever was in charge of the bags in 2007, because I think my American Academy of Forensic Sciences backpack totally rocks!!

After my market experience, I walked back, via the Irish Festival taking place on Harriet Island. Is there anything better than bagpipes? I think not!

Tomorrow, I plan to walk to the cheese shoppe. A friend of mine is in San Fransisco right now, and actually went to the Cowgirl Creamery, where she picked up a WHOLE ROUND of Redhawk for a mere $18.00!! I'll be paying double that here in Saint Paul, and quite frankly, I! DON'T! CARE!!!

Mad and I have reached our fundraising goal of $4600(!!!). Whew! (the Tupperware profits have not yet been entered, so it may not APPEAR that the goal has been met. When Jackie gets back from vacation, that will be taken care of, I assure you!)

My friend Karen, who is a survivor, is still looking for donations.

You can donate here: http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/Walk/TwinCitiesEvent2009?px=1957503&pg=personal&fr_id=1302 for Karen.

Best,

Christine

on walking and not walkikng. . .

This past weekend, we headed north for a family wedding. I did head out for a walk Saturday - but not as long a walk as prescribed.








This golf course was on the grounds of Breezy Point, the resort we stayed at.

Yeah, these kinds of signs ARE normal in northern Minnesota! I walked along the trail on Saturday. Sunday, I went around the neighborhood, checking out all the cabins for sale.

Tuesday, I woke up with the best of intentions for getting back on track. I got up. I got dressed. I realized it was raining. I mean REALLY raining. The same was true Tuesday evening.

I did get some walking/running in on Tuesday, though. It started around 3:20 a.m., when I noticed Bubba, our oldest cat, was pacing on the bed. Not a good sign.

Those of you who have raised a child know that when a child is learning to use the bathroom, there are certain behaviors that can signal they'd just rather not, thank you. The same is true for cats that don't wish to use the litter box. Pacing, in our house, is a sign. I threw back the covers, jumped out of bed, and the dance began. Bubba ran into the hallway. I followed. Through the dining room, into the living room, around the coffee table and back to the dining room.

I dragged the little beast out from under the table by his tail, and put him into the litter box and waited. He used it. We went back to bed.

4:30 a.m. Another sign: the pawing of the quilt, like Bubba was an enraged bull. Out of bed. Into the hall. Through the dining room. This time, Bubba lept onto and over the fainting couch, down the radiator length, then into the dining room again. I had to move a chair and crawl under the table to get him and put him BACK in the litter box. He got out right away, as though the box didn't merit his time. I put him back in. He got back out.

6:00 a.m. I missed the pacing. I missed the pawing. I woke up as Mr. Pissypants was using my comfortor as a litter box. Enraged, I threw back the covers and lept out of bed. Grabed the little beast by the scruff of his neck and AGAIN put him in the litter box. The look of surprise on his face was priceless. It said, "Whatever am I doing in this litter box? Why would she put me here? I was perfectly comfortable relieving myself on the bed. . ."

That cat's days are numbered!

If you'd like to donate, please go here:

http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/Walk/TwinCitiesEvent?px=3237566&pg=personal&fr_id=1302


Thank you for your support.

super long walk

Yesterday I had a 17 mile walk scheduled. I woke up at 5:30 and was out the door by six.

The mighty Mississippi was calm and peaceful yesterday morning. There was no one in sight. Then the oddest thing happened. . .

A lone car came past me on the high bridge, slowed, braked, then pulled over and stopped about 50 feet in front of me. It was me and whomever was in the Bronco on that bridge and no one else in sight. . .

My thoughts immediately went to Butch, whom I knew back when I was interning at the Lino Lakes Correctional Facility in 1987. Butch forced a woman into his van at knife point, drove her to an area sans people, and raped her six ways to Sunday. I debated my options: 1. cross to the other side of the bridge; 2. run like hell back up the high bridge; 3. do nothing. As I am deliberating, a woman in her 60's got out of the driver's side. She had on a beret, a loose jacket, and a long skirt. I, on the other hand, was wearing my black running skirt, a tank top, and my AAFS backpack, which held my water bottles, camera, and phone.

"I'm headed out of town," she said. "Do you need a lift?"

I resisted the urge to lecture her on the dangers of inviting strangers into her vehicle. For all she knew, I was a serial killer. . . I spent the next 4 miles ruminating over the encounter. The short version is that I concluded my job has made me twisted when it comes to interacting with strangers.

You may call me Monet. I didn't intend this effect - I was trying to take a picture of the falls by the Ford Plant. Of course, while I was preparing to take this shot, a guy pulled in to the parking lot. Again, (although it was 8 miles and 2 hours later) it was just him and me. If he chose to violate the social contract and attempt to force me into his car, there would be no witnesses. . . Guess I was in a hurry. I snapped the shot and took off!

At 16.78 miles, I came to this sign at the Farmer's Market. Whooo hooooo!!! A Romocky cheddar brat is a fine reward for a walk well walked.

Today, I am set to do 13 miles. However, an impromptu visit to Taste of Minnesota added 2 miles yesterday, so I'm calling it at 11.

If you'd like to donate to our walk, please go here:

http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/Walk/TwinCitiesEvent?px=3237566&pg=personal&fr_id=1302

Thank you for your support.

Thursday's walk and a new movie!

So on Thursday I took off for my walk sans camera. I didn't even realize this until I was about a mile into the walk.

I did take one pic with my cell phone.

Who knew the milkweed that fed the caterpillars of my childhood had blossoms? Not me. I'm just sayin. . .

As I was walking back over the Wabasha Bridge, I discovered the Taste of Minnesota on Harriet Island. I wandered through the booths, and one thing became crystal clear: There is a corndog in my near future. . .

Dina's sister Bonnie created this video for Mad and I. I can't quite figure out how to put it in as a link, so you'll just have to go and come back. It's hilarious!

http://www.xtranormal.com/watch?e=20090630123624132

Today is a cross training day. My original plan was to golf with an old friend. However (and this is why you shouldn't be friends with law enforcement types) he had to cancel because there was a shooting in Duluth. Seriously. He CLAIMS he will make it up to me next week. I am dubious.

Instead of golf, I'm gardening today. And don't roll your eyes at me. I have plenty of heavy lifting which should qualify for cross training - starting with gathering wood chips from piles in the Mpls parks. Which I am off to do RIGHT! NOW!

If you'd like to donate to our walk, please go here:

http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/Walk/TwinCitiesEvent?px=3237566&pg=personal&fr_id=1302

Thank you for your support.

A new way to cross train

Monday is typically the day of rest for 3 day training, but I am off schedule thanks to last week's rain. Which is just fine, because I had previously committed to a charity golf tournament that took place Monday.



I am not on the charity golf circuit, mind you. Mostly, I did it because my friend Caroline asked me to, and I don't see her nearly often enough. So, charity golf it was!













On the course, we came across this tree. The trunk would suggest the tree was dead, having been burned out presumably by lightning. The leaves, however, suggest otherwise.

We came across a turtle! I have not seen a turtle on the golf course before. . .

Caroline was happy to get on the ground to provide a scale for you.

We saw egrets. It really was a lovely day, although a bit cool.

And then, the monster of my childhood nightmares appeared - the snapping turtle! Caroline again provides perspective and scale. It is obvious to me that she did not read the same creepy story I did as a child, wherein the snapping turtle lay in wait to snap a child up! She seems to be unconcerned for the potential that this turtle might snap! her! UP!!!

If you'd like to donate to our walk, please go here:

http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/Walk/TwinCitiesEvent?px=3237566&pg=personal&fr_id=1302

Thank you for your support.

Sunday Walk

It is with sadness that I report an incident which resulted in a computer meltdown at my house last week.



Diego expanded his repertoire - for months now he has been content to lie on top of my computer monitor. On Sunday of last week, he curiously stretched his paw across to my computer box - the thing that holds all the working parts. I watched in slow motion as he sent the box tumbling off the desk! And that, my friends appears to be the death of my computer.



This loss naturally resulted in an end to the Funk Family Network, which allowed for others in the household to access the intra-web. Including yours truly. I have been going nuts as my Internet addiction has become crystal clear.



Mr. J. has created a stop gap measure which, for now, will do. As such, I am back on line and back to updating.







I set off for an 8 mile walk on Sunday. (A bit topsy turvey, for those of you familiar with the schedule. I'm on it, I assure you!)



I see the Wabasha Street Bridge will be closed for the fourth. This makes sense, in that this bridge spans Raspberry Island (which has made an appearance here previously). It is also close to the site of the fireworks. I am not exactly sure where the fireworks are launched, in that I watch them from my back deck, but it's down there somewhere. . .



This sign reminded me of the Fourth, several years ago, when a mother who clearly was given more than she could reasonably handle, threw her 1 year old twins over the side of this very bridge, then jumped herself, yelling, "Freedom!" So sad. Miraculously, one of the boys survived. So did his mother. She is now in prison, of course. Although if memory serves, the Ramsey County Attorney's Office had the good sense to recognize this woman had problems and actual life in prison wasn't the answer. Hopefully, she is getting some mental health assistance. If she was a guy, I'm sure she wouldn't be getting same, but our women's prison has some decent programming.









Cirque de Solei has come to town. I caught their act in Vegas with my friend Anj, who is walking the 3 day in Arizona this year. Anj also went to see Jersey Boys. I should have gone with her to that. For me, the first 5 minutes of Cirque were really cool. The next 10 moderately amusing. The next hour excruciating. How many times can you watch death defying feats involving the use of ankles and elbows?

Since I altered my route and headed to the East Side of Saint Paul yesterday, I thought I'd document the view into downtown from the Kellogg Blvd. bridge.

I had a client who used to live here. That's right, these are the bushes off 94 at Mounds Blvd. He used to live here in a tent with his two dogs - until the Humane Society took the dogs away because it was too cold for them to sleep outside. I am not making that up. John stayed. He didn't like sleeping in buildings. He also wasn't a fan of showers and smelled, as my office mate at the time put it, "like a dancing bear." Unfortunately, after John's girlfriend left him for a guy over in Swede Hollow (another homeless 'neighborhood' not far from here) he got into a fight with said guy, which resulted in John going to prison. I spent some time yesterday pondering the impact of mental illness. Also wondering if John was out yet. And how he was doing. And thinking about another homeless guy I know, who is currently in San Diego - or at least, was the last time I heard. . .

Far, far away you can see the High Bridge on the left. Then the Wabasha Bridge, the Robert Street Bridge, and 52 in the foreground. After the 35 W bridge fell into the river, the state did an assessment of other bridges in the state. The 52 bridge is one of the top 3 bridges in the state most likely to fall into the river if it doesn't get some much needed repair.

For those of you who might be thinking that a guy who can run a state for 8 years without raising taxes might make a good president, I'd like to gently remind you that taxes are for supporting roads and schools and the like. If you don't have a sufficient tax base, your infrastructure crumbles - right into the river! I'm just saying. . .

Indian burial mounds from 1500 - 2000 years ago. How cool is that? About the time JC was walking the earth halfway around the planet, an Indian Tribe was creating a place for their dead which is now protected by Minnesota Statute - and it's right in the city of Saint Paul!

I was walking along the road instead of on the path, because the path at that point was particularly isolated in this area. I inadvertently stepped on that wire pictured right by the white line there. Note to self: get a tetanus shot! Note to friends: If I start foaming at the mouth, get me a tetanus shot!

My walk ended with breakfast at Mickey's with Mad and Mr. J. Great morning.

If you'd like to donate to our walk, please go here:

http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/Walk/TwinCitiesEvent?px=3237566&pg=personal&fr_id=1302

Thank you for your support.

walking with a mission

In an effort to catch up, I'm skipping the weekday update. Suffice it to say I have walked and did Body Sculpting. My biceps continue to improve.

It is dang hot here in MN. In a matter of weeks it has gone from October cold to August hot! Seriously, we are melting, here. Walking early in the morning is a must.

On Saturday, I set my alarm for 6 o'clock a.m. I was on a mission. Unfortunately, when I woke up at 2 a.m. wondering if my Garmin was properly charged, I ignored that. So at 6 I was confronted with a 'low battery' Garmin. This simply will not do on a 15 mile walk! So I plugged it in and tried not to be too annoyed at my delay of departure.

I packed a backpack with 2 bottles of water and a bottle of Gatorade. Also my camera, credit card, some cash and ID. At 7, I left the house like a bat out of hell. I channelled my inner Mad, and set a brisk pace. Because I had a ten o'clock appointment at InVision, I had to stay on a brisk pace. I was walking between 13:30 and 14:45 minute miles.

I zoomed over the high bridge, and down 7th Street towards the airport. (No where NEAR InVision, I know! Did I mention I had to get 15 miles in?)

I didn't stop to take a picture until I got to Mickeys. Mickeys, of course, is a St. Paul treasure. Open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Great All American Breakfast. Sit at the counter and watch the cook master the grill. It's really cool if you are at all ADD. I am given to understand Mark Hansen, of Marx in Stillwater, got his start at Mickeys. (You really should go to Marx, as well. Be advised, however, it is a slightly different price point. . . )

I didn't stop for another pic until I was on the River Road, talking on the phone with my mom. This view took my breath away. I'd like to walk this route again, when I'm not in such a hurry!

No more pics until after my errands. I came off the River Road at St. Clair. I hit the Cheese Shop at 9:45. It doesn't actually open until ten, but Ben was more than willing to accommodate me. I got some more Red Hawk (yummy!) and some Zoro sounding thing (cousin to Manchego), as well as a small bit of Swiss. Then I raced off.

12 1/2 miles into my walk, it was just 7 minutes past ten when I arrived at InVision, for their Garage Sale. I got a cute pair of cat eye sun glasses for $25.o0. Normally, I wouldn't spend $25.00 on a pair of sun glasses, since I am prone to losing them. However, I reasoned since they were marked down from $225.00, they were practically free. I figure I might be grown up enough to have grown up sun glasses. We'll see, won't we?

I was coming down Grand Avenue and just about HAD. IT. This is the view. What's coming up presented a small dilemma.

See the bridge? That's Grand for traffic going down the hill. Traffic going up goes straight, then right. It's longer. After almost 14 miles, it looked MUCH longer. There's no pedestrian path on the bridge there. I took it anyway. I ran it, mind you, to reduce the amount of time on the bridge.

Once safely on the other side, I contemplated climbing that wall, which would shave another 1/2 mile off my walk. Decided I was too old and too tired to actually attempt to scale a wall AND navigate whatever was on the other side. Walked to the corner.

Here is the base of the high bridge. I could hardly feel my feet!

A pic of the capitol half way up the bridge. . .



And the river.

In a nod to Mad, I took the 'short cut' home. 15 miles. Complete. Whooo hoooooo!!!!!

If you'd like to donate to our walk, please go here:

http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/Walk/TwinCitiesEvent?px=3237566&pg=personal&fr_id=1302

Thank you for your support.