Training came to a halt

This week I got the flu and was barely able to stay out of bed. So, training didn't go this week.

There are a couple good things that came from this week, though. First, I still managed to lose 5 pounds. Hope I can keep it off.

Second, I did learn something about myself this week. I have truly grown to like working out and really missed it. YEAH! Getting moving won't be so difficult now.

Training

I will be honest. I am finding it hard to do the longer walks... those that are over 8 miles. Some of it is the fact that I don't have the right socks and get blisters. Yes, I am hoping to get some as a birthday present. Some of it is the time... I walk about 3.75 miles in an hour so, that is 4 hours of walking. Yes, I can break it up, but still 4 hours! So, I think I am going to try to get a sitter for Friday AM. Josh's day is usually pretty open on Fridays. If we get a sitter, then we can walk that together and maybe get some of that spark back. (almost 9 years of marriage, and it is starting to show) The dilema with that is paying the sitter. I would honestly like to put that $$ toward fundraising or just paying bills. That said, I know we will be okay. This walk is something that is very important to me and the Lord always opens the doors for the really important things in my life. So, guess I will make that arrangement... and some better socks, maybe some mole skin, too.

Training Continues

By the end of this week the schedule says I will have walked 19 miles and cross trained for 45 minutes. I am glad it is split into smaller portions. Today I am going to walk 10 miles. Already have put in 3 just walking around the house and bringing Ceithlinn to school. I am glad the weather is finally cooperating so walking outside is enjoyable. The thought of walking 10 miles on a tread mill is a bit boring. I can do up to 7, but after that it is torture.

Training Schedule for the week of May 18-24

Easy walk 3 miles
Moderate Cross Training for 15 minutes
Moderate walk 5 miles
Easy Cross Training for 30 minutes
Easy walk 7 miles
Easy walk 6 miles
REST

Wow! Good thing I can do this without too much trouble, especially if I have someone to talk to or some good tunes on the iPod.

I'll let you know how it goes. Honestly, training has been a little tough the last couple weeks with the kids getting sick (can't bring them to the gym with me, the kids klub doesn't like sick kids playing there), doctor's appointments, just plain lack of motivation. This week is looking up and I have a great schedule for the summer, which for me will begin after June 5th. I'll still get up about 5:30, instead of teaching Seminary I will go to the gym and work out!! My body is already used to getting up that early, Josh will definitely be with the kids, and as the walk gets closer and the walking increases I will still have plenty of time to get that in before Josh leaves for work. Don't you just love having a GREAT PLAN?

Business Cards and Sponsors

Ordering Business Cards and other advertising materials -- I went to Vista Print and custom made some card, a hat and some sticky notes to be handed out. Those came in the mail today. I am really excited!


Getting Sponsors -- I didn't realize how difficult it would be for me to open my mouth and ask for sponsors. Anyone who knows me, knows I don't usually have a problem talking -- it us the other way a round. The gift of gab is alive and well in my family.


Well, I did open my mouth and found people are very willling to sponsor me and help me raise money for this great cause. A few of my sponsors are listed below and to the right. I am hoping this list will get longer very shortly. I am still talking to people. Wish me luck.

My fantastic Chiropractors!!
Chiropractic Healthcare Center
Dr. Richard Cockrell DC & Dr. Ranjiv Bains DC
15324 Main Street East, Suite B
Sumner, WA 98390
(253) 863-5323
chcsumner@yahoo.com

Josh's employer
Family, Marriage, Assessment Counseling
9881 Bridgeport Way SW Ste B
Lakewood, WA 98499
(253) 589-1611

The kids great gym!
Roach Gymnastics
1627 45th St. E. Bldg. D-103
Sumner, WA 98390
(253) 826-5999
http://www.roachgymnasticsinc.com/

A friend's personal business
Bonzi.com
Lisa Arousa
Everything you need under one umbrella
http://www.bonzi.mychoices.biz/

My favorite local photographer
Sarah Alston Photography
Sarah & Sam Alston
253-332-1444
questions@sarahalstonphotography.com
http://sarahalstonphotography.com/

My Personal URL

If you feel like this is a worthy cause please click on this link to donate to my walk. I am trying to raise $3,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Also, please forward this to your friends who may be interested. I will keep this blog up to date so you can see how the journey is going. Thank you for your support!

http://www.the3day.org/goto/JeniGates

One of many BIG steps

A couple years ago my friend's young daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor. In talking with my friend she said one of the things her little girl missed was her "girl hair." She lost it due to the treatment. Well, that got me thinking. How many other people miss their hair. I have plenty to spare. So, I looked at a couple different organizations I have heard of over the years: Locks of Love http://www.locksoflove.org/ and Wigs for Kids http://www.wigsforkids.org/. Both of these make wigs for those who have lost their hair due to disease. I chose to donate my hair to Locks of Love because they make wigs for men, women and children.

When all was cut off I had a little over 13 inches to donate! Getting the hair gathered into the pony/braid to cut was the most nerve racking part for me. I think the reality of what I had been planning began to hit. The hair stylist noticed the hesitation and gave me a questioning look. I reassured her that I was really happy with the decision and to go ahead with the cut. I closed my eyes for the first snip then watched with a smile as the rest came off.

Oh, right before she began cutting my hair I heard a woman ask in disbelief, "Is that girl going to cut off that whole braid?!" I just smiled and said, "Yes, she is."

So, now I have a braid that will be sent in the mail Monday, a new do, and this happy feeling that I may be able to give someone their "girl hair" back. Thanks, Rylee for the inspiration.