The Expo!

I attended my first official training walk with a 3-Day group today as part of the Expo. Stephanie G. was there when I arrived (although I was running late she promised to wait for me - talk about a great teammate!). I arrived just in time for us to begin our 6.5 mile walk. The first half always seems to take longer (especially when you indulge in as many fluids as I do) and our rest stop was a much needed break. We sped along on the last half but as the day wore on the heat increased and the sun was pretty intense, this was only at 9am! I realized I am not protecting my face well enough with sunscreen, I lather it on but I need to find a stronger SPF chapstick - any suggestions?

After the walk we refreshed with bagels and gatorade and relaxed before hitting the main floor of the Expo to view vendor tables. I purchased some shirts from new balance and wrist band as I newly discovered would be necessary for the longer walks. Besides little extras like car decals and some fun flair to wear with our 3-Day credentials we then walked through the process of packing, viewed the tent set up and received packing lists. We then attended a seminar on the basics of staying healthy and taking care of yourself physically through training and the event itself, I found this info incredibly helpful! We went through a series of blister-prevention aids that I am eager to start using in hopes of avoiding the pain I endured a few weeks ago.

I am very excited to walk again tomorrow, the Expo was a great spirit-booster and I'm ready to push forward. Today was the longest walk I have been on and next Saturday I look forward to going further. I have begun collecting names of survivors and friends/family that have been affected by breast cancer. Each name gives me another spring in my step, it is inspiring and heartbreaking to see the list of loved ones grow, my heart and prayers go out to all of the the men and women we met and saw today and those I hear about daily, I know we can make a difference by doing this.

Nikki