How to look like a crazy person

Well, of course it had to rain yesterday during my training walk. Of course! I really wanted to wimp out and lay on the couch, but I had already made plans to walk to Hobby Lobby to get some supplies to decorate training gear. I am decorating shirts, hats, etc. so that when people see me walking, they see WHY I am walking. One of the important things to me about this cause is support and awareness...so that's what I'm aiming for, even in my training. I was already excited about my shopping plans, plus I thought this would be a good time to test all of the walking-in-the-rain tips.

So I packed up a backpack (so I could carry the supplies home), got the bags on my feet to keep them dry...pretty much just covered myself from head to toe.

So here I am, ready to head out looking like a weirdo!

Ahh, yes....and I had my mace! My boyfriend went out and got me mace :)

The first thing I realized was that I do not enjoy walking with grocery bags on my feet. Makes your feet slide around in your shoes. ALOT. So that was pretty darn annoying. And rainwear is not exactly breathable, so although I kept out of the rain, I think I drenched myself in my own sweat...yum!

People were staring quite a bit in Hobby Lobby and I got all kinds of strange looks!! I can't really blame them though, I would probably do the same thing :) I was in one aisle and this guy kept sneaking glances at me over and over and over, like he was trying to figure me out. It was so funny, it even made me giggle a little bit even though I was trying to pretend I didn't notice. I realized that my feet were really starting to itch as I was walking around in there, so I knew my feet had somehow gotten wet. When I got home, my foot was halfway through the bag. Next time I think I will try ziplock freezer bags! I made it out with tons of ideas and tons of cool supplies.

Oh, and I stopped to refuel on the way home...


Hey, I was really hungry and there aren't many choices when you're on foot! Besides, McDonalds hamburgers are kind of a good protein/carb balance. I guess :) Oh, and my hands are not usually that swollen!!

Saw bunnies on the way home again...


I made it there and back in good time. I am trying to get my pace up to 3 miles an hour..I think that is what they have recommended... I am resting Friday night and going for another 6 miler Sat and an 8 on Sunday. Hopefully :)

Oh, and my wonderful boyfriend gave me a great calf and foot massage right before I passed out in bed...how awesome is that!?! I kinda think it might have something to do with the fact that he walked with me Monday night and got to experience how long and tiring it is, so he can appreciate the soreness...but whatever the reason, I'll take it!!! I think I might try to go for a foot/leg massage every week if I complete all of my walks, just to treat myself and keep myself inspired.

I hope everyone else is doing great in their training and staying safe!

~Stephanie G.