Beginning again- 60 Miles to Change Lives

Well, I'm at it again. I am walking another 60 miles in the Twin Cities Breast Cancer 3 Day. Officially training begins tomorrow for the next 24 weeks. Unofficially, the first sponsored training walk was yesterday (Saturday, March 10).

Before I go too far- Mike and I are engaged now! He asked me at Christmas and I said yes. Of course I said yes! We are thinking Spring 2008 for the date. A dear friend offered to send me her wedding gown. As we are so similar, I took her up on this offer. It arrived this week and I was able to try it on for the first time yesterday. It fit like a dream and is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Fairy tales happen. Without this stunning gift, I would never have something so incredible to wear down the aisle on that special day. Vanessa- you are the very best!

I have recruited a couple of friends this year- one who has committed to walk, his wife committed to crew. So I am working with them through their first walks to make sure that they are pacing themselves properly and have the right gear. They will be just FINE! Made it through the three miles like champs!

Speaking of gear, Mike and I have to go through ours and figure out what we need to repair/replace. So much for Monday night!

For those of you who were with me for the walk last year (in spirit), you know that the preparation for this 60 mile endurance walk will require between 500 and 600 training miles. I think I'm ready to do it again. I know that I CAN.

This year's fundraising has begun well and I am committed to raising $5000 again. I am required to raise $2200 but have been using the $5000 figure as a point of inspiration and hope. It represents the National average of the cost of a single chemotherapy treatment for a single individual.

This month (March 28th) we have a fundraiser at the Dugout Bar in Matomehdi with entertainment provided by the Stealth Dogs. If you have ever worked with Mike or I, you know that this is a not-to-be-missed event! Come on out and get lei-ed for Breast Cancer!!!

The pink ribbon stands again as a reminder to BOTH men and women to perform regular self exams and for both men and women to have an annual mammogram. Yes, breast cancer is an equal opportunity killer.

This year, some 200,000 women will be diagnosed in some stage. This year, some 2,000 men will be diagnosed- often much later than a woman because the numbers are so low and many men don't believe that they are also susceptible.

This year, some 40,000 women will lose the battle with breast cancer. They will be joined by some 450 men.

These are more than numbers. They are faces of people you know. My face is among them.

When I committed to doing this, my world turned pink. As a side benefit, many people who had never considered having a mammogram made an appointment. Many people who did not know that men could get this too started thinking. Many people who were unaware became aware and were able to use that awareness in teachable moments with their children.

One of those teachable moments stays with me. My girlfriend wore the pink ribbon I gave her as a "thank you" gift for her donation every day. Her six year old son asked about it. They had an opportunity to talk about a subject that most six year olds don't ever consider. As a part of that discussion, he asked if he could donate too. They talked about how he would like to donate and what was appropriate. And while Mom made the donation online, he ran and got the $6.00 that he agreed was right from his piggy bank. For a kid that EARNS his allowance, that was significant. And will rest in my heart forever.

The next six months will be quite a ride. Lace up a good pair of walking shoes, get a pair of dry-wicking socks, and join me on the event of a life-time. In 60 miles, we really can change lives and bring HOPE.

I will post more information on the training for this year's walk, along with memories of last year and photos. We love to take pictures of the wildlife on the trail.

To a cure!

If you would like to donate via my website, go to www.the3day.org/twincities07/tricia. Or click "My Website".

Socks, shoes, Smartwater... We're ready to go!