Training for my 8th 3-Day Walk for the Cure has been going well.

But, today, I am taking a day off.

• Work calls
• A sleep-deprived body snores
• And it’s already 70 degrees at 6:30 in the morning

In the past, I’ve shared what it’s like training to walk 60 miles in 3 days. I’ve even compared Boise training to San Diego.

Allow me to share my training experience for 2011.

Training Tribulations

No matter how you prepare, there are always a few mishaps or minor irritants you put up with.

1. Muscles That Don’t Snap Back

Remember the days when minor injuries healed seemingly overnight? It was the same time where unwanted pounds faded away with very little effort. Well, all that’s changed.

Welcome to training in the year you turn 60.

• A strained back muscle from pulling on a hose nags constantly
• Even though the injury was three months ago
• My water bottle holder hits right in that sweet spot of pain

I’ve taken to carrying the water bottle in my hand and putting it in its holder after it’s empty. Only problem is that it freezes my hand when I first start out as it comes fresh from the refrigerator.

Right now, the main reason I wear the bottle holder is to have a place for my 3-Day pins.

And still that back muscle screams.

2. Running Water Everywhere

I don’t know which is worse, the tears and runny nose that spring to life on a training walk or the home owners who love to water their sidewalks.

I tell you, we have the best-looking sidewalks in Boise. The grass may be dying as sprinkler systems shoot over the grass to drench sidewalks – you know, the ones where you are walking.

It’s good practice for wearing your rain poncho, so vital to last year’s walk.

3. Pebble Magnet

I did not know it was possible to attract pebbles as you walk.

After many years of testing out all kinds of blister-busting shoes, I landed on MBT sandals.

• No more blisters
• No more blackened toenails
• Sweet comfort at last

Until this year. I don’t remember having this problem before. Due to the open sides of the sandals, I am constantly picking up pebbles, causing major foot blow-out.

• I limp to the side of the road
• And attempt to dislodge the offensive beast

It’s a comical site as I try to balance on the curved sole of the sandal to rip at the velcro strap of the other shoe.

It’s like failing the straight line sobriety check when all you’ve had is ice cold water from a bottle that numbs the hand ripping at the strap.

4. Kamikaze Flies

Speaking of magnets, what’s up with the kamikaze files?

• They’re the size of Kansas
• And love nose-diving at your face
• They buzz your head for miles

Picture this, an almost 60-year-old walker, decked out in 3-Day attire, balancing on one rocking foot while madly swatting at nose-diving flies.

Where’s America’s Funniest Home Videos when you need them? I could use that prize money.

5. Nature Call

Perhaps one of the biggest differences between my training in San Diego versus Boise are the gifts left behind.

• San Diego dog owners that don’t clean up after their pets have nothing on Boise
• Try avoiding the offerings from a horse that walked your same path
• Or its cousin, the flattened cow patty

And the 3-Day coaches warn you about looking out for traffic. At least I know the source of the Kamikaze flies.

Triumphs

For all my whining, there is a lot to love about training for the 3-Day Walk.

1. The Beauty of Nature

It’s only fair to share the other side of nature –

• The changing seasons
• The variety of birds and other animals

It never ceases to lift my spirit – despite #4 and #5 above.

2. The Mental and Physical Benefit

Not only is it rewarding mentally, but I actually exercise regularly during training season. Now, if I can just keep that up the other six months.

3. The Cause

It always comes back to the cause.

My sister, Terry, a 10+years breast cancer survivor, my teammates, and all the survivors and individuals affected by cancer are my inspiration. Their story is the truly fascinating one.

They are the reason why we walk.

What’s a few minor irritants?

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Live…Laugh…Love

P.S. I need to raise just under $1,000 in 2 1/2 months to reach the minimum required to walk. If you can help, click here or at the button on the sidebar to donate. Thank you.

Thank you all my contributors.

• Aaron Davis
• Blue Shield of California – company gift match via Preddis Sullivan
• Carol McCaffery
• Debbie Ressler
• Dianne & Steve Wingfield
• Dyann Bartus Calder
• Harriet Rotter Bell
• Heather Woodruff
• Jennifer Mattern
• Joe & Elaine Conway
• Julie Ewert
• Kevin P. Miller
• Kim Lemon
• Laura Wiggins
• Linda Barney
• Lori Widmer
• Preddis Sullivan
• Rachel Marturello
• Rita Wiggins
• Suzanne Whitlock
• Terri Parsons