First 3-Day City - BOSTON

The Boston walkers started off this morning, with their first day of the 3-day... AND they are also the first city of this current 3-day season to kick everything off! :)

However, the heatwave in the East Coast did not help with the walk, and since safety is the priority. The temperatures soared to 97°F / 36°C !! The organizers made a decision to close the route down just before 1pm. Approximately 1500 walkers were transported back to camp! "The Day 1 route of the Boston 3-Day has been closed due to extreme heat. We are mobilizing those at Pits 2 and 3 to Pit 4, which will serve as lunch. From Pit 4 we will be transporting walkers back to camp."  As a walker wrote:

"It is not walking 60 miles that gets us closer to saving someone's life from breast cancer, it is your dedication to the cause, your education that you give others, the money that you raise to go to research, education and treatments. Just because you cannot walk the full amount, your safety comes first. You should be proud of your accomplishments already as others are thankful for what you have done already."

I heard that the celebrations continued into the night at camp! :)  I'm soooo looking forward to the SF Walk! I'be been searching YouTube and found videos of the opening ceremony. It's in 2 parts, totally to less than 10 minutes. I cried, I celebrated, I watched again... enjoy!

And the Countdown Begins! 60 Days Left for the 3-Day 60-Mile Walk!

Gosh! Has it really been 4 weeks since I last made a post? Well, I've not forgotten about you!  And so here I am!  Training has been going well. One of the last training sessions I had on June 26th, I drove 35 miles to Crissy Field, and during the first mile, I felt sick and unwell, and the pains in my legs were, well to say the least - painful!  So I ended up walking back to the car, and sat for about 30 minutes contemplating whether to wait for the group to come back at 10:30 and join them for the second 9-mile loop, or drive home.  I went home. And slept for the rest of the day, and weekend.  I think all the heat, late nights, and early Saturday morning just got to me.  Well, that was that weekend!

The following weekend was the long Jul 4th weekend, and I was out of town. Plus, there was no group training.  This weekend is the Avon 2-day walk, so no training either.... So, I've been training all by myself during the week.  A little boring, but also therapeutic, because when one has a lot on their mind, it helps to walk (or be on a gym machine) in solitude and think.

I also attended an Event Prep meeting a few days ago on 7 July. There, I learned the art of packing, blister care and how to set up and take down a tent! Very informative. There really is a technique to packing for the event! :)

In terms of fundraising, I've reached a total of $3436, which is 69% of my total fundraising goal of $5k.  I only have another $1564 to raise! I know I can do it! :)

Time to send out another email blast! :)

Mosaic Steps and the (Ugly) Step Sister Steps

Yesterday, since I bypassed the streets leading up to the Mosaic steps, and the second stairway - which I have since found to be called "The (Ugly) Sister Steps", I drove to Moraga and 15th Street, and climbed up the stairs. It took me 90 minutes to drive into the city. Noon traffic! I won't be doing that again! Next time, I'll make sure I'll leave earlier!

And I'm so glad I did! Not only were the mosaic designs beautiful, but the view breathtaking too! I've no idea how many miles it was, maybe 1, on a steep hill with the steps? I forgot to turn my GPS tracker on the cell phone on! :(  I think I shall make it a point, that if I don't go to an official training walk on a Sunday, I'll go elsewhere in San Francisco and be a tourist, and get some miles in! :)

One thing is for sure, the steps weren't that bad to climb up, although I did need to stop a couple of times. It was the coming downhill that I had to be careful! I had that "wobbly-leg-feeling" one gets when they come of a bike machine!

Mosaic Steps - View from Top 

Mosaic Steps - Going Up

Me - Right at the top! :)

The (Ugly) Step Sisters

Another 12 miles with the Hotties!

I had to drag myself out of bed this morning. I was just sooooo tired! My alarm went off at 4:15am, and I just kept snoozing it and snoozing it and snoozing it. And at 5:45am, I gave myself a pep-talk: "Dipa - if don't go today,you're going to have to go on Sunday! And if you go today, you have the option of going on Sunday!"  So, 15 minutes later, I jumped out of bed, took one of the quickest showers I have ever taken, and left my place at 6:20am. :) AND I am so glad that I did! It's just that initial push one needs.  We started the walk through the Presidio woods, and walked around San Francisco today. I will try and put a map of the route up! It was a beautiful day. I got to see parts of San Francisco I would never have seen on foot. Namely, those hills, which is one of the reasons why I don't like driving in SF!!

There was one street leading up to the Mosaic steps, which was deadly. I'm sure streets like that have some type  of gravity issue! So, another walker and I took a short cut bypassed the steps, but still made the daily goal of 12 miles, so I'm happy with that!

All in all, another beautiful day, and I'm a little stiff, but not as stiff as I am have been in the past. Lets see what Sunday holds. :))

Another Pin for $3k

Today, I reached over $3k in donations. $3,019 to be precise.  I did a little bit of FB status updates and sent another email out to a selection of friends. That generated 4 donations!

My focus is based around Fathers Day coming up this Sunday, with the message that men can get breast cancer too.

Did you know that men can get breast cancer too? Richard Roundtree who played John Shaft in the iconic 1971 film "Shaft" was diagnosed, and is a survivor! There are many more out there, even if the statistics are much less than women getting the disease. Don't you want a a better future for ourselves, our future generations, and those around us too? http://bit.ly/dipa3Day11

$3000
Milestone
Button!

And so, the trickles are coming in... Thank you all.  Oh, and heres my pin:

Opening and Closing Ceremonies!

I'm excited! And a little nervous at the same time! The "Spectator Information" for the San Francisco event have been posted up! The addresses for the opening and closing ceremonies have been posted up! And that's exciting! I'm a little nervous because, well, I need to get to the event between 5am-6am. Lets say 5:30am! Because I'm sure there'll be the need to sign in and things like that! YIKES! I'm sure time will fly, and soon, I'll be saying it's less than 8 1/2 days! Woohoo!

And below is my usual cut+paste way of keeping you posted! LOL

Before the Event
Getting ready for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure^® is a big job. Here are some ways to support your participant before the big day arrives.

• Write a letter expressing your love and support to your walker, which we’ll deliver to her/him on the event.
  Send letters to:
  3-Day for the Cure 
  ATTN: DIPA V (5905919)
  P.O.Box 78294
  San Francisco, CA 94107
  
  Envelopes only, please. No boxes or large packages. Mail must be postmarked no later than August 30th in order to ensure delivery at the 3-Day Camp Post Office. Please note: This address is not the actual location of camp, but a PO Box for mail delivery only. Any mail that is not received by the 3-Day by the date above or retrieved by the participant by September 25th will be destroyed.
• Organize a group to host your very own private cheering station. (Contact coaches@the3day.org for more information.)
• Organize a group of Camp Angels to assist participants with setting up and striking tents and unloading gear. (Contact coaches@the3day.org for more information.)
• Help raise money. Ask your participant how you can get involved in her/his fundraising plan.
• Join your participant on a training walk.

Opening Ceremony
The 3-Day for the Cure begins early Friday morning with the Opening Ceremony. When you arrive, take a moment to write the names of the people in your life who have lost their lives to breast cancer on the white ribbons we will provide. Those ribbons will be used to create a special memorial flag that will be raised during the ceremony.

This celebration is not just for participants. Friends and family are highly encouraged to attend, though please note that seating will not be available, so if you are unable to stand for 30-60 minutes, you may want to bring a folding chair. Please allow extra travel time due to expected traffic congestion at the site.

After the Opening Ceremony is over, participants will begin walking the 60-mile route and start a journey of a lifetime. It will be even more special if you are there to help send them off with smiles and encouragement.

Friday, September 9
Cow Palace
2600 Geneva Avenue
Daly City, CA 94014

Schedule for the Day:
4:00 a.m. - Crew members should arrive.
5:00 a.m. - 6:00 a.m. - Walkers should arrive.
6:30 a.m. - Opening Ceremony begins with community stretching.

Spectator Parking
Follow the signs and volunteer direction for spectator parking after dropping off your participant.

Public TransportationTake the San Francisco/Milbrae BART line to Balboa Park station. From Balboa Park station take the S.F. Muni Bus #9ax/9x Bayshore Express to the Cow Palace bus stop at the corner of Geneva Avenue and Santos Street. Other routes to the Cow Palace are available from the Transit Destinations website.

Cheering Stations
Cheering stations will be posted approximately 2 weeks prior for the event.

On some portions of the route you may find areas that are deemed “quiet zones” which will be indicated by signage on the route. Please assist us in respecting our neighborhoods and communities during this time.

Camp
Our campsite is meant to be a special place for your participants to relax, reflect and bond with the 3-Day community. To help us maintain a safe, secure and organized campsite for your loved ones, we ask that you respect our “no visitors” policy. Also, if you wish to call your walker or crew member on their cell phone, please do not call after 9:00 p.m. “lights out,” when camp is a quiet zone.

While at Home
Capture the 3-Day in the news: While walkers are taking steps to end breast cancer, save any media coverage of the 3-Day. Aside from being a nice addition to your participant's 3-Day memorabilia, it will show her/his impact on the community.

Engage the kids in the cause: Since holding down the fort may include taking care of the kids, you can make this time meaningful by connecting them with the breast cancer cause.

• Have them create signs or decorations if they are able to go to a cheering station.
• Have them create a welcome home banner.
• Give them journals so they can write or draw what they’ve been doing for three days.
• Have them plan a welcome home meal or put together a care package with goodies, movies, comfy slippers, etc.
• Use this as an opportunity to talk to your kids about community, helping others and making a difference in the world.

Closing Ceremony
After three days and 60 miles, participants will take a final and incredibly emotional victory walk into the Closing Ceremony. Friends, family and supporters should arrive at the Closing Ceremony site at least one hour early to get the best view of the program. We encourage you to carpool or take public transportation. Not only is it better for the planet, but it will help lessen traffic congestion for everyone.

All walkers and crew members should remain in the Participant Holding Area where they will receive a victory shirt, cheer on fellow walkers and crew members and celebrate one last time together before their dramatic victory walk. The Participant Holding Area is CLOSED to spectators. If you wish to meet with a participant before the Ceremony begins, please have them meet you at the Closing Ceremony site. All participants must return to the Holding Area no later than 4:30 p.m. in order to join the victory walk.

Don't forget to continue the spirit of kindness we'll be building on the 3-Day throughout and beyond the Closing Ceremony!

Sunday, September 11
5:00 p.m.

Marina Green
Marina Boulevard & Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA 94123

Parking
Parking is limited. Please car pool or take public transportation. Public parking is available at lots east of Marina Green near Fort Mason and on surrounding streets.

Public Transportation
Muni Lines Near Marina Green: 10 Townsend, 22 Fillmore, 28 - 19th Avenue, 30 Stockton, 47 Van Ness, 49 Van Ness/Mission. Call MUNI for details (see below).

Bay Area-Wide Transit Information: http://www.transit.511.org/ or dial 511 (or 817-1717) from any area code in the Bay Area counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano and Sonoma.

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) - http://www.bart.gov/ or 510-465-2278

Golden Gate Transit - http://www.goldengate.org/ or 415-455-2000

SamTrans/CalTrain - http://www.caltrain.com/ or 800-660-4287

Municipal Railway (MUNI) - http://www.sfmuni.com/ or 415-673-6864


After the Event
Your participant has participated in two emotional celebrations, a challenging 60-mile journey and a life-changing experience in just three days. Now, it’s time to go back home. Here are some tips on how to help your walker make a smooth transition back to their daily routine.

• Have a welcome home meal prepared and make it an evening of rest and relaxation.
• Encourage your participant to share the 3-Day experience.
• If you can’t attend the Closing Ceremony, be sure to ask how much money was raised!
• Unpack, clean and put away gear.
• Share the newspaper articles or news footage that you’ve collected over the weekend.
• The following day, give your participant a massage or schedule a day of pampering at a spa.
• In the days to come, help your participant write thank you notes.
• Print pictures and assemble a scrapbook.
• Help your participant plan a reunion party to keep in touch with other walkers.
• Get ready to do it all over again! Maybe you’ll be joining the 3-Day in 2012!

Park Central Fitness Center and then a Dip

Yes, it really was a dip in the pool and the hot tub...  And I will tell you about it... So, I went to the fitness center with my iPad... And it was fun, just being on the eliptical and being able to flip the pages. Then I went onto the bike. Yes, I do feel as if I took it a little easy today, but I was exhausted! :(

Anyway, the dip... I wanted to see how warm the hot tub and pool were, so just dipped my fingers! And the hot-tun was lovely, as was the pool.  So, I think on Saturday after coming back from the training walk, I'll be taking a dip! :)

Day of Rest and then Back to Schedule

Monday was a day of rest... Tuesday = back to schedule....

1 rep... 2 reps... 3 reps...

Okay, now I'm hurting! :( But, no pain no gain, so it's bitter sweet I guess!

Equity Residential Fitness Center

Today, I went to the fitness center in my apartment complex, and worked on the weight machines to start to strengthen my upper and lower body muscles.

I'll fill in more later. Its nearly 9:30pm, and I want to go to sleep!

Night night!

3 Bridges, 14 Miles and Lots of Compassion!

I was sleeping at midnight last night... And then my alarm went off at 4:30am... Oh how I wanted to stay in bed and sleep, Sleep and SLEEP!  I must have snoozed a couple of times, and eventually jumped out of bed at 5:15am.  I took too long in the shower... Thankfully, I had some bananas so that was my breakfast. I left at 6am, to drive to the Warming Hut Hotties meetup point at Crissy Field. I arrived at 6:40am, just in time to sign the waiver and provide an emergency contact, and off we went...

It was a little chilly in the morning, but the walking warmed my up quite quickly. 14 miles. Over the Golden Gate Bridge - by foot, and under the GGB too! Through Sausalito - which is beautiful... Looped back, and went under and later over the GGB bridge again... and back. Just over 14 miles... I was tired, but not as tired as in the past. BUT, I still need to strength my leg muscles and build up stamina for hills and stairs, and increase my speed just a little more. It will happen, I know it will. Because there is no other way.

So, after arriving back at my car, I had my lunch, and rested for about 30 minutes before leaving for the TEDx lecture on Compassion. And was that at wonderful experience or what! It was wonderful! I'm so glad I went, even though I was tired. Nipun, the founder of CharityFocus was the third last speaker - around 8:20pm. I'm thankful I stayed until then, and am so proud to associate myself with CharityFocus and Karma Kitchen.

I didn't get home until after 10pm... Had something to eat, and then had a hot shower and crashed.  Oh, before sleeping, I cancelled my RSVP for the Sunday walk. I don't want to over do it!

Oh, and about the 3 bridges.  Well, to get to the WHH meeting point in the morning, I drove over the Bay Bridge. Then I did the walk both ways over the Golden Gate Bridge. To get to the TEDx lecture, I drove over the GFB, and then onto the Richmond-Dan Rafael Bridge.

Online Check-in & Event Waiver!

I'm in an extremely hot PHX right now... The online check-in for the San Francisco race opened today, and I just I just completed my online check-in for the event! Woopeedeedoo!

I just had to:

1. Confirm my profile
2. Answer a medical history form
3. Read and agree to the event waiver (and I've copied and pasted this below!)
4. Watch a 14 minute safety video and take a quiz
5. Sign up for the towel service
6. Verified my fundraising summary (yes, I've met my minimum target!)
7. Select my tentmate

Below is a copy of the event waiver.

I wish to participate in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure® (the '3-Day for the Cure') and/or any pre-season activity leading up to the 3-Day for the Cure (the 3-Day for the Cure and all pre-season activities leading up to the 3-Day for the Cure are collectively referred to herein as the 'Event'). If I am registering as a walker, I will be at least 16 years or older by the end of 2011. During the 3-Day for the Cure, minors under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is also a registered walker. If I am registering as a crew member, I will be at least 18 years old on the date the 3-Day for the Cure commences.
I understand that all donations processed by the 3-Day for the Cure donation office are non-refundable and non-transferable, even if I do not participate in the 3-Day for the Cure. I also understand that the $90 registration fee is non-refundable, non-transferable, and not tax deductible. If I am registering as a walker, I understand that I must raise at least $2,300 in order to participate in the 3-Day for the Cure. If I have not reached my fundraising minimum of $2,300 by the date the 3-Day for the Cure commences, I may opt to make an instant self-donation or a delayed self-donation (as explained in the 'Participant FAQ' at http://www.the3day.org and subject to certain restrictions if I am registered to participate in multiple 3-Day for the Cure Events within one year), or I may choose not to participate.
WALKER AND CREW WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND IMAGE RELEASE (PLEASE READ AND AGREE BELOW)
I agree that any and all representations made and releases, waivers, covenants, consents and permissions given by me hereunder are given on behalf of me and any and all of my minor children or persons over whom I have guardianship participating in or attending the Event.
WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITYI understand that the Event is a potentially hazardous activity, and I hereby voluntarily assume full and complete responsibility for, and the risk of, any injury or accident that may occur during my participation in the Event or while on Event premises (collectively referred to herein as 'my participation').
I understand that during my participation, I will be using public streets and facilities where many hazards exist, and I am aware of and appreciate the risks that may result. I am also aware that accidents may occur during my participation that could result in serious injury or death. My participation is voluntary with knowledge of all such risks.
In consideration for being permitted to participate in the Event, I hereby agree to assume all risks and to release, hold harmless and covenant not to sue Event 360, Inc., Komen, or any sponsors, officials, volunteers, participating clubs, communities, organizations, friends of the 3-Day for the Cure, including the 3-Day for the Cure medical partner, medical director and members of the medical team and all other government or public entities including, but not limited to, the Department of Transportation, and affiliated organizations and all of the above-listed entities' respective directors, officers, agents, employees and members, and all other persons or entities associated with the Event (collectively, 'the releasees'), for any claim, loss or liability that I may have arising out of my participation or any fundraising activities associated with my participation, including but not limited to, personal injury, death or property damage suffered by me or others, whether such losses, liabilities, or claims be caused by falls, contact with and/or the actions of other participants, contact with fixed or non-fixed objects, contact with animals, conditions of the Event premises, negligence or carelessness of the releasees, risks not known to me or not reasonably foreseeable at this time, or otherwise.I intend by this Waiver and Release of Liability to release in advance, and to waive my rights and to discharge all of the releasees from all claims, losses or liabilities for death, bodily injury or property damage that I may have, or which may hereafter accrue to me, as a result of my participation, even though that liability may arise from negligence or carelessness on the part of the releasees, from dangerous or defective property or equipment owned, maintained or controlled by them or because of their possible liability without fault. I understand and agree that this Waiver and Release of Liability is binding on my heirs, assigns and legal representatives.
I am physically capable of completing the event. I understand that it is recommended that I discuss my participation with my primary health care provider. If I am aware of or under treatment for any physical infirmity, ailment or illness, I have discussed the event and my participation with my medical care provider(s) familiar with such condition and he/she has approved my participation. I will maintain personal health insurance at all times during my participation. I acknowledge that I, and I alone, am solely responsible for my personal health and safety, and the personal property I bring with me in connection with my participation. I will read the Event description and rules for my participation and I will abide by all rules and regulations established by the Event organizers and personnel as well as the local vehicle code. I further agree that my participation is subject to the sole discretion of the Event organizers and the Komen 3-Day for the Cure medical director, and that my participation may be limited for medical or other safety-related reasons. In the event of injury, accident or illness during my participation, I consent to receive, and authorize Event organizers, officials, volunteers, participants and spectators to use their discretion to administer, first aid, medical care and/or medical treatment.
I understand that I am solely responsible and liable for all aspects of the fundraising activities associated with my participation in the Event, including, but not limited to, the safe and lawful conduct of any fundraising activities and ensuring that such activities are conducted in a professional manner. I further agree to (i) comply with all laws relating to the promotion and conduct of any fundraising activities associated with my participation; (ii) file all appropriate registrations as may be required or necessary for promoting and conducting any fundraising activities associated with my participation; and (iii) obtain all permits, releases, consents, licenses, and approvals as may be required or necessary for promoting and conducting any fundraising activities associated with my participation.
I understand that, in connection with my participation, I have Komen's permission to use the special 3-Day for the Cure walker/crew logos and use of these special logos is provided for the appropriate personal use of 3-Day participants only. I understand that I do not have permission to, and will not use, any other logo, phrase, name or trademark that is the property of Komen without Komen's prior written approval. I understand that Komen is the legal owner of many logos, phrases, names and trademarks that are related to breast cancer awareness and the search for the cures for breast cancer, including the 3-Day for the Cure name, the 3-Day for the Cure logo, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® name, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® logo, the Komen Running Ribbon, Race for the Cure®, and a family of 'for the Cure' and 'for a Cure' marks (collectively, 'Komen Marks'). I hereby acknowledge Komen's ownership of the Komen Marks, and agree not to contest or assist others to contest the ownership and validity of them, and further agree I will not, without written license from Komen, use any Komen Mark or any logo, phrase, name or trademark that is confusingly similar to a Komen Mark. Any use of the Komen Marks by me (whether or not authorized by Komen), including the use of the special 3-Day for the Cure walker/crew logos, and any goodwill associated therewith, shall inure to the benefit of Komen.
If I am a crew member, I understand that the Event consists of a variety of activities to prepare for and support the Komen 3-Day for the Cure. These activities include working outdoors and may include lifting of objects up to 70 lbs.
In consideration for being permitted to participate in the Event, I hereby agree to adhere to the policies of the 3-Day for the Cure, including without limitation the 3-Day for the Cure fundraising policies. I understand that the Event organizers reserve the right, in their sole discretion, to refuse registration and/or participation to anyone at any time before or during the Event.
The following language only applies to any Event held in California: This Waiver and Release of Liability extends to claims and facts unknown and unsuspected to exist at the time of executing this Waiver and Release of Liability. All rights under Section 1542 of the California Civil Code are hereby expressly waived with respect to any of the claims, injuries, or damages described in this Waiver and Release of Liability. Section 1542 of the California Civil Code reads as follows:
A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN BY HIM MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR.
IMAGE RELEASEI understand that my name, picture, voice, or likeness, and information related to my participation in the Event (e.g. participant number, team name), whether the foregoing is captured by photograph, videotape, audiotape or any other recording, (collectively 'image') may be used for all promotional purposes related to the Event by Event 360, Inc., Komen, and their respective successors and assigns, sponsors, licensees, affiliates, and employees (collectively 'grantees'). I hereby grant to the grantees the irrevocable, perpetual and worldwide right to (i) use my image in promotional materials or for any other legitimate purpose, (ii) create composite or computer-manipulated materials from my image, (iii) use, reproduce, publish, exhibit, distribute, and transmit my image in any media, including but not limited to print material, television, film, internet, DVD, and CD-ROM, and (iv) assign the above rights to third parties. I waive the right to inspect or approve my image or materials that incorporate my image. I understand that I will receive no compensation in connection with the use of my image. I release the grantees from any liability, damages, or claims resulting from the use of my image, including claims for libel or invasion of privacy. I understand and agree that the terms of this paragraph are binding on my heirs, assigns, and legal representatives.
GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITYIn consideration of my entry, and of my own free will, I for myself, my heirs, executors and administrators, forever waive, release and give up any and all claims, demands, liability, damages, costs and expenses of any kind whatsoever (including personal injuries to me or my wrongful death) against the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District, its Officers, Directors, employees, representatives, agents, contractors and subcontractors which may arise from my participation in the event on Saturday, September 10, 2011, or while traveling to or from the event, even if caused in whole or in part by the negligence or other fault of the parties or persons I am hereby releasing, by the dangerous or defective condition of any property or equipment owned, maintained or controlled by them and/or because of their liability without fault. I FULLY UNDERSTAND I AM FOREVER GIVING UP, IN ADVANCE, ANY RIGHT TO SUE OR MAKE ANY CLAIM AGAINST THE PARTIES I AM RELEASING IF I SUFFER SUCH INJURIES AND DAMAGES, EVEN THOUGH I DO NOT KNOW WHAT OR HOW EXTENSIVE THOSE INJURIES AND DAMAGES MIGHT BE, AND AM VOLUNTARILY ASSUMING THE RISK OF SUCH INJURIES AND DAMAGES.
In the event any provision of this Waiver and Release of Liability and Image Release is deemed unenforceable by law, (i) Komen and/or Event 360, Inc. shall have the right to modify such provision to the extent necessary to be deemed enforceable; and (ii) all other provisions of this Waiver and Release of Liability and Image Release shall remain in full force and effect.
I have carefully read this Waiver and Release of Liability and Image Release and fully understand its contents. I am aware that by agreeing to this Waiver and Release of Liability and Image Release, I am waiving substantial legal rights, and knowing this, I agree of my own free will without any inducement, assurance or guarantee being made to me and intend my check of the 'agree' box to be a complete and unconditional release of liability to the greatest extent allowed by law.

12 mile walk done!

I woke up at 5am to leave at 6am to drive 50 miles for the Warming Hut Hotties 12 mile training walk!

And, I completed 12.20 miles in 4h:14m:38s, burning 1340 calories! Isn't that awesome!

$2300
Milestone
Button!

AND - I've reached my $2300 minimum fundraising target today! I've raised $2333 in total, in 37 days since registering and sending the first email out! I'm still 46% of reaching my $5k target - so I'm not even halfway there! Lets see what the next few days hold now! :)

Race day is 95 days and 9 hours away! I can do this! We can all do this! Woopeedeedoo! :))

An Interesting Question, 3 Questions in Fact!

‎On Friday, I decided to try a social experiment. Whenever I post something on Facebook, whether a status update, or a link to an article (you know what I mean), there are always folks who comment or "Like" the post. So, I decided to post up the following:

... If you found out I have cancer:
(1) What would you say?
(2) How would it make you feel?
(3) What would you do?

And it's been over 24 hours, and not one comment! Not one "Like" either! :) I'm hoping that friends are thinking about the questions I posted. I know it's all hypothetical. But still... My reason for asking these questions, is that people tend to take action only after something has happened. Why wait until then? I guess, its human nature...

So, lets see what Sunday evening holds... I have something else up my sleeve to try and get folks to think and make a donation! :)

Black Asics Gel Kayano 17 and Other Goodies!

My black asics Gel Kayano 17 running shoes arrived today! And the insoles for them (because I have high arches!) I've been wearing them for the last 3 hours. I'm trying to break into them.... Although, I'm not sure how much breaking in I'm doing, because I'm just sitting down at my computer.  But they are lovely! And I saved $42 on the total cost!

And my Thorlo Women's Pink Pad Breast Cancer Socks arrived. And these are just soooo comfortable and soft!

And so did my Texsport Self-Inflating Deluxe Mattress and the inflatable pillow!

I'm all set baby! I just need to keep up with the training, raise some more funds (I'm $2 away from my minimum $2300), get a few more pieces of apparel. Woohoo!

Boo-hoo :( and a Woo-hoo! :)

At 10:19am this morning, I received an email this morning from the Warming Hut Hotties (now isn't that a cute name?) :)

Note the fact that I (and 42 other walkers) am referred to as a "Beautiful Walker!" :))

So, I was bummed this morning when I first saw the reg bold letters Saturday Walk - CANCELLED. However, the Sunday walk is still on, which is great! :) AND, there are 6 more walks for the month of June which the WHHs have organized. And guess who has signed up for all of these? Go on, don't be shy! Take a guess. :) Yes, it's me! :))

San Francisco - 16 Mile Walk
Date and Time: 06/11/2011 6:30 AM-1:00 PM PST

San Francisco - 12 Mile Walk
Date and Time: 06/12/2011 7:00 AM-12:30 PM PST

San Francisco - 12 Mile Walk
Date and Time: 06/19/2011 7:00 AM-12:30 PM PST

San Francisco - 9 Mile Walk (first of two loops)
Date and Time: 06/25/2011 6:30 AM-9:45 AM PST

San Francisco - 9 Mile Walk (second of two loops)
Date and Time: 06/25/2011 10:00 AM-1:15 PM PST

San Francisco - 14 Mile Walk
Date and Time: 06/26/2011 6:30 AM-12:45 PM PST

The last 3 are going to be great! An 18 mile and 14 mile walk both back-to-back!

And so the Countdown begins!

Only 101 days left to the 60-mile walk! Should I be saying "Yippie!" or "Yikes!" LOL :)

I just ordered my second pair of asics - these are the same as the first pair but in black. And I ordered a self inflating twin mattress.

Its all about planning, preparing and training! Woohoo!

And yes, I do know I need to post the photos up from my last shopping expedition, and this one...

And I know I've been away, and not updating the blog. BUT its just been one of those (last) weeks! I lost a cavity filling on Thursday morning - which explained why brushing my teeth was so sensitive! And then in the office I ended up spilling a while grande cup of Starbucks coffee all over my laptop! I am never going to take the lid off and lick the foamy milk off.  Oh, and it was a triple-shot Caramel Macchiato! :(  So, you can imagine how yummy the foamy milk was! :'( On the way home, my SIGG bottle leaked on my Blackberry, so that was out of commission too!

Anyway, laptop is dead. Completely dead. Work shipped a replacement machine, which came on Friday. And I tried and tried to remove the hard drive from that and try coffee'd drive in there, just to see if it worked, and just couldn't take the darn drive out! I went to Frys late Friday night (just before they were closing - so imagine the long and crazy lines at the checkout) with the new laptop, and coffee'd hard drive to purchase a portable hard drive reader like this one. The technician looked at the new laptop when I explained I couldn't get the hard drive out, and he looked at me, as if I was a blonde, and said "it's screwed in!" DUH!  I mean, the coffee'd laptop didn't have the hard drive screwed in, so I didn't know! Who would think I worked in technology? . I tried the hard drive reader on the new machine, and then my home laptop with the new hard drive - just to check that the reader wasn't faulty - and it wasn't. I'm unable to recover my data from my hard drive. Its dead. I've learned a valuable lesson - always, Always, ALWAYS make regular backups and be more careful when you have a full cup of coffee near a laptop! :(

Oh, the BB is up and running again. On Saturday morning I surfed the internet as to how I could pull it apart, and came across several posts about leaving the phone in some uncooked rice. Uncooked rice sucks the moisture out. So, thats what I did. And on Monday evening, put the phone back together (battery, case, etc) and it works! :)

And so, I need to make a dentist appointment to get my cavity filled ... again! I only had it filled in February this year! Ouch!

Susan G. Komen - 3-Day for the Cure - 2011 Getting Started Video

This is the video I watched in a meeting, which made me cry! Watch it. Read the description... And you'll know why thousands of people all over the country are participating in the 3-day walk.

This video is 6:15 minutes long. During the time it takes you to watch it, over 5 women across the world will loose their life to breast cancer! That's one every 69 seconds. :( One person's Mother, another person's sister, a daughter, a wife, an Aunt or a best friend... :(

I watched this video during my "Getting Started" meeting. Never had I attended a meeting and cried. I was moved beyond words at what I've heard and seen! I had to find this video and share it with everyone! "The cure starts with me, you, You and YOU!"

It will take you less than 69 seconds to make a donation! your donation will be put to use the next day! If you'd like to make a donation, my fundraising website. Or you can donate to any other participant by clicking on the [Donate to a Participant] button from the 3 Day event website. You can also find further information from here too.

Thank you. Lets be part of the solution, and not wait for reality to hit us hard, and then try and do something! Lets try and find that cure sooner rather than later, and make the future better for our children!

Sore...

I'm sore. Everything hurts, except Arnoldi and his companion (Lefty Ankle!) Seriously!  I took part in the San Francisco 16 week training Kick Off on Saturday and then then the 8 mile training walk through Pleasanton.  The Saturday walk was pleasant. Not that I'm saying that the Sunday walk in Pleasanton wasn't pleasant! It was the one hill we walked on Sunday during our first hour which nearly made me want to turn around and go back to my car and the drive home!  BUT I made it! And I am so So SO darn sore! It shows me how much more training I need to do, and that on other terrains too. I am grateful to the other walkers who gave encouragement. That was nice.  So much so, I've signed up for 2 more walks, back to back on a Saturday and a Sunday in 2 weeks time! These are longer, but not as hilly...

San Francisco - 14 Mile Walk
Date and Time: 06/04/2011 6:30 AM-12:30 PM PST

San Francisco/San Mateo - Up to 12 Miles
Date and Time: 06/07/2011 7:00 AM-12:00 PM PST

However, I do have another 8-mile Hilly Training Walk this coming Saturday, May 28!

The nice part of Saturday was that being in Sports Basement, we were given a 20% coupon on any merchandise we purchased. So of course, being the shopper I am, I purchased my Nathan Hydration backpack, a warm-up hoodie (which I love) and a lighweight rain jacket (which I love and can wear on any occasion too!) I'll post some photos up later!  I then went to TJ Maxx and purchased a pair of mid-thigh running shorts and a reebok top. And 2 mini woks. One for me, and one for my UK family for when I go! I know my Mother and SiL are going to love it! And the two nieces too! :) Its a girly thing!

On Sunday, I went on my walk all kitted out - shoes, socks, shorts, t-shirt, hydration pack and warm-up jacket! After the walk, I went to See Jane Run in Danville. They give the SGK walkers a 20% discount on any day! So, I ended up purchasing a sports bra (and I'm not going to post a photo up), another 2 pairs of socks and a "oh so comfy I want to wear this 24/7) pair of running capris!

Today, being Monday, I had to complete my shopping.... I purchased another 3 pairs of socks, a Camelback 0.5L bottle, which I can hook onto the front of my hydration pack, as I need to have my electrolyte drink too, and a pink ribbon cookie cutter!

I promise I will post up photos soon! Of most things, and definitely not of the bra! :p

Scientists cure cancer, but no one takes notice ?

Hmmm... First read this.... Scientists cure cancer, but no one takes notice

Then read this... Potential cancer drug DCA tested in early trials

Scheduled Training Walks

This morning I signed up for the following training walks:

San Francisco 16 week training Kick Off
Date and Time: 05/21/2011 8:45 AM-10:00 AM PST

8 mile training walk through Pleasanton
Date and Time: 05/22/2011 9:00 AM-12:00 PM PST

8-mile Hilly Training Walk
Date and Time: 05/28/2011 8:00 AM-11:00 AM PST

10-mile Hilly Training Walk
Date and Time: 06/11/2011 7:30 AM-11:30 AM PST

12-mile Hilly Training Walk
Date and Time: 06/25/2011 7:30 AM-12:00 PM PST

It's good to get these walks into my schedule and block out my calendar. The Hilly Training Walks are all 2 weeks apart, and it will be good to train with other people too!

And then at the end of July, I plan to do my back-to-back 20 mile walk! Woohoo!

Farmers Market

What better way to spend a Thursday evening, than to walk around the local Farmers Market?

I probably clocked about 1.5 miles... Only because I was deep in thought on my walk back, and ended up walking past my apartment complex... Otherwise, I think my mileage would have been just over a mile.

YAY! To being deep in though! LOL

Let my thoughts be pure...

‎"Let my thoughts be pure. Let my deeds be excellent. Let my love be forever. Let my service be determined, and let my existence be courage" ~ Yogi Bhajan (via my friend Manu)

I have to say, when I read the aboue FB status update this morning, I thought "wouldn't the world be a better place if everyone lived as the quote?"  All I know, is that a cancer sufferer and their families live by that quote each and every day, every minute, every second. Do you?

3-Day for the Cure Get Started Meeting

I attended my first Getting Started meeting today.

I'm totally moved!

Never have I attended a meeting and cried... Cried with other participants who were moved too... I am moved beyond words at what I've heard and seen today!  And during those 90 minutes in that meeting, another 78 women would die of breast cancer - worldwide!

I've tried to search for the video which was shown today, but wasn't able to find it. I watched a few other videos and well, the waterworks started again... I think my eyes are going to be puffier than my ankles after 60-miles in 3-days! Anyway, I've emailed the organizers, and I hope to receive something further information on it.

"The cure starts with me, you, You and YOU!" ♥

A Birthday Donation

"It's my Birthday, so I decided to make a donation!" No silly, not my birthday, but one of my donors! :)

This is what we need to do. Do something nice for other people on our birthday too! It's not all about receiving, its about giving too!

See, I told you I have the nicest donors!  Happy Birthday M!

(Anyway, now I need to leave for work! And this evening, I have my first team meeting. See you all later!)

I'm floored! WOW

Today has been a great day for donations... Yesterday, I had raised 26% of my total goal. Today, at 4:30pm 10:30pm PST, it's 36% 37%.  And I have only been fundraising for 10 days!  Today has been a been a total record breaker! Not only did I receive the most number of individual donations, but one of the largest too! And the sum of all 8 is the most I've received in one day!! I feel so humbled and speechless! I'm just so blown away by your generosity, kindness and words of encouragement! ♥

Sometimes, when I receive a donation, I just get tears in my eyes. I become overwhelmed with peoples generosity... I am humbled by each and every person's generosity.  If I can raise $10k, I'll raise $10k! If it means I need to walk in 2 races, I'll walk in 2 races! I want to go far beyond my goal. Lets see what the next few months hold! :)

I am grateful to the company I work for and their generosity. If you're looking for a job, thinking of changing careers/companies, or know of someone - then check out our recruitment page, and then contact me! :)  You all know I love the work I do, and the company I work for! :))

Yeah, and I love data... so below are 2 charts showing my progress!  You can click on them to see a slightly bigger version.  The first one is a Gauge, showing the total donations to date, and how I am marking my milestones. The second one is a trendline with a cumulative running total of the donations coming in,

● 60 miles - 3 days - 2 Divas - 1 cure ●

"The RaDiCal Divas" have a Facebook fundraising page! You can check it out here:

● 60 miles - 3 days - 2 Divas - 1 cure ●

Happy *International* Mothers Day!

Happy *International* Mothers Day to all the Mothers and Motherly figures out there. The UK had their celebrations a month ago! And what a great start I had to this day when I received a donation in honor of a Mother! Thank you, and you too can do something extra nice today! ♥

Update: And I've just received another one from my friends in the UK! Thank you Jo & Glen! ♥ :)

What's the biggest donation someone can make?

By signing up for the walk too! I'm proud to say that Radhika will be joining me in the race! The RaDiCal Divas are back!

For those who do not know Radhika - you can read about her Birthday treats here...

My First 2.4+ Miles

The arrangement: Meet my 2 besties for dinner this evening.
The condition: A place where I can walk to!

Now that Arnoldi has a new pair of friends, I'm willing to walk a reasonable distance to get to where I need to be. Not like 5 miles to get to a place in my first 2 weeks, because that would be just ridiculous since I need to gradually increase my distance!

So, we decided to meet at BJs. I'd purchased my asics, got home, had 30 mins before I left again. I had timed myself an hour to get there, since I've not walked for a while. The restaurant is around 2.4 miles away.

I think it took me approximately 45 minutes to get there. It was a beautiful warm evening, The only thing I wasn't expecting was the wind towards me at times. But that's okay. I need to be able to train in all types of weather.

Had a lovely evening. My Bestie's besties came too! So that was nice. I had a ride back home since it was 10pm by the time we left the restaurant. And it was freezing!!!  I must remember to take a fleeze and wrap it around my waiste... Summer isn't quite here in California! LOL

Oh yeah, and I wore my pedometer! I can't wait to download the data and view the stats!

Arnoldi is Happy!

Arnoldi is happy. I've just come back from Road Runner Sports in Concord after have my feet fitted with a lovely pair of asics Gel Kayano 17 running shoes. Since my arches are high, I also had a pair of support insoles too. And 3 pairs of running socks.

I loved my experience at Road Runner Sports. The Sales Representative used their Shoe Dog application (on a 40-inch touch screen) and tools to find the best pair of shoes for me.  They checked arch type (I have high arches), the balance (52%  on Lefty, 48% on Arnoldi), and the pressure (uneven). They had me walk/jog on a treadmill so they could analyze  my trot (which is out - my feet point outwards) and the foot flexibility (which is semi-flex).  They even asked which type of sock I prefer (no show, ankle, mini crew, or crew!)

You can try Shoe Dog on the internet.

Phone Clinic - Pre-Event Prep: Training

I had my first phone clinic today. From 6pm - 7:40pm. I have to say, the Susan G. Komen 3-Day race is one of the best organized events I have come across. The organizer had sent our an email the day before with a PDF attachment of the slides. And the speaker was a 10-year veteran. Totally amazing!

We went over the following topics, and as the weeks progress, and I attend more meetings, I'll try and write up a little more on what I learn, and my experiences.

• Creating a training plan - there is a 16-week plan available in the participants page of resources. Also programs such as www.mapmyrun.com and others to plan your route.
• Stretching - very important before, during and after the race. Just because it's a walk, doesn't mean you don't stretch!
• Nutrition (day-to-day and while walking) - will be burning approximately 100 calories per mile, therefore it's important to have a balanced diet.
• Hydration (day-to-day and while walking) - need to drink at least 8 glasses of water before the event. This will help build the moisture in the cells before you begin the BIG walk! It also means you'll be peeing every hour (3 miles) and that is okay!
• Treating sore muscles - baths, icy-packs, ben-jay, hot baths!
• Blister prevention care - listen to your body! Treat those hot spots before they becoming burning spots! Can use vaseline, bodyglide, talcumn powder in socks!
• Staying motivated - change your training route! Learn some motivational songs! Encourage others too!

I'm so looking forward to an onsite meeting I'm attending next week! Woohoo!

WOW!

I walked it to the BART station today with my Pedometer. Before leaving for work this morning, I emailed a few more of my friends and included some clients I had worked closely with.  On the way to work, I received an email from one of my clients. Myself and one of our Directors from our SF office had been copied in. My client had forwarded my email to everyone in her company! I was totally blown away and had tears in my eyes! What a wonderful gesture! Below is a copy of the email. For confidentiality reasons, I've removed some of the words so the company and individual remain anonymous. (However, I did forward the email onto the my company's executives later that evening!)

In addition to [company name] staff being so charitable, so are our vendors. Dipa is one of the consultants from [company name] who has worked with us for the past several years in improving our Salesforce instance. For example, if it wasn’t for Dipa, we wouldn’t have over 8,000 [something something] in Salesforce. She created an incredibly simple process to upload these data on a quarterly basis. No task is too challenging, and she executes projects with accuracy and a smile. She’s a real pleasure to work with and she loves our group.

In reading Dipa’s email below, I was really struck by two things: 1) her commitment to finding a cure for cancer and 2) her ability to overcome physical challenges. In 2008 she completed the San Francisco Marathon and was the 5^th highest fundraiser in the entire race and the top fundraiser for the California Breast Cancer Research Program.

And while you may know many people who have completed the 60-mile walk for breast cancer, Dipa’s commitment to this walk is especially inspirational because she not only recently had ankle surgery. She had ankle surgery twice. After dealing with two ankle surgeries, I can imagine that it would be challenging to walk a mile. Dipa’s going to walk 60!

If you are unable to donate to Dipa’s cause, I hope that you will find her commitment an inspiration and put an even bigger smile on your face on this beautiful Thursday.

WOW! I was in awe for the rest of the day, with the biggest smile on my face!

My Niece and Her Friends!

Today, I was working from home. My eldest Niece (Lets call her Niece No.1) IMs me, asking me what my website was. I ask her does she want my fundraising website or the donation website?  She replied back with "it's okay, I found it".

Two minutes later I receive a donation notification email. The donor is from the UK, and someone I do not know! I immediately wonder whether my nieces had been collecting sponsorship money and then using their parents credit card to register the donation! So I call my family back in the UK to find out more (this is the 4th call to the UK I'm making today!)  I then find out that my niece had told her friends, and her friends had started donating! One of them (bless him!) did not know of the exchange rate, so made a second donation!

I'm so proud of my nieces to take this initiative and to help this cause! As the saying goes, "Sangathan mein shakti hai!" Simply translated as "In unity there is strength!"

It's Arrived!

My pedometer has arrived! Woohoo! Amazon.com delivery service rocks, and being  a Prime Member certainly pays off!

(20 minutes later...)

I've managed to calibrate my pedometer. Its so cool, and not as big as I though!  I would advise anyone who starts to calibrate their pedometer with the 10 steps, to make sure that the area you are walking in is clear, and you don't need to circumvent around any furniture, even a little! Make sure that line is straight! LOL

I'm Moved!

I'm totally moved by all the donations coming in! I've raised $492 which is 9.84% of my target - in just 4 days! Donations have been coming in from people who I have not been in contact with for a couple of years.  This is tremendous! A step in the right direction, but still a way to go!  Thank you all!

Pedometer

I like numbers, and I like counting things. Give me a set of numbers or a spreadsheet and I'll do something fancy with it! Yet, I suck at maths! LOL!  So, today I ordered a pedometer. Some websites recommend pedometers, others are totally against them.  They have their reasons, and one of the main ones is that the pedometer needs to be calibrated properly based on a persons stride. And a persons stride will vary during the course of a walk. Hence the number of steps in a mile will vary. Anyway, I know that. But I still like counting and numbers. And with this I can download my statistics to my computer, import it into the software, and have some cool looking graphs!

And if you want to see what the charts look like, then check this out (note, it's not my own results. Mine hasn't arrived yet!):

Cool, nah? :)

The Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure™

It's official... Today, I signed up for the The Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure™ race... This a 60-mile walk in San Francisco.

Every 3 minutes, a woman in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer. That's 1 in 8 women! :(

Without a cure, one person will die from breast cancer every 13 minutes in the United States! And somewhere in the world, a woman dies from breast cancer every 69 seconds. :((

Am I crazy, or what? After 2 ankle surgeries, to be walking for 3 days, 60 miles... No, I am not crazy! I am just passionate about raising awareness about Breast Cancer, and to make a difference.

Simply because, everyone deserves the chance of a lifetime and you can give that gift by donating now.

Watch this space to see how I get on, and what I'm trying to achieve... So tell me, how will you make a difference? :)