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? :)