Week 1: Wrap Up

I just got home from my last training walk for week 1.

A few week 1 statistics:

Miles walked: 14
Days of treadmill boredom: 1
Walks on the National Mall: 2
Photos of the Capitol and/or Washington Monument taken: 5
Walks with a friend: 1
Weeks to go: 15

I think I've figured out what my routine will be, at least for the first few weeks when it is very cold and getting dark early. I'll do the Tuesday walks on the treadmill at work, begrudgingly. Before work if I can actually get to the gym with enough time to allow for a 52 minute walk, showering there and still getting to my desk by 9. As I am not a morning person, this is a stretch, so after work is more likely.

Thursday walks will be done downtown, on my own, leaving the office by 4:45 to capitalize on some added daylight. These walks have a high probability of including monument photos each week as my office is 3 blocks off the National Mall and it makes for a nice walking route because there aren't as many street crossings to deal with as just being in the neighborhood. Also, the sun will be setting, making for even better photo ops that I just can't resist. I've lived here for six years now and I still can't seem to step foot on the mall without taking at least a few pictures.

Saturday and Sunday walks will likely start and end in Alexandria, and often will include the company of a friend. As my distances get longer I'll end up breaking them up a bit, which, the more I think about it, seems like a good idea. For the actual Avon 39 event I've heard there are "rest stops"every 2 or 3 miles. I think when I get into the higher distances it will be important to walk for awhile, stop for 30 minutes or so and be able to convince my body (and mind) that I need to get up and start going again. The starting after being stopped seems like it will be the biggest challenge, so I'm planning to practice that. :)

As for the fundraising, I think we're in a pretty good place.

We broke the $1000 mark and are 30% of the way to our fundraising goal! We've had great support from friends and family so far, and a lot of others have pledged to donate. We're trying to strike the right balance between reminding and being annoying/overbearing. Hopefully we're hitting that - it not, let us know!

This week we hoped to get 14 donors in honor of our first 14 miles and I we're at 7 right now (I think). So if anyone else wants to contribute today, we'd love to accept your generosity! Links are on the side as always, and we're not at all picky if gifts are individual or team. :)