More 3-day pictures

You can find all of the 3-day pictures on my flickr account:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nfournier/

There is a 3-day collection - upper right grouping.


Enjoy!

Nancy

3-Day Pictures

Again, thank you for the support. You've helped one incredible organization. You've helped with the fight against breast cancer! Jean Louis - merci mon amour.

I had a surprise visit from Sista Celeste on Sat. She was only going to walk for a few miles. The above picture was taken after 10 miles during lunch break where she rubbed my feet and gave me physical therapy treatments! She ended up walking till the end. We had a blast. Thanks CJ!

These guys were the most famous of all. The San Jose Police Dept. kept us going for three days. "Come on Ladies - you can get up this hill" They paraded on their bikes at dinner Sat. night under the big tents. I thought a "STAR" had arrived as all the women suddently started standing and cheering. These guys ARE STARS to all of us walkers. They kept us safe and motivated. Thanks San Jose!

The following guy was everywhere! Twice or three times a day he'd show up in a different costume. He was so cute and crazy. I finally asked him why he was there and he told me his wife is a survivor. What a guy!

Check out the signs.... the one above is offering free exams and the one below, "I treasure your chest"

Below are a few of the safety/street patrol bikers that supported us for 3 day. We love these guys & gals!

Check out her hog!

More pictures tomorrow......

3-Day....Day3!

I just experienced the most inspirational 3-days in my life (excluding the first 3 days of my daughters' life).

Stories and pictures to follow.....

Thank you for your donations, thoughts and prayers. Next year, I hope you will walk with me!

I'll have pictures on the blog tomorrow.

I love you!


-Nancy

P.S. No Blisters!!!!

3-Day....Day-2

Going to bed - no time to post pictures. I'll post all the pictures on Monday.

I did it! 40 miles so far with no blisters (thank you God). I had a surprise walker today - Sista Celeste! She was so much fun and I think I've recruited a walker for next year.

Thank you so much for your support - you all have donated to a great cause.

One thing...my favorite poster was, "Stop the war in my-rack" Crude, I know but you can only imagine the things we've witnessed today. My pictures will tell all.

I love boobies - and I love you!

Hugs and kisses-

Nancy

3-Day....Day1

The morning started early. Aunt Sandi drove me to the Fairgrounds and stayed for the opening ceremonies. Tears flowed. The power of people is amazing.

The people that came out in groves to cheer us on were amazing. The support of this community is amazing. Ok, I know I am using the word amazing a lot but it simply sums up my experience. I was laughing most of the time (the pictures will tell the story)

I met a lot of my training group along the way and even had a drive by from Brother Russ in his SDG&E truck.

I went to the Medical Tent twice to have my foot iced and must go do it again. It hurts a lot.

I'm tired and need to go soak so here are some pictures of the first day. Love you!

Me and Bustin-Out Billy

Visited Lorraine in her classroom in Bird Rock during the walk.

3-day WebCam

Starting tomorrow, November 21st - you will be able to view the walkers via a web cam!

http://www.the3day.org/site/PageServer?pagename=SD_Supporter

3 Days To Go!!

I'm nervous. I can't beieve how unsettled I feel. Did I train enough? Will my foot hurt? Will I meet friends along the way? I'm usually somewhat confident but today I'm simply scared. I have not walked much this week as I hurt my foot and it's so dark when I get home.

I need to focus on WHY I am doing this. Of course, it's a personal challenge but I am doing this for my Aunt Sandi, Aunt Francis, Katy and Genette.

Thanks for all of your support - I need it!

-Nancy

One Week to go!

Whew, what a few months it's been. I am taking a class at UCSD that is taking up all my free time when I'm not out training for the 3-day. My final class is tomorrow night and the 3-day is Friday!!! I'm almost there. The fruits of my labor are many: I have learned so much in this class and my body is stronger. Because of our fundraising we've provided medical assistance for others who could not afford it. We've helped make a difference.

I'm so excited and to be honest, a bit nervous. Can I do it, will my foot hold out? I've got it wrapped and elevated as I do my homework today but it's killing me.

Jean Louis came home from France last night. He smelled of lavender when I picked him up. His mother uses a lavender soap in her laundry. He adorned me with gifts and filled our cupboards up with his favorite nummy-nums. He's a happy man. I'm a blessed women.

OK, back to the 3-day. I joined a training group - The Coastal Cuties a few months back. They train in North County. It's been a a challenge to get to Carlsbad by 6am on Sat/Sun mornings. It was well worth it. I've met some amazing people and their brisk LONG walks have certainly strenghten me. They welcomed me with open arms and I love them for it. Below are a few pictures of my training group. Yesterday was out last training day and our leader, Cheryl brought us all bunny ears to wear. You can only imagine the comments from passer-bys.

See you on the 3-day Coastal Cuties!!!

Cheryl, Team Leader

My Obama-Mama buddy, Denise.

Breast Cancer Facts

I am sorry that I have not been posting recently. I am either training for the walk or studying for a class I am taking.

I have reached my fundraising minimum goal of $2,200 which I am grateful for. Thank you my friends and family.

Here are some breast cancer facts - share them with your loved ones.

-Nancy



Breast cancer is the leading cancer among American women and is second only to lung cancer in cancer deaths.


One woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes and one woman will die of breast cancer every 13 minutes in the United States.


An estimated 40,460 women and 450 men will die from breast cancer in 2008.


Only 5 to 10 percent of breast cancers are due to heredity. The majority of women with breast cancer have no known significant family history or other known risk factors.


African Americans have the highest death rate from breast cancer of any racial/ethnic group in the United States.


Without a cure, 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will continue to be diagnosed with breast cancer - a devastating disease with physical, emotional, psychological and financial pain that can last a lifetime.


Without a cure, an estimated 5 million Americans will be diagnosed with breast cancer - and more than 1 million could die over the next 25 years.

This walking isn't easy....

I walked 26 miles this weekend all over Encinitas, Carlsbad and Ocean Side. I have fallen in love with North County and have found some cool shops and restaurants I want to check out. The training is now getting really hard and I have a lot of respect for the ladies in pink. Some of them in this training group are survivors, some are a lot older than I but boy they are resilient. Blisters stopping them, no way; they just stop and wrap them up and keep going. Lots' of tears are shed talking to them over breast cancer stories.

I came in last every day with another girl but that is ok. The others walk really fast and I FEEL like I'm walking fast but I'm much slower. My "partner" is 5'10" and has legs up to my waist and she walks the same speed as I. We talk politics the whole time which makes the hours go by faster. I have to keep up with these training groups, even if I'm slower. I came home both days and took Epsom salt baths and it helped with the tightness. I then studied for hours and after sitting at the table or computer my legs would scream when I stood up. This is MUCH harder than I thought it would be.

Today is a rest day. I have school tonight which is MUCH harder than I thought it would be too. After talking to these other women, I've decided not to stay in the tents. Most of them stay in hotels. I will have JL pick me up on the first day after he's off work and go home. I will then take drive myself the 2nd and 3rd day. I think I'm going to need to soak in the tub and get some rest at night.

I hope I do not come off like a whiner - it's just that I really miss my wine ;)

15 Miles!

Today was a training walk of 15 miles. I joined my new training group at 6:00am in Carlsbad and we hit the road at 6:30. There were about 20 of us . We walked all over Carlsbad to Oceanside where a lovely beach-side breakfast was waiting for us. Wish I had my camera. I'm glad I've trained in North County; I want to take JL up there to some off-beat restaurants and to a small little hotel I found right on the beach ;)

We returned back to our cars at 12:30. There were stops along the way to stretch and use the bathrooms but the majority of the time we were moving. Some slower than others, I might add. Yes, I'm a slow walker. It feels like I'm really going fast but somehow all the others are ahead. I keep telling myself that it's ok; it's not a race. Thank God I found a new friend that is the same pace as I. She's 5'10 and her legs end at my waist but we walk the same speed. She is a great girl and I think we'll be friends after the training.

Tomorrow we will do 11 miles and and I think JL is going to join me. It's so touching how so many men are doing this with their wives. These men rock! One guy I met today was in his late 60's and this is his second time participating in the 30day. He got a little teary telling how amazing the 3-day experience is. I can't wait.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO MY JOURNEY! I'VE RAISED THE REQUIRED AMOUNT OF $2,200. I am blessed to have people in my life that are so supportive.

Weekend Training

I joined a training team last weekend in North County and we walked 14 miles all around Solana Beach. It was challenging as it was my first 14 mile walk. I met some great people as well. Below is an email I received today describing our traiing walks for next weekend. This will be my first "back-to-back" Yum burritos!
~~~~~
Hello everyone! It's back to back time again! This weekend, we'll walk 15 miles on Saturday and 11 miles on Sunday. As a special treat, we'll have breakfast at Buccaneer Park at our halfway point on Saturday. Chuck goes all out for us with burritos, fruit, juice, coffee, you name it. And all for $7 which includes tax and tip. So PLEASE let me know right away if you are coming. I have to get a head count to Chuck by Thursday night.

Saturday: Meet me at the Ralph's grocery store just off Poinsettia in Carlsbad. To get there from I-5, take the Poinsettia exit and go west. Turn left on Avenida Encinas and then an immediate left into the shopping center. Look for me in the lot near Ralph's (there's a Starbucks there, too!) Be there at 6:30 for sign in and stretching. We'll take off at 6:45. With the miles and breakfast stop, plan for at least 6 hours so give yourself plenty of time. Correct change of $7 would be great as well.

Sunday: We'll meet at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas. To get there, take I-5 to Encinitas Boulevard and go west. Cross Highway 101 (now you're on "B" street). Continue just a short distance and take a LEFT on 3rd. Go up the hill. At top of hill, turn RIGHT on "C" street and then RIGHT into the parking lot. No planned breakfast so bring a snack for our halfway point. Plan to arrive at 6:30 for a 6:45 start. We'll be on the road for about 4.5 hours.
For both days, please be sure to have plenty of hydration, sunscreen, hat,medical kit, extra socks in a zip bag, money to buy food or water, etc.

Please RSVP for both walks and for the Saturday breakfast. Need head count by Thursday evening!

See you soon! Welcome to our new walker, Nancy, and to some new names on our mailing list from the Expo!

Countdown: 8 Weeks!!

2 months to go!!! To some, it may seem like a ways off but for a gal preparing to walk 60 miles it sounds like tomorrow! I'm on with the training. I'm achy all of the time and my right foot is still bothering but I'm doing it. Thanks to all of you dear people (and YOU know who you are) my fundraising is almost done! I've only $175 more to go to meet the committed amount needed to walk which is $2200. My young nephew has weekly chores that he does for an ederly women in his neighborhood and he gave his earnings to me for my walk. What an example he is. Thank you Jordan!

I'll take two walks tomorrow to equal 11 miles and on Sunday, I am meeting some other fellow walkers in Solana Beach for a 15 mile. I'm excited. I don't know any of them but that's ok. Last weekend was the 3-day expo and I did a 10 mile walk at 6:30 am with hundreds of women. I did not know a one which was a little hard but being the friendly gal that I am, I managed to strike up a few conversations. When I first arrived I almost cried - it felt so lonely. Sure wish I was doing this with one of you!

Here is the training schedule for next week. It is emailed to me every week. Some of you may benefit from the tips below for your next walk around the block.

Your Training Schedule for This Week:
Monday Rest
Tuesday 4 milesEasy walking
Wednesday 30 minutesModerate cross-training
Thursday 5 milesModerate walking
Friday 45 minutes Easy cross-training
Saturday 15 miles Easy walking HOW CAN THEY SAY 15 MILES OF EASY WALKING? ;)
Sunday 11 miles Easy walking

Training Tip of the Week: Walking Technique
I know what you’re thinking. How hard can this be? Everyone knows how to walk. But, when you are walking 60 miles, technique can be the key to preventing injury and increasing your walking speed.

Four common walking errors:
Staring at the ground: Keeping your head down and shoulders slouched can lead to tightness and fatigue in the upper back, neck and shoulders. Focus your gaze off at the horizon and not down at your feet or the ground just in front of you. This will tend to pull your whole body more upright. Pull your shoulders back and chest forward.

Taking an extra long stride: This can lead to sore shins, tightness in the back of the thighs (hamstrings) and a jarring thud with every step. Try rolling, not bouncing, from one stride to the next. Try to put your foot down as fast as you can. Don’t reach for the longest possible stride. Feel you body glide along the ground and try not to let your heels slam into the ground on each step.
Chicken wings: Elbows flailing out to the sides with each arm swing can cause neck, shoulder and upper back pain. Feel your thumb rub the waistband of your pants as your hand swings back and then stop it there. Don’t let it swing any further back. Imagine trying to elbow the walker directly behind you. Don’t let your hips have an exaggerated side-to-side sway.

Hyperextending your back: Excessive arch in the low back can cause tightness in the lower back and upper gluteal (buttock) muscles. Keep your rear end tucked underneath you by gently pulling your navel into your spine and flattening your stomach.

Why We Walk

Breast Cancer Facts:

Breast cancer is the leading cancer among American women and is second only to lung cancer in cancer deaths.

One woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes and one woman will die of breast cancer every 13 minutes in the United States.

An estimated 40,460 women and 450 men will die from breast cancer in 2008.

Only 5 to 10 percent of breast cancers are due to heredity. The majority of women with breast cancer have no known significant family history or other known risk factors.

African Americans have the highest death rate from breast cancer of any racial/ethnic group in the United States.

Without a cure, 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will continue to be diagnosed with breast cancer - a devastating disease with physical, emotional, psychological and financial pain that can last a lifetime.

Without a cure, an estimated 5 million Americans will be diagnosed with breast cancer - and more than 1 million could die - over the next 25 years.

Breast Cancer 3-Day Facts :

The Breast Cancer 3-Day is a 60-mile walk for women and men who want to make a personal difference in the fight to end breast cancer. Participants make a commitment to meet an individual fundraising goal of $2,200 and spend several months training to prepare for the event. They devote the entire three-day weekend to the cause.

Since its inception in 2003, more than $220 million has been raised through Breast Cancer 3-Day donations, contributions and sponsorships.

In 2006, the Breast Cancer 3-Day raised $86 million through donations, contributions and sponsorships. Of that, more than $61 million, representing 71% of funds raised, was invested in breast cancer research, education, and community outreach in 2006. The 71% return to charity exceeds the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Standards for Charity Accountability: www.give.org.

Breast Cancer 3-Day walkers travel an average of 20 miles a day during the event. Participants are provided meals, snacks, drinks, shower facilities, tents, safety guidelines and 24-hour medical support - all resources needed for a safe and memorable experience. A crew of volunteers spends the entire weekend with walkers and staff to make the event possible.

The 2008 Breast Cancer 3-Day Series includes events in:
Chicago (Aug. 8-10)
Boston (Aug. 15-17)
Cleveland (Aug. 22-24)
San Francisco Bay Area (Sept. 5-7)
Seattle (Sept. 12-14)
Twin Cities (Sept. 19-21)
Michigan (Sept. 26-28)
Washington, DC (Oct. 3-5)
Philadelphia (Oct. 17-19)
Atlanta (Oct. 24-26)
Tampa Bay (Oct. 31-Nov. 2)
Dallas/Fort Worth (Nov. 7-9)
Arizona (Nov. 14-16)
San Diego (Nov. 21-23)

Breast Cancer 3-Day Beneficiaries:

Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Eighty-five percent of the net proceeds from the Breast Cancer 3-Day benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world's largest and most progressive grassroots network fighting to end breast cancer.

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure® and the Breast Cancer 3-Day, the organization has invested nearly $1 billion to fulfill its promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit komen.org or call 1.877.GO KOMEN.

National Philanthropic Trust
Fifteen percent of the net proceeds from the Breast Cancer 3-Day benefits the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund, a special field of interest fund that will provide support for breast cancer initiatives including research, treatment, prevention and education. The NPT Breast Cancer Fund is an endowment, which will ensure that the cause receives long-term, continuing support irrespective of gifting activities in years to come.

National Philanthropic Trust (NPT), the event manager, is an independent public charity dedicated to promoting and facilitating charitable giving by individuals, families and organizations while expanding their knowledge in the field of philanthropy.

Founded in 1996, NPT is one of the 100 largest charities in the United States with more than $675 million in assets under management. Since its inception, NPT has raised more than $1.2 billion in charitable assets, and made more than 22,500 grants to U.S. and international charities totaling $650 million. Led by a national board of trustees and a team of professionals with more than 100 years of combined philanthropic experience, NPT has proven expertise in the stewardship of charitable donations. For more information, visit www.nptrust.org.

$100

Interesting how things turn out. I decided to attend a 10:30 class at the gym at work only to find the doors locked and no one around. Since I was already dressed, I hit the path towards Torrey Pines State Park. (I am so blessed to work in one of the most beautiful places in the world.) About a mile into the walk, I stopped to stretch on a rail outlining the infamous Torrey Pines Golf Course. As I was stretching, I was bummed to see how someone had thrown their fast food wrappers on the ground. I then spotted a $100 bill! I quickly hopped over the railing and grabbed it. I somewhat expected to see a candid camera around. It didn't look real but I hung on to it for my 2 hour walk. I think it's real.

I remember loaning a friend a $100 when I hardly had a dime to my name. She was a single Mom as well and our kids went to the same pre-school. I was living with my Mother at the time. She told me she had no food or gas and I loaned her the $100. I used to wonder why she didn't pay it back even though she went on to become a nurse. I was usually curious about this when I was trying to pay the monthly bills. I know, now, that when you loan someone money, I must consider it a gift. I've been given many "gifts" in my time. Once, my dear friend/co-worker, whom I've recently reconnected with "loaned" me quite a few bills when I was having a hard time. I never asked for it - she probably just got tired of hearing me stress about how in the heck I was going to pay for my kid's school and some unexpected bill. An evelope showed up on my keyboard one morning with a note saying "no questions asked". I never paid her back and she wouldn't except it if I tried. I'll be buying her lunch till the day I die.

Times eventually improved for me financially yet were still tight when I went grocery shopping one afternoon for my Mom. This was early in her cancer diagnosis - "Nancy, go in the hall closet and get a $100 bill out of the light blue duster's pocket". (A duster is a lightweight robe). Mom had a way with stashing her money. While in Von's, I lost the $100. I was just sick! How in the world did I lose it?Today, my sister said the find was a gift from Mom - a little gift from Heaven.

Today's little find came at a good time as I've been a little stressed about raising $2200. I'm getting close but it certainly is the hardest part of the walk. At the same time, I've been blown away by how people have been so generous - a $100 dollars at a time. The money I found today will go towards my goal.

Did you know that the average cost for a mammogram nationwide is $125.

Facts That Might Surprise You

Only 1 out of 10 breast cancers has a known inherited genetic link.

Nine out of 10 breast cancer cases can be triggered and/or promoted by unhealthy lifestyle factors and environmental exposures including:
* obesity
* lack of exercise
* smoking
* alcohol consumption
* Unhealthy chemicals consumed through eating, drinking (many plastic containers used in packaged food and drinks can be harmful), breathing, and using personal care products (including certain hair care products such as relaxers).

During the 10 years of breast development, a girl’s food, water, beverages, and air are the building blocks of their new breast tissue — the foundation of their future breast health.

GOING PINK

Changing the spirit of the blog while I'm training for the 3 day. I'm also going to turn my comments back on as I welcome your support. Gotta love that pink!

Don't be surprised if I also throw a little politics your way as well. GO OBAMA!!!

Thank you so much for all of your support during this journey. The training is harder than I thought as I developed plantar fasciitis in my right foot. Time is an issue; it takes many weekend hours to walk the distance.

Why I am Walking:

I'm walking for my Aunt Sandra who has had the best attitude during her fight with cancer. Sandra and I have become very close since my Mother's passing. She's a survivor, for sure. Love you Sandra!

I'm walking for a co-worker, Katy that doesn't let anything or anybody get in her way.

I'm walking for Genette from Sequim, WA who has fought and won her battle with breast cancer TWICE. I met her while on vacation to WA. She has a great sprit - a solid women who is involved in her children and grandchildren's lives. She reminded me of my Mom.

I'm walking for my Aunt Francis who is no longer with us.

I am walking for my daughter and our future generations; that they may have a world free of breast cancer.

Love you!

Nancy

These feet were made for WALKING!

As you can tell my the little blurb to the right, I have decided to walk the 3-day for breast cancer research. I am so excited. I need to raise $2,200. This will be the hardest part - not the walking.

My Aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and went through a lot. It was a shock. Her attitude and early diagnosis pulled her through. Interesting, like so many, she almost blew off her mammogram that year...Don't even think about it! It can happen to any of us - even men.

Today, JL and I started training. Although he's not actually participating in the walk in November, he'll help me train. What a love.

Today, we walked for 2 hours. I've put on some weight recently and have not exercised since my last skin cancer episode. What the heck? I was becoming strong with consistent workouts, yoga, circuit training, etc. and then just stopped. Enough said...I'm happy to report I'm back!

Okay, this is not all about me....check out these interesting stats.

• Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, except for skin cancers. (Now that's scary)
• The chance of developing invasive breast cancer at some time in a woman's life is about 1 in 8 (12%). It is estimated that in 2008 about 182,460 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among women in the United States.
• Women living in North America have the highest rate of breast cancer in the world. At this time there are about 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States
• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer.
• The chance that breast cancer will be responsible for a woman's death is about 1 in 35 (about 3%).
• In 2008, about 40,480 women will die from breast cancer in the United States. Death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1990, with larger decreases in women younger than 50. These decreases are believed to be the result of earlier detection through screening and increased awareness, as well as improved treatment. (merci cancer.org)
• 
  So ladies - have you had your annual mammogram ??? If not schedule it right now!!!