Monthly Archives: November 2009

…that is the question

I’ve done two walks now, and I have a few thoughts on this question.

This past weekend, I was asked repeatedly if I was “walking alone”. My response was always the same-no, I’m walking with 1700 of my new closest friends. I rather enjoyed walking and talking with whomever I was by, for as long as I was by them. I didn’t need a team, I didn’t need to walk with the same few people constantly. I could walk at whatever pace I so desired, and neither slow anyone down nor make them speed up to keep pace.

Last year, for San Diego, I was on a two-person team, Troops for Ta-Ta’s (we were both in the Navy), and I never met my lone teammate until camp the first night. We were at completely different paces, but we did walk together for about an hour on Day 3. We posed for a picture together while we were in the Holding Area. I never saw or heard from him again.

For Arizona this year, I joined a team, The Boobs Brothers, obviously not knowing anyone because I was walking in a different state. I met them Day 1 in camp for just long enough to get the tent set up, then I left to eat, which is what you’re supposed to do first thing back in camp. When I came back, they weren’t there anymore. I went to spend time with Mary, and by time I came back, they were in their tents. I left early in the morning and didn’t see them. As a matter-of-fact, I never saw them again the entire weekend. (see more on this below…)

For San Diego this year, I was the team captain for The Breastfast Club. Only problem was, no one signed up for my team. I was a team of one. I was also a training walk leader, and the one time I lead a training walk, the only person that showed up was Claudia, and she said she usually trained with a team down in Ocean Beach (OB). When the Chief stuff was done and I had to jump back in to the training walks, I knew I had to jump in with another training walk leader and not try to lead training walks of my own. I decided to heed Claudia’s advice and join up with the OB Walkers-Breast Defenders.

So, I joined up with them both in training and on the team for the walk. Roxanne (one of the team leaders/training walk leaders) was just awesome and the training walks (particularly the long ones) were just as I’d imagined they should be-well thought out, with Pit Stops (bathrooms in this case) every 4-5 miles, similar to the actual event. I realized I would have paled in comparison as a training walk leader once the walks got more than a few miles.

And, the team was great-eclectic in age and experience, with a lot of pride and a team logo, which most everyone will wear on Day 1. And, we’re making a town, “Hooterville”, at camp (Bob and I, the only two males amongst 60 or so females, have “The Man Cave” as our tent name). The event hasn’t even started yet, and I can tell being on a huge team is going to be a blast.

Apparently, many others think so as well…we will be recognized (with Legacy Pins) as both the largest team, and the top fundraising team.

So, what am I doing next year? Well, for the Michigan Walk, since that’s the state I grew up in, I started a team, Stay Anchored in Hope, because I knew I could get others in Michigan to walk with me, and it looks like both Wendy and Candy, who are also very close to my sister, will be doing so.

In Chicago, where I don’t know anyone? I’m not going to bother joining a team. It just doesn’t make sense, and I think after being on a kick-ass team this weekend, and having friends join my team for Michigan, that being on a team with strangers will be a severe disappointment.

That’s my thought on the matter-join a team if you actually know people, or of you want to meet people before the walk. If you’re walking in a different city? Don’t bother. That’s just my two-cents.

UPDATE: Ok, so after the San Diego Walk, I got this email from the Boobs Brothers team leader in Arizona (who I will refrain from putting her email or anything on here). This is another reason why you shouldn’t bother to join a team just to join a team.

Lucas,

I hope you are having a succesful walk in San Diego this weekend.

The rest of the Boobs Brothers team and I were wondering why you even bothered to join a team in Arizona, since you did not participate with us.

According to the website, there are no benefits to you in being a team member vs. an individual. Since we only met the first night and never saw you again we were just wondering what your motive was. I understand you did not even sleep in camp? We feel that being part of a team means to participate and encourage each other along the route, as well as make sure the other team members are ok after returning to camp. As career Navy, we thought you had the same principles…that is why we welcomed you into our fold from afar.

Best of luck to you in the future, and thank you for enlightening us on inviting out of towners onto our team.

WOW WAS THAT RUDE! That’s all I responded back to her, was that it was a rude email and thanks for enlightening me as well.

So let’s break this down…I didn’t “participate” with the team…what my motives were…didn’t even sleep in camp…participate and encourage each other along the route…Navy and the same principles…I think that about grabs the headlines out of here.

She’s right on some accounts. I didn’t “participate with the team”. I had a tent in the middle of my teammates, and I had no tentmate. When I got to camp that first night, we did the introductions, they helped me set up my tent, and I went off to take my shower and eat like I’m supposed to do. When I got back, they weren’t there. I went off with Mary to the hotel, and when I got back at around 830pm, they were in their tents (I could hear them.) When I woke up in the morning, they were still in their tents (again, I could hear them). I left when I was ready to leave, at which point they were still in their tents. And, she’s half-right on the didn’t sleep in camp accusation-I did for the first night and didn’t for the second night.

As far as the other stuff…what were my motives? I had none. I liked their team name, I figured I’d join the team and maybe meet someone. Participate? In what??? I didn’t get “invited” to “participate” in anything. I literally saw them long enough to set up tents the first night and never saw them again. As a matter-of-fact, I couldn’t point them out to you if you put 10 people in front of me. I may get 1-2 of the 4 right. Who knows.

As far as encouraging along the route and all that…what? So, I’m supposed to have never trained with any of them, and just natually walk at the same pace as everyone? I don’t think so. I walked in San Diego with a team of 73 people, probably 25-30 that I’d trained with for 6 weeks, and didn’t even do the majority of the San Diego walk with one of my teammates. I really, really do not like to be relegated to walking at someone else’s pace.

Yes, I’m in the Navy, and I have strong principles. I don’t even understand that one honestly, as I don’t see anything pertaining to principles that has to do with being on a team on a walk like this. I mean, the rest of the team was pretty much related to each other, I just joined for the hell of it, seriously, what did they expect of me? I raised my funds, I made the trip, I came to Arizona and I walked. I had a good time (except the Day 2 route essentially) and I did something amazing. I’m not sure what more these strangers wanted fro me…really. If someone can enlighten me, that’d be great.

Before the Event
Getting ready for the Breast Cancer 3-Day 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. Send it to our P.O. Box, and we’ll collect the letters and deliver to them on the event at the Breast Cancer 3-Day camp. Send letters to:
  Breast Cancer 3-Day Post Office
  ATTN: INSERT NAME OF PARTICIPANT
  PO Box 720386
  San Diego, CA 92172
  Envelopes only, please. No boxes or large packages. Mail must be postmarked no later than November 10th in order to ensure delivery. Any mail that is not retrieved by the participant by December 4th will be destroyed.

• Organize a group to host your very own private cheering station. (Contact sroos@event360.com for more information.)
• Organize a group of Camp Angels to assist participants with setting up and striking tents and unloading gear. (Contact aschwager@event360.com for more information.)
• Help raise money.
• Go on a training walk.

Opening Ceremony
The Breast Cancer 3-Day begins early Friday morning with the Opening Ceremony. There will be a group stretch to warm-up the body, and inspirational speakers who will warm-up the spirit – all leading up to an exciting and emotional send-off!

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. We’ll also have a Breast Cancer 3-Day gear store on site if you’d like to purchase a souvenir for yourself or your participant.

Friday, November 20

Del Mar Fairgrounds
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd
Del Mar, CA 92014

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

Driving Directions:
From Interstate 5, take the Via de la Valle exit and head west (a left turn from the freeway exit if you are northbound; a right turn if you are southbound). Take Via De La Valle to Jimmy Durante Boulevard and turn left. The Fairgrounds will be on your right. Please enter the main gate.

Cheering Stations
Public cheering stations are a great way to show your support along the route to encourage walkers and let them know that you are with them every step of the way. Seeing familiar faces cheering them on can provide that extra burst of energy that gets them to take that next step or go the next mile. Create banners, hold up signs, bring some music and make some noise – anything to make them smile, get energized and keep walking.

Friday, November 20:

11:20 am – 2:20 pm
Coast Park Blvd
430 Coast Blvd. (south of Cuvier Street)
La Jolla, CA

12:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Fanuel Street Park
4000 Fanuel Street
San Diego, CA 92109

Saturday, November 21:

9:15 am – 3:30 pm
Ocean Beach Surf Spot
1900 Abbott Street
San Diego, CA 92107

10:50 am – 3:30 pm
South Mission
2600 Mission Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92109

Sunday, November 22:

6:45 am – 8:45 am
De Anza Cove
2700 North Mission Bay Drive
San Diego, CA 92109

11:15 am – 2:45 pm
Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater
2150 Park Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92101

Camp
Our campsite is meant to be a special place for your participants to relax, reflect and bond with the Breast Cancer 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, please do not call after 9:00 pm “lights out,” when camp is a quiet zone.

While at Home
Capture the Breast Cancer 3-Day in the news: While walkers are taking steps to end breast cancer, save any media coverage of the Breast Cancer 3-Day. Aside from being a nice addition to your participant’s Breast Cancer 3-Day memorabilia, it will show his/her 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. Please allow extra travel time due to expected traffic congestion at the site.

  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 a half hour prior to the Ceremony in order to join the victory walk.

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

  Sunday, November 22
  4:30 pm

  Petco Park
  100 Park Blvd
  San Diego, CA 92101

  Driving Directions:
  From the North – Take 5 South, exit Imperial Ave. OR exit 10th Ave. (both lead directly to the stadium).
  Take 163 South, exit 10th Ave.

  From the East – Take 94 West to F St. Turn left onto 14th Ave.

  From the South – Take 5 North to B St.. Turn left on 10th Ave. OR 5 North, exit J St.

  Parking – Suggested Parking Lots are at 10th and J, Imperial and 14th (Ace and 5 Star) and J and 13th.

  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 Breast Cancer 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 Breast Cancer 3-Day in 2010!

Cheering Stations
Public cheering stations are a great way to show your support along the route to encourage walkers and let them know that you are with them every step of the way. Seeing familiar faces cheering them on can provide that extra burst of energy that gets them to take that next step or go the next mile. Create banners, hold up signs, bring some music and make some noise – anything to make them smile, get energized and keep walking.

Friday, November 20:

11:20 am – 2:20 pm
Coast Park Blvd
430 Coast Blvd. (south of Cuvier Street)
La Jolla, CA

12:30 pm – 5:15 pm
Fanuel Street Park
4000 Fanuel Street
San Diego, CA 92109

Saturday, November 21:

9:15 am – 3:30 pm
Ocean Beach Surf Spot
1900 Abbott Street
San Diego, CA 92107

10:50 am – 3:30 pm
South Mission
2600 Mission Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92109

Sunday, November 22:

6:45 am – 8:45 am
De Anza Cove
2700 North Mission Bay Drive
San Diego, CA 92109

11:15 am – 2:45 pm
Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater
2150 Park Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92101

ClOsing Ceremony
Sunday, November 22
4:30 pm

Petco Park
100 Park Blvd
San Diego, CA 92101

Ok, this was actually the second half of my “Arizona, Day 3-wrapup” post that somehow got cut off, the original post lost forever.

I learned four valuable lessons from the Arizona Walk. I’m going to go into detail on all of them.

The first one is that the walk is so much more fun to do when you have people there cheering for you. Last year, I did this great and amazing thing and no one that I knew was there cheering me on. I drove myself to the Opening Ceremony, parked my car and prayed it would still be there when i was done after the Closing Ceremony, I had to bribe my ex-wife to come get me and take me back to my car because I didn’t have anyone there to pick me up. This year, I had Mary, Diane, Colbi and Devin at all the Cheering Stations, and at both Opening and Closing Ceremonies. It was great, because although there is a huge showing by the community during the walks, it is so much better when friends and loved ones are there. It also kept me honest, there was a time or two when I probably would’ve hopped in a sweep van, but I couldn’t do that because I didn’t want to miss my cheer squad.

Along the same lines, it was much more fun this year being a celebrity. Don’t get me wrong, it’s fun anyway, and to be a man doing the 3-Day, you’re in the minority regardless, but when you’re a 60-Mile Man and got naked for the cause, you’re a friggin’ rock star. Much more fun this way.

Last year, I wore a Camelbak backpack. This year, I wore a fanny pack. This weekend, I’m going back to the Camelbak. That damn fanny pack drove me nuts, it would not stay snug, I had to readjust it constantly after the first day and I couldn’t take it. I probably would’ve ended my day an hour earlier if it wasn’t for all the times I had to readjust the damn fanny pack. Ok, that’s an exaggeration, but it definitely delayed me repeatedly. Back to the Camelbak for good. That just means I have to re-decorate it.

Ok, and finally, and most importantly, just like last year I learned the value of good socks (read: not 6 pair for $10) and had good success with the Dr. Scholl’s Blister Guard socks, I wore the same socks this year and they didn’t work as well. Why? Because I’d been wearing them all damn year. I should have bought new socks for the walk, I think I would’ve had much more success preventing blisters. So, for the San Diego Walk, I’ve bought 6 new pair of socks for the walk (it feels good to change your socks at lunch) and I’m going to put them up to use for my walks, not wearing them out throughout the year. I’m hoping I have much better luck with preventing blisters (if the ones that I have are even healed by then) this weekend.

So those were the lessons that I learned. I’m sure I’ll learn more this weekend in San Diego, when I walk with a huge team (we are recognized as both the largest team by membership, and the top fundraising team, as of yesterday we’d raised over $168,000 just from our 70-person team) for the first time.