April 29th - Blister #1

As you must be aware of (since you found this blog by going to my 3 Day website), I am walking in the Cleveland 3 Day, 60 mile walk for Breast Cancer this August. By registering for this weekend event I have agreed to raise at least $2,200 AND train all summer long to ensure I don't die somewhere in Cleveland as thousands of men and women gently step over me to continue their journey.

Already walking 16-20 miles a week before I signed up for this I really thought that "training" would be no big deal. 20 miles a week... 20 miles a day... no problem!! But my mind and my body don't always get along.

I officially started training on April 22nd. That first week I walked almost 26 miles!! And I felt ... well, to be honest, I felt REALLY sore.

So the next week I kept it simpler and got in 17.5 miles.

Then came the first week of my physical stumbling blocks. And for those of you who know me, I don't mean the literal ones I actually stumble over. At this point I am actually referring to my first blister... hence the reason this Blister Blog has been formed.

On April 29th I met my good friend D.R. on the towpath bright and early. I had my German Shepherd with me and the three of us walked at a nice clip through the beautiful greenery. I felt the rub early on but decided to forge through it...

Little did I realize that by Monday my small little rub would be one mammoth blister. Putting a CALLOUS medicated pad on it and continuing my lunch-hour walks didn't help... By Wednesday and Thursday I had people running for the hills with one look at my foot. (See photo above.) The blister had doubled in size and was surrounded by a nice ticked off red ring.

I did what my smart sister taught me to do Thursday night and circled the red, irritated skin with a ball point pen. The "infection" didn't spread so I thought I was fine... skipped some more walks and also my doctor's appointment (Sorry, Hudson Podiatry!!) and it is heeling (get it?) well.

That one blister inspired me to get new shoes and socks (Thank you Fleet Feet!) but unfortunately I think my heel inspired jealousy amoung my feet. Other blisters are popping up... I have a feeling this will be one blistery summer. I will keep you posted.