Evening, Day 1

[jayfurr]

It's evening of Day 1 of the Twin Cities 3-Day. I'm posting this from the 3-Day Main Street area of camp and I'll be honest, I'm trying to keep this quick because as night falls, the bugs are coming out something fierce.

I've been here at camp for a WHILE today. Got here around, what, 2 pm? That's what comes of walking 4+ MPH the whole day. Twenty miles flies by if you're walking solo or with random fellow walkers who are similarly inclined to walk fast. I was, as it happens, the first walker scanned into camp today despite being the fifth walker to the finish line at Pit Stop 5... we were held at Pit Stop 5 until there were around twenty of us on a bus and then we were bused a good long ways to the actual camp. Tomorrow we do get to walk out of camp under our own power, no more bus, and do a big loop and eventually (23 miles later) wind back up right where we started.

I'm contemplating trying to walk slower tomorrow but frankly, I don't know what the morning will bring. If I feel really good I may find myself passing the slow-moving herd so I can move at my own pace again. If I'm a bit stiff legged I may hang back and walk with the pack. This event really isn't supposed to be about racing to see who can get done fastest -- it should be more about making friends and meeting people and hearing their stories WHILE you're walking twenty miles. I need to remember that. But on the other hand, I did meet people: my fellow speed walkers, then the crew back at camp, then walkers at the shower lines and at dinner. Trust me: I did not let an opportunity go by to talk and introduce myself and find out why my fellow participants are walking.

It's time for bed -- so I need to get things squared away and get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow will be hot and clear, if the weather forecast is correct. Take care, all, and I'll be in touch again tomorrow.

Comments

[rootedmommy.livejournal.com]

Saturday is always the most challenging day. I suggest a slower pace, meeting more walkers and taking more pictures. It's a lot more boring at camp than on the route.

Remember to stretch 5 minutes for every hour walked.

Great getting updates.

[(Anonymous)]

Great job Jay. You'll do great tomorrow, just be sure to drink lots of water and rest if you need to.

Shawn Ann

[(Anonymous)]

There is a part of me that is definitely a little jealous of your super speedy walking! I had a great teammate in '08 that I had been able to train with and we, like you, were flying along the route. We were definitely in the first 50 people or so most of the time (not top ten though bc we stopped at almost all of the cheering stations to talk with friends and family). It was such a great feeling to be able to relax in camp and not feel rushed. Plus, we got to cheer for everyone else as they finished. I loved being at the head of the pack!

This year, though, was a totally different story. I was with a team of walkers, one of whom was having a lot of medical/blister issues. As a result, we ended up dead last before we even got to the first pit stop on Day 1 and had to play catch up the whole time. Very stressful. Looking back, I think I could have been more upbeat about it. I mean, hey, how many people get to say they were dead were last?? But at the time, it was incredibly frustrating.

Team Twitter ATL will be out front, I just know it!

~ Kristen