Posted By: Michelle Ashcraft
(Note: I realize that some of you have already heard part of this story, but keep reading - there’s more to it than what you’ve been told.)
By now most of you have probably figured out my training schedule. Off Monday, walk Tuesday, cross-train Wednesday, walk Thursday, cross-train Friday, walk Saturday, walk Monday … and then start the cycle over, adding mileage and cross-training time according to the training schedule each week. I had 21 miles to pack in this week and was surprised at how easy the walks were - even the 7 miles on Saturday! I finished each of my walks in record time, so the training is obviously paying off!
However, there was an “event” on Monday morning that set me back a bit. As most of you know, I work at the University of Kentucky in the Office of New Student and Parent Programs. Our office coordinates a variety of programs for new students and parents, but we do not coordinate Summer Advising Conferences (i.e. summer orientation/registration). However, our staff does make presentations to students and parents during those sessions. I was scheduled to present at a session for transfer students on Monday morning but wasn’t sure exactly where I needed to be and when. So, at 8:30 a.m. I set off to the building next door to find the folks that could tell me where to go. As I stepped off the elevator and looked out the glass doors to Patterson Office Tower my gaze fell upon a woman lying on the concrete plaza outside with all of her belongings strewn about around here.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
The Summer Feast of 2010
Posted by: Jenn Latino
I signed up for the 3-Day event because I believe that with increased awareness and contributions toward research, we can find a cure for breast cancer. The greatest benefit of my participation is the feeling that I have made a difference in the fight to find this cure. But, there are some other benefits to a 24-week training program. Let’s be honest-it helps in the “calories burned” department.
During my weight loss journey, I have learned the simple formula: If you want to see a decrease in your weight, you have to burn more than you take in. This is not a new concept. The same theory applies to other things in life like your checking account (oh wait, with that you need to take in more than you take out---still working on that lesson).
Here is the skinny on how the increase in my walking activity has affected my eating activities. On average, someone my size will burn 100 calories a mile (that is walking or running). In 3-Day talk, that is 1.25 Snickers bars; 3 tablespoons of peanut butter; 1.5 cups of frozen yogurt; 45 gummy bears….per Tuesday, and that is the shortest distance of the week! A Saturday walk equals a Rooty Tooty Fresh and Fruity!
This week, we put this theory to the test. I went on a weekend adventure in Atlanta to visit Kim. I was thrilled to have the company of one of my teammates (Meredith was out of town) for the 7 mile Saturday and 6 mile Sunday. I was also excited to have a weekend to visit all of my favorite Atlanta eating spots! The weekend training came to about a 1300-calorie burn and, considering the heat, we probably had a couple hundred bonus burned.
It’s time for some true confessions. Note: This play by play is not for the weak or squeamish.
I signed up for the 3-Day event because I believe that with increased awareness and contributions toward research, we can find a cure for breast cancer. The greatest benefit of my participation is the feeling that I have made a difference in the fight to find this cure. But, there are some other benefits to a 24-week training program. Let’s be honest-it helps in the “calories burned” department.
During my weight loss journey, I have learned the simple formula: If you want to see a decrease in your weight, you have to burn more than you take in. This is not a new concept. The same theory applies to other things in life like your checking account (oh wait, with that you need to take in more than you take out---still working on that lesson).
Here is the skinny on how the increase in my walking activity has affected my eating activities. On average, someone my size will burn 100 calories a mile (that is walking or running). In 3-Day talk, that is 1.25 Snickers bars; 3 tablespoons of peanut butter; 1.5 cups of frozen yogurt; 45 gummy bears….per Tuesday, and that is the shortest distance of the week! A Saturday walk equals a Rooty Tooty Fresh and Fruity!
This week, we put this theory to the test. I went on a weekend adventure in Atlanta to visit Kim. I was thrilled to have the company of one of my teammates (Meredith was out of town) for the 7 mile Saturday and 6 mile Sunday. I was also excited to have a weekend to visit all of my favorite Atlanta eating spots! The weekend training came to about a 1300-calorie burn and, considering the heat, we probably had a couple hundred bonus burned.
It’s time for some true confessions. Note: This play by play is not for the weak or squeamish.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Getting to Know You, Part 4
Posted By: Kim Sterritt
::Drum roll Please::..........Jennifer Latino!
Jennifer Latino
Location, Columbia, SC
Are you a NEW New Kid or a New Kid With Experience?
I'm a veteran kid! I was fortunate to be part of the inaugural New Kid team in 2009 and was crazy enough to sign up and do it again!
What made you decide to take the plunge and sign up for the 2010 3 Day?
I was awestruck at the impact my participation in the 2009 event had on my family, friends, and co workers. Not only did our team make a significant financial contribution to finding a cure for Breast Cancer, we made Beating Breast Cancer the talk of the town! There was a significant following on our blog site, my training became the talk of our office lunch chats, friends and neighbors were supporting me by joining me for training walks, and even the youngest members of my family showed their enthusiasm by cheering us on with signs.
The purpose of the 3-Day event is to bring attention to this terrible disease and by training, fund raising, and participating in this event, beating breast cancer became part of the daily conversations in every facet of my life. There was no doubt in my mind that mile 60 would not be my last!! (Okay, maybe I did have some doubt around mile 44 but, I bounced back!)
::Drum roll Please::..........Jennifer Latino!
Jennifer Latino
Location, Columbia, SC
Are you a NEW New Kid or a New Kid With Experience?
I'm a veteran kid! I was fortunate to be part of the inaugural New Kid team in 2009 and was crazy enough to sign up and do it again!
What made you decide to take the plunge and sign up for the 2010 3 Day?
I was awestruck at the impact my participation in the 2009 event had on my family, friends, and co workers. Not only did our team make a significant financial contribution to finding a cure for Breast Cancer, we made Beating Breast Cancer the talk of the town! There was a significant following on our blog site, my training became the talk of our office lunch chats, friends and neighbors were supporting me by joining me for training walks, and even the youngest members of my family showed their enthusiasm by cheering us on with signs.
The purpose of the 3-Day event is to bring attention to this terrible disease and by training, fund raising, and participating in this event, beating breast cancer became part of the daily conversations in every facet of my life. There was no doubt in my mind that mile 60 would not be my last!! (Okay, maybe I did have some doubt around mile 44 but, I bounced back!)
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Spreading the Bright Pink Message
Posted By: Michelle Ashcraft
Today when I was getting ready to leave work I briefly checked Facebook to view a message from a friend, and happened to see an update from Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure on my mini feed. While I haven’t gotten to read the full post yet, I noticed that it was sharing a link to another walker’s blog, and the topic of that blog was along the lines of how to deal with our training schedule when life gets off schedule. I am looking forward to reading that post after I write this one because it’ll probably give me some good advice regarding how to move forward after last week.
I Miss My Old Camper!
Posted by: Jenn Latino
The heat of SC has started to make me delirious! There are still 121 days till the event and I am already dreaming about the 3-Day!
I have always said as I prepare for my annual pilgrimage to Las Vegas that all I want is to meet the “men in the suits!” You know when the machine is squealing and lighting up like Wishes, the men in suits are going to bring you a W-2G form. THAT would be a dream come true!!
I blame my obsession with meeting the men in suits for part of my 3-Day dream. I blame the rest on paint fumes as I have been painting my guest room.
The heat of SC has started to make me delirious! There are still 121 days till the event and I am already dreaming about the 3-Day!
I have always said as I prepare for my annual pilgrimage to Las Vegas that all I want is to meet the “men in the suits!” You know when the machine is squealing and lighting up like Wishes, the men in suits are going to bring you a W-2G form. THAT would be a dream come true!!
I blame my obsession with meeting the men in suits for part of my 3-Day dream. I blame the rest on paint fumes as I have been painting my guest room.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Getting to Know You, Part 3
Posted By: Kim Sterritt
Ladies and gentlemen, I present.....Katie Baioni!
Katie Baioni
Location: Worthington, OH
Are you a NEW New Kid or a New Kid With Experience?
I'm a New Kid...holla.
What made you decide to take the plunge and sign up for the 2010 3 Day?
It is a great way for me to FINALLY get to spend time with one of my best friends...Kim Sterritt...AND it is a great opportunity to make new friends, take on a new challenge...and bring awareness to a very important topic.
How did you get suckered into joining, I mean, get connected with Team New Kids? Kimberly Joy :)
What is your favorite snack?
McDonalds Cheesburger Happy Meals...yes, it's not just a meal...it's a snack too.
Ladies and gentlemen, I present.....Katie Baioni!
Katie Baioni
Location: Worthington, OH
Are you a NEW New Kid or a New Kid With Experience?
I'm a New Kid...holla.
What made you decide to take the plunge and sign up for the 2010 3 Day?
It is a great way for me to FINALLY get to spend time with one of my best friends...Kim Sterritt...AND it is a great opportunity to make new friends, take on a new challenge...and bring awareness to a very important topic.
How did you get suckered into joining, I mean, get connected with Team New Kids? Kimberly Joy :)
What is your favorite snack?
McDonalds Cheesburger Happy Meals...yes, it's not just a meal...it's a snack too.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Saturday Makeover Surprise!
Posted by: Kim Sterritt
After the hot pink and black motif of the past year, I thought the blog deserved a bit of a makeover. If you hate it, we can always change again. If you love it, so happy to hear it! Let us know what you think in the comments section. Happy Walking!
After the hot pink and black motif of the past year, I thought the blog deserved a bit of a makeover. If you hate it, we can always change again. If you love it, so happy to hear it! Let us know what you think in the comments section. Happy Walking!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Thank You for Being a Friend!
Posted by: Jenn Latino
Week 5! WHEW! Summer has arrived a little early. In SC we saw temperatures in the triple digits this week-Brutal! It can be hard to stay motivated when the sun is so bright but I was not discouraged this week because I had great company on 14 of my 17 training miles! It is amazing what a walking partner can do for your motivation.
Week 5! WHEW! Summer has arrived a little early. In SC we saw temperatures in the triple digits this week-Brutal! It can be hard to stay motivated when the sun is so bright but I was not discouraged this week because I had great company on 14 of my 17 training miles! It is amazing what a walking partner can do for your motivation.
Monday, June 14, 2010
The “Benefits” of Being a Big Girl
Posted By: Michelle Ashcraft
I have to admit that this was one of my most difficult training weeks yet. Being tired and a little sick, having crazy weather, and adding a few extra miles made me a little less than excited for training for the first time in this journey. However, by the end of my first walk of the week on Tuesday, all that changed …
The Benefits of Being a Big Girl
My steps were a little slower than usual on Tuesday, and I found myself looking at my pedometer quite a bit more often than I usually do, thinking “only [insert #] more miles” along the way. I had a little more than a mile left to go as I rounded a bend in the trail I take home when I stumbled across two young girls. As I approached them from behind, I couldn’t help but overhear their conversation. It went a little something like this:
Girl #1 (with cute braids): My mom is going to come out here soon and tell me I have to go to bed.
Girl #2 (wearing pink!): Mine too. That’s stupid …
Girl #1: Yeah, I can’t wait till I’m a big girl.
Girl #2: Me too. We can stay up as late as we want.
Girl #1: And hang out with our friends …
Girl #2: And do whatever we want …
Girl #1: And drive!
Girl #2: And wear makeup!
Girl #1: AND WEAR A BRA!!!
I have to admit that this was one of my most difficult training weeks yet. Being tired and a little sick, having crazy weather, and adding a few extra miles made me a little less than excited for training for the first time in this journey. However, by the end of my first walk of the week on Tuesday, all that changed …
The Benefits of Being a Big Girl
My steps were a little slower than usual on Tuesday, and I found myself looking at my pedometer quite a bit more often than I usually do, thinking “only [insert #] more miles” along the way. I had a little more than a mile left to go as I rounded a bend in the trail I take home when I stumbled across two young girls. As I approached them from behind, I couldn’t help but overhear their conversation. It went a little something like this:
Girl #1 (with cute braids): My mom is going to come out here soon and tell me I have to go to bed.
Girl #2 (wearing pink!): Mine too. That’s stupid …
Girl #1: Yeah, I can’t wait till I’m a big girl.
Girl #2: Me too. We can stay up as late as we want.
Girl #1: And hang out with our friends …
Girl #2: And do whatever we want …
Girl #1: And drive!
Girl #2: And wear makeup!
Girl #1: AND WEAR A BRA!!!
Getting to Know You, Part 2
Posted By: Kim Sterritt
As promised, please enjoy getting to know MIGHTY Michelle Ashcraft!
Michelle Ashcraft
Location: Lexington, KY
Are you a NEW New Kid or a New Kid With Experience?
NEW New Kid!
What made you decide to take the plunge and sign up for the 2010 3 Day?
After reading the weekly NKOTW blog last year and then seeing all of the TV commercials advertising the 3-Day for the Cure, a voice started popping up in the back of my mind saying, "Get out there and go for it!" One night I was sitting on my couch reflecting on a stressful day and wondering what sort of impact I was making on the world, and I got the sudden urge to do something bigger than myself. A few days later after some researching I called Jenn to tell her I was taking the plunge and asked if I could join NKOTW ... now here I am!
How did you get suckered into joining, I mean, get connected with Team New Kids?
I was absolutely inspired by Team New Kids on the Walk last year, especially by Jenn Latino. Jenn and I became very close when I worked for her as a graduate assistant, and we continue to remain close now that I am in my first job. Her blog posts were often the highlight of my week throughout her training schedule, and it was very inspirational to see not only the positive impact that NKOTW had on finding the cure, but also to see the impact the training and walk had on the team. I was proud to call those of you that I knew my friends and colleagues! About halfway through your training I secretly decided that I wanted to do the 3-Day this year. Now that I have committed, I only hope that I can motivate even one of my friends, family members, or colleagues in the way that NKOTW 2009 motivated me.
As promised, please enjoy getting to know MIGHTY Michelle Ashcraft!
Michelle Ashcraft
Location: Lexington, KY
Are you a NEW New Kid or a New Kid With Experience?
NEW New Kid!
What made you decide to take the plunge and sign up for the 2010 3 Day?
After reading the weekly NKOTW blog last year and then seeing all of the TV commercials advertising the 3-Day for the Cure, a voice started popping up in the back of my mind saying, "Get out there and go for it!" One night I was sitting on my couch reflecting on a stressful day and wondering what sort of impact I was making on the world, and I got the sudden urge to do something bigger than myself. A few days later after some researching I called Jenn to tell her I was taking the plunge and asked if I could join NKOTW ... now here I am!
How did you get suckered into joining, I mean, get connected with Team New Kids?
I was absolutely inspired by Team New Kids on the Walk last year, especially by Jenn Latino. Jenn and I became very close when I worked for her as a graduate assistant, and we continue to remain close now that I am in my first job. Her blog posts were often the highlight of my week throughout her training schedule, and it was very inspirational to see not only the positive impact that NKOTW had on finding the cure, but also to see the impact the training and walk had on the team. I was proud to call those of you that I knew my friends and colleagues! About halfway through your training I secretly decided that I wanted to do the 3-Day this year. Now that I have committed, I only hope that I can motivate even one of my friends, family members, or colleagues in the way that NKOTW 2009 motivated me.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
THIS Is Why We Walk!
Posted by: Jenn Latino
Tuesday started as a typical day. Fight with the dogs about an appropriate wake up time, get ready for work, visit the Orientation session, head to the office….the afternoon held a 3 mile walk (easy these days!) and some exciting TV with Jillian Michaels. Fairly routine, nothing special-just my kind of day.
After lunch, I received a message from a friend and former classmate at FSU, Caroline Joy White. Caroline’s aunt Jean was in my list of people that I honored with my 2009 walk as she battled inflammatory breast cancer. Aunt Jean was much more than “my mother’s sister” to Caroline. Last year Caroline and her husband Mike left sunny FL to move to their home state of Massachusetts to help Aunt Jean with her insurance business while she battled her cancer.
On Monday, Aunt Jean lost her fight to this terrible disease. Caroline’s message to me included a beautiful reflection of the resilience that Jean showed, even when her health was failing. “Working side by side, I saw the effects the cancer had on her but the one thing it never took from her was her undeniable fighting spirit. Jean is an inspiration in so many ways but no matter how ugly this disease was, she always smiled and never complained. Incredible. She is now back in one piece and enjoying a glass of wine up in Heaven, toasting all of us!”
Tuesday started as a typical day. Fight with the dogs about an appropriate wake up time, get ready for work, visit the Orientation session, head to the office….the afternoon held a 3 mile walk (easy these days!) and some exciting TV with Jillian Michaels. Fairly routine, nothing special-just my kind of day.
After lunch, I received a message from a friend and former classmate at FSU, Caroline Joy White. Caroline’s aunt Jean was in my list of people that I honored with my 2009 walk as she battled inflammatory breast cancer. Aunt Jean was much more than “my mother’s sister” to Caroline. Last year Caroline and her husband Mike left sunny FL to move to their home state of Massachusetts to help Aunt Jean with her insurance business while she battled her cancer.
On Monday, Aunt Jean lost her fight to this terrible disease. Caroline’s message to me included a beautiful reflection of the resilience that Jean showed, even when her health was failing. “Working side by side, I saw the effects the cancer had on her but the one thing it never took from her was her undeniable fighting spirit. Jean is an inspiration in so many ways but no matter how ugly this disease was, she always smiled and never complained. Incredible. She is now back in one piece and enjoying a glass of wine up in Heaven, toasting all of us!”
Monday, June 7, 2010
Will Work (Walk) for Food
Posted By: Michelle Ashcraft
This past week was a little bit crazy for me, so my schedule got all thrown off. But as of Monday even I had completed most of my miles for the week, and I haven’t missed a training walk yet! I’m looking forward for a bit of a calmer week ahead (I hope). I traveled every weekend in May and the first weekend in June, so I’m hoping for a few travel-free weekends in the near future.
Venturing to the Land of Boilermakers
This past weekend I traveled to West Lafayette/Lafayette, IN to my other “home” at Purdue University. This trip was to see my sister Becca and her boyfriend Jake. Jake recently moved into his first home (very excited for him!) and Bec just moved into a new apartment, so I was looking forward to seeing their new places, and to give them their birthday present!
Getting to Know You, Getting to Know All About You!
Posted By: Kim Sterritt
Greetings! I am so excited to post for the first time this 2010 3 Day season! I am even more excited that this post kicks off a weekly series of "interviews" I did with each member of Team New Kids for us to get to know each other and for all of our faithful readers to get to know us as well. I am a firm believer of modeling the way so up first I offer the interview I did with myself. I hope you enjoy getting to know the amazing members of Team New Kids as much as I enjoyed these interviews!
Greetings! I am so excited to post for the first time this 2010 3 Day season! I am even more excited that this post kicks off a weekly series of "interviews" I did with each member of Team New Kids for us to get to know each other and for all of our faithful readers to get to know us as well. I am a firm believer of modeling the way so up first I offer the interview I did with myself. I hope you enjoy getting to know the amazing members of Team New Kids as much as I enjoyed these interviews!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Fundraising: It Ain’t Rocket Science!
Posted by: Jenn Latino
I am in the fourth week of training for the Komen 3-Day. That is about 20% through the 24 week schedule, so it seems like an appropriate time for my first fundraising update. I’ll get to the punch line first (surprises aren’t my thing)….drum roll….I have reached 20% of my fundraising goal with $457.00 donated so far! OUTSTANDING!
I have always been more daunted by the fundraising challenge of this journey than the physical challenge. $2300 is a big darn deal! But, breast cancer is a big darn deal and we have to take bold steps to beat this terrible disease. Raising the $2300 challenges me to be creative. I have had some fundraising gigs gone great, and some gone, not so great.
WHAT WORKED?
I am in the fourth week of training for the Komen 3-Day. That is about 20% through the 24 week schedule, so it seems like an appropriate time for my first fundraising update. I’ll get to the punch line first (surprises aren’t my thing)….drum roll….I have reached 20% of my fundraising goal with $457.00 donated so far! OUTSTANDING!
I have always been more daunted by the fundraising challenge of this journey than the physical challenge. $2300 is a big darn deal! But, breast cancer is a big darn deal and we have to take bold steps to beat this terrible disease. Raising the $2300 challenges me to be creative. I have had some fundraising gigs gone great, and some gone, not so great.
WHAT WORKED?
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Reflections of Family: Those Who Have My Back
Posted By: Michelle Ashcraft
Team NKOTW Around the World
Greetings, and welcome to another weekly edition of Team NKOTW training! This past week found our team training all over the world! Personally I found myself doing 1 walk in Kentucky, 2 walks in Indiana, and 1 walk in Washington, DC … that’s 3 states in 7 days! Shawn took to the beach while Meredith trained in Ireland. (Jealous! I’d love to go back to Ireland. Check out my travels from summer 2008 here.)
Team NKOTW Around the World
Greetings, and welcome to another weekly edition of Team NKOTW training! This past week found our team training all over the world! Personally I found myself doing 1 walk in Kentucky, 2 walks in Indiana, and 1 walk in Washington, DC … that’s 3 states in 7 days! Shawn took to the beach while Meredith trained in Ireland. (Jealous! I’d love to go back to Ireland. Check out my travels from summer 2008 here.)
I think everyone else took to their home trails while hoping that rain or extreme heat didn’t impede their progress.
Unplugged Reflections
You may remember from a couple of weeks ago that Jenn L. reminded all of us that we should “unplug” every now and then to observe and reflect on the world around us.
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