Let me start by saying patience is not a virtue I possess. At least not when it comes to being patient with myself.
And when I get frustrated, it’s not uncommon for me to “cut my losses” and move on to the next challenge. This not to say I don’t finish things because I do, just not always in the manner originally intended.
I have a habit of scripting things. Occupational hazard. And when things don’t go according to that script (which is pretty often), I implement plan b — or c or d, whatever it takes — to achieve the desired end result. Or if not exactly desired, at least satisfactory. That’s what producers do. We roll with the punches.
So, here I am, three weeks into this walking thing — after years of decidedly not walking. I should be up to like 10 miles in two hours, right? (Realistic expectations of myself is another issue, in case you hadn’t guessed.)
I’m not. Shocking, I know. I’m at 3 LS miles and 1.5 on the treadmill. (Check out my new mileage tracker.) Looking at it objectively, that’s not too bad for a fat girl who spends an average of 12 hours a day — sometimes more — in front of a computer (I totally need one of those treadmill work station things.), and hasn’t honestly exercised even remotely regularly, if at all, in years. But I don’t look at it objectively. (It really doesn’t help that my clothes are tighter at the moment. What’s up with THAT?)
I also think I should be further along in my fundraising. Never mind that I haven’t sent out my letters yet nor have I gone into I’ll-stalk-you-until-you-donate mode. (I’m a producer. I know harrassment. Those who worked with me during my “GMAZ Weekend” days can attest to this. Probably with a good-natured eye roll. But it worked. I always got what I needed.) I have talked to a ton of people and have lots of verbal promises, but not an equal amount of follow-through. Yet. That’s what I have to remind myself.
Yet.
It’s a very important little word. It changes everything. I’m not ready to walk 60 miles. Yet. I haven’t raised enough money. Yet. We don’t have a cure for breast cancer. YET. See what mean?
I have to remind myself that the 3-Day and all it entails is not a sprint. It’s a marathon. Like two, actually. And I’m not just talking miles here. It’s not unlike breast cancer treatment in that training and fundraising take time, patience, and, maybe more than anything, determination. There will be pain along the way — both literally and figuratively — but you have to be in it for the long haul. That long haul, however, is where the similarity ends because training and fundraising, even when worked into an already busy everyday life, is way easier than breast cancer treatment. Way easier.
That said, I’m in. I’ve already committed. (Should BE committed, according to some.)
But that brings me to my next issue. Yes, there’s another one. I am procrastinatory by nature. (I think I just invented a word here, but I’m sure you know what I mean.)
I’m pretty dang good with deadlines. As long as they’re tight to the point of impossible. Give me a long time to work on something and I will invariably wait until the last minute. I think that’s why I was drawn to TV and later the Internet. Both, especially in the news business, operate on tight deadlines and demand nearly instant results.
Procrastination is not a new thing for me. Back in high school — a long time ago in a galaxy far,far away — I had this senior thesis to write. It was a semester-long project. While I started out with the best of intentions, I ended up doing the whole project — research to writing — in the 48 hours before it was due. I was printing as the bell rang to start class.
At the other end of the spectrum, the first time I wrote for a live broadcast, my producer yelled across the newsroom, “That airs in five minutes. You good?” Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about. And yes, I was fine.
Under pressure seems to be how I work best. But that’s just not going to fly with the 3-Day.
First of all, I don’t think it’s physiologically possible to train to make it through 60 miles in the 48 hours before actually walking said 60 miles. I could be wrong, but I really don’t want to put that to the test. Hence the pre-training. The 24-week program is still a couple of weeks off. The Training Kick-off is slated for Sunday, May 23 in Scottsdale. Woo-hoo!
But if I want to go from computer sloth to walking machine, slow starter to fundraising star, then it’s going to take time and patience. And a lotta work.
Patience or not, I am going to deny procrastinatory nature. I am going to spend the next however many days are on that little counter on the right (less then 200 days now) working on this. Training, fundraising, you name it. I will meet my goals… exceed them. I’m determined to. And eventually we will reach the goal we all share. The big one. The cure for breast cancer.
Like I said, I’m in. All in. Are you? See you at the next exit…
There are Alexander Technique teachers in Arizona – check http://alexandertechnique.com/teacher/northamerica
Thanks, Bill. The first time I looked I didn’t go to the bottom of the page. I only looked at the state links at the top. I’m going to look into it.
All too true. Thanks for the motivation.
Walk on, Lisa!
I started training for a 5K last August. The first day I walked, I did .25 miles and nearly passed out. By mid-Oct., I did a 5K in 45 min. Now that I’ve been training for the 3 Day since February and am now up to 11 miles. Believe me, if this fat girl can do it, you can do it! I still beat myself up on days that I’m “supposed” to do more miles than I end up doing…I get frustrated… I feel I should be farther than I am. So you’re not by yourself in any of this!
You rock, Abbie! You know, I thought when I started this that I would be flying solo for the most part. But that’s not the case at all! With people like you rooting for me — many of whom (like you) have been where I’m going — I know I’m not on my own and I’m thinkin’ I really can do this! So, thanks for that, lady!
Cat,
I was in the same boat last year (fat boy walking). I did the Twin Cities 3 day for the first time last year and doing a repeat this year. In January 2009 we did a biggest looser contest at work and that started me off to getting in shape for the 3 day in August. By the time the 3 day came I had $200 in excess of my goal and shed 40 lbs and then lost another 10 for a total of 50.
Start small and get progressivly longer walks following the training schedule. I also was/am a training walk leader. Look for posted walks in you area or become a TWL yourself and post you walks to meet other walkers and share their enthusiam.
I wish you the best of luck in your training and fundraising!!!
Wow, Eric! That is so awesome! Pretty much what I hope to be saying come November. Thank you so much for your advice and encouragement! I love hearing from people who been where I’m going.
LOL! I love your blog posts. I walked last year in DC. You get used to the sweatiness after (during) walks and actually start to look forward to it (especially once I discovered Dove’s Rx strength anti-perspirant)
Once I got past five mile walks, I got more energized. Fifteen was a big hurdle, but once I was past that one (got fitted for shoes at a local running store and whoa, what a difference that made) it was all good to 20 at a pop. My training partner and I changed our work hours so we started the workday earlier (we happened to work in the same complex, so we could meet up after work) and had mapped routes (mapmyrun.com) so we could log miles during the week and not have to worry about going back to the office after working out. We did several back-to-backs on weekends and that was very helpful. Walked all 60 and only had a small blister! If you really need the pressure of deadlines, how about making some up to help keep you going during the training? Like: must have done 2 three mile walks before the 24 week schedule starts or must make 2 followup contacts for fundraising by each Friday.
Thanks Jen! Good tip on the anti-perspirant, BTW. I sweat a lot anyway, but this is a good sweat if that makes any sense.
I’m going to get get fitted for shoes in a couple of weeks — once the “official” training starts. I figured inexpensive ones were fine for these short little getting-started hops. I’ve heard that shoes and socks are key. I’ll be interested to see if my feet react like yours did. Thank you for sharing your experience! I’m going to plan out some deadlines for myself this weekend. (There’s one right there.)
Cat I know you can do it! This fat girl did the 3day in DC last fall, and pre-walk I was pretty much where you are… not a regular exerciser by any definition. Here is what I learned from my experience:
1. Do not beat yourself up if you fall short of the goals suggested in the pre-training guide. Just do the best you can. The longest training walks I did were 12 miles one day and 10 miles the next day. I decided that after these walks I was feeling pretty good (albeit sweaty), and mentally I knew I could have walked twice as far on both of those days.
2. Drink, drink, drink! I mean water and some sort of electrolyte
3. If you are hitting a wall during the actual walk, start chatting with other walkers around you… just talking gets your mind out of the “I can’t do it” rut. I found this amazingly helpful.
Good luck!!!
I love hearing from the voice of experience, Dianna! There’s nothin’ better! I’ve been mostly walking by myself so far, but a friend joined me on the treadmill today and the miles — all two of them — went much faster. Thank you so much for your advice and encouragement!
This is totally me!!!! I’m walking in Chicago in a mere 100 days! I have only raised $500 (I’m really starting to worry that I won’t make the fundraising goal in time to buy a plane ticket. I have 3 medium size fundraisers coming up, plus I still need to send out letters. I have done a bunch of e-mailing and Facebook begging, but it’s about to get stalking serious. I’m doing pretty good with the training…since the 16 week program started. I have barely ever worked out before so I really wanted to (and needed to do the 24 week program, but too late now). I have to do this now though. I’m stating to feel the pinch. I just discovered you’re blog a couple of days ago and I LOVE it! Wish I was walking with you, but we’ll be walking together in spirit!
Thanks for the inspiration!
Rock it, Jen! You’re going to be great — both with the fundraising and the training. People keep telling me that the money comes in pretty well once you send your letters. I’m planning to do that this weekend. And if you’re keeping up with the 16-week program, then you’re doin’ OK! Thanks so much for reading my blog and taking the time to comment. I so appreciate your support! We’ll totally be walking together in spirit! Let me know how your fundraisers go!! Go get ‘em!
Hang in there and don’t give up! This fat girl did the 3day in 2008 and I learned so much about myself. You are doing a wonderful thing here for Breast Cancer and for yourself!! I will be cheering you on!
Thanks so much for the encouragement, Tracey! I never expected the 3-Day community to be so incredibly supportive, but everybody I’ve “met” online has been amazing! I’m ready for the challenge.
Hey, I hear ya! I’ve been frustrated with myself for not meeting even some of my easy, early goals – specifically, I’ve been really stymied by the attempt to stick to a training walk plan. I’m really struggling with how to fit the walks in to my day. I’m in such a rut! So, yeah, I’m getting impatient with myself like you are…
But, as you said, we just have to stick to it the plan, and make it happen. Change is not easy, but it’s possible.
You can do it!
I know what you mean, Jenny. I’m forcing my training into my schedule. Basically, I either hit the treadmill at work before I leave for the day. (I sweat way too much to try to do it on a lunch break. Besides, I don’t usually take lunch breaks.) What I’m doing more often, though, is walking in some manner as soon as I get home, whatever time that might be. I walk in the door and change into workout clothes before I have time to think about it or talk myself out of it. It’s been pretty effective so far. I’m doing something most days of the week. And considering that I started out at less than no exercise, I’m relatively pleased even as I’m frustrated. I’m trying to harness that into something productive… like more training! (I’ll let ya know how that one works out.)
Keep plugging away, girlfriend! I’m a firm believe that anything is possible, even change. I know you can do it!
You crack me up. I’m so with you on pretty much everything you say! I have no patience either, and the scale is going in the wrong direction for me, too. WHAT? WHY? My blood pressure went up after I started walking. It goes on and on. BUT! I think we’re doing great! *high fives*
I don’t think this links you to my blog, so I thought I’d share in case you want to commiserate.
http://www.starchytreks.blogspot.com/
High five back at ya, Missy! The can’t figure out my clothes fitting problem, but the scale going in the wrong direction means you’re building muscle, which weighs more. So kudos on that! Yay muscle! And if your pants are looser, that’s good news, right? Wish I had that problem. BTW, I am so jealous of your sand training. I’m going to visit my sister in SoCal in a couple of weeks, and I definitely plan to hit the beach for a walk… or five.
I know what you mean about the walking rut. People always tell me how energized they feel after a workout. I just feel sweaty, which makes me wondering if I’m doing something wrong. But how could that be? It’s just walking right? The community, you included, is a HUGE help to keep me going! It’s and endless fountain of support, inspiration and encouragement! I’m finding people I have so much in common with. And I had no idea how amazing everybody would be!
Walk on, my fellow impatient lady! And thanks take the time to comment and for sharing your blog!
PS Thanks, too, for the link from your blog.
Cat,
Sometimes I think you get in my head before you write these wonderful blogs. My motto per my family is “if it weren’t for last minutes I would never get things done”…lol.
I can say I hit the half way point in fundraising last week (thanks to my wonderful Grandmother who sent out her own letters ontop of mine) and still have until Novemember with a few big fundraisers coming up so hopefully that will take care of itself.
As for the training I also think I should be further along but I keep telling myself that since I was not very active prior to Feb and now I am up to about 4 miles in an hour and 15 mins about 3-4 days a week that is progress.
Here is to believing in you and your wonderful and amazing progress.
LOL, Tanya. Thank goodness for those last minutes, right?!
Congratulations on hitting the halfway point on your fundraising goal! That is soooo awesome! As is 4 miles in an hour 15! (I’ll let you know when I catch up.) Well done, lady! Keep on rockin’ it!
Oh girl! We are 3-day sisters! Patience is not my middle name by any stretch of the imagination. I struggle with realistic expectations as well.
Honestly though, anyone with realistic expectations would never commit to walking 60 miles and raising $2,300. That’s simply crazy! 
I am overly optimistic and that’s an awesome asset when it comes to the 3-day. I CAN raise this money. I CAN walk 60 miles. We WILL find a cure for (breast) cancer. 
Another excellent post, Cat!
I need some of your extra optimism, sis! Your endless enthusiasm is contagious, so thanks for that! It’s all about YET and CAN, right?!! I CAN, I CAN, I CAN … that’s my new mantra.
I know exactly what you mean. I set March as my big fundraising month, but didn’t do much except put up my Facebook widget and put a widget in my email signature. Didn’t get much money either.
So when April rolled around I decided I’d better get serious. I sent out about 25 letters, and I’ve been amazed at the response. Putting a self addressed return envelope with my letter was helpful. I now also tell everyone I’m doing the walk. I’ve even sent out more letters. The money has now been coming in steadily. In fact, I’m disappointed in a day without a donation.
Like you, I’ve been posting my workouts on Facebook. I think it keeps reminding people I’m training and has definitely generated some donations and discusssions which have led to donations.
Last night my massage therapist told me she has some clients who want to donate so I’m going to leave donation forms at her office. I’m amazed by the number of people who want to donate and who have been so very generous.
I’ve also enlisted sort of a wellness team to keep me going during training. I consider it my treat for doing the training. I’m seeing my massage therapist every two weeks for extra work on my feet and legs. For the first time ever I went to a chiropractor for an adjustment and plan to go back monthly. And I’m learning the Alexander Technique (http://www.alexandertechnique.com/at.htm) to help my body move more effortlessly. I consider these all treats and incentives for my training.
Onward, grasshopper.
That’s so awesome, Susan. I love the idea of a wellness team. I’m planning to do the massage thing — a little TLC for my hard-working legs. I think I’ll follow your lead and check out a chiropractor, as well. The Alexander Technique sounds intriguing. It doesn’t look like there are instructors here in Arizona, but I’d love to hear more about your experience! BTW, your success with your donations letters has lit a little fire. Letters are on the agenda for this weekend, and they won’t get bumped for anything! Thank you!