Momentum Matters

Oh My, Look What We DID...0 to 60 in 3 days

We did it! We gave our hearts, soul, sweat and tears for three days and created some remarkable memories along the way. Here are a few highlights of our Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure journey...

My bff Terry and I the night before the 3-Day pulling our outfits together... hats, tiaras, and donor recognition necklaces.

At the opening ceremony ready to walk! Left to right: Leslie, Janet, Jim, Terry, Nancy

 

My brother Jim was a good sport. We nicknamed him "the slacker" because he was anything but that and the only one who walked all the recommended MEGA miles for training.

 

Still smiling... it's a McAlpine thing to stick oranges in our mouths for photos. ;)

 

One day down; two to go!

 

 Janet getting taped up on Day 2.

Jim getting taped up on Day 2.

Nancy getting taped up on Day 2.

Terry getting taped up on Day 2.

Leslie getting taped up on Day 2.

 Still happy... but what's with your orange, Terry? You're 90 degrees off. ;)

Day 2 DONE. Nancy left with her hubby and Terry was off eating so we decided to take photo of Leslie, Jimmy and Janet walking for Dad. This day was all about mental fortitude, something Dad gave us plenty of (thank goodness!).

 

We walked most of Day 3 in the rain but left hats on hoping for sun.

Jim called in a lifeline and his wife brought him dry shirt, socks and shoes. Lucky dog. 

3.7 miles from the finish and we were so happy that we started singing, cheering and entertaining anyone who would look our way. 

We were welcomed to the finish line by Tricia. She was beaming and so were we.

Tired tootsies but oh, so happy and satisfied.

Thank you for following us and for your support. We walked for Tricia & in honor of Dad and feel so grateful for every step of the journey.

Leslie & Tricia's Team

Visualizing BOLD Action & BIG Success

And here we are. Just days from walking the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure in the Detroit area. It has taken a lot of time, energy and determination to reach this point, and I am feeling so proud of my team for their perseverance in what's turned out to be more of a training and fundraising challenge than we anticipated. But we did it. We've prepared for the BIG weekend, and we've raised $16,758!

When I created Tricia's Team, I didn't know if I'd have another member. Within hours my sister Janet signed on. A few days later my cousin Nancy surprised me and joined the team. Then my bff Terry and my brother Jim. And finally we added Dad as an honorary member. He battled colon and bile duct cancer and became quite familiar with chemo and radiation treatments... and the complications that resulted from the protocols. When my sister/his daughter Patricia was diagnosed with breast cancer, he fought hard to stay alive to act as a constant support and cheerleader. After his passing it seemed fitting that he continue to support Trish in her health and healing by becoming an honorary member of Tricia's Team. It's been so comforting to have him on the team. 

And now it's safe to say that we're all feeling a little nervous about walking three consecutive 20-mile days. As is my habit, I'm using visualization as a tool for success. It's something used by many world-class athletes to prepare for an athletic event and something I've shared with hundreds of clients. I promise to write about the technique soon, but for now I'll just say that I'm repeating the images and sensations of a successful 3-Day in my mind's eye while banishing any negativity or fear.

Each day this week I will imagine myself at the finish line of the 3-Day, smiling and feeling strong. I'll feel the breeze on my face as I walk, and I'll hear the crowds cheering me on. I'll feel my feet moving along the sidewalk, light and energized. I'll imagine how my clothes feel against my skin, and I'll imagine the joy and pride pumping through me as I walk into camp with hundreds of newfound friends.

Finally, I'll see the rows of breast cancer survivors in a sea of pink, thanking and congratulating me and Tricia's Team. I will imagine every little detail exactly as I want the experience to be. This is my visualization for the week and my reality come Sunday, August 14.  

I'm walking for Tricia and in honor of Dad!

Leslie Hamp, Creative Catalyst

PS - Want to help my teammates in their final fundraising push? Click here, select a team member and donate $25, $50 or whatever strikes your fancy. When they top $3,000 (and they're oh, so close), they'll get the Legacy Pin, and you'll get a feel-good hit for the day. Oh yes, you'll also get a tax deduction, a "ride in our pockets" as we carry you with us during our 3-Day journey, and our heartfelt thanks.

 

I Confess...

When I got the Important Event News email from the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure yesterday, I felt panic and excitement rolled into one. With just 12 days til the 3-Day, I have to confess that I haven't trained much since April due to my Dad's passing, my baby's graduation from law school, the burial of my sweet parents, and the sale and move from our home of 32 years. I've been reassured by a friend who has completed two 3-Day events that my general conditioning and the inspiration from the event will get me through three 20-mile days of walking. So I'm rolling with the flow and trusting all will be well. I think I'll actually get this week's training in...

Monday		Rest
Tuesday		4 miles		Easy walking
Wednesday		45 minutes		Moderate cross-training
Thursday		5 miles		Moderate walking
Friday		45 minutes		Easy cross-training
Saturday		10 miles		Easy walking
Sunday		8 miles		Easy walking

I'm walking for Tricia and in honor of Dad!

Leslie Hamp, Creative Catalyst

PS - Want to help my teammate Terry get "the dumb pin"? Click here to donate $25, $50 or whatever strikes your fancy. When she tops $3,000 (and she's oh, so close), she'll get the Legacy Pin, and you'll get a feel-good hit for the day. Oh yes, you'll also get a tax deduction, a "ride in our pockets" as we carry you with us during our 3-Day journey, and our heartfelt thanks.

 

How Hard Can This Be?

We're just three weeks out (yikes!) from the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure from August 12-14, and I know what you're thinking... How hard can this be? In the midst of heat, blisters and muscle soreness, we're discovering it's harder than we thought. But we're soldiering on. After all, our pain and suffering is NOTHING compared to the challenges my sister Trish and other breast cancer patients incur.

This week's training (18 miles... uncle!):

Monday		Rest
Tuesday		6 miles		Easy walking
Wednesday		45 minutes		Moderate cross-training
Thursday		6 miles		Moderate walking
Friday		45 minutes		Easy cross-training
Saturday		18 miles		Easy walking
Sunday		8 miles		Easy walking

I'm walking for Tricia and in honor of Dad!

Leslie Hamp, Creative Catalyst

PS - Want to help my teammate Terry get "the dumb pin"? Click here to donate $25, $50 or whatever strikes your fancy. When she tops $3,000 (and she's oh, so close), she'll get the Legacy Pin, and you'll get a feel-good hit for the day. Oh yes, you'll also get a tax deduction, a "ride in our pockets" as we carry you with us during our 3-Day journey, and our heartfelt thanks.

 

HOT Walking

You've likely heard of hot yoga, but what about hot walking? On these HOT summer days, the five of us on Tricia's Team are getting used to the heat and learning all about hydration. Since we'll be walking the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure from August 12-14 in scorching hot weather, this is good preparation. Here's how we're handling the heat:

• Some of our training walks are being done during the hotter parts of the day. We're varying our terrain to include sidewalks, trails, asphalt and hills... conditions that mimic the actual 3-Day.
• Hydration is key to keeping cool, so we carry a water bottle or two at all times to help monitor the amount of fluid we are consuming. For longer walks we add a sports drink as well. 
• When it's really hot, we bring a bandana or two to dip in water and wrap around our heads or necks. We'll do this at every pit stop during the 3-Day.
• We dress in layers so that we can remove clothing as the day becomes hotter, and we apply (and re-apply) sunscreen. 
• If we get hot, we back off, rest and take in fluids and a snack. 
• When we're done training for the day, there's nothing better than a snack, something to drink, a shower and some down time to give our bodies time to rest and equilibrate. 

This week's training (an easy week; yay!)...

Monday		Rest
Tuesday		5 miles		Easy walking
Wednesday		45 minutes		Moderate cross-training
Thursday		6 miles		Moderate walking
Friday		45 minutes		Easy cross-training
Saturday		10 miles		Easy walking
Sunday		8 miles		Easy walking

I'm walking for Tricia and in honor of Dad!

Leslie Hamp, Creative Catalyst

PS - Want to help my teammates get "the dumb pin"? Click here to donate $25, $50 or whatever strikes your fancy. When they top $3,000 (and they are all so close), they'll get the Legacy Pin, and you'll get a feel-good hit for the day. Oh yes, you'll also get a tax deduction, a "ride in our pockets" as we carry you with us during our 3-Day journey, and our heartfelt thanks.

 

5 Weeks Til We Walk Our Talk

Only 5 weeks til the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure from August 12-14 in the Detroit area, and Tricia's Team is on track. We've actually already accomplished our goal to:

1. Lift Tricia's and Dad's spirits through our commitment to the 3-Day
2. Raise $2300/person for the Susan G. Komen Foundation (we've raised more than $16,500)
3. Get in shape by walking, walking, walking

The rest is icing on the cake. I suspect we don't have a clue as to how moving and empowering this experience will be. When Terry and I went to a 3-Day meeting last January, the leader said she felt the extremes of jubilation one minute and tears the next. After all, hundreds of women and men are walking for those whose lives have been turned upside down by cancer, and many of those we are honoring are present. Just thinking of that keeps me putting one foot in front of the other.

This week's training...

Monday		Rest
Tuesday		5 miles		Easy walking
Wednesday		45 minutes		Moderate cross-training
Thursday		6 miles		Moderate walking
Friday		45 minutes		Easy cross-training
Saturday		18 miles		Easy walking
Sunday		15 miles		Easy walking

I'm walking for Tricia and in honor of Dad!

Leslie Hamp, Creative Catalyst

PS - Want to help my teammates get "the dumb pin"? Click here to donate $25, $50 or whatever strikes your fancy. When they top $3,000 (and they are all so close), they'll get the Legacy Pin, and you'll get a feel-good hit for the day. Oh yes, you'll also get a tax deduction, a "ride in our pockets" as we carry you with us during our 3-Day journey, and our heartfelt thanks.

 

Flashback

I'm crouched on a black track marked for competition. I can see the other runners, hear the sounding of the gun, feel myself spring forward. I run my heart out until I cross the finish line, gasping for air.

The flashback happened yesterday when I stepped onto the black composite track at the local high school, ready to put in miles of walking while my pooch raced around the open field. As I recalled the 500-yard dash, mile, hurdles, and relay races that were so integral to my school days long ago, I couldn't help but chuckle at the smile on my face and warm fuzzies in my heart. Those events made a significant impression "back in the day."

I was a competitive gal and, given my short stature, often on the losing end of the race as the taller girls could usually outdistance me in the final stretch. While I often beat myself up because of "failure," I also learned some really good life lessons...

• Give it your all, no matter the outcome.
• Never give up.
• Hold your head high.

I've carried those lessons all these years and am tapping back into them as we close in on the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure from August 12-14 in the Detroit area. I haven't walked nearly the recommended training distance for the 60-mile event. When my dad passed away on April 14, that set me back for weeks. Add travel, work, and the celebration and burial of both of my parents in Canada this week, and I'd say I have plenty of excuses. But no matter. I'm not giving up and will walk all that I can in the final six weeks before the event.

This week's training...

Monday		Rest
Tuesday		5 miles		Easy walking
Wednesday		45 minutes		Moderate cross-training
Thursday		6 miles		Moderate walking
Friday		45 minutes		Easy cross-training
Saturday		10 miles		Easy walking
Sunday		6 miles		Easy walking

When I walk the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure in August, I'll hold my head high knowing Tricia's (amazing) Team has provided love, encouragement and support to my sister during her breast cancer journey, to my dad during his bile duct cancer and end of life journey, and to all of those who have had their lives turned upside down by other forms of cancer. I already feel humbled and grateful for this opportunity.

I'm walking for Tricia and in honor of Dad!

Leslie Hamp, Creative Catalyst

PS - Want to help my teammates get "the dumb pin"? Click here to donate $25, $50 or whatever strikes your fancy. When they top $3,000 (and they are all so close), they'll get the Legacy Pin, and you'll get a feel-good hit for the day. Oh yes, you'll also get a tax deduction, a "ride in our pockets" as we carry you with us during our 3-Day journey, and our heartfelt thanks.

Walk 17 Miles With Me?

Last week was an easy training week, but it didn't last. We're back up to a 17-mile training day, and that makes sense given that we're just 7 weeks from walking the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure (60 miles, August 12-14, Detroit area). The great news is that in addition to consistent training, Tricia's Team has raised more than $16,500... and showered Tricia with all that loving support.

We are truly humbled and thankful for all of our donors. If you know anyone who wants to help Janet, Jim, Terry or Nancy top the $3,000 mark, please send them to our team page here. You'll see they are just a few hundred dollars from the "dumb pin." (Hey, as a former PR gal, I've launched many motivational programs like this so embrace the legacy pin as well as the Power Team designation we'll get when we all reach $3,000.) 

This week's training...

Monday		Rest
Tuesday		5 miles		Easy walking
Wednesday		45 minutes		Moderate cross-training
Thursday		6 miles		Moderate walking
Friday		45 minutes		Easy cross-training
Saturday		17 miles		Easy walking
Sunday		13 miles		Easy walking

I'm walking for Tricia and in honor of Dad!

Leslie Hamp, Creative Catalyst

Dad's Father's Day Gift... to us

I cannot believe that we'll be walking the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure in just 8 weeks! It's coming up quickly, and I know it is going to be an amazing experience. This week's training seems like a snap...

Monday		Rest
Tuesday		5 miles		Easy walking
Wednesday		45 minutes		Moderate cross-training
Thursday		6 miles		Moderate walking
Friday		45 minutes		Easy cross-training
Saturday		8 miles		Easy walking
Sunday		6 miles		Easy walking

Since it's Father's Day, I'm going to slip my ear buds in and listen to "Dad's music" as I stride along. He left us the gift of beautiful music for his and Mom's memorial services, and I gain great strength and comfort listening to it. As I trek along today, I'll be cherishing all those Dad (and Mom) memories as I listen to:

• Voyage by John McDermott
• If Ever I Should Leave You by John Gary 
• What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
• Smile by Rod Stewart (my favorite when I'm blue)
• How Great Thou Art by Susan Boyle
• Amazing Grace by Red Hackle Band

I miss you, Dad, but keep putting one foot in front of the other just like you taught us to do. I'm walking for Tricia and in honor of Dad!

Leslie Hamp, Creative Catalyst

My Daily Dose of Pilates & Walking

Yowser. Our training for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure is getting tougher by the week...

Monday		Rest
Tuesday		4 miles		Easy walking
Wednesday		30 minutes		Moderate cross-training
Thursday		5 miles		Moderate walking
Friday		45 minutes		Easy cross-training
Saturday		15 miles		Easy walking
Sunday		11 miles		Easy walking

I've been doing a lot of Pilates to balance out all the training walks and have noticed that a strong core is making me a stronger walker. The Shoulder Bridge is just one of the exercises I've been doing — sometimes with a flex band, sometimes with a weighted ball between my knees, sometimes moving my arms overhead, and sometimes sans props.

All the variations target the deep abdominal muscles (to stabilize low back and pelvic region), hip extensors (to lift pelvis), hip flexors (when I lift and lower one leg), adductors (when I squeeze the ball between my knees), and scapular stabilizers (when I extend a weighted ball overhead). It all feels oh so good after a long walk. 

Want to learn about one-on-one Pilates training with me? Click here now. This mind-body technique is fabulous for strength, flexibility, coordination, concentration, stress relief and more. And it's helping to prepare me for the 3-Day in August.

I'm walking for Tricia and in honor of Dad!

Leslie Hamp, STOTT PILATES® Certified Instructor