I attempted to find my Saucony sneakers at the mall this weekend, but couldn’t. I decided to try eBay, and find 5 or 6 sellers offering the style I wore in last years 3-Day, and in the size I need. Keep in mind that I paid close to $100 for these shoes last year locally, and then bought a 2nd, backup pair online from a major shoe store for $70 or so.

The pair I’m bidding on? $50 with free shipping. Hopefully no one else is interested in them!

I set out to the mall Friday night and decided to swing into a few shoe stores to see if I could find my Saucony’s that I wore in the 2006 walk. I’m guessing the style I liked (the Triumph) is not being sold in stores anymore, as no one had them. I can’t find them online in major stores either, but I DID find several pairs at a great price on eBay. I’ll be heading over there shortly to buy a pair or two. I’ve got to walk upstairs first and see what size I wore last year, as I’ll be going up a half size this year. (Extra room for thick Thorlo socks and swelling!)

I got my newest shirt from 3DayGear.com last week - it’s the “walk, walk, walk, walk” shirt and it was on clearance for $10. Too bad the shipping cost me $6! Oh well, it’s a small price to pay to be decked out for 3 days in October. The shirt is super comfy too, it’s some kind of stretchy lycra material. I’m sure I’ll wear it fundraising too.

It’s a good idea to carry your own first aid supplies on the 3-Day. Yes, you can get supplies at the first aid tent at any pit stop, but they are usually very crowded. We carried a small ziploc bag of bandaids and moleskin with us, as well as a tube of BodyGlide. The only thing I forgot that we could have used was Ben-Gay or Icy-Hot. The first aid tents had another brand but they ran out quickly.

I’ve found a neat site that will help all of my fellow 3-Day walkers get some cash back when you’re buying your supplies! Ebates has 800 stores listed on their website, from Apple to clothing to luggage to shoes. When you become a member, you’ll be eligible to earn cash back on ALL of your purchases through Ebates. Can you imagine buying something and getting 1% to 25% cash back? They also list coupons and specials, so not only will you make money, but you’ll save money too. If you feel like you’ll forget to check their site the next time you’re shopping online, you can download their “Moe Money Maker” and be reminded.

I’m going to need to buy my next pair of 3-Day sneakers soon. There’s no WAY I could wear the old pair again - not only are they gross and muddy after 2 days of rain in Philly, but…well, they have a lot of miles on them. Here’s what I learned from last year, and what I’m going to do differently:

• Do go to a professional “running store” and get fitted. They will watch you stand, walk, etc and help you choose the best shoe for your foot. I can’t even begin to tell you about the crazy shoes we saw people walking in last year. One woman had Keds on. KEDS!! They have no support at all. I saw another woman walking in sandals.
• Do NOT feel obligated to buy your shoes at that store, because they will be more expensive than you can find online using coupon codes. For instance, I found Foot Locker coupons that will get you 15% off an order over $75! If your shoes don’t cost that much, add in a few pairs of Thorlo socks to get you up to the $75 minimum. (I prefer level 2 Thorlos - padded socks are a MUST!)
• Do break in your shoes - do not bring a new pair to the 3-Day!
• Do get a half size, or a full size bigger than you normally wear. If you wear the Thorlo socks, you know they are thick. And your feet will swell on the walk. I normally wear an 8, but I walked in an 8 1/2. This year, I’m tempted to try a nine.
• Buy 2 pairs of shoes. With the Foot Locker coupons you’ll save some money, and you’ll have a backup pair for the 3-Day. Bring your backup pair in a sealed ziploc bag. If you meet rain, step in a puddle, mud, etc, you’ll be happy to have a warm, dry pair of shoes. Alternate which pair you wear when you train.

Don’t learn the hard way about having the right shoes! I honestly think that the steps I’ve outlined above are the reason why I only had a few blisters at the end of 60 miles.

Instead of waiting til the last minute this year, I’m going to buy the things I need for the 3-Day in advance, and throughout the year. No more procrastination! I plan to buy at least 2 pairs of sneakers soon, to begin training in. That way, I can alternate them, and have 2 wonderfully broken in pairs in time for the walk. I’m going to be prepared on everything else too. We were so lucky to have our team husband Jeff, last year, to go fetch us needed items, but I have a better idea of what I may need this year, so I plan to bring more with me. And I know what to leave home!

One more reason to buy in advance - you’ve got time to shop for a deal, and save some money with a coupon, like these Drugstore.com coupons. from Mr. Cheap StuffSince Cheryl won’t be with me to provide me Ben Gay and moleskin, I know I’ll have to bring my own, and Drugstore.com is just the place to stock up on those items, as well as any other needed first aid supplies!

I have a whole drawer full of “walking gear” - shorts, tanks, all sorts of clothing to wick the sweat away from me - obviously it is all new and unused since I walked in the rain and cold for 3 days in Philly. I bought it too long ago to return it, so I guess I’ll just keep it for now. Someday, maybe I’ve been in a warmer climate for the 3day, and I’ll be able to use it all!

I really should have started packing last week…but I love to wait til the last minute.  I’ve got exactly one days worth of clothes in a ziploc bag, and my jammies too…nothing else is packed, but I’ve got a nice pile of stuff to bring in the corner of my room.

I found a new website:  Check out CheapVitamins.com - They offer popular and hard to find Sports Nutrition and Bodybuilding supplements at low prices, and I’ll bet we’ll be seeing a lot of protein bars like this on our walk this weekend!  The site is easy to browse and navigate, and even easier to search.  The prices seem cheaper than what I’ve seen in brick & mortar stores too.