I’m getting ready.  I didn’t start packing yet, but I did print out the 300 emails I have with information and times and such - if anything, it will give me something to read on the plane.  I located my credentials and lanyard - I lost my original lanyard and the plastic sleeve, so I’ll need to grab a new one in Philly.  Tonight I’m going to start the task of packing, and in case of rain, I’ll be putting EVERYTHING into ziploc bags. 

I just sent the man off to Lowe’s to grab 2 dropcloths/tarps for us to use on our tent in case of rain.  Cheryl sent me the forecast for the weekend and the highs are in the LOW 60’s, so I’ve got to get my butt to the store and get some pants to walk in!  If I had prepared for the cold weather ahead of time, I could have saved myself the trip to Target, and used online coupons to go shopping online - I even found some great Target coupon codes for free shipping and 10% off your order! 

I was able to borrow a sleeping bag and 2 blow up pillows from my friends Tammy & Russ last night, so I’ve officially started packing!  The sleeping bag is a mummy bag that’s made for camping in the mountains, in sub-zero temps, so I’m sure it will keep me warm and toasty overnight in Philly.

I’m more than a bit worried about this whole tent and camping thing during the 3Day. My idea of roughing it is a hotel with only double beds, instead of a king suite. And the thought of walking 60 miles and then assembling a tent, which is something I’ve never done? Good times. I’ve camped only a few times in my life, and none of my experiences camping have been that great. It seems like I’m never prepared - no matter how much I try to prepare, and bring what I need without packing the kitchen sink, I always forget SOMETHING. The last time I went camping was at least 5 years ago, when we went to Fantasy Fest in Key West. We stayed at a campground that had showers and public toilets, so we weren’t completely roughing it, because I still got to take a hot shower and blow dry my hair daily. Jim’s friends that we went with brought all their gear - camp stove, and the little fold up chairs to sit on, a huge tent, and all the other assorted things you need. What did we bring? Beer, and a knife. Jim has several folding knives and usually has one on him at all times (including the time we went on a cruise - and his knife got taken away at security!) He’s got one that’s more of a multi-purpose knife too - I wonder if that’s even allowed at the 3Day? Might be a good idea to bring it…you never know when you’ll need a spork, screwdriver, can opener, or toothpick…and that knife has it all.

In Your Waistpack: The following items should be carried with you in a waistpack while you’re on the route:

• Water bottle
• Identification
• Money and credit cards
• Socks (to change into a fresh pair at the lunch stop)
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Sunglasses
• Bandana
• Rain poncho
• Small First Aid kid
• Wet wipes for hand washing along the route

Kim mentioned this cool pillow to me for the 3 day, and I think she saw it at CVS, so I found a coupon code over at Coupon Riot for $10 off any $50 purchase - sweet! Not only does the website have coupon codes, but they’ve got a ton of steals and online deals too.

With just a few days before the walk (October 6th!) donations are steadily rolling in.  I came home tonight to find that my Aunt & Uncle had donated $50 to me, so I only need another $275 to meet my goal, and I’m confident that will happen.

I also wore my new, size 8.5 sneakers today to Disney World and broke them in - mucho comfy and I think they’ll be fine for the big weekend!  (Tampa walkers - I nearly died today at Disney.  I feel for you girls…and I am SO glad to be doing the walk in Philly, where I at least have a chance of not melting.)

The countdown is on. Here are some last minute tips on packing, including items that people usually forget:

• Battery operated alarm clock and watch
• Camera and film (We recommend using a disposable camera. Don’t forget to write your name on it!)
• Earplugs (if you’re a light sleeper)
• Tent flag or marker
• Journal and pens
• Address book (to send postcards)
• Water bottle
• Bandanas
• Hat

Wear cool, breathable clothing. (I still have no clue what to bring - I had shorts and tanks to walk in, but will it be too cool for that?) Bring sweat proof sunscreen (I’ll be bringing the spray on kind) Carry water between pit stops, so don’t forget your water bottle. There will be dunking stations for bandanas on the route (we bought ones that have crystals in them to stay colder, longer). Also, in case of rain, bring plastic sheeting or tarps for your tent. Place one inside your tent along the floor to prevent condensation from the wet ground. Put a second over the top of your tent like an umbrella. Many participants use trash bags to help keep their gear waterproof in the event of weather. Please pack your clothes, shoes, etc. in plastic and then insert them into your bag, rather than wrapping your entire bag in a trash bag. This will guarantee that even if the outside of your bag gets wet, your things inside will stay dry. It also prevents your bag from being mistaken for trash.

When you live in Florida, you can’t count on the weather cooperating.  When the weather turns ugly, you can move your workout inside, with one of these Keiser M3 bikes.  Keiser, “The Power in Human Performance” has released these new M3 biles, which are completely maintenance free, they only require regular cleaning and checks.  They’re built to last and provide you comfort while working out too, with heavy duty Shimano pedals and corrosive resistant materials (meaning you could even store it in a covered area outside if needed), as well as resistance transitions & easy progression tracking.

I just got off the phone with Deb, our coach. She hooked me up with the towel service, which I had not signed up for when I checked in. She also gave me some last minute tips. Packing: your sleeping bag MUST be packed INSIDE your “not over 35 lbs” duffel bag..she insists that stuffing it in works! Camp: Bring something, anything,to make your tent stand out from others, or you may stumble into the wrong one on your way back from showering or eating! I’m bringing my Tampa Bay Bucs Flag to pin on ours…I’m sure that will go over real well in Eagle Town! And, don’t forget the plastic tarp to put over it, as the evening dew up there may seep through! Medical: Do not worry too much about moleskin, band aids, tylenol, etc…unless you need something specific, they have all of that at the medical tent and pit stops. The Walk: She is jealoous that she is not walking in PHL (Coaches can’t walk in the even they are coaching), as the route chosen is very scenic. Day one we will see some lovely, upscale neighborhoods going into PHL, Day Two & Three we will see a lot of the historical sites.