Challenge Walk Can be a Path to Friendships

Hello MS Challenge Walkers,

It truly is a small world.

My wife, Jenny, and I attended a graduation party this weekend where we unexpectedly ran into a couple we met at the first Wisconsin Challenge Walk in 2008. The same couple also walked in 2009. Both Challenge Walks were highlighted by conversations with this couple that stretched over several miles. It turns out they are good friends with my aunt, who was hosting the party. We had a great time at the party reconnecting and swapping “war stories” about our Challenge Walk experiences.

There is clearly a social aspect to the Challenge Walk which frankly caught us completely by surprise during our first year. The walkers and volunteers seem to morph into a community over 2.5 days, dedicated to a common goal and connected by a common struggle. There is a lot of time to kill over 50 miles, so plan on striking up a conversation or two. It is a great way to pass the time and meet new friends.

Hopefully everyone is in full-on training mode and having success in their fund raising efforts. We often struggle to stay motivated to train, especially with all the other summer activities. We find it helpful to recall how we felt for miles 18 through 20 of the walk on Friday and Saturday of last year’s walk. The more effort we put in now, the easier those miles will be this go-round.

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Two time walker - walking words of wisdom from Jill

Summer 2008. It was my first summer training for Challenge Walk MS. On one especially hot Saturday in June the training plan said to walk 8 miles. So I headed out to walk 8 miles.

At the end of mile 7, I thought I would never make it home. I sat down on a patch of grass on the side of the road and wasn’t sure if I’d be able to get up. Ever. I set out to walk 8 miles, but I brought nothing with me. I had no choice but to get up and walk home, and I did, but I never did a training walk empty handed again.

Here’s what I take with me now on my walks.

Water – Essential! Even for short walks. I like having something to carry, but there are bottles that you can loop onto your belt or even carry in your belt. I constantly have to remind myself to drink even if I’m not thirsty.

Munchies – You burn 100 calories for every mile you walk. Bodies need fuel for energy. I like to fill little Ziploc bags with cheerios or pretzels. Last year I got hooked on bite-sized pieces of cinnamon bread. Trail mix or granola bars are good too. (And most likely better for you than cinnamon bread!)

Sunscreen – Being outside for a long walk will likely require a reapplication. I carry a travel-size container in a Ziploc bag

Tissue – Even if you don’t have allergies.

Cash – Not a lot. But if you pass a gas station or fast food restaurant, a cold bottle of water or a fresh snack can be heavenly. I also take my credit card just in case I get in trouble and need to cab it home. (I have never done it, but I like having the option.)

Cell phone – Just in case.

Identification – Again. Just in case

A walking partner – Walking with someone makes training walks go by a lot quicker. And usually much more entertaining.

iPod/mp3 player - If I am walking alone, I don’t leave home without this. A good song can give you a great boost of energy. I also download books or podcacsts (free!) for the especially long walks. Safety is always a concern so I make sure I can still hear what’s going on around me.

I put all of this stuff (except the walking partner) either in my pockets or a super lightweight backpack. Nothing is so heavy that it makes it more difficult to walk.

Thankfully, I only have to worry about all of this during training walks. One of the many great things about the Challenge Walk MS event is how well the staff and volunteers take care of the walkers along the way. Every three miles there are rest stations with cold water, snacks, and volunteers with so much energy you can’t help but catch some. In between those rest stations, volunteers in support vehicles check in with walkers to make sure everyone is doing ok. And of course there are fellow walkers to count on for encouragement. The level of support is fantastic. I only wish the staff and volunteers could be on all of my training walks too!

Jill Hassenfelt will be participating in her third Challenge Walk MS in September. Check out her blog at http://steppingoverms.wordpress.com/