Unofficial start of summer

 

Jill Hassenfelt and
Amy Mangan-Fischer



Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer. People bring out their grills, start their summer yard work, and tell themselves that now that the weather is nice they're going to start exercising more. The last two years Memorial Day weekend has also been the beginning of "Challenge Walk Season" for me. It's time to buy a new pair of walking shoes, water bottle, and new sweat absorbent socks. It's time to write down the recommended mileage from the MS website in my calendar so I know how far I need to walk each day. It's time to start addressing my fundraising letter to my friends, family, and coworkers and it's time to start asking businesses for donations and if they'll participate in Team Marty and Clyde's pin-up program. Yes, it's officially Challenge Walk season.

This will be my third year participating in the MS Challenge Walk in Door County. I got involved because my best friend's dad has MS and she decided to start Team Marty and Clyde, in honor of Marty her dad and Clyde his cane. This year my sister, who lives in Alabama, will be flying up to participate for her first time. Laura decided to get involved after hearing just how inspiring the weekend is. There's something motivational about knowing that I'm walking, not just to lose weight and look better in those jeans, but that my walking is making a difference in the lives of people. Every time I open up my mailbox and see a check for the MS society, I get a rush. It's this amazing feeling that I have done something to improve the world.

So this summer, I encourage everyone to get outside walking (or inside.. treadmills work too) and start preparing for this year's MS Challenge Walk. I must warn you though, it's addicting.

Amy Mangan-Fischer
Member of Team Marty and Clyde