Challenge Walk MS in Door County, Wisconsin



Anne Rogalski, Fran McLaughlin
and Nicole Youngstrom

 Welcome New Challenge Walk MS Participants

Challenge Walk 2011 will be my fourth time experiencing the incredible beauty of Door County in the fall, as well as enjoying what I consider hours of very entertaining conversations with my two walking companions: my sister Nicole, who makes the trip every year from North Carolina; and Fran, a friend I made the first year of the walk, who also happens to have MS.

For those who have been involved with the walk in the past, you probably recognize the three of us as “the ones who skip lunch to beat their personal best.”  FYI: not only do we have photos to prove otherwise, we also typically gain 3-5 pounds over the course of the weekend … the meals and rest stop treats are irresistible! You would think walking 50 miles in three days would make up for the increased calories. We just keep telling ourselves it is “muscle weight.”

For the 30-plus people joining Challenge Walk MS for the first time this year: welcome! As an individual living with MS, I also want to say thank you for donating your time, energy and talent to bring us closer to finding a cure.

At times the task of raising $1,500 seems daunting. However, over the years I have accepted the fact that when I ask, the worst that can happen is the individual will say no. On the rare occasions that someone does turn my request down; they do so with regret, and then find a way to say yes the following year.

I officially kicked off my training yesterday at Walk Wisconsin, a non-competitive marathon in Stevens Point. My husband, a non-walker, and I agreed to split the difference; we walked 16 miles, ending at our front door. Typically I walk four miles a day, with increased mileage on the weekends. I should probably also mention that the weekends include a mandatory Starbucks “walk through” with my “Walking BFF” Marian.

Good luck to all! May the wind be at your back and the donations in your online thermometer!

Anne Rogalski