Staying Motivated

by Jill Jones

For our “Survivors” team, staying motivated is one of our strengths. We have many people on our team that are energetic and motivated people to begin with. Our team captain, Heidi, sends us many emails and has a Facebook page just for our team to communicate. She keeps that energy flowing and keeps us all organized. 

We have team apparel that we can choose to buy that Heidi organizes for us. Each day we decide what to wear and then we all look similar, which can be a lot of fun. Many of us like to wear crazy socks and we bring all of the orange we can and have fun getting ready each day. 

Throughout the walk our team has a lot of fun supporting each other. You might hear us start cheers or singing along the way. We like to hum songs and then have our teammates guess what song it is. At each mile marker, our team takes a picture with whoever happens to be by the person with the camera. 

Challenge Walk MS, for everyone who takes the time to fundraise and participate, is motivation enough: WE ALL WANT TO FIND A CURE FOR MS! 

What I’m Packing for Challenge Walk

by Jill Jones

As you probably know, Challenge Walk MS is rain or shine, so to be prepared for the weather is a must. Also, since it starts earlier in the day, it can be chilly to start and get warmer as the day progresses. Each day last year I wore layers that I could put on or take off as the weather changed. 

When it rained last year, I had a poncho type raincoat that worked really well. This year, I am looking to purchase more of a rain suit that is a little lighter in weight. I feel this may be easier to walk in. When it rained last year and it was a little chilly, my team wore cotton gloves with plastic gloves over them to keep them dry. That really worked for me. Also, a hooded sweatshirt and jacket was a must for me to keep my ears covered.   

[Click here for more packing list ideas.]

What are your Challenge Walk MS "dress for success" tips?

My Shoes

by Jill Jones

Shoes are an important part of the Challenge Walk because they will determine how you feel each day of the walk. Before last year’s walk, I decided to go to a place where they would analyze my walk and determine the best shoes for me.  I knew that the shoes I would then purchase would cost more than just buying them elsewhere, but I thought it would be worth it. After the walk, I would agree that it was well worth the extra price. 

A funny story about my shoes is the day I bought them I was meeting with my brother and sister for supper that night. I had just come from the shoe store and proudly brought my box of shoes into the house to show them off. When I looked down at my sister’s feet, she was wearing the exact same shoes that I had just purchased. She had also done a foot strike analysis at a different store and ended up with the exact same pair of shoes. How funny is that? 

I would also invest in the moisture wicking socks or dri fit socks that you can purchase. They keep your feet dry and especially on a rainy day, your feet will thank you for it. 

This year I am going to wear those same shoes for the second year. I use them strictly for the Challenge Walk and training, so I am hoping that my feet will stay “happy” with me and I will not have to visit the excellent medical staff that we have at the Challenge Walk.  

What story do you have about your shoes?

Conference Call #3 Recap

The final Challenge Walk MS conference call was held September 11 at 6 p.m. Highlights are as follows:

Numbers Update:  Currently 132 walkers, 16 Super Crew and 49 crew members have registered. Alpine is ready for us, and the route is ready too!

Fundraising Deadline Reminder: The fundraising deadline is Monday, September 23. If you turned in a Promise to Pay form, the $1,500 is due by then. If you’re unable to attend Challenge Walk MS for some reason, please remember that the registration fees and all donations are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Celebration Club: Secure $2,500 or more in pledges and become a member of the Celebration Club. Bronze members ($2,500-$4,999) receive a wearable item, Silver members ($5,000-$9,999) receive a wearable and a commemorative item, Gold members ($10,000 or more) receive a wearable, commemorative item and free registration for 2014.

Meet ‘N’ Greet: Relax with your team members, catch up with friends from past walks and get to know new participants at the Alpine Lodge bar on Thursday night. Light snacks, cash bar and a wine pull (pick a surprise bottle of wine in exchange for a donation) will be part of the evening.

First-time participants are invited to gather at the event check-in area (in the west lobby) at 7 p.m. Thursday for a separate quick and casual meet-and-greet of other rookie participants. It will be a great way to break the ice!

Group Photo: Each year a group photo is taken of all the participants together. In past years it was taken after the victory mile walk on Sunday. This year we’re going to take it Friday morning at the Clark Park start line location when everyone is fresh, energized and excited to get on the route. Be sure to bring your smiles that morning!

Meals for Family Members and Support Teams: Single meals can be purchased at the dining room entrance: $10 breakfast (Sat/Sun), $ 8 lunch  (Fri/Sat), $18 dinner (Fri/Sat). NOTE: Sunday lunch is only for event participants only; please ask friends to meet you at finish line at Murphy Park. For all weekend meals, volunteers can purchase a wristband for $56, family members for $72.

You Might Be a Challenge Walker If...

by Jackie Piper

You Might Be a Challenge Walker If…

(with a nod to Jeff Foxworthy)

1. You have had 10 blisters. On one foot.
2. You have walked 50 miles. And gained weight.
3. You have a funny taste in your mouth from licking envelopes and stamps for thank you notes.
4. You have wanted to kiss the folks at the mile 39 rest stop on Day 2.
5. You have kissed the SAG driver who brought you hot cocoa on a cold day.
6. You have worn surgical booties on your shoes in a vain attempt to keep them dry.
7. You have walked slower to keep a teammate company.
8. You have taken blurry pictures of Door County scenery because you didn’t want to stop walking.
9. You have walked mile 11, steeply uphill, eating a double scoop pumpkin caramel ice cream cone.
10. You have been shameless in who you would ask and what you would sell to raise money to fight MS.
11. You have made new friends through the shared pain and joy of a 50-mile Challenge Walk!

Have You Ordered Your Challenge Walk MS Jacket?

This year's Challenge Walk MS wearable item available for purchase is the Grinnell Lightweight Jacket.  Lightweight, 100% polyester, it has a flattering fit and contrasting zipper. Elasticized cuffs and adjustable drawcord keep wind and water out, while a back vent and mesh lining allow for ultimate breathability. Lower front zippered pockets create a sleek and slender look. Great for wearing in the morning then rolling up and packing in your half-day bag at noon! Orders must be placed by Wednesday, September 11. Jackets will be available for pick-up at Challenge Walk MS.

Challenge Walk MS Packing List

(Suggestions provided by veteran Challenge Walk MS walker Marian Rezel)

Walkers

• A half-day bag
• Cell phone and charger
• No-wick socks (9 pairs, including 3 for your half-day bag)
• Tennis shoes (2 pair, including 1 for the half-day bag)
• Under garments
• T-shirts (1 per day)
• Long-sleeve shirts
• Walking shorts (1 per day)
• Long walking pants
• Light-weight rain repellant jacket
• Fleece jacket
• Hooded jacket (sweatshirt or similar)
• Mittens or gloves
• Winter headband or hat
• Bandana
• Sun glasses
• Visor or baseball hat
• Flip flops or crocs (for after the walk)
• Umbrella
• Rain poncho
• First aid kit (although the SAG vehicles will have
  supplies and can provide assistance, you may want
  to carry Band-Aids, headache relief, blister
  packs, Body Glide or foot powder)
• Water bottle
• Gatorade
• 5-Hour Energy
• Power Bars
• Sun screen
• Lip balm with sun block

Volunteers

• Cell phone and charger
• Socks
• Tennis shoes
• Long sleeve shirts
• Light-weight rain repellant jacket
• Fleece jacket
• Hooded jacket (sweatshirt or similar)
• Mittens or gloves
• Winter headband or hat
• Bandana
• Sun glasses
• Visor or baseball hat
• Umbrella
• Flip flops or crocs (for after each day’s events)

Don’t forget to pack your regular traveling items too, including:

• Stuff to sleep in
• Pillow
• Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrush)
• Undergarments for during the walk and for after
• Extra towels
• Clothes to wear in the evenings 

Other items to consider bringing include hand warmers and money for special purchases along the way (ice cream at Wilsons!) or from the weekend’s silent auction.

Do you have any other suggestions? Share it in the comment section below.

It's the Final Countdown

We’re officially two weeks away from Challenge Walk MS 2013! Think back on all the hours of training and all your efforts in fundraising and pat yourself on the back, then think how you’ll want to celebrate come Challenge Walk MS weekend.

Right now Chapter staff members are putting the finishing touches on all details for the event, but here are a few key points and reminders:

Thursday Night Early Check-In
If you’re arriving in Door County on Thursday, be sure to plan to join everyone in the Alpine Lodge Thursday night for early check-in (beginning at 5:30 p.m.) and a get-to-know-each-other reception. Light refreshments will be available or you can purchase beverages from the bar. You can also drop off any items for the silent auction at that time.

Please note – Challenge Walk MS accommodations are for Friday & Saturday night only. If you're arriving Thursday, you must make additional arrangements for staying overnight.

The Route
Challenge Walk MS will guide you through the historic Door County Peninsula along designated daily routes. The walk will be a scenic experience that you can enjoy with your Challenge Walk MS companions. Rest stops every three miles will provide you with everything you need to make your walk a success, and the route will have plenty of support vehicles and medical staff. 
Here are the links to each day’s route:
Friday Route Map  |  Saturday Route Map  |  Sunday Route Map

Bring Spending Money
It’s Door County after all! You might want some ice cream along the route or see something while window shopping. Plus there’s the silent auction Friday and Saturday and, if past events are any indication, you’ll see more than one thing to bid on! Cash, checks and credit cards will be accepted for the winning bids.

Congratulations to the Top 5 individual fundraisers (to date as of Sept. 6):

1.       Connie Plier, $22,695

2.       Jenny Egan, $10,561

3.       Lori DeNoble, $8,735

4.       Patricia Heller, $7,872

5.       Sari Swets, $7,272

Way to “go the extra mile” in your fundraising efforts!!

Remember to Pack for the Weather

Challenge Walk MS takes place rain or shine. Since we are in Wisconsin, temperatures in September can vary from low to high, all in the span of a few hours. Dress accordingly, and remember to make use of a half-day bag so you can adjust your layers (or swap out your socks and shoes) at lunch. (What’s a half-day bag? Scroll down on this page to find out.)

Don't forget that the last Challenge Walk MS Conference Call is this coming Wednesday at 6 p.m. Last minute details will be shared and any questions will be answered. Don't miss it! Dial 888-279-3775 and use code 4804.