As of July 8,
114 walkers are registered for 2014 (2 of the 114 are virtual walkers).
There are
currently 19 Super Crew members. (Super Crew members are dedicated volunteers who pay the
registration fee, raise the $1,500 pledge minimum and receive all the same
benefits as walkers. These volunteers assist with a variety of responsibilities
throughout the Challenge Walk weekend.)
There are currently
25 crew members. (Crew
members are not required to pay the registration fee, but they are encouraged
to fundraise. Overnight accommodations and meals are not included for crew members.
However, those who raise $750 will receive Friday night lodging and participate
in the Friday evening celebration dinner.)
One way you can help
increase attendance is with the special Bring-a-Buddy offer. Recruit a new
walker or Super Crew member to join you at Challenge Walk MS and you’ll each
receive an orange-a-licious spirit basket at check in. This basket will be
packed full of fun items, you’ll be the envy of other participants AND have
someone special with you to enjoy the weekend.
Lastly, remember the $1,500
fundraising minimum must be submitted by August 29, 2014 with the final
fundraising deadline being September 22, 2014.
Our Co-Host: Jane Jacobson:
 |
| Doug & Jane Jacobson |
- Jane has MS and is a five-year
Challenge Walk veteran. Last year she walked with her husband, Doug, and made
many new friends throughout the weekend.
- The first year
participating in Challenge Walk MS, Jane was a Super Crew member. After the inspiring weekend, she knew she
could join the others on the course as a walker.
- Her husband, Doug, walks 50
miles each year, while Jane walks 10 miles each morning for a weekend total of
30.
Our Co-Host: Jackie Piper
- Jackie is also a five-year
Challenge Walk veteran and participates with her team, MS Warriors.
 |
Jackie Piper (left) with members of her team
|
- Each year, Jackie completes
50 miles during the Challenge Walk MS weekend.
- To train prior to the event
she aims for a goal of walking seven days a week, which typically means she’ll
lace up her shoes at least five of those seven days.
Training Tips From the Veterans:
Typically Jane and Doug
walk a five mile training route – 2.5 miles to Starbuck’s and 2.5 miles
back. This is a good distance for them
and allows for a nice mid-way break if needed.
Jackie follows a similar
schedule to the program on the Challenge Walk MS website, but limits the longer
mileage until shortly before the event weekend.
Then she takes the last few days off to rest.
- The Mapmywalk app is a
great tool to use for training or a pedometer or Fitbit is also suggested to
log steps and mileage.
Listen to your body while
training and during the weekend! Training every day works for some, while
others may need a day of rest in between.
For the weekend-of here
are some suggestions from the veterans to help keep you on the road:
- Bring snacks to enjoy
nightly before dinner.
- Beverages help keep you
hydrated – protein shakes, Gatorade, etc.
KEEP HYDRATED!
- Heating pads or ice
post-walk each day.
- Over the counter pain
reliever to keep ahead of any
pain, rather than waiting for the pain to start.
- Take
advantage of all of the volunteers and staff available during the weekend –
massage therapists, medical staff, SAG vehicle volunteers. Don’t try to be “big and brave.” They are
here to make your experience the best possible! Benefit from the pampering that is there to make you more comfortable!
Things to
bring to help improve your weekend-of experience (take advantage of your
Half-day Bag and consider including many of these items):
- Bring a friendly smile –
this is a wonderful rime to connect
with other walkers while walking or at any time during the weekend. The impact of the shared experience is one
you don’t get very often!
- Two pairs of
shoes that have been broken in during training.
Visit a walking store to get fitted correctly – look for a tighter ankle
and a wide toe box. Sometimes it takes a
pair or two to find one that really works best for you.
- Plenty of
moisture-wicking socks that aren’t too tight (decreases circulation).
- Bodyglide works well for
some, while Baby Powder is also a good substitute.
- Wear layers! Pants, shorts, long-sleeved t-shirts,
t-shirts, light jacket, lightweight rain gear, etc.
Thank you all for being a
part of this year’s second Challenge Walk MS conference call. If anyone has
questions please feel free to contact us:
Nichole Shaffer –
262-369-4416
Jamie Baker – 262-369-4435
Jane or Jackie – Please
reach out to Nichole or Jamie and they can connect you.
