jump to navigation

Crossing the line September 7, 2007

Posted by jean in : marathons, training , add a comment

I have reached the point in my training where nagging injuries and doubts occur. The threshold seems to have been last Saturday’s 5 hour walk, a distance of about 17 miles. Two weeks before after a 4.5 hour, about 15.5 mile walk, I felt tired but energized and strong. Two days after my 5 hour walk, though, I felt a great deal of pain in my feet and legs. After some “speed” work on Monday the pain intensified and maintained through a 60 minute walk, so I’m taking some days off. All throughout my feet and legs previously-unnoticed muscles, ligments, and tendons are trying with increasing fervor to get this message through to me: “WHAT ARE YOU DOO-IINNG??!!”

I checked the Group Health knowledgebase to try to find out what the pain in my feet might be. I think I have metatarsalgia. One of the listed causes is “excessive walking.” No kidding.

What does it take to walk a marathon? September 5, 2007

Posted by jean in : marathons , add a comment

I’ve been thinking about this, and you can bet that I’ve been thinking about this during my very long (over 17 miles, some of them) Saturday training walks. This is what I think is required:

Well, at least we have control of two of the three.

My fundraising letter August 29, 2007

Posted by jean in : Fundraising , add a comment

26.2 Miles for a Cause

A recent New Yorker magazine had a cartoon showing two women meeting at a street corner. “My child’s school is having an auction,” says one. “Can you put your entire life on hold?” Well, my child’s school is not having an auction and I’m not asking you to put your life on hold. But I will be walking the Portland Marathon on October 7 and I’m writing to ask you to consider supporting me in my fundraising for Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation of Oregon and SW Washington. As you may know, the Komen Breast Cancer Foundation is working tirelessly so that a cure for this brutal disease that has affected all of us may be found. When I ran this marathon in 1989, there was no fundraising component. Now, however, many race events offer entrants an opportunity to add this social and altrusitic dimension to what is essentially a solitary and self-absorbed activity, especially during the long weeks of training.

My goal is to raise $500 by October 1. If twenty people contribute $25 I will be ecstatic but even the smallest amount will be welcomed with deep gratitude. You can contribute at this website: http://www.active.com/donate/komenoregon/jeanfolk. If you are receiving this by letter, you will find a link to this site at jeanfolk.com.

All transactions are secure, all donations are tax deductible, and you can choose to remain anonymous. If you would rather send a donation directly to me, I’ll be glad to manage it for you. Please indicate if you wish to remain anonymous.

Special Offer!
If you make a contribution of $100.00 or more, Carrie and I will provide a hootenanny for your party or other event in locations close to Tacoma. Please contact me for more information.

I’d love to have you on my team. Thanks so much for reading.

Cheers!

Jean