NERVOUS!!!!!

This is my first time doing this and i"m kind of nervous cause i"m
out of shape :( any advice for me please

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Permalink Reply by Susan Stitt on March 12, 2010 at 12:00am

First, congratulations on joining the fight to end breast cancer. It is an amazing adventure. The weekend is indescribable and is more amazing and enriching than you can even imagine.

Second, relax. You are already a hero for getting involved.

Third, look at the training plans that Avon has on their websites. They are very useful and will help you to feel more prepared for the walk. Having said that, you also need to listen to your body. "Kinda" out of shape is a severe understatement for me and last year I walked in three of the walks and the year before (my first year), I did two walks. You can and will enjoy it if you do reasonable training and you listen to your body. Pushing yourself to hard too fast or too far can and will lead to injuries and misery. Start slowly and build up but you need to get out and do it. Not only will training help your body to get in shape for the walk but, as important, the training will teach you how your body responds and what it needs for distance walking. For example, my biggest problem turned out not to be my weight, but the fact that I tend to get blisters. I needed to find out what sorts of socks and creams, etc. worked to help minimize the number and severity of the blisters I get. I also learned when my body needed fuel (an amazing concept for me - food as fuel) and what worked best for me. I also found out about shoes and clothing that I liked as well as sunscreen and hydration. Having learned all this, I also learned to hear what my body was telling me and when I needed to stop.

The weekend of the walk is the reward for your fund raising. Look at it in that way and it helps with the nerves. Whether you walk 39 miles or 39 steps or somewhere in between, you are already a hero for getting involved. Don't get so caught up with "walking" that you miss the experience. Take time during the walk to look around and to meet the other heros around you and hear their stories. Again, it's an amazing experience. Welcome!