Weekly Avon Walk Update
Every week I’m going to provide a quick update on how my Avon Walk training is going. If you’d like to see my full training calendar, check it out here or on the left sidebar of my blog. The calendar shows the recommended training plan found on the Avon website going forward. As I complete workouts, I will update the calendar with what I actually did. So if you look at a previous date, it will show what I did that day.
I’ve decided that to prevent myself from getting bored with just walking, I’m going to mix things up a bit. I’m going to stick to the endurance walks on the weekends. Those will be key to training my body to be able to handle ~40 miles in two days. The rest of the weeks consists of 2 shorter, faster walks and 2 cross training days. The two shorter walks are primarily for cardiovascular training, so I’ll either do walking as recommended or other cardio training (I really enjoy the elliptical). For the cross training, I plan to do a class at the gym or weight training. This will help strengthen my core so that my body can handle the long walk.
Also, our gym is a 0.4 mile walk from our house. I’m not going to count that in my total mileage. I look at it as a warm up and cool down. I can’t wait until it’s warm enough out for me to start walking outside instead of on a treadmill!
Miles walked last week: 6.8
Minutes doing cardio: 70
Minutes doing cross training or weight lifting: 0
Thoughts on training so far: I’ve been reading that some people get blisters easily and others don’t. I must fall into the first category. I’ve already had 2 blisters this week. One on each foot but in different places. I’m definitely going to learn a lot about how to prevent and treat blisters over the next few months!
Total $$ raised: $550
Thanks to everyone who has donated so far! If you’d like to donate to support my walk, you can make a donation on my Avon Walk page. If you donate at least $5 by the end of January, you will be entered to win a very cute tote.
I am Jen the Beantown Baker. Engineer by day and baking maven by night. Hubby serves as my #1 fan and official taste tester. We got hitched back in 2006. Barefoot. In the sand. With the waves crashing behind us. It was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. 
I got a lot of blisters too when I was training for the 3 Day. What worked for me was wearing two sets of socks. I also found some double layer socks that worked well too. One of the great benefits to consistent training is that you will build up calluses which will help prevent blisters.
http://3daytraining.blogspot.com/
Thanks for the input. I’ll have to try some double layer socks…
I stayed blister free for training and the walk:
get good wicking socks, and shoes that don’t rub and give you space to breathe.
From now til the walk – NO PEDICURES! Seriously – keep your nails short and do not get a pedicure… the rougher your feet and more calloused they are, the better you will be.
I had the PT there stretching out my shins and tell me i had perfect walking feet – no pedicure, short nails and lots of callouses – so no foot treatments!
try and insert in your shoe too for extra support – i got great ones at foot locker and put those in the new balance walking shoe and it was a great combo!
Thanks for the tips Stephany. I didn’t realize I couldn’t get pedicures!?! Makes sense…
Woohoo, Jen! So excited for you to be doing this walk…and in CA! Have Jim take you & Hubby to In/Out Burgers (remember?).
First…blisters. Two words – mole skin (or is that supposed to be one word?). Great stuff, I didn’t get a single blister. Also, as already stated, good wicking socks & sneakers.
Second…training. When Sherri, Trudi & I did our first walk (NYC 2003) I was having difficulties with plantar fasciitis, so I had to back off on the walking for a while. Instead, while the other two gals walked, I rode my bike. It was a good alternative until I could get back to walking.
You’ve got plenty of time for training & I know you’ll do an awesome job!! We’ll miss you in Boston this year…hope to you next year!
Ann