Last year for the 3-Day, Danon and I made up what we called our own little survival kits. It all fit into our sports packs too. We each had band aids, little scissors, sun block, lip block, needle, bandanas (to get wet and put around your neck for the heat), extra pair of socks, rain ponchos, Body Glide, ace bandage, hand sanitizer (although you could find that at every pit stop outside the toilets which was nice), pad and pencil, cameras, blister pads and moleskin. This year I'll be making the exact same kit for the walk. I do have a list of some stuff I need to add to it. Where that list is right now I haven't a clue. Need to go look for it to see what I need to start accumulating. The walk is only 5 months way!!! It will be here before I know it.

My best friend during last years 3-Day walk, besides my walking partner that is, was Icy Hot! Every night I rubbed that stuff all over my feet, my legs and my lower back. At one point I think both Danon and I had used it and our friends walked by our tent and could smell it from like 5 feet away! It's just one of those things though that you NEED when you're walking 60 miles in 3 days. I was at Target about a month ago and they had the Icy Hot Pro Therapy support and pain relief system on sale and I bought 2! Normally they sell for $21.89 but I got each one for $5.44. I bought two: one for each knee. All I'll need to get is the Icy Hot packs to put in them and my knees will hopefully be ready for the 3-Day walk this October.

Since I'm walking in the 3-Day again this year, I was able to get a free pair of Thorlos socks. They are the official sock of the 3-Day. You need to have a supporter ID in order to receive a pair. I just got them on Monday too and they're NICE! A little thick which makes my feet automatically get hot, but I'll train in them that's for sure just to see how they feel. And if you purchase a 6-pair pack of the distance walker socks, Thorlos will donate $6 to the 3-Day. (And you don't have to be a 3-Day participant to order the 6-pair pack).

would I be ready? This is a question that our team leader Teresa asked us a little while ago. And I'd have to say yes. For me last year it wasn't a matter of training or being able to walk the 20 miles a day. Mine was more so my feet and blisters. But my plan is to bring my sandals this time around. As far as gear wise I'm pretty set. Maybe a few different tshirts and shorts. I was wearing the one pair I wore last year at the Y yesterday and they were annoying me while I was walking on the treadmill. And I only walked one mile. But I'm wondering if it was because I had a bathing suit on underneath. I'll have to try them again without the bathing suit and see. They were kind of expensive shorts. All I need to get for next year is a twin blow up mattress. Sleeping on the ground last year sucked. And I'm going to get my own jar of 2nd skin for any blisters that I might get. That way I won't have to wait in line at the medic tents. And I know how awesome they are being I had about 10 on my feet last time. Other then that and still needing to fund raise, I'd be ready if the walk was this weekend.

All year this past year I have been able to walk in sandals and I LOVE IT! Even in December or January or February. It's been that nice out that I can. I lived in them this past weekend. So, I've been thinking, I have 2 favorite pairs that I wear constantly. One is a pair of Teva Spoilers that are more dressier in a way. Not very, but moreso then my Teva Mush Sandals which are the comfiest things around! I'm seriously going to train in both pairs to see how they feel walking that far. I've walked around Busch Gardens in the Spoilers and had no problems but that's not 20 miles a day. Even if I don't start out in them, I'll have them with me to change into. Each foot had at least 4 blisters on it by the end of the second day and I was miserable. Don't want that happening again so my sandals...my friends....are coming with me!

OK, so I was going through the Sunday flyer's from yesterdays paper and came across one for Sports Authority where I found they're selling a new item called HydraCoach Intelligent Water Bottle. It sells for $29.99 and looks like a really cool water bottle. It calculates your personal hydration needs and it tracks your daily consumption for you. I think that's really neat considering when you're training for the 3 day or even walking in the 3 day itself hydration is of utmost importance. So to have that to do all the thinking for you is great. Just not sure I'm up to paying $30 for a water bottle. But, being I have bad kidneys and I don't always remember during a day how much water I've drank, it probably would be a good investment.

I have everything I need except ziploc bags to put stuff in so that in case it rains, my stuff inside my bag doesn't get wet. I'll get them tomorrow morning. Hoping my parents get here early tomorrow morning so I can pack my bag (I'm borrowing one of their's) and make sure it all fits in there, sleeping bag, pillow, clothes, tarps and all. I keep feeling like I'm forgetting something. Not sure what it is, guess I'll figure that out during those 3 days.

Here's the 3 day packing list:

Walker Checklist

Clothing
Bring clothing appropriate for all types of weather – including cold, rain and heat.
❏ Two pairs of shoes
❏ T-shirts and shorts
❏ Waterproof jacket
❏ Underwear and sports bra
❏ Two pairs of socks per day
❏ Sweat pants, long pants
❏ Warm fleece or sweater
❏ Sleepwear
❏ Hat or visor
❏ Shower shoes

Camping Gear
❏ Sleeping bag, air mattress or pad and pillow (remember you will be sharing a 6.5’x 6.5’ tent)
❏ Plastic sheets or tarp (to keep your tent and gear dry in case of rain)
❏ Clothespins (to secure plastic)
❏ Flashlight and batteries
❏ Towel and washcloth (Towel service is available for an additional fee – purchase during online check-in.)
❏ Mylar blankets
❏ Waist pack with water bottle

First Aid
While we’ll have the supplies and crew to tend to any major medical issues on the event, you should bring your own suppliesfor tending to minor medical and personal problems along the route.
❏ Any required prescription medications
❏ Antiblister aids
❏ Vaseline and foot powder
❏ Antacid, pain reliever and anti-inflammatory (e.g., Motrin®)
❏ Bandages, gauze and tape
❏ Insect repellent
❏ Disposable plastic bags

Toiletries
❏ Toothpaste and toothbrush
❏ Moisturizer
❏ Nail clippers
❏ Shampoo, conditioner and soap
❏ Razor
❏ Small mirror
❏ Deodorant
❏ Feminine products

Miscellaneous
❏ Earplugs
❏ Battery operated alarm clock and watch
❏ Camera and film
❏ Tent flag or marker
❏ Journal, business cards and pens
❏ Lanyard and plastic sleeve that came with your milestone badge

In Your Waist Pack
Plan to carry these items with you on the route each day in a waist pack.
❏ Water bottle
❏ Identification
❏ Money and credit cards
❏ Socks (to change into a fresh pair at the lunch stop)
❏ Sunscreen and lip balm
❏ Sunglasses
❏ Bandanas (to dunk in cold water and then place on your head or neck to help keep you cool)
❏ Rain poncho
❏ Special snacks for medical or dietary needs
❏ Small First Aid kit (made up of items listed in the First Aid section, for personal use on the route)
❏ Baby-wipes or antibacterial lotion for hand washing along the route

What Not to Bring
Valuables or breakables. Please note that the 3-Day is not responsible for personal items brought to the 3-Day. You are discouraged from bringing items of value including jewelry, expensive cameras, personal electronics (ie. iPods and cellphones) on the event.
Electrical appliances (hair dryers, cell phone chargers, etc.) because there are no electrical outlets available in camp.
Headphones or portable music players. For safety reasons, you may not wear headphones while walking.