Hi There.
Did my last post freak you out a bit? Did you ever think so many things could go wrong with a pair of feet?
The fact of the matter is, your feet are precious -- you've got to take care of them.
My feet....
Well, my feet are the kind of feet people compliment me on. High arches. Dainty. Size 6. Pretty.
Well, except for that one toenail. And my stubby toe.
I have a friend in Plano who had bunion surgery a few years ago. Her viewpoint all these years down the road? "Doctors in Plano are really good at making things look good. They aren't so great at making them work."
Now, I don't know much about that -- I do know that Plano is the cosmetic surgery capital of Texas.
My feet are feet that perfectly fit that description. While I've never had surgery on them, I do have feet that look really good. But they sure aren't functional.
My loss is your gain. Hopefully my sharing about my feet issues will help you avoid more of the same.
It really is scary how many people in this world deal with Plantar Fasciitis, Neuromas and all that jazz. And the 3-Day community isn't immune.
I'm no foot doctor, but I can tell you what works for me.
Remember that pair of shoes I bought two weeks before the walk in 2006?? They were New Balance 1060's, and I've stuck with that series ever since.
I did have a brief switch to Avias in 2008, that I'm convinced had something to do with my neuroma. Because they're tighter across the toe box, they put pressure on that nerve. Because my feet are so little and tightly woven, there wasn't much room in there for that nerve to "breathe." With the Avia's, things got a bit tighter. A trip to the mountains right about then probably didn't help, either.
I know. Land the Plane.
Seriously? The NB 1060 series has worked GREAT for me. But you know what?? I didn't just stumble on this magical fit. I went to the New Balance store in Frisco, and they got me set up. I highly recommend having a professional fit your feet. Not the guy at Mecca, I mean, Academy. I think those guys are great -- but I'm talking the kind of professional you'll find at Luke's Locker or Run On. The kind of guy with a treadmill right there. And it doesn't hurt if he's kinda cute. (Just thinking about you single girls out there!!!)
I walk in and ask for the best guy they've got. My feet are so squirrelly, I can't settle for less. If he's out to lunch, I tell them I'll be back in an hour. And every time, I come back to that NB 1060 series.
Now... The cool thing about finding a shoe that really, really works for you is that is that it can save you a whole lotta money. Sure, I paid upwards of $100 for these shoes when I first started wearing them, but I haven't since then.
I'll get them online or at the New Balance outlet whenever and wherever I can. I'm just guessing here, but I'm pretty sure I've had more than 10 pairs of shoes in this series. The last time I paid $45 a pair. You can't beat that.
Now... That's what works for me. It's not going to be what works for you. But lucky for you it's only March -- and you've got a lot of time to figure this part out.
Socks
Great Socks Rock. I've used a different type of sock nearly every year. My all-time faves were Balagas. It was like walking on a cloud. I can't wear them any more, though, because the thickness contributes to my shoes being too tight. But oh, they were a dream while they lasted.
They were also kinda hot. Not so much that I couldn't stand it -- but kinda hot for a Houston summer. But come November, when we were doing the actual walk, that warmth was welcome!!!
Really, with socks, the most important thing is to get moisture-wicking ones. I'll tell you, Biggsy has spent the last five years laughing at me and all my moisture-wicking attire. We're talking head-to-toe moisture-wicking attire. He's laughed at how "spoiled" we 3-Day walkers are and how much I've spent on it. He's gone so far as to say we should use it as a recruiting tool.
Sign up for the 3-Day, and you get to buy a whole new wardrobe.
Then....
His men's softball team had moisture-wicking uniforms last year.
He's a whole new man.
With a whole new wardrobe.
Seriously, you can't beat this moisture-wicking stuff. And I don't think it's more important anywhere than it is with socks.
What do I wear? These thin Adidas socks that I get at Mecca. They have aloe in them. I'm not sure what that does, but it sounds cool. I can't feel a toe seam (my OCD just cannot handle toe seams), and they breathe really well. More than anything else -- they look good. They hit right at my ankle, just above my shoe, and have a little gray, black or teal band around the top. Works for me!!!
It Goes on Smoooooooth.....
Now... I would totally be remiss if I didn't mention that Gold known as Body Glide. If you don't have any, do not pass Go, do not collect $200 -- get out there and get you some!!!
At Mecca, it's with all the weight-lifting hardware and nutrition stuff. When I walk over to buy it, people naturally assume I'm shopping for my husband.
This stuff really is Gold. You can use it anywhere you have friction. I'm not going to go into details on that -- just know it can go anywhere you have friction. I put that stuff all over my feet and then put my socks on. And I redo it all at lunch. And in all the 3-Days I've walked I've never had one stinkin' blister.
So... That's what works for me. But it may not be what works for you. The crazy thing? There will be 3000 people on the walk, and they'll be using 3000 different combinations of shoes, socks and blister control to get through the 60 miles.
It's very important that you find what you like, and the only way you're going to do that is to go on training walks. What feels great at mile zero can be a blister by mile 3 or be driving you insane at mile 7. Many, many issues don't even pop up until around 10 or 12. And we won't even talk about what mile 22 will do to you.
The absolutely best thing you can do for you and those feet of yours is to put some time into finding your combination. Trust me. It will all be worth it in the end.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Princess' Guide: Let's Talk Feet
True Confession Time.
My feet are whacked out.
Seriously.
And on top of that, I really should have them insured. I've spent a LOT of money keeping them functioning.
I'm hoping you can learn from my mistakes -- surely you can.
2006.
Between July and October 2006, we moved four times. We were building a house and through the process spent far more time loading / unloading moving trucks and PODS than I did training. Incidentally, the 60-sum-odd miles I walked in 2-week-old shoes on untrained legs didn't go so well.
In 2006, the DFW 3-Day trekked around a lot of Arlington. Who knew they had hills?
By the time we were done, I had painful knees and tendonitis in my left ankle (presumably from having my runner's loop too tight on my brand-new shoes.
Lessons Learned: Don't buy shoes two weeks before the walk. You need a minimum of 25, preferably 50 miles of training in your shoes before the walk.
Also... If you strengthen your leg muscles with weights, your knees won't have to work as hard.
Also.... Be sure you pack your sports bra.
Oops. We're talking feet. I forgot.
2007.
Trained like a wild woman right up until my girls got out of school for the summer. We climbed "The Hill" in McKinney over and over. My legs ROCKED.
Got new shoes -- bought 1/2 size up so my feet would have room to "swell."
Moved to Houston. Mom got sick. She passed away. I gained 10 lbs. off hospital / funeral food.
Severe pain set in in my right foot around the end of the summer. Plantar Fasciitis was the culprit.
I got two cortisone injections and then limped through each and every mile of the 3-Day.
Found a new podiatrist. Turns out my extremely high arches were falling. Physical therapy became the name of the game.
Lessons learned: Plantar Fasciitis sucks. If you catch it early, it's much easier to deal with.
Also... People with really screwy feet should be cautious about bumping up to a larger shoe. Sometimes the stability of an accurately-fitting shoe can be more important than a toenail.
Also... If a doctor sounds like a quack, acts like a quack and has a not-so-impressive office, he's probably a quack.
2008.
This was going to be MY year.
Got custom orthotics for my crazy feet. Hard, leather, uncomfortable orthotics. But I was ready to do what it takes, right?
Trained like the dickens. Worked out with a trainer at a boot camp three days a week. On top of that, I did water aerobics two days a week, lifted weights three days a week, and walked 20+ miles a week. Spent two weeks at our fishing hut running up and down the stairs barefoot.
Ended up with Plantar Fasciitis and Neuromas in BOTH feet! Argh!!!
Only walked about 13 miles -- total.
Lessons Learned: It only counts as cross-training if it puts a completely different type of stress on your body. For instance, if you're walking 20+ miles a week, don't spend an additional 5 hours a week pounding your feet as you jump up and down. (You'd think I would have been smart enough to figure this one out!)
Instead, try the lifting weights, but mix it up with riding a bike or swimming or something that takes the heat off your feet.
Also... You don't have to walk 60 miles to be a 3-Day walker. In 2008, I created my own 3-Day experience by doing my best to be the hands and feet of Jesus to my teammates. It was a very powerful experience!
2009.
New doctor. He rocks. Sent me to a specialist for new orthotics. Now I have the comfy, cushiony kind athletes use. Complete with a lot of support for my extremely-high arches, as well as a bump in each shoe to take the pressure off my neuromas.
Began training when A&K went back to school in August. Not significant training, but training nonetheless. Three miles here, six miles there... You get it.
Walked 45 miles!!!
Lesssons Learned: Don't let a "bad" year, when you couldn't walk all you wanted to, get you down. Hang in there -- you never know what the next year will bring!
2010
I'm good to go!!! Back to working with my trainer, and am working to lose 25 lbs. before the 2010 walk! Still have my cushy orthotics, and I still move like an old lady in the mornings. BUT.... I just don't have functional feet. I've learned to "listen" to my feet. I know their limits, and I can't wait for the walk!
I'll talk more about the nuts & bolts of socks, shoes, etc. in my next post!
My feet are whacked out.
Seriously.
And on top of that, I really should have them insured. I've spent a LOT of money keeping them functioning.
I'm hoping you can learn from my mistakes -- surely you can.
2006.
Between July and October 2006, we moved four times. We were building a house and through the process spent far more time loading / unloading moving trucks and PODS than I did training. Incidentally, the 60-sum-odd miles I walked in 2-week-old shoes on untrained legs didn't go so well.
In 2006, the DFW 3-Day trekked around a lot of Arlington. Who knew they had hills?
By the time we were done, I had painful knees and tendonitis in my left ankle (presumably from having my runner's loop too tight on my brand-new shoes.
Lessons Learned: Don't buy shoes two weeks before the walk. You need a minimum of 25, preferably 50 miles of training in your shoes before the walk.
Also... If you strengthen your leg muscles with weights, your knees won't have to work as hard.
Also.... Be sure you pack your sports bra.
Oops. We're talking feet. I forgot.
2007.
Trained like a wild woman right up until my girls got out of school for the summer. We climbed "The Hill" in McKinney over and over. My legs ROCKED.
Got new shoes -- bought 1/2 size up so my feet would have room to "swell."
Moved to Houston. Mom got sick. She passed away. I gained 10 lbs. off hospital / funeral food.
Severe pain set in in my right foot around the end of the summer. Plantar Fasciitis was the culprit.
I got two cortisone injections and then limped through each and every mile of the 3-Day.
Found a new podiatrist. Turns out my extremely high arches were falling. Physical therapy became the name of the game.
Lessons learned: Plantar Fasciitis sucks. If you catch it early, it's much easier to deal with.
Also... People with really screwy feet should be cautious about bumping up to a larger shoe. Sometimes the stability of an accurately-fitting shoe can be more important than a toenail.
Also... If a doctor sounds like a quack, acts like a quack and has a not-so-impressive office, he's probably a quack.
2008.
This was going to be MY year.
Got custom orthotics for my crazy feet. Hard, leather, uncomfortable orthotics. But I was ready to do what it takes, right?
Trained like the dickens. Worked out with a trainer at a boot camp three days a week. On top of that, I did water aerobics two days a week, lifted weights three days a week, and walked 20+ miles a week. Spent two weeks at our fishing hut running up and down the stairs barefoot.
Ended up with Plantar Fasciitis and Neuromas in BOTH feet! Argh!!!
Only walked about 13 miles -- total.
Lessons Learned: It only counts as cross-training if it puts a completely different type of stress on your body. For instance, if you're walking 20+ miles a week, don't spend an additional 5 hours a week pounding your feet as you jump up and down. (You'd think I would have been smart enough to figure this one out!)
Instead, try the lifting weights, but mix it up with riding a bike or swimming or something that takes the heat off your feet.
Also... You don't have to walk 60 miles to be a 3-Day walker. In 2008, I created my own 3-Day experience by doing my best to be the hands and feet of Jesus to my teammates. It was a very powerful experience!
2009.
New doctor. He rocks. Sent me to a specialist for new orthotics. Now I have the comfy, cushiony kind athletes use. Complete with a lot of support for my extremely-high arches, as well as a bump in each shoe to take the pressure off my neuromas.
Began training when A&K went back to school in August. Not significant training, but training nonetheless. Three miles here, six miles there... You get it.
Walked 45 miles!!!
Lesssons Learned: Don't let a "bad" year, when you couldn't walk all you wanted to, get you down. Hang in there -- you never know what the next year will bring!
2010
I'm good to go!!! Back to working with my trainer, and am working to lose 25 lbs. before the 2010 walk! Still have my cushy orthotics, and I still move like an old lady in the mornings. BUT.... I just don't have functional feet. I've learned to "listen" to my feet. I know their limits, and I can't wait for the walk!
I'll talk more about the nuts & bolts of socks, shoes, etc. in my next post!
Happy Birthday, Mom!
Today would have been my Momma's 64th birthday. I've been doing "okay." But then, when you least expect it a wave of grief comes over you and just slams you.
I miss you, Mom.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Order Your Cookbooks and Calendars!!
March 2, 2009
Dear Friends,
Team Tiara is launching our 2010 Breast Cancer 3-Day season in a grand way! We are kicking off two primary fundraisers that we know you will want to be a part of!
“Cooking for a Cure” — a cookbook compiled from over 250 of our favorite recipes. This cookbook honors many of our friends and family who have faced breast cancer. In it, you’ll find many of those recipes you’ve asked us for in the past!
“Simply Pink: Quilts for the Cure” — a calendar featuring 35 quilts made by women from across the country. This is a 20-month calendar which runs from May 2010 to December 2011. These beautiful quilts will be sold at auction in October. We’ll send you additional details about the auction at a later date.
The cookbook and calendar will both be available for Mother’s Day! They are $20 each or you can purchase both for $35. Shipping is included. Orders received by April 1 will be printed in our first printing and shipped by May 1. Orders received after April 1 may have to wait for our second printing, but will be shipped as quickly as possible.
Please see the following order form for additional information about the cookbook and calendar, as well as an opportunity for you to make an additional donation to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. 100% of the profits from the sale of the cookbook and calendar will go to breast cancer research, education, awareness and services.
Thank you for supporting Team Tiara and the Breast Cancer 3-Day! If you’re not familiar with Team Tiara, our primary beneficiary is the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure. We walk 60 miles in three days to raise money for breast cancer research, education, awareness and services. To date, we have raised over $290,000 for the Breast Cancer 3-Day.
Please consider walking with us! As a walker, you will be introduced to many “firsts.” You’ll sleep in a pink tent, take showers in a converted semi trailer and become an expert on blister care. You will laugh at the kind of jokes only breast cancer survivors can come up with. You’ll cry over people’s stories and share your own. And in the process you’ll help raise millions of dollars for breast cancer research and education. You can register for the walk at http://the3day.org/goto/teamtiara. On that website you will find a button that says, “Register to Join Team.” Just take it from there.
Team Tiara is a non-profit foundation operating as a 501 (3) (c). In addition to walking in the 3-Day, we provide direct support to men and women whose lives have been touched by breast cancer. You can find out more, as well as information about additional fundraisers, at: www.teamtiara.net.
Many Blessings,
D’Lyn Biggs
Team Tiara Captain
Team Tiara Order Form
15802 Applerock Trail
Cypress, TX 77433
281-883-8642
www.teamtiara.net
Billing & Shipping Information:
Name
Address
City/State/Zip
Phone Number
Email Address
Item Quantity Total
Quilt Calendar $20.00
Cookbook $20.00
Cookbook & Calendar Set $35.00
I would like to make an additional (tax-deductible) donation to the Breast Cancer 3-Day in the amount of $________.
Please designate the Team Tiara team member you are sponsoring: ____________________
Grand Total for this order: $ _________
Please make checks payable to Team Tiara. If you would prefer to donate by credit card, please contact D'Lyn Biggs, Team Tiara Captain, at 281-883-8642 or dlyn@teamtiara.net.
Funding breast cancer research, education and outreach efforts.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ORDER!
All proceeds will benefit The Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure and Team Tiara.
Dear Friends,
Team Tiara is launching our 2010 Breast Cancer 3-Day season in a grand way! We are kicking off two primary fundraisers that we know you will want to be a part of!
“Cooking for a Cure” — a cookbook compiled from over 250 of our favorite recipes. This cookbook honors many of our friends and family who have faced breast cancer. In it, you’ll find many of those recipes you’ve asked us for in the past!
“Simply Pink: Quilts for the Cure” — a calendar featuring 35 quilts made by women from across the country. This is a 20-month calendar which runs from May 2010 to December 2011. These beautiful quilts will be sold at auction in October. We’ll send you additional details about the auction at a later date.
The cookbook and calendar will both be available for Mother’s Day! They are $20 each or you can purchase both for $35. Shipping is included. Orders received by April 1 will be printed in our first printing and shipped by May 1. Orders received after April 1 may have to wait for our second printing, but will be shipped as quickly as possible.
Please see the following order form for additional information about the cookbook and calendar, as well as an opportunity for you to make an additional donation to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. 100% of the profits from the sale of the cookbook and calendar will go to breast cancer research, education, awareness and services.
Thank you for supporting Team Tiara and the Breast Cancer 3-Day! If you’re not familiar with Team Tiara, our primary beneficiary is the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure. We walk 60 miles in three days to raise money for breast cancer research, education, awareness and services. To date, we have raised over $290,000 for the Breast Cancer 3-Day.
Please consider walking with us! As a walker, you will be introduced to many “firsts.” You’ll sleep in a pink tent, take showers in a converted semi trailer and become an expert on blister care. You will laugh at the kind of jokes only breast cancer survivors can come up with. You’ll cry over people’s stories and share your own. And in the process you’ll help raise millions of dollars for breast cancer research and education. You can register for the walk at http://the3day.org/goto/teamtiara. On that website you will find a button that says, “Register to Join Team.” Just take it from there.
Team Tiara is a non-profit foundation operating as a 501 (3) (c). In addition to walking in the 3-Day, we provide direct support to men and women whose lives have been touched by breast cancer. You can find out more, as well as information about additional fundraisers, at: www.teamtiara.net.
Many Blessings,
D’Lyn Biggs
Team Tiara Captain
Team Tiara Order Form
15802 Applerock Trail
Cypress, TX 77433
281-883-8642
www.teamtiara.net
Billing & Shipping Information:
Name
Address
City/State/Zip
Phone Number
Email Address
Item Quantity Total
Quilt Calendar $20.00
Cookbook $20.00
Cookbook & Calendar Set $35.00
I would like to make an additional (tax-deductible) donation to the Breast Cancer 3-Day in the amount of $________.
Please designate the Team Tiara team member you are sponsoring: ____________________
Grand Total for this order: $ _________
Please make checks payable to Team Tiara. If you would prefer to donate by credit card, please contact D'Lyn Biggs, Team Tiara Captain, at 281-883-8642 or dlyn@teamtiara.net.
Funding breast cancer research, education and outreach efforts.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ORDER!
All proceeds will benefit The Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure and Team Tiara.
Princess' Guide: Why Walk in the Breast Cancer 3-Day?
Why walk in the Breast Cancer 3-Day?
Other than the fact that Registration is $25 off? Yep -- just enter the discount code RESOLVE, and you save $25 smackeroos -- but only through March 9, you know. So you'd better get off your kiester and get registered!!!
To motivate you, here is my newly-revised (drumroll, please)....
100 Reasons to Walk in the Breast Cancer 3-Day!!!
1. You have Boobies.
2. You love someone who has Boobies.
3. It's easier than Chemo.
4. Suzi Bruin will carry your luggage.
5. We'll raise millions of $$ for breast cancer research and education.
6. You haven't lived until you've pee'd in a port-o-potty that's draped with a garland of really big bras.
7. Pink Beard Barry.
8. You get to sleep in a pink tent.
9. Chocolate never tasted so good.
10. Imagine thousands of people cheering YOU on.
11. 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer.
12. An estimated 1,910 MEN will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and 440 will die.
13. You can ride in the Boobie Mobile.
14. You have a daughter.
15. You are someone's daughter.
16. Pink is definitely your color.
17. You get to eat snacks every three miles!
18. You haven't lived till you've seen men in tutus.
19. 85% of all women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease.
20. For 3 days, the world is as it should be.
21. You want to make a difference.
22. You're in great shape.
23. You wish you were in great shape.
24. Free "Feminine Products" at camp.
25. Real men wear pink.
26. "There's a guy who loves Boobies!"
27. You have a wife.
28. You wish you had a wife.
29. 3000 women. 500 men. Talk about great odds!
30. You know it takes a LOT of money to fund a CURE.
31. You want to help promote awareness -- self-exams are your best defense!
32. A world without breast cancer isn't just a dream -- it WILL be a reality.
33. You loved my Mom.
34. You loved YOUR Mom.
35. You know how to Fight Like a Girl.
36. Hot Pink feather boas are the way to go!
37. Free massages.
38. You know someone who's going through chemo.
39. You've held a loved one's hand while they went through chemo.
40. You're turning 40 this year.
41. You need a good challenge.
42. You've never taken a shower in a converted semi truck.
43. You don't want to be a statistic.
44. You live in the DFW area -- and don't even have to travel to the walk!
45. We're going to be walking by your house anyway -- why don't you join us?
46. You're one of my best friends.
47. If I, D'Lyn Biggs, am giving up a cool November weekend to do this -- for the FIFTH year in a row -- there's got to be something to it!
48. You really don't have to worry about raising the money -- people want to help!
49. You don't have to walk all 60 miles -- you can always hitch a ride on a shuttle bus!
50. You've always wanted to know more about blister care.
51. What's that moleskin stuff, anyway?
52. You could end up in a Nation-wide advertising campaign!
53. Body Glide is soooo smooth!
54. You could end up wearing your tentmate's sports bra -- yikes!
55. It's a great way to test your very cold-rated sleeping bag!
56. You can learn about motor boatin'.
57. It's a great excuse to buy new shoes.
58. Do you know 46 people who could donate $50 each? You're there!
59. A weekend with Anthony Patton. 'Nuf said.
60. You get to experience every possible emotion -- in just three days.
61. Pink camo rocks!
62. Talk about a natural high -- just watch your fundraising meter rise!
63. Eliminate breast cancer before you daughters are old enough to know what a mammogram is.
64. Boobies. Boobies. Boobies.
65. How many words can you think of for boobies??
66. Linda and her motorcycle, Grace.
67. Test your balance by trying to pee in a port-o-potty at 3:00 a.m. while trying to keep your flashlight from falling in the hole.
68. Rest. Refuel. Rehydrate. And pee.
69. 60 miles = 4500 calories burned. Cool.
70. The Tammys.
71. It's like a free pass to be completely silly for three days.
72. You will feel like a queen. Or king. Or athlete. Or superhero.
73. Walking and talking is incredible therapy.
74. You can finally stomp your foot and have your say.
75. If walking 60 miles is crazy, why would you want to be normal???
76. Cancer Sucks.
77. My brother-in-law is going to wear a pink tutu.
78. It's a Whole New Way to Live.
79. Get "wrapped" by someone who knows what they're doing.
80. It's a great excuse to hit Academy or REI.
81. Suzi & I are in the Inspiration Video.
82. Forget the whales -- save the boobies.
83. You get to yell cute things like "Check your chi-chi's!"
84. Random people you've never met will let you pee in their bathrooms.
85. You can love on puppies and babies all along the way.
86. It's a 60-mile buffet.
87. It's 60 miles of ministry.
88. The kind of humor that only those who have been affected by breast cancer can share.
89. When is a mile really a mile?
90. Karaoke, Karaoke, Karaoke.
91. Don't forget to lock the port-o-potty door.
92. Try finding your ONE tent in a sea of 1500 matching pink tents.
93. If your port-o-potty doesn't have TP, you can call Suzi on your cell phone and she'll bring you some.
94. You've never seen so many decorations involving boobies!
95. Save Second Base.
96. "We must! We must! We must save our busts!"
97. When you hit a wall, and think you can't go one step further, a survivor will pass you. She won't have any hair. And you'll find out what it means to go the extra mile.
98. Isaiah 40:31.
99. My Mom will be there. She is every year. I promise.
100. It will change your life.
Other than the fact that Registration is $25 off? Yep -- just enter the discount code RESOLVE, and you save $25 smackeroos -- but only through March 9, you know. So you'd better get off your kiester and get registered!!!
To motivate you, here is my newly-revised (drumroll, please)....
100 Reasons to Walk in the Breast Cancer 3-Day!!!
1. You have Boobies.
2. You love someone who has Boobies.
3. It's easier than Chemo.
4. Suzi Bruin will carry your luggage.
5. We'll raise millions of $$ for breast cancer research and education.
6. You haven't lived until you've pee'd in a port-o-potty that's draped with a garland of really big bras.
7. Pink Beard Barry.
8. You get to sleep in a pink tent.
9. Chocolate never tasted so good.
10. Imagine thousands of people cheering YOU on.
11. 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer.
12. An estimated 1,910 MEN will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and 440 will die.
13. You can ride in the Boobie Mobile.
14. You have a daughter.
15. You are someone's daughter.
16. Pink is definitely your color.
17. You get to eat snacks every three miles!
18. You haven't lived till you've seen men in tutus.
19. 85% of all women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease.
20. For 3 days, the world is as it should be.
21. You want to make a difference.
22. You're in great shape.
23. You wish you were in great shape.
24. Free "Feminine Products" at camp.
25. Real men wear pink.
26. "There's a guy who loves Boobies!"
27. You have a wife.
28. You wish you had a wife.
29. 3000 women. 500 men. Talk about great odds!
30. You know it takes a LOT of money to fund a CURE.
31. You want to help promote awareness -- self-exams are your best defense!
32. A world without breast cancer isn't just a dream -- it WILL be a reality.
33. You loved my Mom.
34. You loved YOUR Mom.
35. You know how to Fight Like a Girl.
36. Hot Pink feather boas are the way to go!
37. Free massages.
38. You know someone who's going through chemo.
39. You've held a loved one's hand while they went through chemo.
40. You're turning 40 this year.
41. You need a good challenge.
42. You've never taken a shower in a converted semi truck.
43. You don't want to be a statistic.
44. You live in the DFW area -- and don't even have to travel to the walk!
45. We're going to be walking by your house anyway -- why don't you join us?
46. You're one of my best friends.
47. If I, D'Lyn Biggs, am giving up a cool November weekend to do this -- for the FIFTH year in a row -- there's got to be something to it!
48. You really don't have to worry about raising the money -- people want to help!
49. You don't have to walk all 60 miles -- you can always hitch a ride on a shuttle bus!
50. You've always wanted to know more about blister care.
51. What's that moleskin stuff, anyway?
52. You could end up in a Nation-wide advertising campaign!
53. Body Glide is soooo smooth!
54. You could end up wearing your tentmate's sports bra -- yikes!
55. It's a great way to test your very cold-rated sleeping bag!
56. You can learn about motor boatin'.
57. It's a great excuse to buy new shoes.
58. Do you know 46 people who could donate $50 each? You're there!
59. A weekend with Anthony Patton. 'Nuf said.
60. You get to experience every possible emotion -- in just three days.
61. Pink camo rocks!
62. Talk about a natural high -- just watch your fundraising meter rise!
63. Eliminate breast cancer before you daughters are old enough to know what a mammogram is.
64. Boobies. Boobies. Boobies.
65. How many words can you think of for boobies??
66. Linda and her motorcycle, Grace.
67. Test your balance by trying to pee in a port-o-potty at 3:00 a.m. while trying to keep your flashlight from falling in the hole.
68. Rest. Refuel. Rehydrate. And pee.
69. 60 miles = 4500 calories burned. Cool.
70. The Tammys.
71. It's like a free pass to be completely silly for three days.
72. You will feel like a queen. Or king. Or athlete. Or superhero.
73. Walking and talking is incredible therapy.
74. You can finally stomp your foot and have your say.
75. If walking 60 miles is crazy, why would you want to be normal???
76. Cancer Sucks.
77. My brother-in-law is going to wear a pink tutu.
78. It's a Whole New Way to Live.
79. Get "wrapped" by someone who knows what they're doing.
80. It's a great excuse to hit Academy or REI.
81. Suzi & I are in the Inspiration Video.
82. Forget the whales -- save the boobies.
83. You get to yell cute things like "Check your chi-chi's!"
84. Random people you've never met will let you pee in their bathrooms.
85. You can love on puppies and babies all along the way.
86. It's a 60-mile buffet.
87. It's 60 miles of ministry.
88. The kind of humor that only those who have been affected by breast cancer can share.
89. When is a mile really a mile?
90. Karaoke, Karaoke, Karaoke.
91. Don't forget to lock the port-o-potty door.
92. Try finding your ONE tent in a sea of 1500 matching pink tents.
93. If your port-o-potty doesn't have TP, you can call Suzi on your cell phone and she'll bring you some.
94. You've never seen so many decorations involving boobies!
95. Save Second Base.
96. "We must! We must! We must save our busts!"
97. When you hit a wall, and think you can't go one step further, a survivor will pass you. She won't have any hair. And you'll find out what it means to go the extra mile.
98. Isaiah 40:31.
99. My Mom will be there. She is every year. I promise.
100. It will change your life.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Princess' Guide: I've Got a Team -- Now What?
D'Lyn's Note: I have to say I was blown away by your sweet comments yesterday! I'll try to answer all your questions -- I know how crazy it can be to sign up for the 3-Day and be wondering what you've gotten yourself into!
So... Now you've decided to form a team. Has that YIKES! feeling hit you yet?
Robin asked if I could share the secrets of leading a large team.
I'd love to.
But I don't know what they are.
I could spend days telling you how not to lead a large team, though.
Seriously, I have made some hugongous mistakes. It's been five 3-Day seasons of trial and error.... But here are a few things I've learned. And please remember this has all evolved over five years -- we certainly didn't come out of the starting gate like this.
1. It's all about the clothes. That first year Lisa and I walked, I had some serious T-shirt envy. There were cutesy T-shirts all over the place. It's not that we didn't look good -- I'm sure we did. But we didn't match. And by Sunday I wasn't even wearing my own bra. But that's another story for another day.
Part of what goes along with having a team is having that cute matchy-matchy thing. If you walk solo or with just a couple of friends, I really suggest you still go for the cute thing! What I've learned though, is that with a team to bounce ideas off of you can come up with some really great ideas. This year our theme went from "A Whole New Way to Get Drunk" (not especially 3-Day appropriate, but it was a catchy new phrase we heard) to "A Whole New Way to Live" to "Wild about A Whole New Way to Live." That transition took place over about three weeks with nine of us involved. Now, Team Tiara is going to use that theme throughout the walk -- from shirts to skirts to tents to walker-stalkers. You are not going to miss us this year!!!
Realizing that everyone's bank account has a different balance, we've always said that everything "costume"-wise is entirely optional. But boy, do we have options. This year our "shopping list" will include tennis skirts, shirts, pants, hair pretties, socks, earrings, etc. We're talking head-to-toe. Can you tell I'm excited???
Something we started in 2007... We choose a color for each day, and everyone wears that color. Because we all want to walk in a wide range of styles -- as long as they're moisture-wicking, we've just named the colors and turned our team loose on Mecca (Academy.) This year, we're wearing Turquoise on Friday (worked great the last two years!), possibly Brown on Saturday and Hot Pink on Sunday. Once again, the level of matchiness is up to each walker. You can go head-to-toe or just wear that color shirt.
This REALLY pays off for a team our size on Friday, when we don't all know each other. What has grown from just Lisa and I has bloomed to a current count of 55 -- and it's still just February. Our goal for 2010 is to have 100 walkers on our team -- and I can tell you I've never even met at least a third of our walkers right now.
That's just crazy. But wearing an oddball color like Turquiose -- especially on Friday -- really helps us spot our friends in the crowd.
One note: While we've been known to don pom-poms and wings and capes and tiaras and goofy earrings and all sorts of other crazy stuff, it's important to remember that you're going to be walking in all this stuff. And you're going to be walking a looooooong ways. And It really could get downright annoying if you're lugging too much cute stuff.
2. We're all adults here. This has kind of been a new revelation for us. If you haven't been able to tell yet -- I'll just confess it right now. I'm seriously ADD, OCD and Type A. It makes for an interesting combination in a leader. Seriously? As of the end of the walk last year, I have hung up my Team Mom hat. And the key phrase that helped me do it? We're all adults.
We're all adults. Whether we train or don't train is entirely up to us. We can't force our team members to train, and we shouldn't be disappointed in them if they don't. Training is something I highly recommend, but it's got to be individualized. Frankly, I don't train at all until my kids go back to school in August, and at that point, my training is limited. But that's another story for another day. In short, if I trained hard, I wouldn't be able to do the walk. My feet pretty much have exactly 60 miles a year left in them.
We're all adults. You shouldn't force each other to take the bus. Okay. There are extenuating circumstances where as a leader you should step in. We had one of these this year. One of our walkers was hopped up on painkillers after a bad fall and a trip to the emergency room. She thought she could walk. We knew she couldn't. We took care of it.
But if your teammates are limping along with a hurt knee or ankle, let them make the choice. I've walked in their shoes. If you're sticking with them, they might feel guilty and that might just make them feel worse. In fact, if you stick by the side of someone who is struggling, chances are it'll mess up your gait -- increasing your own chance of injury. Love on them, hug on them, and let them go. Chances are, if you're not with them, they might just hop on the next van that comes by and beat you to to porta potties. If they don't, if they are fighting this battle and refuse to give up -- it's their choice. Be waiting for them at camp with lots of ice and lots of love -- they're going to need it. All that being said, you're an adult -- you know your friends and you know your body. Do what works best for you.
We're all adults. When we make the commitment to walk in the 3-Day, we make a commitment to raise $2300 for the CURE. This is something I have always struggled with. October has been a month of increasing stress around my house. I have worried over each little number our our team roster. I've run a gazillion scenarios in my head. And I regret that that concern has affected others as well.
No longer. Remember? I took off that Team Mom hat. It's not to say I won't help other walkers who I know need help -- that has been a long-standing tradition on our team, and has been one I hold dear. BUT.... I'm not going to stress about that any longer. We're going to give our team members the tools they need for fundraising success, then we're going to step aside and watch those numbers grow! We'll also have team fundraisers (more about that in a bit), but we're all adults.
3. Fundraising makes the world go round. Fundraising really is what it's all about. And believe me, we have done it all. You don't just wake up on November 1 and decide to raise $100,000. It's a year-round process around here. At this point, if you check out our team page, you see that this fearless leader has a whopping $75 posted beside her name. What you don't see is that I'm working my tail off producing a fundraising calendar. Or that we also have a cookbook, poker nights, bunko nights, gala, auction and a gazillion other things in the works.
We really didn't do team fundraising until last year. We just didn't have the foundation for it. Last year we were given some incredible opportunities and really stepped it up. That continues this year -- our goal is $250,000 -- it's going to take a lot of work to get the job done.
We have put a couple of new policies, for lack of a better word, into place. 2010 ushers in a new age of Transparency for Team Tiara. From now on, fundraising $$$ will be split by a committee made up of at least four team members. When a team member works on a project, they will submit a spreadsheet detailing what they did to help with that project. Then, we will sit down with those sheets and look at all the numbers and come up with a fair, and transparent, way to divide the funds.
We will still follow much the same fundraising policy that's gotten us this far: Funds will be divided amongst walkers who worked on a project, as long as they have not reached the $2300 mark. Once a walker has reached the $2300 mark, any of "their share" of funds that are left will be applied to another walker -- preferably one from out of town who did not have the opportunity to help.
In other words, if you want fundraising $$$, you show up to help. Please note: I did not say those funds would be divided evenly. Someone who spends nine months planning an event will be allotted more funds than a walker who merely shows up to pass out programs. Up to that $2300 mark.
4. I can't see Houston from here.... For what it's worth, I'm a Huge George Strait fan. But I digress. With our team being scattered all over Texas and Oklahoma, we are well aware of the fundraising limitations that some of our walkers face. They can't be here for every lemonade stand and poker night we host. For that reason, we are giving them the tools to host those events on their own turf. Additionally, we have several fundraisers they can participate in from afar. Our calendar and cookbook sales are ideal examples. They'll be able to sell those wherever they are.
5. Use what you know. The crazy thing about being an adult is that you weren't just planted where you are. You grew up somewhere. And all those experiences along the way made you who you are. Use them!!! As for myself, I was a in 4-H for 10 years. (Head, Heart, Hands & Health all the Way!) Went to A&M, worked in PR, got married, had two precious babies and landed myself in a couple of home-based businesses. I sold Homemade Gourmet for a few years, and then took on Arbonne. My Honey says I wasn't nearly vain enough to sell makeup -- he's right. But through that process, I did some pretty cool things. I was one of HG's up-and-coming reps or whatever, one of their top recruiters, and one of their top saleschicks. I LOVED it. And I had absolutely no idea that God was training me for this. That all the leadership meetings and stuff I went to would come to fruition on the 3-Day stage.
There is not a day that goes by that I don't pull from that experience. Whether it's how to make a phone call or challenge our team or what -- I use it each and every day. Sometimes in more ways than others. Last year, on the walk, we walked past the home of a girl I'd sold HG with. Guess what? Our entire team got to use her potty! It flushed!! And she had SOAP next to a SINK with running water!!! How cool is that???
Seriously, use what you know. Draw on your experiences and what God had taught you.
5. Marketing isn't just for Dr. Pepper. Before I had babies, I was in PR. And I learned how to write a press release or two. And somewhere along the way, I learned about the importance of marketing and name recognition.
When you hear Team Tiara, I want you think of that crazy team from the 3-Day -- that team that's fun and hip and has really cute matchy-matchy clothes. A group that you'd love to be a part of. When people from my neighborhood hear the name Team Tiara, I want them to think of a Godly group of men and women who work hard to find a cure -- but beyond that who really have a heart for serving God and his precious children who are facing this beast we call breast cancer.
Team Tiara is in the process of "growing up." For us to travel this road that God has put before us, we're going to need that name recognition -- in a good way. You can read more about all that on our website at http://www.teamtiara.net/.
6. No Drama, Drama, Drama.... Team Tiara will no longer authorize the use of ambulances, IV's or emergency rooms. From here on out, we are a drama-free team. Seriously? Our team members have been given incredible care by the 3-Day staff and EMS the last couple of years, but we'd rather not go there again. On Friday of this last year, we had far more drama than a 10-year series of walks would allow for. We've had our fill.
5. It's not all about me. When your team gets to be this big, you're going to have all sorts of stories. When we started, this was a little team walking in honor / memory of my Mom. At this point, we have several survivors on our team, team members who have lost Moms to breast cancer and other illnesses, and all sorts of people with all sorts of stories. That doesn't mean that it's any less a walk in tribute to my Mom. It means it's a bigger journey in tribute to much more.
But it's something I try to be very alert about. I still pass out the little tiaras with Mom's picture to walkers who have blessed me or who are struggling. But that's not a team thing. It's a D'Lyn thing, and I think that's okay.
The 3-Day is such a journey -- not just physically exhausting but emotional, too. I think it's important to remember that everyone around you is in a struggle. There are as many stories as there are walkers. I just think it's important to be aware of that, to give people space when they need it, hugs when they need it, and unconditional love.
6. You're wearing Turquoise, but who are you?? A challenge we have, especially on Friday of the walk, is that there are all these random Tiaras running around, and we have no idea who they are. We do have a Thursday night get-together, but that only gets you so far. To help that, we've established Boobie Buddies this year. I'm totally jazzed about this. Every walker on our team has been given the name of someone to encourage. Many of us live in the same neighborhood, so I tried to pair up people in the bubble with people outside of the bubble. People who had walked before with those who hadn't. Our team members only know the name of the person they are sending notes to -- the walker they are receiving notes from is a mystery. We'll have a big reveal the night before the walk - which should help everyone feel like they know more people on the team.
7. You can't do it all. Dude. Hard lesson to learn. But I think I'm there. This year, we had a leadership meeting -- we got away for a weekend and spent some serious time planning everything out. The entire team was invited, but only nine were able to make it. Perfect. Enough to have ideas bouncing around. Not so many we got bogged down in details.
For me, this was hugely freeing. Different team members are in charge of different things. Fundraisers, walker-stalkers.... You name it, we got it. And the payoff? I think everyone on this team "owns" it more than ever before!!
8. Let Go and Let God. If I could have looked into the future and seen what this team would become, I don't know that I would have believed it. And frankly, I might have run away scared out of my mind. But I tell you what, God has placed people and experiences in our paths these last few years that have led us to where we are. We have an insane desire to help women who have breast cancer -- women God has placed in our paths. If you step back and let God take the lead, He's always going to do some pretty neat things.
Whew. That, in a nutshell is pretty much all I know.
So... Now you've decided to form a team. Has that YIKES! feeling hit you yet?
Robin asked if I could share the secrets of leading a large team.
I'd love to.
But I don't know what they are.
I could spend days telling you how not to lead a large team, though.
Seriously, I have made some hugongous mistakes. It's been five 3-Day seasons of trial and error.... But here are a few things I've learned. And please remember this has all evolved over five years -- we certainly didn't come out of the starting gate like this.
1. It's all about the clothes. That first year Lisa and I walked, I had some serious T-shirt envy. There were cutesy T-shirts all over the place. It's not that we didn't look good -- I'm sure we did. But we didn't match. And by Sunday I wasn't even wearing my own bra. But that's another story for another day.
Part of what goes along with having a team is having that cute matchy-matchy thing. If you walk solo or with just a couple of friends, I really suggest you still go for the cute thing! What I've learned though, is that with a team to bounce ideas off of you can come up with some really great ideas. This year our theme went from "A Whole New Way to Get Drunk" (not especially 3-Day appropriate, but it was a catchy new phrase we heard) to "A Whole New Way to Live" to "Wild about A Whole New Way to Live." That transition took place over about three weeks with nine of us involved. Now, Team Tiara is going to use that theme throughout the walk -- from shirts to skirts to tents to walker-stalkers. You are not going to miss us this year!!!
Realizing that everyone's bank account has a different balance, we've always said that everything "costume"-wise is entirely optional. But boy, do we have options. This year our "shopping list" will include tennis skirts, shirts, pants, hair pretties, socks, earrings, etc. We're talking head-to-toe. Can you tell I'm excited???
Something we started in 2007... We choose a color for each day, and everyone wears that color. Because we all want to walk in a wide range of styles -- as long as they're moisture-wicking, we've just named the colors and turned our team loose on Mecca (Academy.) This year, we're wearing Turquoise on Friday (worked great the last two years!), possibly Brown on Saturday and Hot Pink on Sunday. Once again, the level of matchiness is up to each walker. You can go head-to-toe or just wear that color shirt.
This REALLY pays off for a team our size on Friday, when we don't all know each other. What has grown from just Lisa and I has bloomed to a current count of 55 -- and it's still just February. Our goal for 2010 is to have 100 walkers on our team -- and I can tell you I've never even met at least a third of our walkers right now.
That's just crazy. But wearing an oddball color like Turquiose -- especially on Friday -- really helps us spot our friends in the crowd.
One note: While we've been known to don pom-poms and wings and capes and tiaras and goofy earrings and all sorts of other crazy stuff, it's important to remember that you're going to be walking in all this stuff. And you're going to be walking a looooooong ways. And It really could get downright annoying if you're lugging too much cute stuff.
2. We're all adults here. This has kind of been a new revelation for us. If you haven't been able to tell yet -- I'll just confess it right now. I'm seriously ADD, OCD and Type A. It makes for an interesting combination in a leader. Seriously? As of the end of the walk last year, I have hung up my Team Mom hat. And the key phrase that helped me do it? We're all adults.
We're all adults. Whether we train or don't train is entirely up to us. We can't force our team members to train, and we shouldn't be disappointed in them if they don't. Training is something I highly recommend, but it's got to be individualized. Frankly, I don't train at all until my kids go back to school in August, and at that point, my training is limited. But that's another story for another day. In short, if I trained hard, I wouldn't be able to do the walk. My feet pretty much have exactly 60 miles a year left in them.
We're all adults. You shouldn't force each other to take the bus. Okay. There are extenuating circumstances where as a leader you should step in. We had one of these this year. One of our walkers was hopped up on painkillers after a bad fall and a trip to the emergency room. She thought she could walk. We knew she couldn't. We took care of it.
But if your teammates are limping along with a hurt knee or ankle, let them make the choice. I've walked in their shoes. If you're sticking with them, they might feel guilty and that might just make them feel worse. In fact, if you stick by the side of someone who is struggling, chances are it'll mess up your gait -- increasing your own chance of injury. Love on them, hug on them, and let them go. Chances are, if you're not with them, they might just hop on the next van that comes by and beat you to to porta potties. If they don't, if they are fighting this battle and refuse to give up -- it's their choice. Be waiting for them at camp with lots of ice and lots of love -- they're going to need it. All that being said, you're an adult -- you know your friends and you know your body. Do what works best for you.
We're all adults. When we make the commitment to walk in the 3-Day, we make a commitment to raise $2300 for the CURE. This is something I have always struggled with. October has been a month of increasing stress around my house. I have worried over each little number our our team roster. I've run a gazillion scenarios in my head. And I regret that that concern has affected others as well.
No longer. Remember? I took off that Team Mom hat. It's not to say I won't help other walkers who I know need help -- that has been a long-standing tradition on our team, and has been one I hold dear. BUT.... I'm not going to stress about that any longer. We're going to give our team members the tools they need for fundraising success, then we're going to step aside and watch those numbers grow! We'll also have team fundraisers (more about that in a bit), but we're all adults.
3. Fundraising makes the world go round. Fundraising really is what it's all about. And believe me, we have done it all. You don't just wake up on November 1 and decide to raise $100,000. It's a year-round process around here. At this point, if you check out our team page, you see that this fearless leader has a whopping $75 posted beside her name. What you don't see is that I'm working my tail off producing a fundraising calendar. Or that we also have a cookbook, poker nights, bunko nights, gala, auction and a gazillion other things in the works.
We really didn't do team fundraising until last year. We just didn't have the foundation for it. Last year we were given some incredible opportunities and really stepped it up. That continues this year -- our goal is $250,000 -- it's going to take a lot of work to get the job done.
We have put a couple of new policies, for lack of a better word, into place. 2010 ushers in a new age of Transparency for Team Tiara. From now on, fundraising $$$ will be split by a committee made up of at least four team members. When a team member works on a project, they will submit a spreadsheet detailing what they did to help with that project. Then, we will sit down with those sheets and look at all the numbers and come up with a fair, and transparent, way to divide the funds.
We will still follow much the same fundraising policy that's gotten us this far: Funds will be divided amongst walkers who worked on a project, as long as they have not reached the $2300 mark. Once a walker has reached the $2300 mark, any of "their share" of funds that are left will be applied to another walker -- preferably one from out of town who did not have the opportunity to help.
In other words, if you want fundraising $$$, you show up to help. Please note: I did not say those funds would be divided evenly. Someone who spends nine months planning an event will be allotted more funds than a walker who merely shows up to pass out programs. Up to that $2300 mark.
4. I can't see Houston from here.... For what it's worth, I'm a Huge George Strait fan. But I digress. With our team being scattered all over Texas and Oklahoma, we are well aware of the fundraising limitations that some of our walkers face. They can't be here for every lemonade stand and poker night we host. For that reason, we are giving them the tools to host those events on their own turf. Additionally, we have several fundraisers they can participate in from afar. Our calendar and cookbook sales are ideal examples. They'll be able to sell those wherever they are.
5. Use what you know. The crazy thing about being an adult is that you weren't just planted where you are. You grew up somewhere. And all those experiences along the way made you who you are. Use them!!! As for myself, I was a in 4-H for 10 years. (Head, Heart, Hands & Health all the Way!) Went to A&M, worked in PR, got married, had two precious babies and landed myself in a couple of home-based businesses. I sold Homemade Gourmet for a few years, and then took on Arbonne. My Honey says I wasn't nearly vain enough to sell makeup -- he's right. But through that process, I did some pretty cool things. I was one of HG's up-and-coming reps or whatever, one of their top recruiters, and one of their top saleschicks. I LOVED it. And I had absolutely no idea that God was training me for this. That all the leadership meetings and stuff I went to would come to fruition on the 3-Day stage.
There is not a day that goes by that I don't pull from that experience. Whether it's how to make a phone call or challenge our team or what -- I use it each and every day. Sometimes in more ways than others. Last year, on the walk, we walked past the home of a girl I'd sold HG with. Guess what? Our entire team got to use her potty! It flushed!! And she had SOAP next to a SINK with running water!!! How cool is that???
Seriously, use what you know. Draw on your experiences and what God had taught you.
5. Marketing isn't just for Dr. Pepper. Before I had babies, I was in PR. And I learned how to write a press release or two. And somewhere along the way, I learned about the importance of marketing and name recognition.
When you hear Team Tiara, I want you think of that crazy team from the 3-Day -- that team that's fun and hip and has really cute matchy-matchy clothes. A group that you'd love to be a part of. When people from my neighborhood hear the name Team Tiara, I want them to think of a Godly group of men and women who work hard to find a cure -- but beyond that who really have a heart for serving God and his precious children who are facing this beast we call breast cancer.
Team Tiara is in the process of "growing up." For us to travel this road that God has put before us, we're going to need that name recognition -- in a good way. You can read more about all that on our website at http://www.teamtiara.net/.
6. No Drama, Drama, Drama.... Team Tiara will no longer authorize the use of ambulances, IV's or emergency rooms. From here on out, we are a drama-free team. Seriously? Our team members have been given incredible care by the 3-Day staff and EMS the last couple of years, but we'd rather not go there again. On Friday of this last year, we had far more drama than a 10-year series of walks would allow for. We've had our fill.
5. It's not all about me. When your team gets to be this big, you're going to have all sorts of stories. When we started, this was a little team walking in honor / memory of my Mom. At this point, we have several survivors on our team, team members who have lost Moms to breast cancer and other illnesses, and all sorts of people with all sorts of stories. That doesn't mean that it's any less a walk in tribute to my Mom. It means it's a bigger journey in tribute to much more.
But it's something I try to be very alert about. I still pass out the little tiaras with Mom's picture to walkers who have blessed me or who are struggling. But that's not a team thing. It's a D'Lyn thing, and I think that's okay.
The 3-Day is such a journey -- not just physically exhausting but emotional, too. I think it's important to remember that everyone around you is in a struggle. There are as many stories as there are walkers. I just think it's important to be aware of that, to give people space when they need it, hugs when they need it, and unconditional love.
6. You're wearing Turquoise, but who are you?? A challenge we have, especially on Friday of the walk, is that there are all these random Tiaras running around, and we have no idea who they are. We do have a Thursday night get-together, but that only gets you so far. To help that, we've established Boobie Buddies this year. I'm totally jazzed about this. Every walker on our team has been given the name of someone to encourage. Many of us live in the same neighborhood, so I tried to pair up people in the bubble with people outside of the bubble. People who had walked before with those who hadn't. Our team members only know the name of the person they are sending notes to -- the walker they are receiving notes from is a mystery. We'll have a big reveal the night before the walk - which should help everyone feel like they know more people on the team.
7. You can't do it all. Dude. Hard lesson to learn. But I think I'm there. This year, we had a leadership meeting -- we got away for a weekend and spent some serious time planning everything out. The entire team was invited, but only nine were able to make it. Perfect. Enough to have ideas bouncing around. Not so many we got bogged down in details.
For me, this was hugely freeing. Different team members are in charge of different things. Fundraisers, walker-stalkers.... You name it, we got it. And the payoff? I think everyone on this team "owns" it more than ever before!!
8. Let Go and Let God. If I could have looked into the future and seen what this team would become, I don't know that I would have believed it. And frankly, I might have run away scared out of my mind. But I tell you what, God has placed people and experiences in our paths these last few years that have led us to where we are. We have an insane desire to help women who have breast cancer -- women God has placed in our paths. If you step back and let God take the lead, He's always going to do some pretty neat things.
Whew. That, in a nutshell is pretty much all I know.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
The Princess' Guide: Find a Friend
Team Tiara rocks. Did you know that??
2010 marks five years of our walking in the DFW Breast Cancer 3-Day. To date, we have raised over $290,000 for breast cancer research, education, awareness and services.
No way would have I seen that coming when Lisa and I walked in 2006!!!
This year, the 3-Day powers-that-be have asked me to serve as an Online Ambassador. How cool is that?
So... In my first "official" Ambassador-type post, I'm going to tell you about something very near and dear to my heart -- friends. And I'm going to tell you why you need to walk with friends. And I'm going to share a really cool surprise with you!!!
In late 2005, I was talking to my friend Lisa when she asked what I was doing. Not wanting to sound like the couch-potato I really am, I told here I was thinking about doing this breast cancer walk. Lisa jumped on the idea, and I was stuck! SIXTY MILES! YIKES!!!
Little did I know that I'd just been pulled into something that would change my life on such a huge scale.
Walking with Lisa that first year rocked. Maybe not all of it, because I was really hurting. Tendonitis in my left ankle make my foot creak, and not in a good way. But sharing that time with Lisa and that experience with her was HUGE. I can't imagine having walked without my friend.
+and+Lisa+Harrelson+(Right)+after+the+2006+3-Day.jpg)
Once we had crossed the finish line and closed the book on 2006, I knew we needed to make this a team event for 2007. I had no idea the path that I would travel in the next several months. At that point, I had no idea we would be moving back to Houston, leaving old friends, making new friends, or that we would soon lose my Mom. I simply knew we could raise more money if we had more people on our team.
And we walked. And we raised $38,000. A team of 13 friends held my hands and dried my tears. Lisa walked with us again. And that Suzi Bruin walked every single step with me. All 60 miles. Never quitting; never leaving me. I can't imagine what it would have been like to walk that walk alone. I can't imagine not having someone there to walk that walk with.
2008.... Wow. 60 team members raised $125,000. It was incredible. The friendships grew stronger. Our team began to grow as a group of people with THIS in common -- not just as a group of people who somehow knew D'Lyn.
2009.... 40 team members -- $100,000. We took a hit alongside the economy. But you know what? Breast cancer didn't. Breast cancer doesn't care who you are or how much money you make. It doesn't care where you live or work or shop or dance.
Our numbers may have been fewer, but you can't say the same about our spirit. This team was being fortified by God to do great things. This team was beginning to evolve. And the friendships were just growing stronger and stronger.
So now we come to 2010. Team Tiara is 54 walkers strong, and it's only February. This team has grown beyond my wildest expections -- and God gets the glory for that. To Him who is able to do more than we ask or imagine. He has brought people to this team who have a heart for finding a CURE. Those hearts are so big!!
I know this is sounding like a commercial for Team Tiara -- and I guess it kinda is. I'd love nothing more than for us to have a HUGE team this year. And if you want to join in with us, come along.
But if you don't, that's okay. We'll still love you.
But I do urge you to Find a Friend to walk with. The highs in life are much sweeter if you're walking beside someone. And the tears... Yes, you will shed tears... The tears don't sting so much if you have someone to share those with as well.
At the end of the day, having a tentmate to visit with, a teammate to sit in line with at the showers, a friend to eat dinner or dance or shop with... (Yes! There's Shopping!) Being with friends -- it's all good.
So here's the promised surprise. I know for some of you it will come as no surprise at all. BUT....
Through March 9, you can register to walk in the 3-Day and get a discount on your registration fee. Go to www.the3day.org/goto/teamtiara. Click on "Join Team" Then, all you have to do is type in the discount code "RESOLVE."
Like, I RESOLVE to help find a CURE. I RESOLVE to lose 20 pounds. I RESOLVE to raise money for research. I RESOLVE to spend a weekend making a difference. I RESOLVE to help annihilate breast cancer before my girls are old enough to get a mammogram. I RESOLVE to spend time with friends. I RESOLVE to change my life. I RESOLVE to tell everyone I know about what I'm doing. I RESOLVE to wear pink proudly. I RESOLVE to sleep in a tent and shower in a converted semi truck. I RESOLVE to help increase awareness of breast cancer in men. I RESOLVE to do self-exams. I RESOLVE to schedule my mammogram.
See? You can do it. And you can do it $25 cheaper as long as you register by March 9.
Do it for your family.
Do it for yourself.
Just Do It.
WITH A FRIEND!
2010 marks five years of our walking in the DFW Breast Cancer 3-Day. To date, we have raised over $290,000 for breast cancer research, education, awareness and services.
No way would have I seen that coming when Lisa and I walked in 2006!!!
This year, the 3-Day powers-that-be have asked me to serve as an Online Ambassador. How cool is that?
So... In my first "official" Ambassador-type post, I'm going to tell you about something very near and dear to my heart -- friends. And I'm going to tell you why you need to walk with friends. And I'm going to share a really cool surprise with you!!!
In late 2005, I was talking to my friend Lisa when she asked what I was doing. Not wanting to sound like the couch-potato I really am, I told here I was thinking about doing this breast cancer walk. Lisa jumped on the idea, and I was stuck! SIXTY MILES! YIKES!!!
Little did I know that I'd just been pulled into something that would change my life on such a huge scale.
Walking with Lisa that first year rocked. Maybe not all of it, because I was really hurting. Tendonitis in my left ankle make my foot creak, and not in a good way. But sharing that time with Lisa and that experience with her was HUGE. I can't imagine having walked without my friend.
+and+Lisa+Harrelson+(Right)+after+the+2006+3-Day.jpg)
Once we had crossed the finish line and closed the book on 2006, I knew we needed to make this a team event for 2007. I had no idea the path that I would travel in the next several months. At that point, I had no idea we would be moving back to Houston, leaving old friends, making new friends, or that we would soon lose my Mom. I simply knew we could raise more money if we had more people on our team.And we walked. And we raised $38,000. A team of 13 friends held my hands and dried my tears. Lisa walked with us again. And that Suzi Bruin walked every single step with me. All 60 miles. Never quitting; never leaving me. I can't imagine what it would have been like to walk that walk alone. I can't imagine not having someone there to walk that walk with.
2008.... Wow. 60 team members raised $125,000. It was incredible. The friendships grew stronger. Our team began to grow as a group of people with THIS in common -- not just as a group of people who somehow knew D'Lyn.
2009.... 40 team members -- $100,000. We took a hit alongside the economy. But you know what? Breast cancer didn't. Breast cancer doesn't care who you are or how much money you make. It doesn't care where you live or work or shop or dance.
Our numbers may have been fewer, but you can't say the same about our spirit. This team was being fortified by God to do great things. This team was beginning to evolve. And the friendships were just growing stronger and stronger.
So now we come to 2010. Team Tiara is 54 walkers strong, and it's only February. This team has grown beyond my wildest expections -- and God gets the glory for that. To Him who is able to do more than we ask or imagine. He has brought people to this team who have a heart for finding a CURE. Those hearts are so big!!
I know this is sounding like a commercial for Team Tiara -- and I guess it kinda is. I'd love nothing more than for us to have a HUGE team this year. And if you want to join in with us, come along.
But if you don't, that's okay. We'll still love you.
But I do urge you to Find a Friend to walk with. The highs in life are much sweeter if you're walking beside someone. And the tears... Yes, you will shed tears... The tears don't sting so much if you have someone to share those with as well.
At the end of the day, having a tentmate to visit with, a teammate to sit in line with at the showers, a friend to eat dinner or dance or shop with... (Yes! There's Shopping!) Being with friends -- it's all good.
So here's the promised surprise. I know for some of you it will come as no surprise at all. BUT....
Through March 9, you can register to walk in the 3-Day and get a discount on your registration fee. Go to www.the3day.org/goto/teamtiara. Click on "Join Team" Then, all you have to do is type in the discount code "RESOLVE."
Like, I RESOLVE to help find a CURE. I RESOLVE to lose 20 pounds. I RESOLVE to raise money for research. I RESOLVE to spend a weekend making a difference. I RESOLVE to help annihilate breast cancer before my girls are old enough to get a mammogram. I RESOLVE to spend time with friends. I RESOLVE to change my life. I RESOLVE to tell everyone I know about what I'm doing. I RESOLVE to wear pink proudly. I RESOLVE to sleep in a tent and shower in a converted semi truck. I RESOLVE to help increase awareness of breast cancer in men. I RESOLVE to do self-exams. I RESOLVE to schedule my mammogram.
See? You can do it. And you can do it $25 cheaper as long as you register by March 9.
Do it for your family.
Do it for yourself.
Just Do It.
WITH A FRIEND!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
No Snow Flurry Here -- Just a Blog Flurry
I'm sad.
So sad.
No snow here.
But our house in McKinney with the HUGE backyard?
Yeah. Lots of snow.
But I'm also happy today -- in a bizarre sort of way.
My sweet friend Ruthie went Home to be with Jesus yesterday afternoon. I'm so, so sad for all of us still here -- especially Jimmy, Kelly and Chacho and their families. But at the same time, I'm so, so happy for Ruthie.
So sad.
No snow here.
But our house in McKinney with the HUGE backyard?
Yeah. Lots of snow.
But I'm also happy today -- in a bizarre sort of way.
My sweet friend Ruthie went Home to be with Jesus yesterday afternoon. I'm so, so sad for all of us still here -- especially Jimmy, Kelly and Chacho and their families. But at the same time, I'm so, so happy for Ruthie.
Exciting News!!!
Hello Friends and Family!
I wanted to take a moment to let you know about some AWESOME things happening with Team Tiara!
In the five years that we've been walking in the Breast Cancer 3-Day, God has led us to cross paths with many people who have been touched by breast cancer and need help. And over time, we've all come to realize that this isn't just about three days of walking to find a CURE for breast cancer. It's become far more than that -- it's become a ministry.
With that calling, we began to realize it was time for Team Tiara to "grow up" and become an organization that could offer "real time" help to those who are hurting. To make that possible, we have become a non-profit corporation -- operating under section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
Team Tiara will still be major force in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure! We currently have 52 walkers signed up for 2010, and are well on our way to raising our goal of $250,000!
At the same time, our new non-profit status gives us the flexibility to be the hands and feet of Jesus by meeting needs God brings our way. I can't tell you how excited I am about that! This is something that has been on my "radar screen" for over two years! And to see it come to fruition is so, so very cool!
What does this mean for you? We'll still need your help. Finding a CURE is as important as it's ever been. As always, you'll be able to donate online at www.the3day.org/goto/teamtiara. Or you can donate to the 3-Day with a check made out to the "Breast Cancer 3-Day."
If you choose to donate to our mission, you can make your check out to "Team Tiara."
Either way, your donations are tax-deductible. And either way, your donations will be used to fund research, education, awareness and services.
I know this is getting a bit long, but please hang with me a couple of seconds more. We need your help with a couple more things.
First, please keep us in your prayers. Please pray that everything we do and every dollar we raise is used to glorify God. Without Him, we have nothing.
Second, we need your recipes. We are publishing a calendar and a recipe book as part of our fundraising, and while we've got the calendar under control, we need some help with the recipes. You'll find more about that on the next post down.
Thank you so much for all you do to support us! Team Tiara could never have made it this far wtihout you and your love and support. We're not done yet -- we've got a lot to do. But I want you to know that you are loved and appreciated.
I walk for my girls,
D'Lyn
Team Tiara Captain
DFW 2006-2010
I wanted to take a moment to let you know about some AWESOME things happening with Team Tiara!
In the five years that we've been walking in the Breast Cancer 3-Day, God has led us to cross paths with many people who have been touched by breast cancer and need help. And over time, we've all come to realize that this isn't just about three days of walking to find a CURE for breast cancer. It's become far more than that -- it's become a ministry.
With that calling, we began to realize it was time for Team Tiara to "grow up" and become an organization that could offer "real time" help to those who are hurting. To make that possible, we have become a non-profit corporation -- operating under section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
Team Tiara will still be major force in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure! We currently have 52 walkers signed up for 2010, and are well on our way to raising our goal of $250,000!
At the same time, our new non-profit status gives us the flexibility to be the hands and feet of Jesus by meeting needs God brings our way. I can't tell you how excited I am about that! This is something that has been on my "radar screen" for over two years! And to see it come to fruition is so, so very cool!
What does this mean for you? We'll still need your help. Finding a CURE is as important as it's ever been. As always, you'll be able to donate online at www.the3day.org/goto/teamtiara. Or you can donate to the 3-Day with a check made out to the "Breast Cancer 3-Day."
If you choose to donate to our mission, you can make your check out to "Team Tiara."
Either way, your donations are tax-deductible. And either way, your donations will be used to fund research, education, awareness and services.
I know this is getting a bit long, but please hang with me a couple of seconds more. We need your help with a couple more things.
First, please keep us in your prayers. Please pray that everything we do and every dollar we raise is used to glorify God. Without Him, we have nothing.
Second, we need your recipes. We are publishing a calendar and a recipe book as part of our fundraising, and while we've got the calendar under control, we need some help with the recipes. You'll find more about that on the next post down.
Thank you so much for all you do to support us! Team Tiara could never have made it this far wtihout you and your love and support. We're not done yet -- we've got a lot to do. But I want you to know that you are loved and appreciated.
I walk for my girls,
D'Lyn
Team Tiara Captain
DFW 2006-2010
Recipes Needed!!
Hello All!!!
Team Tiara TRIED to get a Cookbook fundraisers off the ground a couple of years ago, but to no avail. THIS TIME, we have Karen Suomela and Stephanie Cook at the helm and are ROCKIN' on the cookbook!!! But they need your help! Read on....
To help Team Tiara reach our team goal of $250,000 we are going to be selling A Team Tiara Cookbook honoring those who fought breast cancer, survived breast cancer and all of us who support finding a cure for breast cancer!
I need your help!! I need RECIPES! If you have a tried and true favorite that you would like to share please email it to me! If you have a family member or friend who has a favorite recipe to share please email it to me!! If you or someone you know who has been challenged with cancer please share a recipe or two. We would like to recognize these friends by publishing their recipes in our cookbook.
Information to send:
Recipe Category (appetizer, entrée, dessert, casserole, etc.)
Recipe
Submitted by make note if Breast Cancer Survivor or in Memory of
Special Notes/Memo
Please submit your recipe by February 25th. We are hoping to have these ready for Mother's Day!
My email address is scook324@comcast.net.
I look forward to your recipes! Most important I look forward to honoring those who have fought, survived and those who support finding a cure. More information will be sent once the cookbooks are complete to let you know how you can purchase one to share with your friends and families!
Thank you so much for all of your support!
Stephanie Cook
Team Tiara TRIED to get a Cookbook fundraisers off the ground a couple of years ago, but to no avail. THIS TIME, we have Karen Suomela and Stephanie Cook at the helm and are ROCKIN' on the cookbook!!! But they need your help! Read on....
To help Team Tiara reach our team goal of $250,000 we are going to be selling A Team Tiara Cookbook honoring those who fought breast cancer, survived breast cancer and all of us who support finding a cure for breast cancer!
I need your help!! I need RECIPES! If you have a tried and true favorite that you would like to share please email it to me! If you have a family member or friend who has a favorite recipe to share please email it to me!! If you or someone you know who has been challenged with cancer please share a recipe or two. We would like to recognize these friends by publishing their recipes in our cookbook.
Information to send:
Recipe Category (appetizer, entrée, dessert, casserole, etc.)
Recipe
Submitted by make note if Breast Cancer Survivor or in Memory of
Special Notes/Memo
Please submit your recipe by February 25th. We are hoping to have these ready for Mother's Day!
My email address is scook324@comcast.net.
I look forward to your recipes! Most important I look forward to honoring those who have fought, survived and those who support finding a cure. More information will be sent once the cookbooks are complete to let you know how you can purchase one to share with your friends and families!
Thank you so much for all of your support!
Stephanie Cook
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