3 Day Expo

Apparently, one trip to the Cleveland area wasn't enough for one month. Bright and early yesterday morning I got myself out of the house, coffee and Egg McMuffin in hand, and headed to Independence, Ohio. The Cleveland 3 Day Walk, to be held in August, was holding a 6 mile training walk, to be followed by an Expo at the Independence Civic Center. There was no way I would be able to get up early enough to make the walk, and after all, it's a two hour drive each way and I had to work last night. In any case, it was the Expo I was interested in.

I arrived promptly at 11 a.m., just in time for the doors to open. It didn't take long for the Main Room of the civic center to start rockin' with happy and enthusiastic 3 Day walkers, many who had just finished the 6 mile training walk. I didn't know where to start first, there were so many things to see. Off to my left I saw a table that wasn't surrounded by people, so I headed there. It happened to be a team sign-up table. I explained to the woman in charge that I was actually headed for San Diego, and she told me that was just fine, she had all sorts of souvenirs that could be obtained with a small donation. My eyes lit upon the neatest pin I've ever seen, and I had to have it. The pin is a silver heart, with the pink ribbon in the middle and surrounded by filigree work. If I had to leave that moment I would have been happy with just that pin.

Then went over to the New Balance booth. New Balance is one of the official sponsors of the 3 Day. They were doing foot analysis. You had to walk on a pad, that had a piece of paper in the middle topped by an ink pad. When the specialist looked at my imprint, he said "you have all kinds of issues with your feet!". Tell me about it. I have a super high, rigid arch; my feet roll out, and most of my weight centers on the balls of my feet. Then I got fitted for a pair of shoes that were recommended for my "problems" and yes, I bought another pair of shoes. I need two pairs anyway.

My next stop was at the "camp". They had the actual type of tents we would be using. They showed us how to set up the tent, which we will do every day, and ideas for how to decorate them. There will be a prize for the best decorated tent. They encouraged us to get in and get a feel for the space and believe me, there's not much. Just enough for two people, two sleeping bags, our duffel bags, and that's it. And getting in was a lot easier than getting out.

The camp councilor also showed us how to pack, as well as what not to pack. Our duffel bags can't weigh any more than 35 pounds, and that includes our sleeping bags. We can't bring food, make-up, radios, headphones, laptops, hair spray, or any superfluous gear. Just exactly what we need for the three days.

I also got the chance to speak with several different people, men included, had done previous walks. One woman had done 6, in different parts of the U.S. This was her second Cleveland. They told me what to expect, gave me advice on taking full advantage of all the rest stops, and tips for decorating my tent. I stayed long enough to hear the names called for the door prizes (which I didn't win) and then headed home. I'm even more excited about my 3 Day then I was before. I can't wait!