Cathy Miller

The hardest part of the 3-Day, 60-mile Walk is not the walking.

• It’s the fund-raising
• At least for me

I’ve never liked asking for money, no matter how worthy the cause.

For the 11th year, my contributors have helped me raise the minimum required to participate in the 3-Day Walk for the Cure.

I love my contributors!

Contributors Through the Ages

When I first started walking in 2003, I had returned to San Diego for the third time.

• And the last, I said
• I did not plan on leaving again
• Never say never

Alas, I left my beloved San Diego again in 2009. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

In 2003, I was just beginning to know new coworkers, local industry colleagues, and new clients. Because I hate asking for money, I probably made fundraising that year a bit harder than it had to be.

Fundraising was much easier in the years following that first year. Matching gifts by corporations made it even easier.

Then I left my corporate job behind.

I started my own business around the time of the 2008 Walk.

• Matching gifts were gone
• As were some of the corporate contributors

It was tough going for awhile.

But my contributors have never let me down. Many of them have supported me from my very first Walk in 2003 − including several of the colleagues from the insurance world who no longer work with me.

Bless you all!

Contributors to the Rescue

Last week I sent a pre-groveling fundraising email. After 11 years, groveling has become easier.

I was $540 short of the required minimum. Within two hours, my contributors made sure I had what I needed.

Have I told you I ♥ my contributors?

Every year, I am humbled by the generosity of my contributors. Each of you holds a special place in my heart. I could never take this journey with out you.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Thanks to all of my contributors!

1. Ada Kersey
2. Anne Wayman
3. Barb Lewis
4. Creighton Forester
5. Debbie Ressler
6. Dianne Wingfield
7. Dyann Bartus Calder
8. Jackie Harris
9. Jan Shapard
10. Jeffrey Friedli
11. Joe & Elaine Conway
12. John Soares
13. Judi DiMatteo
14. Judy Craig
15. Julie Ewert
16. Ken Lautsch
17. Kim Lemon
18. Kristin Adams
19. LaVerne Richards
20. Linda Barney
21. Lori Widmer
22. Marina Angeles
23. Marjorie Miller
24. Mitch Allen
25. Nicky Parry
26. Rachel Marturello
27. Sharon Hurley Hall
28. Tammy Reed
29. Vince Williams

Being the glutton for punishment that I am, I already signed up for the 2015 San Diego 3-Day Walk.

You can contribute any time (subtle, right?) by going to my 2015 Personal Page. Donations made in 2014 can be deducted on your 2014 taxes (for my U.S. friends).

Stay tuned for news about this year’s Walk, which takes place in November.

Walk on!

BigStock Photo Credit

I bow at the altar of my MBTs.

The sandals saved me from 3-Day, 60-mile Walks filled with blisters and lost toenails.

Like a spurned lover left with her partner’s debt, I feel betrayed by the company’s financial ruin.

What are MBTs?

MBTs − The Shoe

MBT is an acronym for Masai Barefoot Technology. They are those funny, curved bottom shoes shown in the picture (the sandal version).

The shoes became wildly popular, and as commerce is known to do, were ripped off and reproduced in knock-offs and imitators.

The Skechers Shape-Ups sealed the fate of the funny-looking shoes.

They still exist. But with different models and a dwindling supply.

Blister Mania

I thought I did everything right.

• I visited a sports store professional to fit my shoes
• I purchased socks designed for walking 60 miles in 3 days
• I trained according to the 3-Day plan

And it worked. For my training walks.

By Day 2 of my first Walk in 2003, blisters popped in to join my feet. The blasted demons took total control.

I decided the professional screwed up. My shoes were two sizes bigger than my normal size. The accepted recommendation calls for shoes that are one to one and a half sizes bigger.

So I tried again for the next Walk. This time with shoes only one size larger.

And it worked − again for my training walks.

Day 2 of my second Walk was more of the same. Only now I added the delightful effect of losing my big toenail.

In 2006, I tried my first pair of MBTs.

Mind Your MBTs

What is it about a seemingly intelligent person who goes into a store knowing exactly what she wants, then leaves with something else?

I forget how I discovered MBTs. Perhaps someone else was wearing them on the Walk. However, I knew I wanted sandals. I figured open toes − toenails intact.

I visited a local specialty store for shoes. I told them exactly what I wanted.

Oh, they sold me MBTs. The problem was I walked out with the closed shoe model.

At least I was halfway there. The first year I wore those shoes − Ta-Da! No blisters! Can I have an Amen?

The problem was, I still lost a toenail. The pavement-slapping 60 miles is brutal on toenails.

• Why didn’t I ignore the retailer’s suggestion?
• And why was she so bent on selling me closed shoes?

The price was the same − $$$ − expensive.

In 2007, I insisted on my MBT sandals. Nirvana was mine.

From the first time I put those sandals on, my feet sang in joyful delight.

• I never have blisters
• I never lose toenails
• 60 miles never felt so good

Then the curved bottom fell out.

Missing MBTs

The company discontinued the model I loved.

I tried a different model (as shown in the picture).

I hated them.

• I hated the thin strap dissecting the top of my foot
• I regularly fell off the shoe − me − a veteran MBT-wearer

I went in search for a different model for the next Walk.

Men’s MBTs

This time I found one similar to my original sandals.

Once again, there was a problem.

The model only came in men’s sizes.

Fortunately, I found a size small enough to fit my feet.

One good thing about a dying breed, I was able to buy two pair for the same cost I had paid for one.

Nirvana was mine once again. For awhile.

Remember how I said the supply was dwindling?

There is not a pair in my size to be found. Anywhere.

The newer models are made of leather. Leather and 60 miles? I don’t think so.

Down and Out

As I prepare for my 11th 3-Day Walk for the Cure, I realize I am probably walking without my best friend, my MBTs.

I am test-walking a new sandal. What it lacks in curves, it makes up for in fashion.

Check out the pink soles.

 

I can only hope my feet accept this new stranger. Lord knows I’m too old to change but what choice do I have?

Walk on!