Warming Hut Hotties Blog

And they're off!

2009-04-06T19:14:00.000-07:00

What a spectacular day yesterday was for our training walk season kick off! A group of approximately 25 of us took a lovely and “tenny bit” hilly 6 mile walk through the Presidio and were greeted with phenomenal views at a the new lookout points with well built and considerate ledges for walker stretching! It was wonderful meeting you (or seeing you again after our winter break) and hearing about why you are walking. See below for info about upcoming walks, joining the team and a great podiatrist.

Special thanks to Sharla, 2008 Avon Walker & 2009 3 Day Walker, for providing us route support and those deliciously refreshing strawberries & grapes at our break. Hope your injury heals quickly so you can get on the road with us.

Got Podiatrist? Avon Walker pip mentioned a great resource - We highly recommend Dr. Jenny Sanders, our hottie podiatrist, if you are having any foot issues. Tell them you are a hottie when you call for a priority appointment. Dr. Jenny will help you get into the right shoes for your feet for training. Like I said, I walked 8 years in the wrong type of shoes before being fit by Dr. Jenny. GO see her for happy feet! Financial District Foot & Ankle Center - 100 Bush Street, #420, San Francisco 415-956-2884 - Email: info@fdfac.comUPCOMING WALKS: Please RSVP warminghuthotties@sbcglobal.net as it helps us plan a little better and have enough maps for everyone:

Sun 4/12 - NO WALK
Sun 4/19 – 8 miles – 8:30am - Warming Hut – Approx Finish 12:00pm
Sun 4/26 – 10 miles – 8:00am - Warming Hut – Approx Finish 12:00pm

Sun 5/3 – 11 miles – 7:00am - Warming Hut – Approx Finish 12:00pm
Sun 5/10 – 12 miles – 7:00am - Warming Hut – Approx Finish 12:00pm
Sun 5/17 – 14 miles – 6:30am - Warming Hut – Approx Finish 12:00pm

Training schedule: http://www.warminghuthotties.com/Training_Walk_Schedule.php

Join the Warming Hut Hottie Team! Why join our team? Become a hottie to have support and camaraderie while we train which builds into a family within the greater walk community on the event weekend. We’ll compound our fundraising dollars and inspire one another to do more than we though possible alone - last year the hotties raised almost $500,000. Don't be shy, take the leap! We’ll make lifelong friends. To join the hottie team, email:
For the Avon Walk. Email Juliana, at teams.sanfrancisco@avonwalk.org and ask to be added to the team.
For the 3 Day: Call 800.996.3DAY or email bayareacoaches@the3day.org to be added to the Warming Hut Hotties team.

The 2009 hotties are super-fine!

2009-03-27T12:41:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung, dearest hotties, and it is time once again to dust off our walking shoes. This is the seventh year of the hotties walking and crewing and volunteering and walker stalking! Last year was amazing with $424,870.23 raised for the 3 Day and the Avon Walk and thousands of lives touched; maybe we'll hit $500K this year!?

Let’s start the walk season by stretching our legs with a 6 mile walk on Sunday, April 5th at 8:30am meeting at the Warming Hut. And, as always, please RSVP if you are coming out.

April & May training walks are up on our website and will be posted to the Avon and 3 Day sites soon. We will be leading walks only on Sundays before we start back-to-back Saturday/Sunday training walks in late May. The training this season is geared to the SF 3 Day in October. Our Avon Walkers will have the option to take self-led second loops if they feel the need to increase mileage in conjunction with their training needs.

We’ll of course need route support for walks 12 miles and over. Shoot and email if you want to sign up to provide route support for a walk. We are also working on a plan to address the problem of overwhelming walk turnout. If attendance grows again this year to over 40-45 people on a walk we may have two training walks on Saturdays with staggered start times

Even if you are not planning on walking this year there are numerous ways to be involved with the events, the hotties and our community - reach out & stay connected!

In Our Lifetime received non-profit status in October (hurrah!) and will be sending/posting more info regarding ways to be involved. We will be seeking committee heads and members for various “tasks” related to running training training walks, organizing clinics, team activities, implementing/managing our walker mentor program “Shoulder to Shoulder”, and our BUST it out! fundraiser.

This year we also plan to host our some of our clinics (will be posted on the training walk page on the website when confirmed):
May – shoe fit
June – stretching for endurance walking
July – pacing for endurance & strength/walking form techniques
August – Back to Back weekend

See you on the road & be well. Here's to another fantastic year!
Linda

Other immediate needs:
help updating our website (we'd love to have a calender which enables people to RSVP directly on the site)
outreach and letter writing to get the word out about the Shoulder to Shoulder program.
grant research & writing for In Our Lifetime
wish: donated storage space/small workspace for all of our hottie stuff, training walk supplies (water, etc.) in the Marina, Presidio or very close by with 24 hour access.

Warming Hut Hotties - Hearts and Soles United Against Breast Cancer
Web: http://www.warminghuthotties.com
Training Walk Schedule: http://www.warminghuthotties.com/Training_Walk_Schedule.php
Email: warminghuthotties@sbcglobal.net

The Hottie Nation!

2008-09-09T20:20:00.000-07:00

2,000 Walkers & 400 Crew Members Raised $4,729,000.00
7 dozen pink, lavender and green dee-lee-bobbers

7 dozen blinky rings, pins, buttons, hottie flags and laminated cadences
70 hottie walkers and 12 hottie crew raised $213,868.00 and counting!

Oh hotties, my hotties,
I am so proud of our hottie walkers and hottie friends, so appreciative of our hottie crew and so thankful to our many hottie helpers and hottie walker stalkers. We were everywhere this weekend: walking, stalking, volunteering, cheering & crewing! Our hottie community (read: family) is quite the mutual admiration society. Barry had it right: We are the Hottie Nation!

We shared 3 Days of:
The massive hottie herd with huge heart in our hottie headgear.Hotfooted hotties hoofin' it & hurtin' hotties & hotties hangin' tough.Old hotties, new hotties, hottie friends & adding honorary hotties along the way.
Hottie grief, tears, catharsis & healing.
Hotties hydrating & hotties in the port-a-pottiesHottie highs & hottie lows & hottie hoorays & spreading our hottie spirit.Hottie hilarious high jinx, silly humor & guffawing in hysterics.
Hotties holding banners, hotties eating hot dogs, hotties riding in the Happy Sweep Van and hotties getting a tan.
Hard-headed hotties & naughty hotties & hottie hook-ups & hottie hanky panky (?!)Hottie hugs & hotties holding hands & hottie high fives.Hotties chanting the cadence with great chutzpah.
Sore hottie tootsies & sore hottie booties.
Hottie Hero Walker Stalkers, family, friends & hottie helpers too.And hotties hollering wooooohooooo!

Coming off the 3 Day is like having been at a rock concert, amusement park and kid's birthday all in one. My ears are still ringing and my throat is sore from yelling the cadence. I drove down to Crissy Field this morning to have my coffee and let the whole 3 Day journey sink in (nope, I didn't walk there!) It is grey and foggy here in the City today and it is hard to believe how spectacular the weather was this past weekend. It set the stage for a truly wonderful weekend and it showed our beloved Crissy Field off at its finest.

It did not matter if you were first, the caboose or somewhere in the middle of the pack of 2,000 walkers. We were a moving monument to our heartfelt belief that we will end breast cancer (and all cancers) as a life threatening disease.

You are a now a part of the long legacy of this team. A legacy of kindness and compassion and spirit. A legacy of leaving the world a better place than we found it. Our legacy is also in cold hard cash. This year alone the team will raise over $400,000 participating in four events. Collectively we have raised $2,086,203.42 since our first walk as a team in 2003. Simply Amazing. All from individual donations from friends and family, co-workers and from places we do business. We know the money we worked so hard to raise will be put to work helping people get access to care. We know the money we worked so hard to raise will go to doctors engaged in critical research. We know the money we worked so hard to raise will help prevent and help detect breast cancer early. That is the legacy for which I am most proud and hope you are as well.

Every training walk season and every event is different and this year was magical. It has been a remarkable year and I will cherish the experience of walking with you, hearing your stories, making new friends and creating our deep team bond. Each of us is on a personal journey although collectively we forge the pathway toward a world without breast cancer In Our Lifetime.

Each of you has changed the landscape of my heart forever, thank you. Remember, once a hottie, always a hottie! Hottie hugs and go enjoy your long winter hibernation. Rest, recover and rejuvenate, dear friends. Until we meet again, walk on! Linda

To our hottie survivors: You are inspiration personified. We can’t begin to express the responsibility and honor we feel walking by your side. You give us hope that the work we are doing will enable many more women and men detect their cancer early, get access to great care and less barbaric treatments. It is beautiful to witness you live your lives OUT LOUD.

To the Walking Wounded: Dear walkers, take time to heal your body. You have done wondrous work even though you didn't walk perhaps as much as you wanted. You were there, you were seen and you have made a difference. Your contribution is not measured in steps but in simply having taken part. Despite what you may be telling yourself, your hottie teammates, are proud of you!

To our hottie crew: 4 Sweep Vans, Pit 5 Crew and Medical Transport..... YOU ARE AMAZING! Thank you for 3 Days of hard work and caring of the walkers. *Special Thank you to Meg for buying pizza and champagne for us at the Holding Area! What a treat.*

To My Hottie “Assistant Managers”: Andrea, Marcia, Meg, Charisse and Sandy; thank you and know you have my deep respect and admiration. It does take a village for the “care and feeding” of a team this big. Phenomenal training walks, arranging clinics, craft days, making 3,000 flower pins, walker stalking, planning, paperwork/printing, hundreds of emails, document development, team shirts, hottie swag, our BUST it out! fundraiser and the formation of In Our Lifetime could not have happened without your contribution of time, energy, love and dedication to this team.

Share Your Training & Event Photos for the Hottie Archive - Flickr Group: http://flickr.com/groups/warminghuthotties/

Register for the 3 Day next year! It’s only 396 days until next year’s 3 Day and the SF 3 Day team is up! http://www.the3day.org/goto/thewarminghuthotties Not sure the cut off date, but right now the registration fee is $55 (usually $90) with the promo code: legacy. If you are interested in crewing next year, register and then let me know. I will try to work with Nathaniel to get a Hottie Pit Stop if there is interest.

Reunion Party: I’ll send an Evite out soon with details. It will probably be in a month or so. Think potluck like the Walk-luck picnic.

Race for the Cure: Some hotties will be heading out for this walk Sunday, Sept 21st. Register here for the Komen SF Race for the Cure. $30 registration fee/no fundraising minimum. Online registration fees increase September 11 and Online registration closes September 14. You can also register in person on Sept 20th at both SF Sports Basement locations or the morning of race day as well.

Stay in Touch - Join the Warming Hut Hotties Gmail Group! I'll post here about training walks and other events. You can connect with walkers and crew here, talk about other events, and just stay in touch. http://groups.google.com/group/sfwarminghuthotties2009

The Hottie Zazzle Store Has Postage Stamps for Your Thank You Notes: http://www.zazzle.com/hotties_postage_stamp-172440951405935960

Training Walks: I may start an off-season “once a month easy (under 8 miles) Saturday/Sunday walk” if there is interest. Our real training season won’t begin again until late April, 2009. Check http://www.warminghuthotties.com/Training_Walk_Schedule.php for updates.

San Diego Walkers/Crew: Please email me so we can try to connect you all for training walks and for your event!

3 Day Girl - Ice Man Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QqU0h2x6bE

Day 1 Route: www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=244400
Day 2 Route: www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=244383
Day 3 Route: www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=244409

In this world it is not what we take up, but what we give up, that makes us rich. Henry Ward Beecher

Cell Phone Numbers & Some Hottie Shout Outs!

2008-08-25T16:50:00.000-07:00

Just trying to put together a cell phone/tent list for our event. So if you are willing to share, email me your cell number for inclusion in the list. We'll print it up for you and give you a copy to stick in your credential. I will email a detailed team meet up plan next week as well.

I have asked Melissa from the 3 Day for all of the hottie tenting assignments so we can know where we are all located in camp. I am in A15 so I am presuming we have tents A1 - A30 or so.

RIGHT NOW THE HOTTIES ARE THE #1 FUNDRAISING TEAM FOR THE SAN FRANCISCO EVENT! To date we have raised $168,529.62 and the money is still rolling in! And with all the fast and furious fundraising we've all been doing I have a HUGE announcement. Our cumulative fundraising across all of the hottie teams this is year is $335,501.03 which means we have surpassed a major milestone. The hotties have raised $2,023,906.03 since 2003. Let that sink in. I think a giant Wooooooohooooooo! is in order.

As of today we are 70 walkers (with a few new recruits joining this week) and 12 crew members strong. Our hottie crew are:
Adrienne Wingo – Sweep Crew
Cynthia McCuster - Pit 5
Eric Kwang - Medical Transport
Jim Lawson – Medical Transport
Joel Feldman – Sweep Crew
Mary Green - Pit 5
Pat Klock – Camp Food Service
Rebecca Byrne - Pit 5
Renee Feldman – Sweep Crew
Sarah Burroughs - Sweep Crew
Tamara Gabel - Moto Safety Crew
Tania Down - Pit 5

Our California team members live all over:
Alameda
Pleasant Hill
Belmont
Redwood City
Burlingame
Sacramento
Citrus Heights
San Francisco
Davis
San Jose
Elk Grove
San Leandro
Foster City
San Lorenzo
Fremont
San Mateo
Greenbrae
San Ramon
Half Moon Bay
Santa Clara
Menlo Park
Santa Cruz
Mill Valley
Vacaville
Milpitas
Vallejo
Oakland
Walnut Creek
Pacifica
Woodside

Plus, we have hotties flying in from:
Boston, VA
Boulder, CO
Carmel, IN
Downingtown, PA
Englewood, CO
Great Neck, NY
Huntington Woods, MN
Kent, VA
Kodiak, AK
New York, NY
Santa Fe, NM
Seattle, VA
Westland, MI

Each of us have very personal and profound reasons for walking & crewing. I wanted to take a moment, however, for a few shout outs:
Sarah Moore, hottie since 2003, is the #2 fundraiser for the SF event!!! Sarah we are so proud of you. What a phenomenal effort.
For the first time in my memory we have a whopping five male hottie walkers: Forrest, Jeff, Kevin, Barry & Dan!
Jan Down will not be walking with us as she will be starting her radiation treatment as we walk. Let us all keep Jan in our thoughts and prayers.
Cathy Cabral, hottie since 2004, will not be walking with us as she will be flying to meet her new adopted son!
We have the honor of hosting Barry Blauer, a 14 city walker, as a Warming Hut Hottie as he participates in SF. Let's make him remember this event above all of the others!

I can't belive it is almost here! Rest up, hydrate and start fine tuning your hot pink hottie radar. Over and for now,
Linda

Can you feel the Woooohooo inside of you?!

2008-08-25T12:55:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I ripped that off from a WaMu radio commercial BUT the hotties have been all about "the Woooohooo" since 2003!

Weekend Recap: Saturday’s walk was a very vigorous but wonderful 16 miles which started shrouded in fog. We saw the hugeness of the Outside Land's festival, the stunning views from Tank Hill even through the fog and the very glamorous plastic sheeting stall "doors" at the Market St. Safeway. We walked past Duboce Park & Alamo Square on our way back to the Presidio.

Sunday we had another challenging 12 mile hill walk up the “secret forest” behind UCSF and then a "choose your own adventure" portion of the route: I made it walker’s choice to go up the hills of 17th Street OR take a detour up the Vulcan Street Steps. The group voted for the gorgeous but still very challenging Vulcan Street Steps! This is the first time in six years of leading walks I “free formed” our route back to the meeting location: such rebels! What a wonderful weekend of walking.

Wooohooo to Carol for blasting tunes from her cute Mini, to Eric for finding time to eat eggs, bacon & corndogs while still keeping track of the pack, and Avon hottie Judy for being there with us both days with that luscious fresh fruit even though we stopped following the route map. We are very spoiled and grateful to have had you all take such good care of us!

Wooohooo to Heather whose birthday was on Sunday! And double Wooohooo to Charisse for making two batches of cupcakes Saturday night, after walking 16 mile, so we could celebrate Heather's birthday in true hottie style. Mmmmmmm cake – I’ll fess up, I ate three!

Last Training Walk of 2008! Sat 8/30 - Final 12 mile Walk & Walk-luck Picnic 7:00am - meet at West Bluff Picnic Area by the Warming Hut. RSVP for the walk: http://08.the3day.org/goto/aug30 or Potluck Picnic details: http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/NNPHMPIXCZCQTCPUBQGM/walkluckpicnic

Communal Flickr Account: We have a Warming Hut Hotties flickr group – feel free to post any training & event photos! There are also some photos from BUST it out! up as well. http://www.flickr.com/groups/warminghuthotties/

Hottie Gear for your Family & Friends! http://www.zazzle.com/warminghuthotties

Packing List: Email: warminghuthottiesATsbcglobalDOTnet for a copy to be sent to you.

Join the Warming Hut Hottie Team! Even though the event is right around the corner we do welcome new walkers to join our team! Email Melissa, 3 Day Field Coach, to be added: mjlabonge@event360.com or call 800.996.3DAY (800.996.3329) You'll get hottie team pride items for the event next weekend at the picnic/at the Event Eve Pasta Feed.

Warming Hut Hottie Cheering Stations & Route Blurb: There is a hottie cheering station each day of the walk so have your family & friends meet you at these appointed locations along the route. Email: warminghuthottiesATsbcglobalDOTnet for a copy to be sent to you.

Event Eve – Team Pasta Feed at the Embassy Suites: Tamara Gabel, hottie moto crew, has worked very hard to secure a Pasta Feed which is open to all walkers/crew. The Embassy Suites (Host Hotel -- 250 Gateway Boulevard, South San Francisco , CA 94080 , (650) 589-3400) is offering a Pasta Dinner for all 3-Dayers on Thursday evening, September 4, 2008.

Who's Invited: All 3-Dayers, whether or not you're staying at the hotelWhen: 6:00 through 8:00 pmCost: $18.00 all inclusive (hotel guests can buy a ticket upon check in and non-hotel guests can pay at a cashier near the buffet)
What: Pasta bar (vegetarian and non-vegetarian), salad, bread, dessert and a soft drink
Why: Because 3-Dayers are awesome and deserve only the best
Also: The Embassy Suites has agreed to open its Cooked to Order Breakfast for the 3-Day guests at 4:00 am on Friday morning!

Magic happens when we are out on the road together walking!

2008-08-18T12:58:00.000-07:00

BUST it out! for Breast Cancer was a super success! We had amazing Art Bras, 20 silent auction items, 24 drawing prize items, games, our flower foam magnets (like our pins) for sale, event shirts and See's candy, Joel DJing, Simon Perez MCing, lots of food, refreshments and hottie hospitaility all around. We're still working on the final number but it looks like we raised over $6,000 with money still coming in!

One month ago there literally was no BUST it out! No prizes, no art bras, no food. We had the hall. Period. I almost cancelled the party as it seemed too daunting to pull together a fundraiser that would raise the thousands of dollars we had as our vision. All it took was a few emails and calls out to the network of hotties and hottie friends. Donations and offers of support began pouring in… There is a lesson in there: ask with your heart in the right place and people will respond.

This team, the Warming Hut Hotties was born out of the training walks we lead every weekend. Magic happens when we are out on the road together walking. A community like no other is born. The most kind, generous, caring people you will ever meet in your life walk in these events. Some people have participated every year; some walk one time. We have shared countless miles, conversations, laughter and tears together. We have shared life successes, challenges, achievements and tragedies. We treat one another in the way we wish the rest of the world could: with tremendous kindness & gratitude.

With this party are proud to announce the formation of our non-profit called In Our Lifetime. We have submitted our application and expect our non-profit status by year end. Our first project will be Shoulder to Shoulder: a walker mentoring program with will enable disadvantaged women and men to walk with us in an event. We will work to address certain circumstances that may have prevented them from participating before: financial, childcare, fundraising, transportation or training. We also have the vision of starting an emergency relief fund for people who are diagnosed with breast cancer but are without health insurance. Applications for the Shoulder to Shoulder program and a Volunteer Interest Application are available (email me.)

We want to affect positive life-affirming change just like we do on our training walks and our team: person to person. We can’t solve the huge problems ourselves but can make a huge impact in other individual’s lives. That is the core spirit behind the formation of this non-profit and we are very excited to get underway.

I am thrilled to announce that the Warming Hut Hotties are on the cusp on having raised over $2 million in six years. That is $2 million raised by ordinary women and men... walking. I did the math: that is over 13,000 mammograms! If you can believe in that, you too can believe in a world without breast cancer In Our Lifetime. It is within our reach. To those who helped plan, helped get prizes/food, volunteered during the event, donated an item, or came to the party thank you for making this a true celebration of life and community.

We have BUST it out! shirts for sale - $20.00 each! We’ll have them this weekend and at the Walk-luck picnic.

We will also have a pay pal link up soon - stay tuned - for those of you who wanted to donate but were unable to make the party.

Team Gear Orders Deadline – TOMORROW – Tuesday, August 18, 2008, 9:00pm Email me if you missed the original email with all the details/photos of available shirt styles.

Join the Warming Hut Hottie Team! Email Melissa, 3 Day Field Coach, to be added: mjlabonge@event360.com or call 800.996.3DAY (800.996.3329)

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT Event Eve – Team Dinner at the Embassy Suites: The Event Eve Pasta Feed is on! Tamara Gabel, hottie moto crew, has worked very hard to secure a Pasta Feed open to all walkers/crew.The Embassy Suites (Host Hotel -- 250 Gateway Boulevard, South San Francisco , CA 94080 , (650) 589-3400) is offering a Pasta Dinner for all 3-Dayers on Thursday evening, September 4, 2008.

Who's Invited: All 3-Dayers, whether or not you're staying at the hotel
When: 6:00 through 8:00 pmCost: $18.00 all inclusive (hotel guests can buy a ticket upon check in, and non-hotel guests can pay either at the front desk or at a cashier near the buffet)
What: Pasta bar (vegetarian and non-vegetarian), salad, bread, dessert and a soft drink
Why: Because 3-Dayers are awesome and deserve only the bestAlso: The Embassy Suites has agreed to open its Cooked to Order Breakfast for the 3-Day guests at 4:00 am on Friday morning!

Last walks of 2008! RSVP please:
Sat 8/3 – 16 miles – meet at 6:30am – Warming Hut - RSVP: http://08.the3day.org/goto/aug23
Sun 8/24 – 12 miles – meet at 7:00am – Arguello Gate of the Presidio - RSVP:http://08.the3day.org/goto/aug24

Sat 8/30 - Final 12 mile Walk & Walk-luck Picnic (where we will have out team shirts and our hottie swag bags with your team spirit items.)
7:00am - meet at West Bluff Picnic Area by the Warming Hut. Details to come! RSVP: http://08.the3day.org/goto/aug30

40 Miles in the Bag, Baby!

2008-08-12T15:38:00.000-07:00

Well the B2B is behind us! You are all brilliant no matter if you walked 40 miles or something in between. We did it - congratulations!!! For some it is a time to look back at how far you have come in your training. I hope you also got a sense of the wonderful community of walkers to which you belong. We try to make the B2B a mini-version of the supportive environment you will be immersed in during our 3 Day walk in a month.

There are no strangers here; only friends you haven't yet met. - William Butler Yeats

That is how I feel after sharing 40 miles of stories, laughter, tears, stretching, snacking, hydrating, peeing, blisters, aches and pains with you all. What a tremendous weekend.

It is a great idea to head for an easy ½ hour or hour walk to get the kinks out. If you are really sore or wiped out take it really easy this week. Arnica Gel/Oil is great for sports trauma. Ice and Advil if you are more than sore and see contact info below for our hottie podiatrist if you are having foot issues. Keep hydrating and stretching!

Many, many thanks to this weekend's remarkable Route Support Team: SATURDAY: Avon Walkers Sharla, Carol SUNDAY: Pip & Joel and Marsha Sutherland. It was like we were on a 40 mile buffet. Thanks for being right where we needed a little support, cheering, salsa dancing, deveiled eggs, dance music or woooohooing. Thanks for giving up a big portion of your day to be out on the road with us!

Our fundraiser BUST it out! for Breast Cancer is this weekend: Sunday, August 17th from 1-4pm. "Art Bra" Silent Auction & “Pick a Prize” Drawing with over 30 items. We are trying to raise as much money as possible in one afternoon! Please come on by for games, refreshments and a whole lot of pink! Invite your family, friends and team - we'd love to see you there and please spread the word: http://tinyurl.com/bustitout Email me to volunteer or donate an item for the drawing: warminghuthotties@sbcglobal.net

There is still time to join the Warming Hut Hottie Team! So you've been training with us all of these weeks and unlike many college courses there are no prerequisites to joining the hottie team, except having the heart of a hottie. Remember it's not a physical attribute, it's state of mind, spirit and heart. Once a hottie, always a hottie! Why join? To show our colors on event (we have a lot of special hottie spirit items for the event), to have a community within the greater walk community throughout the event weekend, to compound our fundraising dollars - the hotties have raised over $1.975 million together since 2003. Don't be shy, take the leap! Email Melissa, 3 Day Field Coach, to be added to the team roster : mjlabonge@event360.com or call 800.996.3DAY (800.996.3329)

Dr. Jenny Sanders, our hottie podiatrist: She’s wonderful (and is a past walker) and knows how to help keep you walking even if you are having foot or blister issues. When you call be sure to tell them you’re a hottie! Financial District Foot & Ankle Center, 100 Bush Street, #420, San Francisco 415-956-2884, web: http://www.fdfac.com/

Team Gear Orders: Keep an eye out for a separate email to come today!

Remaining Training Walks… we are in the home stretch! PLEASE RSVP as we will be limiting the walks to 50 people:
Sat 8/16 – 10 or 20 miles – meet at 7:00am – Warming Hut. A number of people missed the Back to Back and a small group will be heading out for a "self-led" second 10 mile loop.

Sat 8/23 – 16 miles – meet at 6:30am – Warming Hut http://08.the3day.org/goto/aug23
Sun 8/24 – 12 miles – meet at 7:00am – Arguello Gate of the Presidio http://08.the3day.org/goto/aug24

Sat 8/30 - Final 12 mile Walk & Walk-luck Picnic. 7:00am - meet at West Bluff Picnic Area by the Warming Hut. Details to come!

We made the paper!

2008-08-05T14:46:00.000-07:00

Hope you are feeling OK after this weekend's 24 miles of eXtreme butt-buster hill and stair walks. Once again Saturday’s brilliant sunshine dissolved into cold fog on Sunday (I felt like a clammy popsicle when I got home.) Both days were very challenging walks but everyone banded together to support one another in true hottie style. First thing we tackled Arguello hill, then on to the Moraga St Stairs continuing with a climb up to Grand View Park, on to the the massive Sutro hill on Medical Center Way behind UCSF, and the grand finale up 17th Street! No matter what comes our way during the 3 Day… we will be ready! We are learning each other’s names, laughing at silly jokes and sharing our stories why we walk. One of the beautiful things about leading training walks is the safe place it creates for us to train and be a part of the greater walk community – friendships blossom where you may not have thought you’d find them.

Team Tenting Online Check In Deadline - Wednesday, August 6 which is tomorrow: If you are in search of a hottie tentmate let me know; I'll pair of people as you email me. Why join the team? So we have a home base within the greater walk community during the event. It is great to be able to tent with the people we have training these many weeks. The only prerequisite for joining the team is to have the heart of a hottie. (And, we have fabulous hottie swag, the famous deeleeboppers and team gear too.) Email Melissa, 3 Day Field Coach, to be added: mjlabonge@event360.com or call 800.996.3DAY (800.996.3329)

Our fundraiser BUST it out! for Breast Cancer made the paper! It was in Upcoming Events in Sunday's Chronicle style section! Yehaw. Sunday, August 17th from 1-4pm. "Art Bra" Silent Auction & Prize Drawing. We are trying to raise as much money as possible in one afternoon! Please come on by for games, refreshments and a whole lot of pink! Invite your family, friends and team - we'd love to see you there and please spread the word: http://tinyurl.com/bustitout
Email me if you would like to volunteer or donate an item for the drawing or an Art Bra: warminghuthotties@sbcglobal.net

Many, many thanks to this weekend's remarkable Route Support Team: " Senior Route Support Specialist” Eric, Avon Walkers Judy, Tory, Jessica, Jonathon with 3 Day Walkers Sarah Moore and Aubrey’s husband Michael. You guys took our Route Support to a whole new level with two words: HOT COFFEE! Thank you for the amazing array of snacks and ensuring we were well hydrated & safe!

Team Fundraising Update: We broke thru to $101,500.67!!! Amazing!

The B2B Weekend is here!
Saturday – 20 miles – AT CAPACITY. We are limiting the number of walkers on Saturday to 50 people for safety and logistical reasons. If you come without RSVPing, unfortunately, we may have to turn you away.
Sunday - 20 miles to Tiburon – there is space! Please use this link to reserve your spot: http://08.the3day.org/goto/aug10

Remaining Training Walks – PLEASE RSVP as we will be limiting the walks to 50 people:
Sat 8/17 – 10 or 20 miles – meet at 7:00am – Warming Hut. A number of people are missing the Back to Back; it will be possible to walk the 10 mile route twice.

Sat 8/23 – 16 miles – meet at 6:30am – Warming Hut http://08.the3day.org/goto/aug23
Sun 8/24 – 12 miles – meet at 7:00am – Arguello Gate of the Presidio http://08.the3day.org/goto/aug24

Sat 8/30 - 12 miles - meet at West Bluff Picnic Area by the Warming Hut - Final Walk & Walk-luck Picnic Celebration. Details to come!

What are you Grateful for?

2008-07-28T17:29:00.000-07:00

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow. - Melody Beattie

There was a bumper sticker on a car in front of me as I drove home from the Warming Hut on Sunday, "What are you Grateful for?" It made me take pause as I have had a rough week and frankly, have been feeling a little beat up. What was I grateful for?

1.) I am grateful for our beloved home base; the Warming Hut.
2.) I am grateful for strong legs, deep lungs and sturdy yet blistered feet that enabled me walk 36 hilly miles this weekend.
3.) I am grateful for the stunningly beautiful places we are able to walk.
4.) I am grateful for the company, conversation & conviviality of women and men who lift my spirits and make the miles fly by.
5.) I am grateful all of our walking (and fundraising!) makes a difference in the lives of so many people.

I made my list as I drove home and then a flip flop fell in the back seat and depressed the “siren” button on my megaphone… the high pitched “SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!” jolted me right out of my reverie. I had to pull the car over to figure out what the heck was making that sound. I thought maybe my car engine was about the blow up and that was the signal to GET OUT OF THE CAR! I added another thing to my list: I am grateful that no matter how tired I am a good laugh is always the best medicine!

Many, many thanks to this weekend's remarkable Route Support Team: Avon Walkers Shobana, MJ, Laura, Sharla and our "Senior Route Support Specialist” Eric!" We are very lucky these individuals gave up a large part of their weekend to support us, keep us snacked and hydrated. The cheering, music, woohooing and clapping make the next hill, next set of stairs or next mile possible. Thank you for keeping us safe!

You’re invited to our fundraiser BUST it out! for Breast Cancer - Spread the word & CLICK HERE to RSVP:
Our team’s first fundraiser is Sunday, August 17th from 1-4pm. "Art Bra" Silent Auction & Prize Drawing. We are trying to raise as much money as possible in one afternoon! Please come on by for games, refreshments and a whole lot of pink! Invite your family, friends and team - we'd love to see you there: http://tinyurl.com/bustitout
Email me if you would like to volunteer or donate an item for the drawing or an Art Bra: warminghuthotties@sbcglobal.net

Want to be a hottie? Gladys asked me if there was an "initiation" to join the team. The answer: you have already passed our initiation by walking through the many challenges we face while training and continuing to smile. We absolutely welcome walkers and crew to join the Warming Hut Hottie team! The ONLINE CHECK-IN deadline is August 7th if you want to be in the hottie tent section in camp. To join the 3 Day Team, email lovely Melissa, Field Coordinator with the 3 Day: mjlabonge@event360.com

Remaining Training Walks – PLEASE RSVP as we will be limiting the walks to 45-50 people:

Sat 8/2 – 12 miles – meet at 7:00am – Warming Hut
Sun 8/3 – 12 miles – meet at 7:00am – Arguello Gate

Sat 8/9 – 20 miles/Back to Back Weekend – meet at 6:30am – Warming Hut
Sun 8/10 – 20 miles/Back to Back Weekend – meet at 6:00am – Ft Mason Parking Lot

Sat 8/17 – 10 miles – meet at 7:00am – Warming Hut

Sat 8/23 – 18 miles – meet at 6:30am – Warming Hut
Sun 8/24 – 12 miles – meet at 7:00am – Warming Hut

This is such an exciting time!

2008-07-22T09:33:00.000-07:00

Charisse and I were walking on the Golden Gate Bridge and we got talking about the great training walk turn out this year, our team and our upcoming fundraiser. She said, "This is such an exciting time!" And she is right. We have a whole lot of great stuff happening between now and our 3 Day. It is so great to see so many new walkers joining us every week!

47 hearty walkers took off on Saturday on a quintessential hottie walk that included the Lyon Street stairs, Land’s End trail and the Lincoln Blvd. hill. When we got back to the Sports Basement Dr. Sanders, our hottie podiatrist, helped us get into the right shoes for out feet. Even I, after 8 long years of walking, learned a lot about my feet and proper shoe fitting.

Get measured!
Chuck the insoles that come with your shoes. Use Super Feet insoles instead.
The sole of the shoe should match the shape of your foot.
Dr Jenny likes Zappos if you need a hard to find shoe sizes.

20 walkers took a lovely walk on Sunday to Mollie Stone’s and back as about half of the group had walked 12 miles the day before – their first big mileage weekend! It is hard to remember it is summer when we arrive at Crissy Field and it is so cold, windy and foggy – especially when the fog doesn’t burn off all day. But even in the fog the waterfront is spectacular.

Tremendous thanks to Avon walkers Marsha Sutherland and Sharla Gullerton for providing exemplary Route Support this weekend. Tissues to deviled eggs to salty baked Lay’s… you sure know how to spoil us walkers!

Got Podiatrist?
If you missed the clinic on Saturday we can’t recommend Dr. Jenny Sanders enough. She can help you work with the shoes you already have – unless you will end up injured by wearing them. Tell them you are a hottie when you call for a priority appointment. Jenny is offering a comprehensive foot/shoe fitting assessment for free ($115 value) to walkers! Financial District Foot & Ankle Center - 100 Bush Street, #420, San Francisco 415-956-2884 - Email: info@fdfac.com

BUST it out! for Breast Cancer Fundraiser. RSVP here
We are having our team’s first fundraiser Sunday, August 17th from 1-4pm.We are trying to raise as much money as possible in one afternoon since our team goal this year for the 3 Day is $300,000. Come on by for games, refreshments and a whole lot of pink! Email me if you would like to volunteer or donate an item for the drawing: warminghuthotties@sbcglobal.net

Want to be a hottie? We absolutely welcome walkers and crew to join the Warming Hut Hottie team. The ONLINE CHECK-IN deadline is August 7th if you want to be in the hottie tent section in camp. To join the 3 Day Team, email lovely Melissa, Field Coordinator with the 3 Day: mjlabonge@event360.com

The hottie team's fundraising keeps growing & growing! Since 2003 our team has raised $1,903,835 and I have no doubt we’ll pass the $2 million mark this year.
Our SF Avon Team raised: $86,278.42 (with money still coming in!)
Our SF 3 Day Team is at: $85,598.67
Our Seattle 3 Day team: $51,039.55

Upcoming Training Walks – PLEASR RSVP! See details HERE:
Sat 7/26 – 20 miles to Tiburon - meet at 5:45am – Ft Mason Parking Lot
Sun 7/27 – 16 miles – meet at 6:30am – Warming Hut

Sat 8/2 – 12 miles – meet at 7:00am – Warming Hut
Sun 8/3 – 12 miles – meet at 7:00am – Arguello Gate

Sat 8/9 – 20 miles/Back to Back Weekend – meet at 6:30am – Warming Hut
Sun 8/10 – 20 miles/Back to Back Weekend – meet at 6:00am – Ft Mason Parking Lot

Keep stretching, keep hydrating & keep walking everyone! Have a wonderful week and we'll see you soon,
Linda

HOLY COW!

2008-07-16T13:32:00.000-07:00

Just updating the team fundraising total.... as of today the hotties have raised:

$85,993.42 Avon Team (with dollars still rolling in!)
$81,529.67 SF 3 Day Team
$47,857.55 Seattle 3 Day Team
$50.00 San Diego 3 Day Team
$215,430 GRAND TOTAL AS OF 7/15

Our 3 Day teams are really fundrasing in earnest as well to make the deadline for team tenting!! The big news is that our all time fundraising Grand Total since 2003 is:

$1,903,835.00

That's right. We will easily surpass the $2 million mark soon. Way to go hotties!!!
Linda

3,200 participants raising $7.5 million is HUGE

2008-07-15T11:47:00.000-07:00

We are so proud of our hottie walkers (and hottie friends), so appreciative of our hottie crew and so thankful to our many hottie helpers and walker stalkers. Our hottie community is quite the mutual admiration society! We were everywhere this weekend: walking, crewing, volunteering & stalking.

This was such a tremendously successful event for the Avon Foundation: 3,200 participants raising $7.5 million is HUGE!!! You should feel so proud of your communal accomplishments; to date the team has raised over $80,000! You made that possible with every $10, $20 and $100 donation for which you worked so hard. Isn’t it absolutely remarkable what a determined group of individuals can accomplish?

I am sure you are still aglow from our weekend together; the company of good friends where conversation is easy and miles pass quickly with one another’s support. You all looked so beautiful and strong as you walked and crewed. It was an honor to be out there cheering you all on - you truly inspired the butterfly Hottie Walker Stalkers!

To our phenomenal hottie walkers: Whether you walked the 40 miles or not does not matter. What matters is that you were there, you walked, you were seen, you were heard and you made a difference this past weekend. Know this in your heart and carry it with you as you continue on your path in life.

To our rockin' hottie crew members: You all amaze me with your unflappable energy, enthusiasm, caring and compassion! It was fantastic to see you out on the route. You all worked your asses off and I cannot begin to put into words how much the walkers thank each of you for all of you efforts.

To our triumphant hottie survivors, your victory over this disease gives us all strength. You are beauty and grace. We are blessed to walk shoulder to shoulder with you. You help us tap into a deep well of strength and courage to do more than we ever imagined, to attempt what we are afraid of and to be wildly successful in those endeavors.

Take the time you need to recoup and recover from the tremendous outpouring if energy, kindness and compassion during your walking weekend. (Go see Dr Jenny if you have any lingering feet issues…)

YOU ALL ARE spectacular. I thank each of you for touching our hearts in such simple and profound ways... Stay in touch. You know where you can find us most weekends! And remember, once a *hottie*, always a *hottie*.

Much love to you on behalf of all the hotties,
Linda

EVENT PHOTOS: Share your training & event photos!
We have a communal http://www.kodakgallery.com/ account. Login: warminghuthotties@hotmail.com Password: sfhottie
The Warming Hut Hotties Flickr Group: http://www.flickr.com/groups/668204@N24/

REUNION PARTY: We are organizing a fundraiser on Sunday, August 17th which will be your hottie Avon Walk reunion party as well! 1 - 4pm, Slovenian Hall, Potrero Hill. I'll send an evite with more details soon!

ROUTE SUPPORT: Many of you asked and YES, we need route support! Ideally, any walk over 12 miles - especially Tiburon walks - we’d love to have route support. Email me and I will send you the training walk overview: warminghuthotties@sbcglobal.net

TRAINING WALKS: We’ll keep walking through the SF 3 Day event in September! Check the schedule if you want to keep walking!

Flexibility and Patience: more good walking tools

2008-07-07T16:42:00.000-07:00

Hello there fabulous, wonderful hotties (and hottie friends!) As of today, our mighty hottie team has raised an impressive $78,108.42! Please read thru this email for important team meet-up plans and some hottie tips/tricks/ideas for your event weekend.

First, Andrea led some awesome walks this past weekend! On the heels of July 4th celebrations, 50 walkers met at the Warming Hut for the first 9-mile loop on Saturday. Despite not finding the Middle Road turn in Golden Gate Park, we found our way to Andronico’s and got a chance to use their port-o-potties. Patience was definitely needed while so many walkers waited in line (the up side was that meant you were hydrating!) Many thanks to Laurie and Meg for leading the first walkers back to the Warming Hut while I took a bit of a short cut to meet up with 25 more walkers for “Loop 2” at the Warming Hut. Twelve walkers from of the first loop also did “Loop 2” for a whopping 18 miles! Congratulations, Everyone!!

On Sunday, 25 walkers met at Sawyer Camp Trail. Off we walked down the beautiful trail and across the reservoir. Flexibility and patience were again needed when we arrived at the one water source on the trail. For the first time in my nine years of walking this trail, there was no water! Yikes!! But in Hottie fashion, everyone kept good spirits while we assessed everyone's personal water supply and changed plans to keep everyone safe on that hot day. Everyone did a variation on the planned 14 miles. Some courageous walkers headed down the infamous Hillcrest...and then back up while I provided route and moral support. In fact, there was so much cheering at the top of Hillcrest that another 3 Day walker asked me if we were Warming Hut Hotties. When I asked her how she knew, she said that she knew by our cheering and whooooohoooooing. Then those Hillcrest walkers did another 4 miles. Bravisimo, everyone!!!

At the beginning of each loop on Saturday and Sunday, the 3Dayers cheered LOUDLY for our Avon walkers. Dear Avon walkers, we are so proud of you - it's been an honor to train with you all these months! Look for the Warming Hut Hotties along your route next weekend. With great admiration, Andrea

THE AVON WALK EVENT WEEKEND IS HERE!!!

Well, its here, can you even believe it? We have all made it to event week - blisters, bunions, blisters, pulled hamstrings, blisters, falling arches, blisters, sore Achilles tendons, blisters, meniscus tears, blisters, numb toes and all! We should all already feel extremely proud of our accomplishments. We have rasied tons of money, raised awareness and made a huge impact already by walking. The rest at this point is gravy. Let's head out, enjoy our camaraderie and all around great hottie-ness! On to some practical matters… you should have received an email called Let’s Walk from the event. If not email your Walker Buddy. It has lots of important information.

HOTTIE SWAG AND TEAM GEAR:
If you didn't receive your Hottie Swag bag at the picnic and/or gear you can collect them at Event Eve! Meeting location: Somewhere near the main entrance to check-in. Carrie & Charisse will be Event Eve from approx. 2:30-4:30pm. Please find them before their All Crew Meeting at 5:00pm. They will be wearing hottie shirts & deeleeboppers so you can pick them out of the crowd!

Your Hottie deeleebobbers… WEAR THEM! How else will you know when you've run into another Hottie along the way? Trust us; they are ideal for spotting your hottie walker friends in the crowd. Unfortunately, we only have enough for registered team members.

MEET UP PLAN FOR EVENT EVE/TEAM TENTING:
See separate email with details.

Meet Up Plan for Opening Ceremonies – Saturday 7/12:
Plan to arrive at Opening Ceremonies no later than 6:00 a.m. When you arrive, look for a little swarm of butterflies and deeleeboppers congregating near the breakfast picnic tables. Be sure to wear your deeleeboppers so we can all find one another in the fog. The Opening Ceremonies begin at 6:30 am and you will be on the route by 7:00am!

MEET UP PLAN FOR Closing Ceremonies – SUNDAY 7/13:
When you arrive at the Closing Area go get your Victory shirt in the participant service area.
Then, look for the deeleeboppers for a hottie gathering area at Speedway Meadows!

There are so many wonderful surprises waiting for you on the road, wonderful people to meet and generosity like you have never experienced thanks to the kindness of the walker community at large. Finally, we wish you all a wonderful journey. We are all in this together, whether you are Hottie in team or Hottie in spirit. We're all off to do a wonderful thing.

Please, shoot me an email if you have any questions! For now, *hot pink hottie radar* engaged - over and out!

Here's to Truly Living Life!

2008-07-01T09:39:00.000-07:00

When we are motivated by goals that have deep meaning, by dreams that need completion, by pure love that needs expressing, then we truly live life. Greg Anderson

Hello my hotties and hottie friends,

There's Gay Pride, Pride o' the Irish and then, well, there’s *hottie* pride!

You know hottie pride… It’s what you feel when you haul yourself out of bed early in the morning to train, when you cheer another walker up a hill, when you share with a stranger why you are walking and realize we aren’t strangers at all. I hope you share that pride.

Congratulations to you all on a spectacular walk on Saturday – the Lyon Street Stairs, Land’s End Trail and Lincoln Hill made for a quintessential hottie walk! It was great being able to relax, enjoy each other’s company, meet families/kids and simply take a moment to appreciate our accomplishments (individual and collective) at the picnic.

Thank you for walking, raising funds & awareness and for making this group so special!

Avon Walkers: to help you prepare for your walk please find attached a helpful packing list with some helpful hints we have compiled over the years. If you weren't at the picnic we have special hottie team spirit items for you to collect at Event Eve. I will send another detailed emial next week with our event meet-up plan!

The hottie team's fundraising keeps growing and growing!
The SF Avon Team is at: $68,554.86
The SF 3 Day Team is at: $65,403.17

To join the Avon Walk Team, email Juliana: juliana.sanfrancisco@avonwalk.org
To join the 3 Day Team, email Melissa: mjlabonge@event360.com

The final training walks before the Avon Walk event!
Sat 7/5 – Two 9 Mile loops - meet at 6:30am RSVP led by Andrea
Sun 7/6 – 14 miles – Sawyer Camp Trail – meet at 6:45am RSVP led by Andrea

3 Day walkers check the website for continuing training walks.

Walker Stalking the Avon Walk - Sat 6/12 & Sun 6/13!
There is a group of us who will be out on the route for the majority of the event weekend. Email if you want to support, cheer, woohoo and hand out special things to our Avon Walkers throughout their event.

Have a wonderful week and do something extra nice for yourself over the holiday weekend, you've earned it!
Linda

How many hotties does it take to screw in a lightbulb?

2008-06-23T13:10:00.000-07:00

Photo from Lori, a Pink Pirate

We had the all time biggest, bad-est and most sweltering Tiburon walk in hottie history on Saturday! We left Ft Mason with 70 walkers and along the way three lovely Avon Walkers joined in the fun. Temperatures steadily rose to the mid-90’s and by the time we hit Strawberry everyone was really feeling the heat but you all kept on hydrating and truckin’ along. We refreshed you with iced baby wipes, strawberries and baggies of ice at the top of that nasty hill. Every single walker made it into Tiburon for the 12:30pm ferry!!! Thank you all for keeping an eye out for one another on such a hard walk. Way to go walkers!

How many hotties does it take to screw in a lightbulb? Well... I actually have no idea but I do know how many gallons of liquids and pounds of snacks it takes to keep 73 walkers fueled. We ploughed though:

19 Gallons Water (and I should have had more for that last few miles!)
13 pounds of watermelon
10 pounds of bananas
6 pounds of strawberries
5 gallons Gatorade
5 bags of ice
1 bag of oranges
1 pound of candy
1 tub red vines

On Sunday a group of about 20 walkers (half walked the day before!) huddled together at the foggy Warming Hut in the cold wind with the seagulls and the remnants of many a picnic from the day before. Our ice breaker was: What book are you reading? We are reading everything from "Moby Dick" to "Eat, Pray, Love" to "I Love you Stinky Face" (a kid's book.) We stretched our legs with an easy 10 mile stroll along the waterfront to the Ferry Plaza and back. We took a long break inside the Ferry Building with Peet’s coffee, yummy Acme breads and pastries.

Mother Nature sure has a sense of humor. Saturday when we started it was 73 degrees; on Sunday it was 52 degrees. Here’s to living in the Bay Area!

People have asked why I (and we, the hotties) do what I do. Leading training walks is a labor of love and we do it out deep commitment to the exceptionally positive and supportive community we have created. I do not get paid to organize and lead these walks nor is any of the food, hydration or other supplies paid for by the events. This is a totally volunteer driven effort! The Hottie Fund jar I put out at our training walks is to offset these expenses. Six years, hundreds of walks and thousands of walkers later I can honestly say we do not make a penny in profit. We will never “charge” for our walks or for the snacks, etc., but if you want to contribute to the Hottie Fund we’d appreciate it enormously. And, just like our personal fundraising, every dollar helps!

4 weeks to the SF Avon Walk & 12 Weeks to the SF 3 Day!

2008-06-16T14:09:00.000-07:00

Well the WRW is behind us! It was a tremendous weekend for everyone no matter if you walked 5, 10, 12, 22 or 35 miles. We did it - congratulations!!! What an accomplishment. For some it is a time to look back with pride at how far you have come in your training. I hope you also got a sense of this wonderful community of walkers to which you belong.

On Saturday 49 walkers started out on Loop One and 28 continued on to walk Loop Two. We chatted with a nice man at the Golf Club House who asked, "Where do you walk?" Well we know the answer to that question... EVERYWHERE! We finished the second loop with the big climb up Lincoln Blvd and as much as it hurt, it was the best training for the Avon Walk as your marathon day has a big hill climb at mile 23.

On Sunday 28 walkers (about half walked 22 miles the day before!) walked 13 more miles to Mollie Stones and back on a another very cold, windy and foggy day. I always think it is hilarous what we all choose to get as a snack. Walking makes us h u n g r y; as we took our long break at Mollie Stone's walkers were eating potato salad, fruit, bagels and even a egg salad sandwich! We briefly saw the sun but it was very cold and we all wanted to keep mooooving.... everyone was like cowns to to barn when we saw the Warming Hut from up high on the GG Bridge.

Now you know, when your energy flags or you reach your limit, our walk community will support you every step of the way with a hug or a woooohoooo from the top of a hill or set of stairs. Thank you to each of you for bringing your energy, laughter, caring and compassion to the group - you make the walk experience that much more meaningful. Continue to stretch, hydrate, Advil and ice if your soreness continues. Do something extra nice for yourself today, you've earned it!

SANDY/TANZEEM: Thanks for the route support & dancing on Loop Two.
CHARISSE: Thanks for the wondeful cookies on Sunday!

We're so thrilled to be a part of your training, and are so amazed at how far all of us have come. We're almost there! Thanks so much for helping the miles fly by. Hottie hugs all around, Linda

Please be sure to scroll down for some important info & reminders!

Got Podiatrist? We highly recommend Dr Jenny Sanders, our hottie podiatrist, if you are having any foot issues. Tell them you are a hottie when you call for a priority appointment. Jenny is offering a comprehensive foot/shoe fitting assessment for free ($115 value) to walkers! Financial District Foot & Ankle Center - 100 Bush Street, #420, San Francisco 415-956-2884 - Email: info@fdfac.com

Make it official... Join the Avon Walk Warming Hut Hottie Team! If you join now you will be included in the hottie team tent section in the Wellness Village : So you've been training with us all of these weeks and unlike many college courses there are no prerequisites to joining the hottie team, except having the heart of a hottie. Remember it's not a physical attribute, it's state of mind, spirit and heart. Once a hottie, always a hottie! Why join? To show our colors on event (we have a lot of special hottie spirit items), to have a community within the greater walk community on event weekend (tenting together), to compound your fundraising dollars - last year the hotties raised almost $118,000. Don't be shy, take the leap! To join email Juliana, the teams coordinator, at juliana.sanfrancisco@avonwalk.org and ask to be added to the team!

Team shirts! We'll be sending an email very soon about ordering hottie team shirts for the event. We will order a pink short sleeve wicking, black long sleeve, pink cap sleeve. Keep your eye out for it! And, yes you can order a shirt even if you aren't an official hottie - we won't tell anyone!

Upcoming Walks!

PLEASE RSVP, it really helps me to know how many maps to prepare so I don't waste paper.
Sat 6/21 – 18 miles – 6:00am – TIBURON WALK! with ferry ride back to SF – Approx Finish 2:15pm (please, see website for details) There will be route support on this walk.
Sun 6/22 – 10 miles – 7:00am – Warming Hut – Approx Finish 11:00am

Sat 6/28 – 12 miles & Walk-luck Picnic! - 7:00am – Warming Hut – Approx Finish 12:00pm (I'll send an evite with details soon.)
Sun 6/29 – NO ORGANIZED WALK

Sat 7/5 – Two 9 Mile Loops – 7:00am and 10:30am – Warming Hut (please, see website for details)
Sun 7/6 – 14 miles - 6:30am – north entrance to Sawyer Camp Trail – Approx Finish 12:30pm

Sat 7/12 & Sun 7/13 - NO WALKS - We are walker stalking the Avon Walk. Email if you want to join in the fun!

Sat 7/19 - 12 miles - 7:00am – Warming Hut – Approx Finish 12:00pm
Sun 7/20 - 12 miles - 7:00am – Warming Hut – Approx Finish 12:00pm

Sat 7/26 - 20 miles - 5:45am - TIBURON WALK! with ferry ride back to SF – Approx Finish 2:15pm (please, see website for details)
Sun 7/27 - 16 miles - 6:30am - Warming Hut - Approx Finish 1:15pm

What a phenomenal day!

2008-06-10T14:01:00.000-07:00

Hello my fellow 3 Dayers - What a phenomenal day we had at the Expo! Many of you traveled from quite a distance and your dedication to the 3 Day event is inspiring. I hope you all feel invigorated after Saturday's tremendous training walk with close to 300 of your fellow walkers participating.

I have gotten a few questions about where we walked: the route took us up the 163 Moraga mosaic stairs, then up 200+ more stairs to Grand View Park/Turtle Hill, through the inner Sunset neighborhood, out through Golden Gate Park past Stow Lake, along Ocean Beach finishing with a slow and steady climb up Noriega Ave. - 24 blocks over 1.5 miles with 252 ft elevation gain! - back to Lincoln High School. Congratulations to you all!

Please take care of yourself if this was your first long walk and you are still sore - keep hydrating, stretching & tend to your blisters. Ice and Advil if you are more than sore. This walk was a good test of your gear, shoes, pack, snacks and hydration. You have plenty of time between now and the event to go out and find the best equipment for you and your body – and ROAD TEST it! The only way you’ll know what works for you is to get out on the open road and walk.

The hotties train consistently and on challenging routes (with hills!) By doing so we know how best to take care of ourselves while we walk so we can really enjoy the event weekend. It doesn’t matter how you get your training miles in - just keep walking and we’ll see you on the road in Steptember!

Thank you for walking with us and for sharing our vision of a world without breast cancer in our lifetime.

For all the Warming Hut Hotties, walk on!
Linda,

drinketh thy water (and electrolyte replacement) and eateth thy snacks!

2008-06-09T13:53:00.000-07:00

What a phenomenal walking weekend! Saturday's 3 Day Expo walk was tremendous with close to 300 walkers participating. The route took us up the 160 Moraga mosaic stairs, up 200+ more stairs to Grand View Park/Turtle Hill, out through Golden Gate Park , along Ocean Beach and finishing with a slow and steady climb up Noriega - 24 blocks over 1.5 miles with 252 ft elevation gain! - back to Lincoln High School .

Many, many Hottie thanks to:
Andrea - for bringing snacks/hydration, enlisting your niece Donielle to help out, printing extra maps & helping me mark the route on Friday night
Donielle - for volunteering your Saturday morning to be at Ocean Beach to greet the walkers with your pretty smile!
Eric - for being the best security blanket route support (and for being a good sport when the walker barfed in your car)
Jim/Elena - for being at the first break with the snacks, hydration and your puppies
Tamara - for her always superior moto support on the route being right where the walkers need you most with a word of encouragement
Meg/Laurie - for buying me a megaphone & bringing the extra table (and coffee!)
Sandy - for shopping and making 300 of the ever popular Snak Paks with me on Thursday!
All the hottie walk ambassadors/volunteers - for helping keep all the walkers on the route, answering questions and spreading our hottie spirit!

On Sunday we walked exactly 16.00 miles, per GPS, on eXtreme hills on the most challenging route I have put together through 15 neighborhoods in the city - Presidio Heights, Laurel Heights, Jordan Park, Lone Mountain, Panhandle, Inner Sunset, Mount Sutro, Clarendon Heights, Laguna Honda, Midtown Terrace, Merced Manor, St. Francis Wood, Diamond Heights & Upper Market! That, my hottie friends, is a Walk with a capital W! We passed the Central Pump Station at Merced Manor Reservoir and there was a quote on the building that said something about "drinketh thy water" and I thought... that makes a great hottie motto! "Drinketh thy water (and electrolyte replacement) and eateth thy snacks."

* Avon Walk Rehearsal Weekend is next weekend! Please RSVP
Saturday 6/14: 12, 17, 20 or 22 miles. It will be a 12 mile loop, break for lunch back at the Warming Hut (pack sack lunches) and then a 10 mile loop with cut off points on the second loop. We will have route support for the second loop.
Sunday 6/15: 13 mile day

WE WANT YOU! You are cordially invited to join the Warming Hut Hottie Team for the Avon Walk or the 3 Day:
Unlike many college courses there are no prerequisites except having the heart of a hottie!
For the Avon Walk. Email Juliana, the teams coordinator at teams.sanfrancisco@avonwalk.org to be added to the team.
For the 3 Day: Call 800.996.3DAY or email bayareacoaches@the3day.org to be added to the team.

Upcoming Walks - as always PLEASE RSVP see website for details.

Hope to see you out on the road with us soon & enjoy this great weather,
Linda

each step we take they are in our hearts

2008-06-03T12:02:00.001-07:00

Prompted by the recent breast cancer diagnosis of a hottie teammate coupled with the loss of hottie Angela Logan’s mother, Diana, to breast cancer Andrea led us in a moment of silence to begin our walks this weekend. We reflected upon those for whom we walk – for a loved one, even ourselves - that we carry them with us always; each step we take they are in our hearts wherever they may be.

On Saturday 48 walkers, our largest group this season tackled our most challenging route! Even in the cold wind and misty fog we all conquered Park Ave. in the Presidio, the steep climb up Stanyan to Tank Hill and then right when you thought, “Enough climbing!”, I threw in the Vulcan Street and Levant Street stairways. Wooooohooooo! You are all tremendous.

On Sunday 22 walkers did 12 miles on the Sawyer Camp Trail. At our halfway break we saw the AIDS Lifecyle-ers at the beginning of their 7 day/545 mile journey – so inspiring! We saw many deer, rabbits, lots of birds, a baby Deer mouse eating breakfast, plenty of wildflowers and lush greenery.

Huge thanks to alumni Avon ‘06 hottie walkers Mandy & Amy for the fabulous route support on Saturday! They had asked what sorts of snacks to bring and I said “you know how hungry you get while walking… fresh fruit, brownie bites, pretzels, etc…” and wouldn’t you know that brought all that and more. You guys managed to just be right we here we needed you! We are so grateful to have had your support.

See below:
Join the hotties
Upcoming Walk Schedule
WRW – Walk Rehearsal Weekend

It is an honor to share the road with each of you & we hope to see you soon,
Linda

WE WANT YOU! You are cordially invited to join the Warming Hut Hottie Team for the Avon Walk or the 3 Day.
Unlike many college courses there are no prerequisites except having the heart of a hottie!
For the Avon Walk. Email Juliana, the teams coordinator at teams.sanfrancisco@avonwalk.org and ask to be added to the team.
For the 3 Day: Call 800.996.3DAY or email bayareacoaches@the3day.org to be added to the team.

I have made a few tweaks to the scheduled walks/mileage in the coming weeks – take a look!

Sat 6/7 – 10 miles – 6:30am – Lincoln High School– Approx Finish: 10:30am – in conjunction with the 3 Day Expo (Avon Walkers welcome!)
Sun 6/8 – 16 miles – 6:45am – Arguello Gate – Approx Finish 1:00pm

Sat 6/14* – Clinic & 12 miles/10 miles – 6:45am - Warming Hut – two loops with lunch break in between
Sun 6/15 – 13 miles – 7:00am - Warming Hut – Approx Finish 12:15pm

Sat 6/21 – 18 miles – 6:00am – TIBURON WALK! – Approx Finish 2:15pm
Sun 6/22 – 10 miles – 7:00am – Warming Hut – Approx Finish 11:00am

Sat 6/28 – 12 miles- 7:00am – Warming Hut – Approx Finish 12:00pm
Sun 6/29 – NO ORGANIZED WALK

Sat 6/5 – Two 9 Mile Loops – Meet at 7:00am and 10:30am – Warming Hut
Sun 6/6 – 14 miles - Meet at 6:45am – Warming Hut – Approx Finish 12:30pm

*Avon Walk Rehearsal Weekend: Saturday, June 14th will be a 22 mile day: We will start with a clinic at 7:00am, then walk a 12 mile loop, break for lunch back at the Warming Hut (pack sack lunches) and then we’ll start out on the 10 mile loop at approx. 1:00pm.

love your path

2008-05-27T13:07:00.000-07:00

Hope you are all good after our long weekend - rested and ready to hit the road again! Just a few notes about Upcoming Walks:

Sat 5/31 - 12 miles - 7:00am - Warming Hut - Approx Finish 12:00pm
Sun 6/1 – 12 miles – 7:00am – North entrance, Sawyer Camp Trail – Approx Finish 11:30am

Sat 6/7 - 10 miles - 6:30am - Lincoln High School - walk in conjunction with the 3 Day Expo - We already have over 170 RSVPS! Avon Walkers you are welcome to join this walk, please RSVP on the 3 Day site. (Expo 10am -1pm)
RSVP HERE: http://08.the3day.org/goto/june7
Sun 6/8 - 14 miles - 6:30am - Arguello Gate of the Presidio - Approx Finish 12:30pm

Sat 6/14 - 12 miles - 7:00am & 10 miles -1:00pm - Two loops - Warming Hut. Walk one or both loops. We will break for lunch after the first loop.
Sun 6/15 - 13 miles - 7:00am - Warming Hut - Approx Finish 12:00pm - Father's Day Walk.

As we all begin to dig deeper into our collective and individual 3 Day or Avon Walk journeys I wanted to share the following with you.... I get DailyGood emails from Charity Focus and this came over the weekend. The only part I would change is the part about the tools he says you need to be be well equipped: a fanny pack, hydration supplies, wicking socks and layers might work best for us. I would add YOUR BODY to this list of tools too. It is true, "take care of your tools, they are your best ally."

Love Your Path -- Paulo Coelho

1. The path begins at a crossroads. There you can stop and think what direction you want to take. But don’t spend too much time thinking or you’ll never leave the spot. Ask yourself the classic Carlos Castaneda question: Which of these paths has a heart?

2. The path doesn’t last forever. It’s a blessing to travel the path for some time, but one day it will come to an end, so be prepared to take leave of it at any moment.

3. Honor your path. It was your choice, your decision, and just as you respect the ground you step on, that ground will respect your feet. Always do what’s best to conserve and keep your path and it will do the same for you.

4. Be well-equipped. Carry a small rake, a spade, a penknife. Understand that penknives are no use for dry leaves, and rakes are useless for herbs that are deep-rooted. Know what tool to use at each moment. And take care of your tools, because they’re your best allies.

5. The path goes forward and backward. At times you have to go back because something was lost, or a message to be delivered was forgotten in your pocket. A well tended path enables you to go back without any great problem.

6. Take care of the path before you take care of what’s around you. Attention and concentration are fundamental. Don’t be distracted by the dry leaves at the edges. Use your energy to tend and conserve the ground that accepts your steps.

7. Be patient. Sometimes the same tasks have to be repeated, like tearing up weeds or closing holes that appear after unexpected rain. Don’t let that annoy you; it’s part of the journey. Even though you’re tired, even though certain tasks are repeated so often, be patient.

8. Paths cross. People can tell you what the weather is like elsewhere. Listen to advice, but make your own decisions. You’re responsible for the path entrusted to you.

9. Nature follows its own rules. You have to be prepared for sudden changes in the fall, slippery ice in winter, the temptations of flowers in spring, thirst and showers in the summer. Make the most of each of these seasons, and don’t complain about their characteristics.

10. Make your path a mirror of yourself. By no means let yourself be influenced by the way others care for their paths. You have your own soul to listen to, and the birds to whisper translations of what your soul is saying.

11. Love your path. Without this, nothing makes any sense.

Good Day, Sunshine!

2008-05-20T10:42:00.001-07:00

On Saturday 32 terrific walkers started our day with the Feldenkrais clinic - hula everyone! For the Avon Walkers this walk was a great route teaser for your event as we crossed the Golden Gate Bridge, walked thru Sausalito to Mollie Stones and back via Ft Baker under the bridge. Thankfully it was far less hot than the day before but the sun was out, as were the shirtless male bikers and runners. Even on a very sunny/warm day crossing back over the the bridge was freezing cold and crazy windy. Terrific effort everyone.

What a difference a day makes; our old friends cold, fog and wind greeted us in the morning at the Warming Hut. Sunday we had 19 walkers who went on a bit of a "nature/trail walk." We took a "new-to-us trail" down to Baker Beach to find open bathrooms, then went on to theLand's End Trail - even in the wind and fog the views on the trail are breathtaking. Even though 60,000 people were a mere mile away at the Bay to Breakers where we walked it was very quiet in the city. I wonder if that man connected with his girlfriend who was, "gonna kill me if I don't pick her up!"

Now is when we really start to build mileage and stamina so be sure you are taking good care of yourself - rest, stretch, hydrate, eat well after you train to avoid injury and burnout. We still have 154 training miles planned in the next seven weeks before the Avon Walk event weekend.

We invite you to join the Warming Hut Hottie Team! Unlike many college courses there are no prerequisites except having the heart of a hottie:
For the Avon Walk. Email the teams coordinator at teams.sanfrancisco@avonwalk.org and ask to be added to the team.
For the 3 Day: Call 800.996.3DAY or email bayareacoaches@the3day.org to be added to the team.

Upcoming Walks:

Sat 5/24 – 10 miles – 7:00am - Warming Hut – RSVP directly to Sarah Moore sarahrmoore AT gmail DOT com

Sat 5/31 - 12 miles - 7:00am - Warming Hut - Approx Finish 12:00pm
Sun 6/1 – 10 miles – 7:00am – North entrance, Sawyer Camp Trail – Approx Finish 11:30am

Sat 6/7 - 10 miles - 6:30am - Lincoln High School - with the 3 Day Expo - Approx Finish 10:30am
Sun 6/8 - 14 miles - 6:30am - Arguello Gate of the Presidio - Approx Finish 12:00pm

*Special Note 6/14 Walk: Per request for our Avon Walkers, on Saturday, June 14th we will have 22 mile day: a 12 mile loop followed by a 10 mile loop. We want to make sure you get one big 20+ mile day in before your event! It is exactly one month before the SF walk so the timing will be great. We will walk the 12 mile loop, break for lunch (pack sack lunches) and then we’ll start out on the 10 mile loop at approx. 1:00pm.

"Did we go up just to come back down again?"

2008-05-12T16:38:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, 22 walkers bravely tackled a partly new walk route! It was a trial run for the 10 mile 3 Day Expo training walk the hotties will lead on June 7th. Our virgin trek up the Moraga mosaic stairs (wowie!) and climb up to the top of Grand View Park (double wowie!) was spectacular. Hello lungs, hello quads, hello views!!! "Did we go up just to come back down again?" Laurie asked as we made our way down the backside if Grand View Park. Linda's reply... "Yup!" [insert evil training walk leader cackle here - see walk photos from Joel.] We ambled down "Lover's Lane" back to Crissy Field where we were greeted by 8,000 Girl Scouts participating in the Bridging Ceremony.

On Sunday, the crabbers were already at the Warming Hut when we arrived. We had 15 walkers - great job Jeff and Andrea for hitting the road again after Saturday's spectacular mosaic stairs walk! We saw some familiar faces and long-time Hotties, and met new people. After a chilly start, it warmed up. When we headed back to the Warming Hut along Crissy Field, we saw lots of families celebrating Mother's Day - one 2-year old boy in particular who said his name was "Little Dawggy" and then went for a dunk in the cold bay water.

Next Saturday we will have a very special clinic! Deborah Bowes, PT and Feldenkrais Practitioner has graciously offered to lead us in a "stretching for walkers" clinic before our walk.
6:45am: Sign in & hear the Safety Speech.
7:00am - 7:25am: Clinic
7:30am: Walk will depart!

Upcoming Walks - Remember to please RSVP:
Sat 5/17 – Clinic/12 miles – 6:45am - Warming Hut – Approx Finish: 12:30am
Sun 5/18 – 10 miles – 7:00am – Warming Hut – Approx Finish 11:00am

*Avon Walkers Special Note: Per request, Saturday, June 14th we will have 22 mile day: a 12 mile loop followed by a 10 mile loop. We want to make sure you get one big 20+ mile day in before your event! It is exactly one month before the SF walk so the timing will be great. We will walk the 12 mile loop, break for lunch (pack sack lunches) and then we’ll start out on the 10 mile loop at approx. 1:00pm.

We invite you to join the Warming Hut Hottie Team! Unlike many college courses there are no prerequisites except having the heart of a hottie:
For the Avon Walk. Email the teams coordinator at teams.sanfrancisco@avonwalk.org and ask to be added to the team.
For the 3 Day: Call 800.996.3DAY or email bayareacoaches@the3day.org to be added to the team.

Have a wonderful week everyone! Linda & Andrea

adding your bright light!

2008-05-05T11:38:00.000-07:00

This weekend’s walks were a great mix of veteran and newbies, Avon and 3 Day walkers. We even have some old faces coming out of the woodwork to walk again this year! I am continually inspired by our collective determination and hope you are as well.

Thank you for coming to walk each week.
Thank you for adding your bright light to our community.
Thank you for walking to end breast cancer in our lifetime.

On Saturday 39 marvelous walkers tackled the Lyon Street stairs (hurrah!), the hill on West Pacific Ave. , the climb up Wedemeyer Rd. , the longer-than-I-remember hill up to the Legion of Honor and the Grande Finale..... Lincoln Hill! THAT is a great walk.

On Sunday 12 walkers meet in foggy Millbrae . The Saywer Camp trail is lovely – lush and peaceful with two good hills that rival Lincoln hill - we'll certainly go there again! It’s a treat to walk without stopping at stop signs and red lights for a change. We walked the 6 miles in 1 hour 20 minutes which is 4 miles/hour! I find hard to believe but Sandra had her GSP. Wowie. That is great as everyone should try to average 3.5 mph on the event itself to keep on pace with the closing times of the rest stops.

Keep stretching, keep hydrating, keep walking! Have a great week & hope to see you soon,
Linda

Upcoming Walks - Remember to please RSVP:
Sat 5/10 – 12 hilly miles - 7:00am - Warming Hut – Approx Finish: 12:00am
Sun 5/11 – 8 miles – 8:00am – Warming Hut – Approx Finish 11:00am

We invite you to join the Warming Hut Hottie Team! Unlike many college courses there are no prerequisites except having the heart of a hottie:
For the Avon Walk. Email the teams coordinator at teams.sanfrancisco@avonwalk.org and ask to be added to the team.
For the 3 Day: Call 800.996.3DAY or email bayareacoaches@the3day.org to be added to the team.

Baby Ducks and Goslings and Monkey Cups, Oh My!

2008-04-28T10:31:00.000-07:00

What a glorious day it was for a very, very long walk on Saturday! This particular walk reminded me why I love living in this fine city and how lucky we are to live where we do! We saw hundreds of AIDS LifeCycle riders on a big training ride (wonder how many miles they were doing?), baby ducks and baby geese and turtles at Stow Lake, those many sails boats out at Ocean Beach and the small doggie met up too! Wish I was one of the golfers drinking beer (mmmmm!) at Lincoln Park and that the kid’s lemonade stand on Lake St. was so neat (wonder if they sold any of the Matzo Crackers with Nutella?) Joel, did you keep your monkey cup?

We should all feel immensely proud of walking 14 miles with three BIG hill climbs – Park Ave, the Great Hwy up to the Cliff House and finally up Wedemeyer Rd in the Presidio! I know for many of you this was your first long walk. Congratulations! Keep stretching and hydrating! Advil and ice for anything more than sore muscles.

Now that we have built a strong base of mileage we'll gradually increase our total mileage on back to back days - walking on Saturdays and Sundays! If you missed this past weekend's walk, never fear we have lots of miles planned in the coming weeks.

Upcoming Walks - Remember to please RSVP:
Sat 5/3 – 12 hilly miles - 7:00am - Warming Hut
Sun 5/4 – 6 mostly flat miles – 8:00am – North entrance Sawyer Camp Trail

Got Podiatrist? We highly recommend Dr Jenny Sanders, our hottie podiatrist. She is offering a comprehensive foot/shoe fitting assessment for free ($115 value) to walkers! Financial District Foot & Ankle Center - 100 Bush Street, #420, San Francisco 415-956-2884 - Email: info@fdfac.com

Do you have the right shoes? As we increase our miles you will definitely see if the shoes you have are working or not. Have a look at this shoe guide.

Shoe Fit Issues: Does your heel slip or is the top of your foot sore? Here is the link I mentioned with different Lacing Techniques. Give them a try.

We invite you to join the Warming Hut Hottie Team! Unlike many college courses there are no prerequisites except having the heart of a hottie:
For the Avon Walk. Email the teams coordinator at teams.sanfrancisco@avonwalk.org and ask to be added to the team.
For the 3 Day: Call 800.996.3DAY or email bayareacoaches@the3day.org to be added to the Warming Hut Hotties team.
Have a wonderful week everyone and hope to see you soon!
Linda

A Rather Blustery Day!

2008-04-21T14:18:00.000-07:00

Hello there my walker friends! I don’t know about you but I turned my heat back on last night. What is up with this freeeezing weather? I was amazed by the crazy wind down at Crissy Field on Saturday but – in true hottie form - we walked on! The sail boarders were in heaven but the promenade/beach looked like a sand storm. The 12 mile Avon training route was not our favorite but we all got an opportunity to meet some new walkers and that is always a treat. The Avon Walk Expo was a success with over 200 on the 3 training walks and 800 attending the clinics. Hope you all took advantage of the 15% discount to outfit yourself with shoes, socks and wicking undies!

Thanks to Andrea for leading the Avon Walkers! Thanks for Charisse for the bananas and Wheat Thins snacks! Thanks to Eric for providing rock star route support those 200 walkers on all three walks!

"I'm bringing snackies back!"
We used to have a snacks sign up for each training walk and I am reinstating this lovely idea. If you'd like to be a SnackMaster2008 for a given walk look at the walk schedule and let me know. First come, first served. Snacks can be anything like orange slices, banana halves, strawberries, string cheese, trail mix in individual bags, cookies, etc... it's only necessary to have enough for 20-25 people for a given walk. I can always update you with the RSVP numbers a few days before a give walk.

Upcoming Walks - Remember to please RSVP - all walk details can be found HERE:
Sat 4/26 - 14 miles - meet at 6:45 (!) - Warming Hut. This is a challenging walk with a number of hills!
Saturday 5/3 – 12 miles – meet at 7:00am – Warming Hut. This will be a moderately challenging walk with hills.
Sunday 5/4 – 6 miles – meet at 8:00am - Sawyer Camp Trail, north end. This is an easy walk with only one hill.

To join the Warming Hut Hottie Team:
For the Avon Walk: Email the teams coordinator at teams.sanfrancisco@avonwalk.org and ask to be added to the team.
For the 3 Day: Call 800.996.3DAY or email bayareacoaches@the3day.org to be added to the Warming Hut Hotties team.

Are you clear and copious?

2008-04-15T16:38:00.000-07:00

I hear you all had a wonderful walk on Saturday! Andrea told me it was great to walk in front of the DeYoung and Japanese Tea Garden trough Golden Gate Park. And the new route was a *good* kind of hilly walk without being too difficult for our newcomers - hooray to you all! I hope to make tweaks to our tried and true routes but with some new twists and turns to keep it interesting/challenging for everyone.

This Saturday's 12 mile walk is a wee bit different please read below - RVSP HERE.
We are going to merge the Avon Expo training walk and the 3 Day training walk!

Meet time 7:30am
3 Day walkers meet at the East Beach - led by Linda (look for sign on north side of road.) Map/Directions: http://tinyurl.com/5f83na
Avon Walkers meet at the Sports Basement, 610 Mason, in the Presidio - led by Andrea Map/Directions: http://tinyurl.com/5277jo

Our mantra! Drink, pee, no IV!!! Are YOU clear and copious?
After a walker suffered some dehydration problems on Saturday I wanted reiterate the following: it is absolutely essential to drink water and sports drinks (electrolyte replacement) on long walks. http://walking.about.com/cs/fluids/a/drinkingdanger.htm We take it for granted that our bodies can handle training but endurance walking IS ASKING A LOT OF YOUR BODY!

Rule of thumb: start a walk having had 16 oz. of water (a pint or half liter), then replenishing with a cup of water every 15-20 minutes. That is about a water bottle-full an hour, about a half liter or pint. It is recommended to drink 1 bottle of sports drink for every 2 bottles of water. Eating salty snacks such as pretzels before and during long walks is another source of salt. End your walk with a big glass of water.

When training if you feel dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, stomach ache, back pain, headache, irritability, decreased urination: STOP WALKING, ask a fellow walker to call the Training Walk Leader or route support and being hydrating even if this means drinking someone else's water. This is far less embarrassing than me calling 911 to have you taken away by ambulance.

There are alternate electrolyte replacements on the market if you cannot tolerate Gatorade BUT the events serve Gatorade. Training with what is available on the event is imperative unless you plan on bringing your own supply of electrolyte replacement on event - which is why we have Gatorade on our training walks. So we all chant: drink, pee, no IV.... we all want to finish together, healthy!!!

My tips:
***Try mixing 1/2 to 1/3 Gatorade in with your water if you cannot tolerate drinking full strength Gatorade.***
Be hydrated before you come out walking: start drinking lots of water on Friday. Is your pee clear and copious? No? You aren't hydrated.
Continue of hydrate after we walk: it will help with muscle recovery. Again.... Is your pee clear and copious? No? You aren't hydrated.

Quotes that Could Put You in the Hospital: courtesy of http://walking.about.com/od/fluids/a/drinkorelse.htm
Hyponatremia, loss of sodium through sweating or from over-hydrating, was a huge problem on last year's DC Avon Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk. The following are some scary quotes that I have heard/read from people. These are mindsets that you should avoid on any long walk -marathon, half marathon, or 20-miler such as at the Avon/3 DayWalk.

1. "I hate sports drinks! I won't drink them." If you don't drink them, you could easily become a victim of hyponatremia. While salty snacks are good, they are not a total substitute for the electrolytes in sports drinks. Mix sports drinks with water to whatever concentration you desire (most can tolerate half and half).

2. "I walked the entire event last year and didn't drink any sports drinks." You were lucky, very lucky. This year, you might not be so lucky. More importantly, the person you are telling this to may think that they can also make it without sport drinks. Their metabolism is different from yours. They might not make it because you gave them this bad advice. This is not the type of testimonial that distance walkers should be giving out.

3. "I need to drink something, but I only like purple (or orange, or green) sports drinks. This stop doesn't have my flavor. I'll wait for the next stop." Trust me, chances are that if you will only drink a certain flavor of sports drink, you won't find it anywhere on the walk. Don't plan on an assortment of every flavor of drink at every stop. Drink whatever is available.

4. "There are no cold drinks at this stop. I'll wait until the next one." Don't wait, drink it even if it is warm. Pretend that you are in Paris and drinking warm drinks the European way - ooo-la-la!!!! Even if the bottles are warm, fill your personal water bottle with ice, water, and sports drink -yum! Odds are, if one stop is out of ice cold drinks, the next place might not have them either.

5. "Sports drinks make me gag." Lack of sport drinks can may you go into seizures. Bring some powdered Kool-aid/Crystal Light to help cover the sports drink taste.

6. "I'm on a diet, and I don't want the calories." You are on an intense endurance event, and you NEED the calories! THERE ARE NO DIETS ON THE WALK (exemption - diabetics, special medical cases, of course - but for the vast majority of us - NO DIETS. NO GUILT - OKAY!)

“I am monstorous glad to see you!” Mrs. Palmer, Sense and Sensibility

2008-04-07T11:16:00.000-07:00

I watched Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility last night on PBS and thought that sentiment is exactly how I feel when we all gather early in the mornings to walk together. The laughter, silly jokes, story telling, chatting, support and camaraderie make it worth getting out of bed to walk and I hope you all feel the same! To start the walk we all shared where we are with our fundraising… we heard some amazing successes and I think those if us who haven’t started our fudnraising felt inspired to get a move on!

20 hearty hotties headed out on Saturday’s 10 miler on another very chilly morning. The sun was out and that made for an amazing vista filled walk along Lincoln Blvd. and onto the much improved Land’s End Trail. Seeing the white caps out in the ocean and that cold breeze was invigorating - brrrrrrrrr! Thanks everyone for your patience in the “free form” portion of the walk as we exited the trail. Ever since the Albertson’s market closed 2 years ago we’ve had to improvise breaks/bathrooms on that side of town but I think we have a new solution that will work quite well in the future.

Remember: keep hydrating, stretch it out and a few Advil can help if you are still sore. Have a wonderful week and I hope to see you again very soon,
Linda

HOTTIE PARTNER: Dr. Jenny Sanders, our hottie podiatrist will give you a comprehensive foot/shoe fitting assessment for free ($115 value)! Many of us have seen Dr. Jenny over the years for our feet problems. She’s wonderful (and is a past walker) and knows how to help keep you walking even if you are having some issues. The assessment is also a great way to keep from having any issues because she can help you pick the right shoe to start with. When you call be sure to tell them you’re a hottie!

Financial District Foot & Ankle Center
100 Bush Street, #420, San Francisco 415-956-2884
email: info@fdfac.com
web: http://www.fdfac.com/

nippy but beautiful!

2008-03-31T18:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Walkers:

We had a great 9-mile walk on Sunday with 21 walkers!! Everyone did really well on Linda's new route (thanks, Linda!). The weather was nippy but beautiful and we sawgorgeous blooming trees and flowers (are anyone else's eyes itchy?), and beautiful views of the ocean and bridge.

Thank you all for taking the HUGE step to register for your walk, to come out for training on a Sunday morning, for fundraising, and for your commitment to finding an end to breast cancer in our lifetime. I know that we are all walking in memory of or in honor of very dear people. I am honored to walk with you!

Look below for upcoming events, including April training walks, and directions on joining the Warming Hut Hotties.

WooooHoooo to you wonderful walkers! Hope to see you soon.

Andrea
Walking since 2000

Upcoming Walks - Remember to please RSVP:
Sat 4/5 - 10 miles - meet at 7:00 am - Warming Hut
Sat 4/12 - 11 miles - meet at 7:00am - Warming Hut
Sat 4/19 - 12 miles - meet at 7:45am - Sports Basement (with the Avon Walk Expo)
Sat 4/26 - 14 miles - meet at 6:45 (!) - Warming Hut
Saturday/Sunday walks begin in May.

To join the Warming Hut Hottie Team:
For the Avon Walk. Email the teams coordinator at teams.sanfrancisco@avonwalk.org and ask to be added to the team.
For the 3 Day: Call 800.996.3DAY or email bayareacoaches@the3day.org to be added to the Warming Hut Hotties team.

3 Day Registration Discount!

2008-03-31T09:15:00.000-07:00

Invite your friends and family to register for the 3-Day and join your team before April 11 and we will give them a $35 discount off their registration fee!

To ensure that your new teammates receive this special offer, please tell them to give the promotional code TEAMS when they register online at http://www.the3day. org/ or via phone at 800.996.3DAY.

Note: Registration as a walker includes a commitment to raise at least $2,200 in donations in order to participate in the 3-Day. Registering walkers must join a team at the time of registration and give the promotional code TEAMS in order to receive the $35 discount. Please make sure your discount is applied before completing the registration process. All transactions are final. This offer expires at midnight CDT on Friday, April 11, 2008. This offer cannot be applied retroactively to registration fees paid before March 31, 2008.

Save the Date! for the hotties fundraiser

2008-03-29T14:22:00.000-07:00

Get ready to get your PINK on!

Sunday, August 17th
1:00pm—4:00pm

Slovenian Hall, Potrero Hill
2101 Mariposa St.
San Francisco, CA 94107

We are planning a silent auction, refreshments, games and kids activites.

To donate items or volunteer during the event contact: warminghuthotties@sbcglobal.net

Hip Hip Hurrah! for the hotties

2008-03-24T12:09:00.000-07:00

Saturday's walk was just great. 27 of us took on the Park Ave. hill and then out and back to Stow Lake in GG Park on a glorious spring morning - lots and lots of new walkers came out, many of whom are doing the Avon Walk! We saw some sort of Easter run while we were using the bathrooms at Stow Lake... 100 or so MEN... some were decked out in Easter bonnets and there was one particularly fetching ensemble of all pink including teeny pink running shorts & opera length gloves!

Many thanks to Eric for fetching water, giving lifts and keeping track of us as always! It was wonderful meeting you (or seeing you again!) and hearing about why you are walking.

I found this article "10 Walking Mistakes to Avoid" very helpful. http://walking.about.com/cs/beginners/a/10mistakes1.htm There is great info and reminders about stride, posture, etc. to get our training off on the right track so we remain injury free. This website is a great resource for all sorts of walking questions and issues.

Spring is most certainly here! Come on out to next week's walk... Upcoming Walks - Remember to please RSVP:
Sun 3/30 - 9 miles - meet at 8:00 am - Warming Hut (YES, THIS WALK IS ON SUNDAY.)
Sat 4/5 - 10 miles - meet at 7:00 am - Warming Hut
Sat 4/12 - 11 miles - meet at 7:00am - Warming Hut
Sat 4/19 - 12 miles - meet at 7:30am - Sports Basement (the Avon Walk Expo)

To join the Warming Hut Hottie Team:
For the Avon Walk. Email the teams coordinator at teams.sanfrancisco@avonwalk.org and ask to be added to the team.
For the 3 Day: Call 800.996.3DAY or email bayareacoaches@the3day.org to be added to the Warming Hut Hotties team.

Have a wonderful week everyone and and hope to see you soon!
Linda

What a terrific first Hottie training walk!

2008-03-18T12:18:00.000-07:00

Hello, Hotties!

There were six of us who took the first step in the Hottie's 2008 training walk season on Sunday. Six of us did six miles! We started at the Arguello Gate because of a race that was taking place along the Warming Hut and Crissy Fields. And we walked up a few hills. Why? Because we are all walking in San Francisco this year and we need to get comfortable (again) with the hills here. It was an absolutely beautiful and clear day. We gave directions to tourists hungry for the perfect picture of the Golden Gate Bridge, and we cheered the racers who had started at Molly Stone in Sausalito (a familar place for us on our way to Tiburon).

Thanks to Linda's hard work, the training page is now up on the new Hottie website: warminghuthotties.com Please RSVP - it helps us plan a little better and have enough maps for everyone. This Saturday, join us at the Warming Hut at 8:00 a.m. for an 8 mile walk. And Eric will be joining us for route support.

We hope to see you soon at a training walk. And, thank you for walking to end breast cancer in our lifetime.

Andrea
Walking since 2000

2008 Update!

2008-03-10T15:44:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, this year marks the 5th Anniversary of the formation of the Warming Hut Hotties… hundreds of team members, walking thousands of miles, raising $1,688,405… and we’re just getting started! I’m sure you’ve heard and seen the ads for the Avon Walk and the 3 Day. After your wee winter hibernation I hope you are all eager to get back out on the road! In this issue:

Training Walks are ON & the Warming Hut is OPEN!
The Warming Hut is back open after last year’s fire and looking better than ever for our post-walk coffee and snacks. Come on out, dust of those shoes and let’s get walking! Look for walks to be up on the Avon Walk calendar and the 3 Day calendar soon. March walks are as follows:

Sunday, March 16th – 6 miles - meet at 8:00am - meet at the Warming Hut
Saturday, March 22nd – 8 miles – meet at 8:00am - meet at the Warming Hut
Sunday, March 30th – 9 miles - meet at 7:30am - meet at the Warming Hut

April walks will be Saturdays only. In May we’ll begin our Saturday and Sunday training walks. As always, please RSVP to warminghuthotties at sbcglobal dot net

(Also look for a new “first Sunday of the month hottie hike” starting in May!)

We're becoming a non-profit! In Our Lifetime:
A small group of us meet to discuss 2008 and team goals and we decided the time is right to make the hotties a non-profit organization!

We need seed money for filing and legal fees. We anticipate these costs to be $2,000 - $3,000 and need everyone to help with these expenses. Mail checks to:

Marcia Peterson
1199 Johnson Street
Redwood City, CA 94061

Marcia, hottie since 2003, is a paralegal and will file the Articles of Incorporation for us this week to get the ball rolling. Non-profit status will help us with soliciting donations for a number of fun projects we will host this year.

Our non-profit will be called In Our Lifetime but we will be doing business as Warming Hut Hotties. Why the name In Our Lifetime? The purpose and mission statement are as follows:

The specific purposes for which this corporation is organized are to solicit and
receive contributions; to distribute contributions to individuals, community
organizations and non-governmental agencies that provide resource information,
assistance and support to individuals affected by breast cancer.

We are ordinary women and men who have come together as the
Warming Hut Hotties team by walking in breast cancer fundraising
events. Through our training walks, fundraising and participation in
multi-day walk events we hope to inspire others to join our supportive and
caring community. Shoulder to shoulder we extend camaraderie, deep humor and
shared vision for a world without breast cancer In Our Lifetime.

In our Lifetime is organized and managed by a small but hardworking, dedicated,
fun-loving group of volunteers. We are currently working to obtain non-profit
501(c)(3) corporation status.

2008 Projects: Big Fundraising Event and Walker Sponsorship Program
We are planning a HUGE team silent auction-type fundraising event this year. Currently we are scouting a location (think rec room, cultural center, or large hall space.) There will be a DJ, games, snacks, etc. and general hottie merriment! The tentative dates to mark on your calendar are:

July 19th or 20th
August 16th or 17th

It will be a Saturday evening 7 – 10pm or a Sunday afternoon 1 – 4pm.

We will be asking everyone to solicit silent auction items and we are hoping to secure one HUGE item for a raffle – think vacation rental house or similar. We’ll of course need volunteers for before, during and after the event.

The proceeds from the fundraising event will go to creating a Walker Scholarship Program – “Shoulder to Shoulder”. We will be hand selecting a few recipients who otherwise could not participate in these events due to costs: registration fees, training/event gear, transportation, childcare and accommodations pre/post event, etc. This will not be a handout. Candidates must do the work to participate but we’ll be giving lots of help all along the way so they surpass their goals and succeed! The goal is help these individuals participate with fundraising and training mentoring; possibly help with meeting the fundraising minimum if they fall short.

There will be an application process for the Scholarship for 2009. We will release details as they become finalized! If you know of any candidates please email warminghuthottiesatsbcglobaldotnet

Team Info: Avon & the 3 Day
Teams are up for the San Francisco Avon Walk, San Francisco 3 Day, the Seattle 3 Day and the San Diego 3 Day.

If you are not registered yet simply go to the website search for the team and from there you can register and you’ll be added to the team roster.

If you are registered but are not showing on the roster:

For the 3 Day: If you are already registered you must email your coach or call to get added to the team. Call 800.996.3DAY or email bayareacoaches@the3day.org to be added to the Warming Hut Hotties team

For Avon, email the teams coordinator to be added to the team: teams.sanfrancisco@avonwalk.org with your name and participant number, the name of the team you'd like to join.

2008 Team Recruitment and Fundraising Goals:
The Avon Walk – 60 team members and $150,000
The 3 Day – 150 team members and $300,000

This year I am throwing out a challenge to our returning hotties:
1. Get someone to register with you – either a past hottie or someone who has never participated but has talked about wanting to! Your mom, sister, husband, next door neighbor!
2. Make your personal fundraising goal a minimum of $3,000.

Crewing for the SF 3 Day?
If you are interested in crewing the SF 3 Day contact Tamara elmconsultingatyahoodotcom as there is a group trying to get a Pit Stop! You must be ready to commit now or already be registered.

It is going to be another wonderful walking year. Thank you for your continued commitment to the hotties and to ending breast cancer as a life threatening disease in our lifetime. Be well,

Linda

Team Leader - Warming Hut Hotties

2008 3 Day Dates Annouced!

2007-10-08T19:04:00.000-07:00

San Francisco Bay Area September 5-7, 2008

Join the 2008 3-Day and get a $35 discount.

We’re walking to win the battle against breast cancer and we want you with us every step of the way. Because we appreciate your past support, you’ll receive $35 off the regular registration fee when you register by November 15, 2007.

That makes the registration fee just $55.

Start with three easy steps:
1) Look over the 2008 event schedule, which we’re excited to announce now includes the San Francisco Bay Area and Washington, DC.
2) Select a city.
) Register today.

Continue your 3-Day legacy and stay connected to the 3-Day community.
Don’t miss out on this 3-Day discount.
You’ll receive $35 off the regular registration fee when you register by November 15, 2007. Register today at www.The3Day.org or call 800.996.3DAY. Make sure to give the code SPIRIT to receive your $35 discount.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you in 2008.
Chicago
August 8-10, 2008

Boston
August 15-17, 2008

Cleveland
August 22-24, 2008

San Francisco Bay Area
September 5-7, 2008

Seattle
September 12-14, 2008

Twin Cities
September 19-21, 2008

Michigan
September 26-28, 2008

Washington, DC
October 3-5, 2008

Philadelphia
October 17-19, 2008

Atlanta
October 24-26, 2008

Tampa Bay
October 31 - November 2, 2008

Dallas/Ft. Worth
November 7-9, 2008

Arizona
November 14-16, 2008

San Diego
November 21-23, 2008

For more information about the Breast Cancer 3-Day, Susan G. Komen for the Cure or the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund, visit http://www.the3day.org/ or call 800.996.3DAY.

12 and 12

2007-09-18T14:50:00.000-07:00

Please RSVP if you are planning on walking this weekend so Meg can make the right number of maps for everyone. See link below for the updated walk calendar.

Saturday's Walk - 12 miles - led by Meg - hilly
Meet at 7:00 a.m. leaving PROMPTLY at 7:15 a.m.
Meet at: The Warming Hut

Sunday's Walk - 12 miles - led by Meg or Melissa - less hilly
Meet at 7:00 a.m. leaving PROMPTLY at 7:15 a.m.
Meet at: The Warming Hut

Hope you are all enjoying your week!
Linda

Wonderful Walkers!

2007-09-13T10:33:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone..
It took me forever to mention how much I enjoyed walking with you last Saturday. It was a great walk....Hilly but beautiful. I just want to thank you all for being such troopers and for being so understanding and trusting on our mapless walk!

We all walked the same pace so we were snugged close together - to avoid getting seperated. Eric....Thank you for your guidance and helpfulness to us on all of our walks. You sensed my worry being mapless and you just jumped right in to make sure we were all guided along safely and kept us well-watered! And thank you our veteran Hottie walkers for assisting on the route too!! You are simply the BEST!!

Welcome Lisa...It was lovely meeting you and please join us again soon for more walks.....(we really have maps on every walk - This was a 1st).

I am leading the walks this Saturday and Sunday (with Maps) and will see you then!!
Best wishes,

Sandy K.

16 miles Sat/12 miles Sunday

2007-09-11T17:14:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,
Sandy & I talked and decided 18 miles to Tiburon is too much mileage for this coming week. The compromise is doing the 16 mile walk from Ft Mason to Mollie Stones and back. Sunday will be 12 miles. See link below for the updated walk calendar.

Saturday's Walk to Mollie Stones 16 milesMeet at 6:30 a.m. leaving PROMPTLY at 6:45a.m.
Meet at: Fort Mason Parking Lot Enter at Buchanan and Marina Blvd.

Sunday's Walk: 12 miles
Meet at 7:00 a.m. leaving PROMPTLY at 7:15 a.m.
Meet at: The Warming Hut

RSVP to warminghuthotties AT sbcglobal DOT net

Sandy will see you next weekend,
Linda

Training Walk Calendar: http://calendar.yahoo.com/warminghuthotties@sbcglobal.net

9 Short Weekend to Train

2007-08-28T10:54:00.000-07:00

Hello my hottie friends,
I started to look at the training walks for Sept and Oct and have come to realize we have a short 9 weekends to train for San Diego. There will be no walks this Labor Day weekend but we'll start up again on the 8th an 9th.

Some of you have been diligently hitting the pavement with Andrea in August some have been a bit spotty with the training... I wanted to get some input on how aggressive to make the walk schedule between now and the event weekend. And, I hear the hikes were great so maybe we want to incorporate a few hikes on Sundays once a month?

Leave your comment below! I'll tweak the schedule based on everyone's feedback and will email out the updated calendar as well. Thanks,
Linda

do we have a horse theme going??

2007-08-27T09:16:00.000-07:00

Hello Walkers!

We had a great walk on Saturday: nine of us representing Seattle, San Diego and Atlanta 3 Day, the New York Avon Walk, and the Italy Breast Cancer Walk. We had a good walk to the Ferry Building, then up and up and up Broadway and over the tunnel, with the reward of a great view! After breaking at Cal. Pacific Medical Center, we zig-zagged our way down and over to Lyon Street (catching a few good hills, and passing Linda's parent's former home). We were so t e m p t e d by the Lyon Street Stairs, and though Mary was very willing, the rest of us were ready to turn back to the Warming Hut via Lincoln. When we passed the stables, I saw more horses there than ever before (do we have a horse theme going??).

All best wishes to Sandra and Carrie and to all the 42 Hotties who will be walking their Seattle 3Day, Sept 7-9! Rick and I will be starting our Italy Walk on Sept 8 - and we are taking the Hottie spirit to the Italians - I hope to send email reports from time-to-time.

Be sure to check the Training Walk Calendar (link below) for upcoming training walks.

Walk safely, Dear Walkers. I will see you when I return from Italy.

WhooooooooooHooooooooooo!!!!

Andrea

Monday post on Thursday!

2007-08-23T11:54:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we had WONDERFUL walks! On Saturday, six of us went over the Golden Gate Bridge to Mollie Stone's and back. It was a glorious, clear day. Tiana joined the Hotties for the first time and did a great job walking the 13 miles. Jodi is back to training for her second 3Day in San Diego. Sandra is SO well prepared for Seattle. Carol had deja vu walking over the bridge since she did the SF Avon Walk. Kimberly also is very strong for her first 3Day in Atlanta and it was her first time walking over the bridge.

On Sunday, 6 of us carpooled from the Sports Basement in SF to Ross (Mary, Sandy, Tanzeem, Sandra, Kimberly and me) to meet Cheryl, Gigi (Cheryl's sister), Carrie and others. Cheryl treated us to a FABULOUS 12 mile walk/hike on Mt. Tamalpias. There were 10 of us and everyone did really well. The views were gorgeous and wildlife was abounding: a great blue heron and other raptors. We were particularly happy to see Purple Sue's horse, who we understand had eaten Pakistani food the night before. Sue, we said hello to the horse for you! I was trying out my walking stick in anticipation of my Italy Breast Cancer Walk and got tons of encouragement for actually getting the stick to touch the ground. We had lots of laughs!!!!! And we missed Purple Sue and Rick!

RSVP if you are coming for Saturday's walk: 12 miles meeting at 7:00am at the Warming Hut

We hope to see more of you in future training walks!

Andrea

Crabs and Hills

2007-08-15T21:34:00.000-07:00

We had a great training walk last Saturday. There were seven of us representing the San Diego and Atlanta 3Day Walks, and the Italy Walk. When we arrived at 6:45 a.m., there was a couple that already had claimed the second table in - they were cooking crabs that they had caught the night before, and they had other things on the grill too (more about them).

This was a climbing walk (is there any other kind of Hottie walk?): the Lyon Street Stairs, walked along the gorgeous Lands End Trail (with more stairs), and the now famous Lincoln Street Hill. Although it was very cold when we started, we arrived back at the Warming Hut to sunshine and sparkling bay waters. The couple with the crabs was still there - no offer of crabs but they looked at us congratulating each other for a good walk and it seemed that they remembered us from the early morning. It felt kind of like when I leave my cat in bed, go for a 12 mile walk, and come back to find her still in bed.

AUGUST 18/19 WALKS

Please join us!! On Saturday we will meet at 7:00 a.m. at the Warming Hut for a 12 mile walk. On Sunday we will be meeting in Ross at 7:30 a.m. for a 10-12 mile walk on Mt. Tamalpias. Really, really, really - thanks to Cheryl - this will actually happen. Stay tuned for directions.

I look forward to seeing more of you soon. Walk safely.

Andrea
Training Walk Leader
7 3Days, 2008 Italy Breast Cancer Walk

Walks 8/11 & 8/12

2007-08-08T17:10:00.000-07:00

Saturday's Walk - 14 Miles
Meet at 6:45 a.m. leaving PROMPTLY at 7:00a.m.
Meet at: The Warming Hut
This is a moderate walk with a lot of flat and a few challenging hills.

Sunday's Walk - 10 or 12 Miles
Meet at 7:00 a.m. leaving PROMPTLY at 7:15 a.m.
Meet at: The Warming Hut
This is a challenging walk with hills.

RSVP to warminghuthotties at sbcglobal dot net

2008: the 3 Day is coming back to the Bay Area!

2007-08-04T10:36:00.000-07:00

Hey all, Just got an email from the 3 day announcing pre-registration for next year and it says - there are no dates listed:

We're happy to announce the 3-Day is returning to the Bay Area and Washington, DC. http://08.the3day.%20org/site/%20PageServer?

To get more info: http://08.the3day.%20org/site/%20PageServer?

How exciting - we'll have hottie teams on the SF Avon Walk and the Bay Area 3 Day again!!!
Linda

Needing a TW Leader for 8/4

2007-07-31T13:45:00.000-07:00

Andrea is double booked on Saturday and will not be able to lead the walk. We are looking for someone to step in to lead - Can any of you lead the 12 miler? Linda is going out of town tomorrow thru the weekend (although will have internet access and will check email.)

Let me know if you'd be willing so I can send you maps/directions.

Sunday 7/29 Walk CANCELLED

2007-07-27T14:33:00.001-07:00

Andrea has cancelled her trail walk.

Hilly Trail Walks

2007-07-26T16:34:00.000-07:00

Andrea will be leading hilly trail walks on Mt Tam starting this Sunday through August. Stay tuned for details regarding meeting time, location, approximate mileage.

Mighty hotties, mighty accomplishment!

2007-07-24T20:33:00.000-07:00

Hey there hotties,
Just wanted to send along my tremendous admiration and congratulations on an amazing team accomplishment! I checked and as of this afternoon the 6 crew and 47 walkers of Avon Walk hotties have raised a whopping $129,677.80!

Such phenomenal work, we are all so blessed to have come together to form such a wonderful team. I hope you are still on a huge high from the event weekend. Whether your walked, crewed, volunteered, Butterfly Walker stalked or made Walk-tinis hotties were everywhere on the event spreading our special hottie spirit!

There are already 13 of your registered to walk or crew in the 2008 event as well! Hurrah. I hope to have the Warming Hut Hottie team up on the Avon Walk website soon if you want to register for next year.

Best wishes to you all and we'll see you on the road!
Linda

Well here we go!

2007-07-24T18:45:00.000-07:00

I finally decided that the Warming Hut Hotties should have a blog - a place to hold our team history, story, emails and comments to one another.

Training Walks Are Posted

2007-07-20T17:17:00.000-07:00

Hey all,
Just an FYI that we have walks posted between now and the SD 3 Day. ALL are very subject to change based on availibilty of a training walk leaders and various travel schedules. But we have a plan in place at this point and you can always use the mileage to go on your own walks.

http://calendar.yahoo.com/warminghuthotties@sbcglobal.net

Also please, please, please be sure to RSVP since walks might be cancelled or might change at the last minute due to events at Crissy Field, etc.

Hope to see you out on the road,
Linda

Warming Hut Hotties
Hearts and Soles United Against Breast Cancer

Avon Walk Reunion - Giants Game Night 8/21

2007-07-19T15:52:00.000-07:00

Hey hotties! Here is a chance for us to get together to reminisce and re-connect after our Avon Walk with a night at the ballpark. It is a sponsored Avon Walk activity so some of the staff will be there as well. Hope you can come!

Take Me Out to the Ballgame! Cheer on the SF Giants as they play the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, August 21st at 7:15pm. Purchase tickets within the Avon Walk group for $21, and $9 per ticket will be donated back to the Avon Walk.

All are welcome - past, present, future hotties, honorary hotties and hottie wanna bes, invite your friends, family to join us as well. We had this some event few years ago and it was so much fun. We have 50 hotties there!

I will buy a group of tickets. Deadline for ordering thru me to be in our block of seats is August 14th (one week before.) I will either meet you at the game or will leave your tickets at will call.

Please RSVP with:
Number of tickets
Your Name
Contact Phone Number

I am asking everyone to write me a check in advance. Email warminghuthotties at sbcglobal.net
to find out where to mail the check.

If you miss my deadline you can Click here to purchase individual tickets.

Wine Country Walk/Potluck Brunch/Reunion 8/4

2007-07-18T17:10:00.000-07:00

RSVP DIRECTLY to Cari at carih@pacbell.net

Saturday, August 4th, 2007
Meet at 7:30am for an 8 mile walk into town and back

Followed by a potluck brunch and a swim!
Please RSVP to Cari to coordinate dishes and beverages needed.

Where: 3300 Mill Creek Rd., Healdsburg CLICK HERE for Map

Thanks everyone & enjoy a celebration of all of your hard work!

Training Walk Recap from Andrea

2007-07-17T17:20:00.000-07:00

Hello Dear Walkers:

Hope you are feeling rested and recooperated from Saturday's Potrero Hill grid walk up and down the hills, and Sunday's wet but fun 12 miler. The small band of us, representing Seattle and San Diego 3Day and Italy, was such fun. We could hardly stop laughing up and down the hills - thanks to Rick!! And how many golf courses did we actually visit???

I look forward to walking with more of you in the coming weeks. I will be leading training walks both Saturday and Sundays in July. August walks will be scheduled soon.

Upcoming Walks:
Sat 7/21- 12 miles - meet at 7:00 am - Warming Hut RSVP
Sun 7/22 - 10 miles - meet at 7:15 am - Warming Hut RSVP

To join the 3Day Warming Hut Hottie Team in Seattle or San Diego: More to come.

To join the hotties-yahoo group to stay in touch http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/hotties-group/
Email: hotties-group-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

I hope you all have a fantastic week filled with good stretching, hydration, healthy food and rest.

Safe Walking!!!

Andrea

Avon Hottie Love Notes

2007-07-17T17:18:00.000-07:00

Here are kudos to the Hottie Training Walk Leaders, the Hottie Stalkers, and the Warming Hut Hottie Team.
________________________________
Hello Warming Hut Hotties,

Well thanks to your training walks I completed the avon two day walk. I felt great and was really prepared because of your training walks. Could you please let me know of future walks I really enjoyed them.
Terry Caya

________________________________
Fabulous experience! The Hottie enthusiasm plus endless training made my Avonadventure even more fun. Thank you for everything. I feel very lucky to havehappened upon this group. I will definitely be back for some walks in theFall. Is there a website where I can keep up to date on training walks??And definitely count me in for another Walk. I loved it!
Katie Ryan
____________________________

I want to THANK ALL the HOTTIES i trained with onall those loooog walks. They really paid off on theday of the event.You encourged me all the way I am at a lost for words when I want toexpress my gratitude to our Hottie Stalkers they wereevery where . You guys are toooo much. THANK YOU THANK YOU
Betsy
I am looking forward to coming out on sometraining walks .
________________________________
Hi Andrea & other HOtties,I am MORE THAN HAPPY to continue walking with you as well as provide route support for you guys. You all did so much for us and I'd like to continue to be a part of the hottie community. Please keep me updated on your walk schedules and if I can to do anything to help. (I'm more than happy to open the Walk-Tini Lounge again too!) I do have plans this Saturday, but if you need help on Sunday, let me know.take care!Rachel
_________________________
Thank you really isn't quite good enough. You're all amazing. I've appreciated all the love and support. This was by far one of the best things I've ever done.

I've already signed up for next year.

Please keep me on your DL for training walks. I'm missing you all already.

Amber Salomon
___________________________
Dear All,Thanks for the email I would love to be part of the training. I felt so terrible to not be able to walk last week, but I did my best at cheering everyone on.I had to let go of the disappointment and say 2008 would be the year, but hadn't thought perhaps I could still do my physical part for 2007.Love to hear more about those training for the other 2007 events and also all the training walks in general.You are such a beautiful dedicated group, I am so proud of you all!Together we can stomp out Breast Cancer!Much love,JulieJulie Anne Winfield, MD
____________________________
While I'm not doing another 2 or 3 day walk, I'm trekking in late Nov-early Dec in the Himalayas and need to stay in good walking shape. So I'm in for some walks. I'll be changing my training focus - more hills and less distance - but will want to join the Hotties in the city until the training walks stop. Whenever that is...when do you stop organizing walks?so let me know where and when and I'll be there when I can. Thanks!loveCaroleCarole A. Sirulnick,
_____________________________________________
Hello,
I participated in 3 of your training walks in the city. Thank you so much for the organization and care that goes into those walks. It helped me so much to have done them. What a great group of women you have there.
I think I will take you up on joining you on a few walks even though I'm not training anymore.
Thanks for all you do - for all of us.
Nina Munoz
_____________________________
Hi Hotties,
Thanks again for all your support during the training walks. While I didn’t quite make it the full 39 miles, I can honestly say that I’m proud of the 31 miles I did manage. I truly don’t think I would have been ready to do even that without the training walks with you fabulous hotties.
The Walk was so inspiring that I’ve decided to do it again in New York this October. Yes, I will be taking “Team Deb” to New York to honor and support my oldest friend (since age 7), Debbie Levitt, who I grew up with on Long Island (I’ve been in California for many years, Deb is still in NY) and is courageously battling her second bout with breast cancer. If anyone is interested, I’d be honored to have you join me.
I am very interested in continuing training walks (anyone interested in doing some in the East Bay ?) and will appreciate being kept on the list for future dates. (I’m out of town this weekend or would jump right in).
I look forward to seeing you all again, in one form or another, in the months ahead.
With appreciation to all,
Ilene Levinson
______________________________
Andrea:
You inspired US!! Thank you so much, and the rest of the beautiful Hotties for being so inspirational to us on the walk when we need that extra little "boost", and for the wonderful support during the training as well! I will definitely come out to join you in August and the rest of the summer for walks...once a Hottie, always a Hottie!!! :)

-Carol Howard

Congratulations Avon Hotties!

2007-07-12T17:22:00.000-07:00

Avon Hotties,

We are so proud of you! You all looked so beautiful and strong as you walked and crewed. It was an honor to be out there cheering you on - you truly inspired the Hottie Stalkers!

Some of you asked if there was going to be more training walks. Well.....you bet! We have Hotties still training for Italy, Seattle and San Diego. Please join us when you are rested.

Starting this weekend, July 14/15, there will be walks both days in July. If you're interested, contact me at CLICK HERE. More information will be available about August.

But now, rest, dear Hotties. You so deserve it.

You have my admiration,

Andrea
7 3Day Walks, Italy in 07

Avon Walk 2007 - SF Press Release

2007-07-11T17:12:00.000-07:00

Hey all,
Just wanted to shoot an email with the stats from your walk. The amount announced at Closing was wrong! You all raised $5.7 million!!! The grants awarded at Closing are also listed below. Congrats on you amazing accomplishments!!! We'll send another email with more details and info about the reunion picnic in Healdburg soon.

Best and huge hot pink hottie hugs to you all,
Linda

More than 2,400 women and men took part in the fifth annual Avon Walk for
Breast Cancer in San Francisco this past weekend and raised $5.7 million to
advance access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer. An annual
tradition continued as the San Jose police department once again showed
their support by biking alongside the walkers throughout the weekend.
Avon 's commitment to the cause and news of the event was shared by very
strong media coverage, including The San Francisco Chronicle, ABC, CBS,
FOX, NBC, KRON, Univision and other news outlets.

The celebratory Closing Ceremony took place at Speedway Meadow in Golden
Gate Park , where Carol Kurzig, Executive Director, Avon Foundation,
announced the following nine initial grants, with additional funds to be
awarded throughout the year:

San Francisco General Hospital / University of California - San Francisco
( San Francisco , Calif. ) received $1.25 million for the Avon Comprehensive
Breast Care Center , which was created through past grants. New funds will
support program staff, a Stereotactic Biopsy table, expansion of a
high-risk clinic from a pilot program to a prospective clinical trial,
enhancement of community outreach efforts and instituting a survivor
program to engage women served by the Avon Comprehensive Breast Care
Center.

Marin County Department of Health ( San Rafael , Calif. ) was awarded $400,000
to support the Marin Women's Study focused on breast cancer risk, with the
goal to validate a new assay that measures hormone levels in saliva and to
design a new risk algorithm that links association between breast density,
age at first full term pregnancy and circulating hormone levels.

Women's Cancer Resource Center ( Oakland , Calif. ) was granted $225,000 to
further community outreach, education and navigation services to women
facing cancer in the underserved communities of the East Bay area.

Alameda County Health Care Foundation ( Oakland , Calif. ) received $215,000
to continue support of the Pathfinders Outreach and Cancer Navigation
program, which provides outreach to unscreened populations in the East Bay
Area. This program aims to increase the number of low-income,
multi-cultural women who are screened and to improve the quality of care
offered to underserved women by providing outreach to unscreened
populations and navigation for all women referred for breast evaluation.

Cancer Resource Center of Mendocino County (CRCM) ( Mendocino , Calif. ) was
awarded $200,000 to support two initiatives: incorporating findings from
its "Consultation Support for Diverse, Rural Breast Patients" into CRCM's
core decisions support programming for 135 breast cancer survivors, family
members and caregivers; and supporting the development of training
curriculum for rural patient navigation and pilot it in two rural
communities.

Contra Costa Health Services ( Martinez , Calif. ) received $200,000 to
continue support of patient navigation and case management services for
low-income, uninsured and underserved women, with special emphasis on
African American women, Spanish-speaking women and other non-English
speaking women. These funds will help to increase the number of women
obtaining breast health services by 500; increase the number of women
navigated by 5%; and, reduce the time between breast cancer diagnosis and
the start of treatment from 2 months to 1 month.

Project Open Hand ( San Francisco , Calif. ) was granted $200,000 to support
the expansion of Project Open Hand's Homebound Critically Ill Program that
provides meals and education program for breast cancer patients and other
critically ill patients. The goals are to increase the number of unique,
unduplicated breast cancer family clients annually; expand outreach to the
local breast cancer community; and fully implement and expand the new
grocery program.

Zero Breast Cancer ( San Rafael , Calif. ) was awarded $150,000 to support a
program to build community capacity and engagement in research projects,
public education initiative and advocacy efforts focused on the prevention
of breast cancer in understudied and at-risk communities.

Communities for a Better Environment ( Oakland , Calif ) received $125,000 to
support the expansion of a community research project entitled "Linking
Breast Cancer Advocacy and Environmental Justice: Household Exposure
Study." This includes conducting a door-to-door community health survey
targeting 200 homes in the East Bay . The study will also examine
neighborhood data on mammography screening, the number of breast cancer
cases and access to breast health information.

The next Avon Walk will be Sept. 15-16 in Los Angeles .

Help build on the momentum and make 2007 the most successful Avon Walk
series yet by joining with associates, friends and family members and
becoming a member of Team Avon.There are many ways to become a member of
Team Avon.You can register as a walker or crew member, contribute a few
hours of your time by volunteering or cheering for the walkers along the
route, or pledge financial support for any of this year's events. To learn
more about Team Avon, send an e-mail to Karen Asare of the Avon Foundation
at karen.asare@avonfoundation.org or call tieline 3465 ext. 5624.

Donations are still being accepted for the Avon Walk San Francisco and
registration is open for the remaining three events taking place nationwide
through October. For more information about the series, to register to
walk, crew, volunteer or pledge financial support, visit www.avonwalk.org
or call 800-510-WALK.

The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer is a series of noncompetitive events
produced by the Avon Foundation (a 501(c)(3) public charity,) which offers
women and men of all fitness levels a choice of walking a marathon (26.2
miles) or a marathon and a half (39.3 miles) over a weekend. An
all-volunteer crew provides support every step of the way. From 2003 to
2006 the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer series raised more than $150 million.
For more information about the Avon Foundation, visit
www.avonfoundation.org.

Remember: early detection helps save lives. Schedule your mammogram or
clinical breast exam today. For more breast cancer information, visit
www.cancer.org (keyword breast cancer).

2007-07-02T17:13:00.000-07:00

Please read through for lots of good scoop, compiled by multiple hotties over years of walking...Hello there fabulous, wonderful hotties (and hotties-in-spirit!)! As of today, our mighty hottie team has raised an impressive $112,719!

Well, its here, can you even believe it? We have all made it to event week - blisters, bunions, blisters, pulled hamstrings, blisters, falling arches, blisters, sore Achilles tendons, blisters, meniscus tears, blisters, numb toes and all! We all should already feel extremely proud of our accomplishments. The rest at this point is gravy. Let's head out and enjoy our camaraderie and all around great hottie-ness!

WE CAN DO THIS!
WE CAN DO THIS!!!
WE CAN DO THIS!!!!!!

On to practical matters…First and foremost, your Hottie deeleebobbers, which you received at the picnic. WEAR THEM! How else will you know when you've run into another Hottie along the way? Trust us, they are ideal for spotting that fellow pal in the crowd. Also enclosed in your goodie bag is the Hottie cadence. If you are on a long, slow stretch and feel the need, break out in song! It will help you and others through a tough spot. If you don't not receive your Hottie goodie bag at the picnic, I have them! I will be at Event Eve from about 3:30-5. Please find me and pick them up (Or call my cell, below).

The weather looks like it is going to be ideal! 80 degrees during the day (Saturday, Mill Valley ) and 56 degrees at night. Bring good warm layers for camp and to start off the inevitably cold morning on Saturday at GG Park. I also highly suggest plastic sheeting for your tent as I imagine being close to the water we'll have lots of dew. Andrea found this article on layering for hot and cold weather: http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/content/content.jsp?contentId=200106

Meet Up Plan for Event Eve: If there are Hotel Hotties who want to meet up for an early dinner, plan to congregate in the lobby (main floor, near Michael Minna restaurant) around 5:15. I can recommend a great pasta place steps from the hotel. I'll check in with you hotel hotties that afternoon.

Meet Up Plan for Opening Ceremonies - Saturday Plan to arrive at Opening Ceremonies no later than 6:00 a.m. You need to drop off your gear, use the potties, take some photos and make you way to the stage. Be sure to wear your hottie headgear. When you arrive, look for a little swarm of the deeleeboppers congregating near the breakfast picnic tables.... so we can be together for opening! We know this from past events... they release walkers from the front of the stage area so we plan on going straight down to the stage at 6:15 am. Ceremonies begin at 6:30 am

SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN Apply in the morning and reapply often. I saw a walker once on an event whose chest was so sunburnt it was PURPLE. Need I say more? Get the backs of your legs, your ears and the part in your hair if you aren't wearing a hat.

Nutrition: Treat yourself to a good protein/carb dinner Friday. Now is not the time to worry about calories.

On the Road: Be mentally prepared that you will not be able to walk your normal pace for the hours as all of the walkers make their way onto the route. It is stop and go as 2,500 walkers make their way thru city streets and street lights.I f you are worried about time (ie - being swept to camp or the finish) or are having problems, one strategy is to get swept to lunch, then rest and carry on walking from there. Take time at the top of hills or long road stretches to enjoy the view and take a photo! You will have earned it! Take time to look back, stop and encourage other walkers. Walk alone for a bit – it can be a very powerful experience to be able to hear the silence on the road among thousands of people.

Stop as soon as you feel any hot spots and lance blisters as they appear. Don't wait! You will be very sorry. Even if you have never had problems with you feet – blister have a funny way of appearing when you least expect it!

Offer to take photos for solo walkers and teammates so everyone has photos of themselves on their own rolls of film.

At the Shower Trucks:I brought a really small tote bag with shoulder strap to take all of my stuff to the showers. (No juggling toiletries, etc.) I hung it on a peg in the shower truck while I was showering (nothing to fall on the wet floor) then I shoved all my sweaty clothes in it and sorted everything out when I got back to my tent.

May I also suggest chums for your sunglasses (the little sunglass necklace holders)...you do not want to look down in a porta pottie and have them fall off...'nuff said.

At Your Tent:Practice rolling up your sleeping pad & sleeping bag before you leave home to make sure you'll be able to manage.
Pack a favorite snick-snack in your luggage. A nice treat once you have that tent set-up! And it’s a great way to meet your neighbors in camp – “knock” on the door and offer a snack! If you have time, take a 1/2 hour to 40 minutes to do some deep stretching at night after you have showered but before you eat dinner. (Stretching with a full tummy can give you indigestion.)
Bring your own blister treatment kit in your luggage. I spent a lot of time in line at the medical tent when, if I had only brought my own needle, alcohol wipes, etc. I could have treated myself. They do have some stuff for self-service but if you need treatment the line can get long. Take all bandages & tape off of your feet overnight to let your tootsies air out. I slept with my feet hanging out of my sleeping bag too!

At Camp Services: Fill up your water bottles at the last pit stop or as you arrive in camp so you will have water in your tent without having to traipse to the food tent for water. For a yummy treat in camp: mix hot cocoa with coffee instead of hot water. A delightful taste sensation....
If you do need medical treatment (especially in the morning) consider getting your food (or have a *super nice* hottie helper get a plate for you) and then place yourself in the medical tent line (which can get long.) Then you can "kill two birds with one stone" and get out on the road a bit faster.

Closing Ceremonies: Bring your hottie flag if you’d like to have it for closing. Bring/wear your hottie shirt/socks on Day 2 so that we can take a team photos while we hang out in the Holding Area.I also suggest bringing flip flops with you to change into while waiting for closing. It feels divine to get those walking shoes off!Let’s try to gather in the holding area to take group pictures before the closing ceremonies. People tend to get the h*** outta’ dodge once the closing in over.

There are so many wonderful surprises waiting for us on the road, thanks to the kindness of the community at large and our amazing butterfly walker-stalkers -- we love you, w-s! Phil and Eric too -- we love you! But I must particularly call out our founding leader and Avon logistics coordinator for this walk, Linda Imlay. Without her, there would be no walk, literally! Thank you, Linda. Finally, I wish you all a wonderful journey. We are all in this together, whether you are Hottie in team or Hottie in spirit (you TITTS and Gail's Angels know who you are, and anyone else receiving this email).

We're all off to do a wonderful thing. Shoot me an email if you have any questions! For now, *hot pink hottie radar* engaged - over and out!

Sarah, Andrea, Sandy, Tanzeem, Meg, Lynn, Linda et. al for The Warming Hut Hotties

Pride Weekend Indeed!

2007-06-25T17:24:00.000-07:00

There's Gay Pride, Pride o' the Irish and *hottie* pride!

Some notes from your walk leaders:
Saturday Walkers, how are your feet this morning??!! :) Congratulations to the 54 folks who walked to Tiburon on Saturday. What an amazing day! The weather could not have been more lovely, the route support more helpful and the walkers more kick-(butt)! You guys booked into Tiburon at an amazing pace -- I don't think we've ever had such a fast group. It show that all that hard work, training, andmiles logged have paid off. I was so happy to see so many accomplished proud faces on the ferry that day. Pride weekend, indeed! Sarah

Sunday Walkers, you are fantastico! Thank you for your patience about the starting place. We started with a group of us at the Sports Basement. It wasn't until I got a call from 9 walkers waiting at the Warming Hut, who by the way had parked and walked in, did I realize that the group was much bigger. Not to hold up the first group, Sarah left with them (thank you, Sarah, for taking the lead!!!!!) and I waited for the others to arrive, did the safety speech, and off we went.

It was a really beautiful day. Although the first group had to make some adjustments with the last part of the route because of the marathon, by the time the second group arrived, we had the thrill of walking up Lincoln and Kobe!! I hope everyone enjoyed the walk. For those of you who left early, thank you for taking such good care of yourselves. I hope to see some of you this Saturday and the Hottie Stalkers will be at Opening Ceremonies. I look forward to seeing you all on your Event. Thank you for walking, and raising funds and awareness. Andrea

The hottie team's fundraising keeps growing and growing! We're at $109,239.45!!!

The final walk before the event!
Sat 6/30 - 12 miles & Walk-luck picnic! - meet at 7:00 am RSVP led by Sarah

Click here to RSVP for our walk-luck picnic on June 30th. We'll be handing out hottie team spirit items at the picnic!

Have a wonderful week and do something extra nice for yourself today, you've earned it,
Linda, Sarah, Sandy, Meg & Andrea

Walkin' Like You Mean It

2007-06-18T17:44:00.000-07:00

Hooray for the 33 Hotties that showed up this weekend to take on the hills and dales of San Francisco! We are so proud of all of you and it's so exciting to see everyone really be "ready" to walk. You all are in great shape, great spirits and have that great Hottie spirit pulsing through your veins. BRING IT ON!

Love and thanks to Phil for getting us up that last of four hills on Saturday..."Rocky" is always there just when you really need it.

And our lovely little group of 8 on Sunday enjoyed a completely different day filled with sunshine, "beautiful vistas" along Land's End, and swapped many stories.

MAKE PLANS NOW FOR THAT 18 MILE WALK ON SATURDAY! It's the last chance to walk to Tiburon...a close approximation to the actual walk but with a deluxe ferry ride at the end. We'll meet at the Fort Mason Parking Lot at 6AM (not the Warming Hut).

And 12 miles on Sunday (7am), back at The Warming Hut.Please RSVP! It helps us plan.

We're so thrilled to be a part of your training, and so amazed at how far all of us have come. We're almost there! Thanks so much for helping the miles fly by.Have a great week.

Warmly, Sarah and Andrea, for The Hotties

Woooooohoooooo hotties

2007-06-11T17:45:00.000-07:00

A huge congratulations to everyone who came out for the WRW. Whether you walked 5 miles or all 39 you should feel very proud! Like they say, "Half the battle is just showing up!" Now you know when your energy flags or you reach your limit the group will support you every step of the way. Thank you to each of you for bringing your energy and compassion to the group - you all make the walk experience that much more meaningful. I hope you got a sense of the wonderful community of walkers to which you belong. Continue to stretch, hydrate, Advil and ice anything that is more that sore. Rest up this week... you deserve it!

Please be sure to scroll down for some important reminders!

Notes from your Walk Leaders:

From Sarah: We started out 54 strong on a shivery Saturday morning, nervously wondering how Day 1 of our WRW with its long mileage would go. By the time we crested Tank Hill we were confident that we are ready to go! Hooray for all of you! Special props to Charles who came all the wayfrom Concord as a solo guy walker but emerged with true Hottie spirit. And kudos to Linda, Sandy and our wonderful Phil for supporting us through the morning with yummy snacks, water and Gatorade. You walkers were AWESOME!

From Meg: What a fabulous job all of the second loop walkers did on Saturday! We had great spirit walking the 18, 20 and 26 miles! A special pat on the back to the many lovely walkers for whom Saturday was their first training walk - what a first it was! And a double pat on the back to the 16 of you who walked the entire 26 miles and came back down to the Warming Hut hooting and hollering! A special thank you to new hottie Carol who took on the role of training walk leader for the 20 mile group! Thanks to everyone for such warm and wonderful smiles for all of the miles! From Andrea: "We had 32 people on Sunday and it was beautiful. Everyone did really well and there was great cheering each other up the hills (and there really are some challenging hills coming back from Sausalito). But all of you - walkers who were out with us yesterday, the three brand new walkers who just recently registered for the walk, and all the rest of us - we did it!!!! Thank you, Eric for being there for us.

The hottie team has raised a whopping $81,856.45 to date! Keep up the amazing work! Send out an email to everyone letting them know you just did the WRW... and the event is 3 weeks away... I bet you'll be surprised that you get more donations.

ACTION ITEM! Deadline for hottie team tening is Tuesday, June 12th
The deadline was extended.Why join the hottie team? To show our colors on event (we have a lot of special hottie spirit on event), to have a community within the greater walk community on event weekend (tenting together), to compound your fundraising dollars - last year the hotties raised almost $115,000. Don't be shy, take the leap! Remember it's not a physical attribute, it's state of mind, spirit and heart. Once a hottie, always a hottie! To join the legion of worldwide hotties email Sarah, the teams coordinator, at teams.sanfrancisco@avonwalk.org and ask to be added to the team. Yes, it is that easy.

Then, email Lynn Nelson lunartiger27@yahoo.com to be included in the hottie tent section in camp Let her know your name, your tentmate's name or if you need a tentmate (we'll fix you up!)

Team shirts! We'll be sending an email very soon about ordering hottie team shirts for the event. We will order a pink short sleeve wicking, black long sleeve, pink cap sleeve. Keep your eye out for it!

Upcoming Walks!
Sat 6/16 - 10 miles - meet at 7:30 am - Warming Hut RSVP led by Sarah
Sat 6/17 - 10 miles - meet at 7:30 am - Warming Hut RSVP led by Andrea

Sat 6/23 - 18 miles - meet at 6:00 am - Ft Mason RSVP led by Sarah
Sat 6/24 - 12 miles - meet at 7:00 am - Warming Hut RSVP led by Andrea

Sat 6/30 - 12 miles & Walk-luck picnic! - meet at 7:00 am RSVP led by Sandy, Sarah & Meg
(We'll be sending an Evite with lots of details aboutthe picnic soon.)

Enjoy your week and we hope to see you out on the road very soon!
Linda, Andrea, Sandy, Sarah & Meg

6 Weeks and Counting!

2007-05-22T17:46:00.000-07:00

Hello hotties! A few quick announcements. The Avon Walk is a short 6 weeks away. Woooooohooooo!!! Now is the time to make adjustments in gear, hydration supplements/snacks and overall training plan. Try to come out with us for one long walk followed by a shorter walk on sunday. It will give you a real sense of how your body will feel walking high mileage two days in a row. We have another 136 miles of training walk planned before the event so you will be ready!

#1 - We are cancelling the SATURDAY MAY 26th walk. Sarah has thrown her back out and all other walk leaders are otherwise commited. But....

#2 - The SUNDAY MAY 27TH walk is still happening! Andrea will give options to those interested in adding mileage to make a longger walk. Sat 5/27 - 12 miles - meet at 7:00 am - Warming Hut RSVP led by Andrea.

#3 - Make it official... Join the Avon Walk Warming Hut Hottie Team! If you join now you will be included in the hottie team tent section in the Wellness Village: It's new this year, pre-assigned tent sections for teams!

So you've been training with us all of these weeks and unlike many college courses there are no prerequisites to joining the hottie team, except having the heart of a hottie. Remember it's not a physical attribute, it's state of mind, spirit and heart. Once a hottie, always a hottie! Why join? To show our colors on event (we have a lot of special hottie spirit on event), to have a community within the greater walk community on event weekend (tenting together), to compound your fundraising dollars - last year the hotties raised almost $115,000. Don't be shy, take the leap! To join email Sarah, the teams coordinator, at teams.sanfrancisco@avonwalk.org and ask to be added to the team!

#4 - Mark your calendar for the big Walk Rehersal Weekend June 9th and 10th. Staurday you'll walk 18, 20 or 26 miles. Sunday we'll walk another 13. We'll provide plenty of snacks and hydration. You pack a sack lunch. It's a great bonding weekend! Be there of be square. RSVP here.

Upcomming Walks -

Sat 6/2- 12 miles - meet at 7:00 am - Warming Hut RSVP led by Meg
Sat 6/3- 12 miles - meet at 6:15 am - Warming Hut RSVP led by Andrea
June Walks will be posted online soon. All walks are on the Avon site: http://walk.avonfoundation.org/site/PageServer?pagename=sanf_training_walks_2k7

To join the hotties-yahoo group to stay in touch http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/hotties-group/:
Email: hotties-group-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Enjoy your week and we hope to see you out on the road very soon!
Linda, Andrea, Sandy, Sarah & Meg

2007-05-15T17:48:00.000-07:00

A person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it. — Jean de La Fontaine

Good Morning everyone:

Hope everyone had a wonderful Mothers Day weekend with family and friends! It was great to see so many of you wonderful walkers on such a great day! It was a bit windy - but so cool & clear. The trek to Tiburon is really full of some of the most beautiful scenery we have in the Bay Area. Coming around the bend off of Blackies Pasture where we can look back as to see how far we have walked always blows me away! We really travel far!

Did everyone got a lovely lunch in Tiburon and a bit of window shopping in the sweet boutiques tucked away in town? The walk to Tiburon with its long flat stretches really feels different on my body the next day. The pads of my feet seem a little more sore and I seem to get wind burns/sun burns a little easier than walking in the city. I stayed back with the last walker when we got off the Ferry so I did not get to say goodbye to you all!

Just wanted to thank each and every one of you for your patience at every rest stop. I know it must have been hard to wait - but most of you did and I commend you for using that time to stretch, have a snack and meet/talk to new people. A couple of years ago, Linda gave me a beautiful necklace with the inscription, "It is not the destination - it is the journey". With all of the miles traveled together the journey together means most!

Phil and Eric (the best guys ever)....thanks alot for everything! You guys are always at the right place at the right time! The Tiburon walk is a long day for you both and a lot of miles on the vehicles. Thanks for giving so much to us! Phil....so happy that you found your "Route Support" jacket with your keys!

Also, Thanks Tanzeem for leading the walk with me! Love your energy, spirit and most of all your hearty, infectious laugh!Tanzeem wanted me to pass on the thanks to you all for your generosity in your contributions to the Hottie Fund that supports these amazing walks!

Take this week to rest and re-cooperate! A fine job All!
Sandy and Tanzeem

A neat article about one of our favorite topics WALKING ON HILLS!
"Walking uphill uses the muscles in the front of your thigh and in your buttocks, burning an extra 3-5 calories per minute over walking on the level." http://walking.about.com/od/howtowal1/a/uphill.htm?nl=1

To join the Avon Walk Warming Hut Hottie Team!
Unlike many college courses there are no prerequisites to joining the hottie team, except having the heart of a hottie. Remember it's not a physical attribute, it's state of mind, spirit and heart. Once a hottie, always a hottie! To join email Tina the teams coordinator at teams.sanfrancisco@avonwalk.org and ask to be added to the team!

Next Week's Walks:
Sat 5/19 - 12 miles - meet at 7:00 am - Warming Hut RSVP led by Sandy
Sat 5/20 - 12 miles - meet at 7:00 am - Warming Hut RSVP led by Andrea

June Walks will be posted online soon. All walks are on the Avon site: http://walk.avonfoundation.org/site/PageServer?pagename=sanf_training_walks_2k7

To join the hotties-yahoo group to stay in touch http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/hotties-group/:
Email: hotties-group-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Enjoy your week and we hope to see you out on the road very soon!
Linda, Andrea, Sandy, Sarah & Meg

Hotties are HOT!

2007-05-07T18:05:00.000-07:00

(Apologies to Peggy, Jeanie, Lisa, Tammy and Allan, whose emails I don't have -- if you do, please forward to them).

Yes, we were!C ongratulations to all of you who walked "12+" on Saturday and another 12 on Sunday. What an amazing weekend to be out walking in the early morning with no San Francisco fog. We really have a beautiful city. It was great to have visiting birthday guests from LA on

Saturday, a stop at the Farmer's Market and the incredible route support of Eric and Phil.
Walking "solo" on Sunday gave us a true appreciation for these wonderful gentlemen and the effort they put out. And yet -- we had another "Sunday surprise guest (better than John Kerry?)!" Lynne and Phil showed up on their gleaming Harley in full motorcycle regalia to cheer the Sunday hotties on! Thanks Phil and Lynne.

Special props to our Sunday walkers Rina, Tammy and Allan, who took the 12 miles at a leisurely pace but still checked in with me along the way.

Please remember to RSVP to our walks, even though the Avon walk template says at the bottom "This event does not require an RSVP." It helps us know how many to expect (and make sure we don't leave without you), copy enough maps, have enough water if we can, etc.

Next week's walks: Saturday - 18 miles -- 6AM start -- meet at Ft. Mason Parking Lot across from the Marina Safeway (NOT the Warming Hut)
Sunday - 12 miles -- 7AM start -- meet at The Warming Hut

To join the Warming Hut Hottie Team:For the Avon Walk. Email the teams coordinator at teams.sanfrancisco@avonwalk.org and ask to be added to the team! To join the hotties-yahoo group to stay in touch http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/hotties-group/:Email: hotties-group-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Enjoy your week and we hope to see you out on the road very soon!
Linda, Andrea, Sandy, Sarah & Meg

Warming Hut Hotties
H

We did 16 Miles!

2007-04-30T17:50:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Great, great job on Saturday! Our first 16 miler of the season...all of you were very strong to the finish! I really liked this route becuase of its versitility and grade variance. Linda...thank you for another great training walk!!

I personally wanted to thank you all for your understanding with the slightly rocky start on Saturday morning with the start time conflicts. What made you all so special was your patience and acceptance and just "going with the flow" attitude you expressed. I really feel it turned out to be one of the lovliest days we have had so far. The weather, terrain and views couldn't have been better!

Special thanks to the guys on the trail................

Our dear Eric and Phil...For being with us every mile and eager to help us with everything - including sunscreen and yummy snacks. You guys are the best!!

Welcome Bill....It was so nice of you to join us and to share your delicious chocolate treats with us. They hit the spot! I wish I had the other gentlemans e-mail that walked with us to the finish from Tank Hill. It was just such a treat to have you both with us.

All of you guys just made our walk sweeter!

I hope you all rested well this weekend. With the warm weather hopefully you all had a chance to experience how the walks can be different. For example, your usual socks might have been too hot, there could have been less clothing layers or maybe you might have needed more electrolytes and sunscreen applications. My wish for you is to be able to notice the subtle differences in this warmer/higher mileage walk to increase the comfortability for the higher mileage ahead.

See you all soon & thanks again!

Sandy K.

Next Week's Walks:
Sat 5/5- 12 miles - meet at 7:00- Warming Hut - Led by Sarah
Sat 5/6- 12 miles - meet at 7:00 am - Warming Hut - Led by Sarah

May Walks posted : http://walk.avonfoundation.org/site/PageServer?pagename=sanf_training_walks_2k7

To join the Warming Hut Hottie Team:
For the Avon Walk. Email the teams coordinator at teams.sanfrancisco@avonwalk.org and ask to be added to the team!

To join the hotties-yahoo group to stay in touch http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/hotties-group/:
Email: hotties-group-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Enjoy your week and we hope to see you out on the road very soon!
Linda, Andrea, Sandy, Sarah & Meg

8 Miles on Sunday and a special guest

2007-04-30T17:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Walkers!!! What a day we had. Some of you came across the Bay Bridge even after the terrible accident and you all had such great attitudes. Nancy was with us and smiling even after her 16 miles the previous day - great job Nancy. At the beginning of the walk, there were only two Lyon Street Stair veterans. Now there are 15. Congratulations! You all made it and took care of yourselves.

And what a surprise we had mid-way. Mauro was the first person I heard say that John Kerry was there. What? Was he on the stairs? Was he getting his exercise? Was it THE John Kerry? Yes, it was. Here he was in a suit, standing next to another man at one of the gorgeous houses along the stairs. Just the two of them.

We stopped and talked to him - very friendly, smiling, shaking hands. Even took a picture with one of the walkers. Seeing him seemed to make our steps a little lighter as we climbed the second part of the stairs. Walkers, in all the trips I've made up those stairs, I've never seen anyone famous...except for the hotties always cheering me on at the top of the stairs.

So now is a good time to start checking out whether you have the right shoes, the right socks, the right wicking underware, the right hat, the right hydration system, the right attitude. Remember that Sports Basement has a discount for you if you mention the Avon Walk - you probably drove right by it.

And it's also time to think about your fundraising. Have you sent a donation invitation to EVERYONE you know, including your dentist, hairdresser, grocer, babysitter, co-workers, obgyn, mechanic... And when someone asks you how you are, tell them about the training walks you've done and why you're walking. For some of us, getting our bodies ready to walk the miles is the challenge. For others of us, fundraising is the thing that makes us break into a cold sweat. Remember, you've already started the journey of this walk. See what areas of fear and discomfort you can break through. You will be truly amazed.

It was an honor to walk with you and I look forward to seeing you again soon. Walk safely and be good to your Heart.

Andrea

May walks are posted: http://walk.avonfoundation.org/site/PageServer?pagename=sanf_training_walks_2k7

To join the Warming Hut Hottie Team:
For the Avon Walk. Email the teams coordinator at teams.sanfrancisco@avonwalk.org ann ask to be added to the team.

To join the hotties-yahoo group to stay in touch http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/hotties-group/:
Email: hotties-group-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

The Expo was fantabulous!

2007-04-23T17:52:00.000-07:00

Well the Expo was a fantastic day! We had some 90 people head out on the 12 mile walk led by the hotties and thankfully the weather held out this time. Sandy & Tanzeem, the pins you made were a huge hit not just with the walkers but with the Sports Basement staff. Sandy, Sarah, Phil & Eric. Thanks for always giving 110% to the event and to our walkers.

I haven't heard from Andrea but I am sure you all had yet another super spectacular 12 mile walk on Sunday in the gorgeous weather!

Back to Back Walks are scheduled from now until the Avon Walk! Some new walkers have asked "why walk on both days?" The first reason is is get your body used to walking on two days to replicate the event itself. It is also a way to gradually increase mileage to approximate what you will walk on the event. You will notice every other weekend the mileage gets higher. The weekends in between are endurance building weekends with 12 mile hilly walks. The hottie training walk plan is set based upon the following:

Saturday: Mileage building day. This long day is essential - and you should try to walk the entire distance with only short breaks

Sunday: Moderate distance day. This is a recovery day, but also will show you the effects on your muscles and feet on walking the day after your long distance day.

Next Week's Walks:
Sat 4/28 - 16 miles - meet at 6:30 am - Warming Hut RSVP led by Sandy
Sat 4/15 - 10 miles - meet at 7:45 am - Warming Hut RSVP led by Andrea

May Walks will posted soon: http://walk.avonfoundation.org/site/PageServer?pagename=sanf_training_walks_2k7

To join the Warming Hut Hottie Team:
For the Avon Walk. Email the teams coordinator at teams.sanfrancisco@avonwalk.org and ask to be added to the team!

To join the hotties-yahoo group to stay in touch http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/hotties-group/:
Email: hotties-group-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Enjoy your week and we hope to see you out on the road very soon!
Linda, Andrea, Sandy, Saragh & Meg

Hearty Hotties!

2007-04-16T17:54:00.000-07:00

Good morning everyone:

Congratulations for coming out and braving the downpours we had on Saturday! When we all met at the Warming Hut before 7:00 - there wasn't a drop of rain........YET........Then there were a few sprinkles.......Oh, no problem....just like last week....good for the complexion........then the sprinkles turned into showers......Hmmmmmm.......The walkers sure came prepared with their raincoats and multiple layers...they'll be OK.......Then there came the puddles and heavy drops of rain.......Oh Oh....now Linda and Eric were circling full force checking on us to see if we were OK and waiting for us to signal that we had had enough.

The Andronico's stop was our oasis and the place where we would decide what to do next. We had walked almost 6 miles so far......Decisions were made and some asked to be shuttled back to their cars and some stayed to double back our route and finish 12 miles. (Oh, the rain stopped.....we will just dry off walking the way back.....we thought). It poured even harder....we just had to make sure that every inch of our clothing was soaked and that it weighed about 10 lbs. Avoiding puddles didn't matter any more. At times we thought were were alone and then we would see huge groups of people out training for the AIDS Marathon.....we cheered for them and they did for us!

We made it back - our muscles never warmed up at all today...we were very, very tight. Wet layers stripped, warm/dry layers added, heaters full blast - home to hot showers, Advil and warm liquids.

Thanks Eric and Linda - For watching us extra closely and just being with us every step of the way! And for not swishing by us and spraying gobs of water from your tires...I know it was a little tempting.

Another great satisfying adventure with the most wonderful, patient, strong and hearty group of people! I hope all of your tennies are dry now.....(If not...take the insoles out to dry separately and put the shoes in the dryer for awhile. They'll look brand new!)

What an amazing day! Hotties are very hearty......and maybe a little stubborn too.......

Next week is the EXPO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RSVP soon.

Sandy K.

Upcoming Walks:
Sat 4/21- 12 miles - meet at 8:00 am - EXPO @ Presidio Sports Basement
Sat 4/22 -12 miles - meet at 7:00 am - Warming Hut

April walks are posted: http://walk.avonfoundation.org/site/PageServer?pagename=sanf_training_walks_2k7

To join the Warming Hut Hottie Team:
For the Avon Walk. Email the teams coordinator at teams.sanfrancisco@avonwalk.org and ask to be added to the team!

To join the hotties-yahoo group to stay in touch http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/hotties-group/:
Email: hotties-group-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Great Job Hotties!!!

2007-04-02T17:54:00.000-07:00

Dear Warming Hut Hotties,

Whoooo Hooooo! Congratulations for another terrific training walk on Saturday! And a big Welcome to all of the new walkers! You guys did a great job! Special thanks to Cherl and Mary for taking up the lead and to Lisa for bringing up the back of the pack with me.

We really had a lot of momentum and a beautiful day - all 42 walkers spread the Hottie spirit all the way to the Ferry Plaza and back!

Thank you so much Phil for wonderful route support to all!

I hope to see you all again soon! The upcoming walks (including next Saturday) are listed below!

Best,

Meg

Upcoming Walks:
Sat 4/7 - 12 miles - meet at 6:45 am - Warming Hut RSVP
Sat 4/14 - 14 miles - meet at 6:30 am - Warming Hut RSVP

April walks are posted: http://walk.avonfoundation.org/site/PageServer?pagename=sanf_training_walks_2k7

To join the Warming Hut Hottie Team:
For the Avon Walk. Email the teams coordinator at teams.sanfrancisco@avonwalk.org and ask to be added to the team!

To join the hotties-yahoo group to stay in touch http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/hotties-group/:
Email: hotties-group-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Warming Hut Hotties
Hearts and Soles United Against Breast Cancer

hotties filled with so much heart and spirit!

2007-03-26T17:56:00.000-07:00

Hello walker friends:

Hope you all are feeling rested and recooperated from Saturdays beautiful 14 mile walk. I believe the new route is a keeper!

I just wanted all of you to know what a pleasure it is to walk with you all. I have so enjoyed getting to know our new walkers as well as chumming up with our lovely veteran walkers. You are all filled with so much heart and spirit - I am just happy to be part of this great community!

Completing this 14 miles really gives an idea of how you will be feeling over 1/2 way through the actual 1st day of the Avon walk. You might have discovered what changes you might need to make to prepare yourself for the event. For example, in the type of socks you have, the sports drink/electrolyte replacement that works best for you or the layers of clothing that are the most comfortable to you when walking these great, varying distances.

Please join us again really soon for another spectacular day:
Special, special thanks to Sarah for taking over for me at around mile 10 when I got called out for an emergency with my father. He has been so sick with 1 failing kidney (he only has 1 left from a bout with cancer) and congestive heart failure. He was released from the hospital Sunday with not much else to do but to try to maintain with the multitude of medicines that he has to take to keep alive. Every good day he has is a blessing.

Thank you, thank you Phil and Eric for safely transporting me to my car so I could get to the hospital in Redwood City in a flash. It never fails, you both are really always there when we need you!

Ya know, it always overwhelms me with so much gratitude that I am part of this great team and community of wonderful walkers! We are always there for each other when one person just needs a little bit more.

I'll miss you all next weekend - I am going to NY with my daughter Amber to look at colleges. Our lovely fellow walker Meg will be with you next week to lead another great walk!

I hope you all have a fantastic week filled with good stretching, hydration, healthy food and rest. See you all April 7th.

Best wishes and thanks,

Sandy K.

Upcoming Walks:
Sat 3/31 - 10 flat (one hill) miles - meet at 8:00 am - Warming Hut
RSVPSat 4/7 - 12 hilly miles - meet at 7:00 am - Warming Hut RSVP

April walks are posted: http://walk.avonfoundation.org/site/PageServer?pagename=sanf_training_walks_2k7

To join the Warming Hut Hottie Team:
For the Avon Walk. Email the teams coordinator at teams.sanfrancisco@avonwalk.org and ask to be added to the team!

To join the hotties-yahoo group to stay in touch http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/hotties-group/
Email: hotties-group-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Great walk 3/17/07!

2007-03-19T17:57:00.000-07:00

Good Morning everyone!

Congratulations on such a great walk last Saturday! I think this particular walk is the most challenging and beautiful 12 milers we have! And everyone you did it! I know it was tough in some spots but I saw the beam of accomplishment in each and every one of your faces as you pushed through it!

If you have been a little sore just keep hydrating, stretching carefully and maybe take a nice warm bubble bath to ease the tightness or kinks that may be lingering.

***Special Thanks to Phil and Linda for your tireless support, music, water/Gatorade and whooooohoooos!

I hope everyone noticed all of our gorgeous California Coast greenery! Perfect for St. Patrick's Day!

I so enjoyed you all and I sure hope you can come back next Saturday for another beautiful walk. 14 miles - a little flatter this time - I promise! It is kind of hard to keep flat in our hilly city.

See you soon!

Sandy K.

Great climb up Lincoln Hill!

2007-03-11T17:59:00.000-07:00

Good morning walkers!

Just a little e-mail to let you know how wonderful of a time I had walking with you!

I am so impressed with how well everyone did, especially the climb up Lincoln hill! I hope the stunning view of the coastline inspired you to keep trekking forward---hot footsies and all.

To all the new and veteran walkers, please continue hydrating and give yourself a good rest this weekend.

Special thanks to "The best guys ever" Phil & Eric, for your self-less cheering and support for us! We are very spoiled by the great care you give us, always.

Lindy, thanks for the cheering, too! I hope your injury heals very soon so you can be out with us, my friend!

Next week we meet at the Warming Hut @ 7:00am for a 12 Miler! I really hope to see you again!

Best Wishes,

Sandy Klink

First hottie training walk of 2007! Sat 8 miles!

2007-02-26T18:01:00.000-08:00

Hey hotties, Time to dust of your walking shoes and come out of your winter slumber!!!

Sarah Moore, hottie walker '03, '04, '05, '06 and '07 will be leading a moderate 8 mile walk this Saturday - March 3rd. Come on out and get motivated for the 2007 walking season.
Meet: 8:00 am
Location: The Warming Hut
Be there or be square!
RSVP to: warminghuthotties @ sbcglobal. net

We have walks planned for Saturdays through March.
Mark your calendars:
Sat 10th: 10 miles - 8:00 am meet - led by Sandy
Sat 17th: 12 miles - 7:00 am meet - led by Sandy
Sat 24th: 14 miles - 6:45 am meet - led by Sandy
Sat 31st: 10 miles - 8:00 am meet - led by Meg

To get up to date walk info join the hotties yahoo group! To subscribe by email: hotties-group-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

There will be Sat/Sun walks starting in April.

I am thrilled to announce that Lynne Petra Nelson will be the Warming Hut Hottie Team Captain for the SF Avon Walk. CLICK HERE to JOIN

We also have hottie teams on the following events:
Boston 3 Day
Seattle 3 Day
San Diego 3 Day

Thanks!
Linda Imlay, Lynn Nelson, Sarah Moore, Sandy Klink, Andrea Goodman and Meg Young Training Walk Leaders