I've been regularly walking for 2 years now. However, I usually walk at work in 30 minutes spurts, i.e. less than 2 miles at a time. I was a little nervous about how I'd fare at the 8 mile practice walk. It turns out that I had little to fear. At the end of the walk, my problem heel (it had plantar fasciitis since recovered for the most part) was a little tender, but I could have walked further and have walked in much greater pain before. I was also beginning to develop a blister on my other foot. Today, it's almost completely healed. I feel fine today and pleased at the accomplishment. The practice walk tested me in a way I probably would have never done on my own.
My friend and coworker Tanu has asked me to join her on our organization team for the 5-mile March of Dimes Walk. I was thinking that I was going to do it anyway, but after the practice walk, I feel even more positive about it.
There is no fund raising floor for March of Dimes, however I would like to raise some $$ for them. On the other hand, I don't want to directly compete with Kim or Tanu. March of Dimes does provide a website to participants to solicit and gather credit card donations. I think all the major charities do that nowadays. So I plan on spamming all my online venues to ask for donations. I guess this should be considered fair warning that it's coming. I hope y'all will consider donating. :)