Karen’s Training Log

Ever wonder how nutritious your food is ?

While surfing for some recipes, I came across this very interesting site which provides detailed nutritional information. Nutritiondata.com provides a wealth of data on just about any food.  It even includes fast food data.   My beloved medium size McDonald’s french fries have 384 calories.  During yesterday’s 13 mile 4 hour walk I burned 630 calories… or 1.5 servings of french fries

Knitting circle

Cathy and I started knitting at Starbucks on Thursday nights, so that we could have “a night out”.  Since our first “Stitch and Bitch”, we’ve had others join the circle.  Cathy’s friend Marge is our resident crochet expert.  She has been busy making hats for the cancer fundraiser.  Each one uses a different stitch pattern.  They are exquisite. When she placed them on the table, it reminded me of a sherbet ice cream cone.   After I finish the current project I’m working on, I definitely want to learn to crochet.

NY Walk Route Sneak Peak

The Avon NY Walker Buddies provided us a sneak peak of the route at ROUTE PREVIEW DAY. We were able to walk part of the actual Avon Walk route.  There were two training walks, a 13 mile as well as a 6 mile, to help get everyone ready for those longer distances.  A table was set up on the path near the Hudson River at 72nd Street and a large group gathered there for the training event.

We headed north and walked along the river up to 125th Street at which point we turned onto Riverside Drive.  Stopping at the “REST STOP” at 72nd Street, Tara had snacks, water and Gatorade waiting for us.  Those walkers who were completing the 13 mile trek walked on down the Hudson River to Perry Street.  There was a sign posted there telling us to turn around. We walked back up to 72nd Street, where pizza and snacks were being served.

Sadie, sporting a blue helmet and matching bike gear, was our route guide as she waited for us at 125th Street and then Perry Street.  Good thing she had that fast bicycle of hers.

Two ladies from the Loantaka walks showed up.  It was great to see Linda and Lisa.  Lisa brought her friend Karen along and the two of them set a fast pace.  By the time Linda and I arrived at the end, they were already gone.  Linda and I completed the walk in a very respectable 4 hours and 15 minutes.

I took some pictures of the sights along the way….

Where your donations go…

Fundraising is picking up ! I have just crossed the $3,300 mark. It looks like I just might pass the $4,000 mark this year.

What that money buys:

* 40 mammograms ($100 each)
*   4 MRIs ($1,000 each)

You can learn where the money from the NY 2007 walk went by clicking here.

An astounding 79.5% of all the money raised was directed to mission programs and services, including grants, gifts and awards to beneficiary organizations  (this is what is commonly referred to as “net return” to the cause).  3% covered management and general activities and 17.5% covered fundraising expenses.

In the American Institute of Philanthropy’s view, 60% or greater is reasonable for most charities “to return” to the cause. The remaining percentage is spent on fundraising and general administration.

Just passed the $1,000 mark

Fundraising has been much slower this year than years past.   By this time last year I had already met the $1,800 commitment.  I know the economy is to blame. Four-dollar a gallon gas and large increases in food mean you have much less money to give to charity.

Unfortunately cancer doesn’t take a holiday when prices soar.   Imagine losing your job and then hearing those horrible words “You have cancer”.  Money from the walk goes to help people deal with cancer, now.   Please consider giving up one latte a week this month and make a $20 donation.  Every little bit will help a woman suffering from breast cancer !!!!    Thank you.