​WALKING A MARATHON
I began power walking about four years ago. I had been a runner (jogger, really). I spent a lot of time in the gym using exercise equipment, lifting light weights and attending group fitness classes. Over time, I began feeling aches and pains, specifically my knees. This was not unexpected as years of pounding in high impact activities would surely lead to wear and tear injuries, but I didn’t want these issues to progress to surgery later on. I decided to switch to power walking and quickly became obsessed.
 I had always wanted to complete a marathon. One day while walking, I thought “Why not walk a marathon?!” I registered for a marathon not far from where I lived. I had been increasing speed and distance as my walking progressed. I never entertained the thought that I might not finish the marathon. I had no idea what to expect but was eager.
On marathon day, I felt enthusiastic. I experienced a little anxiety, but that was mostly related to concerns about where to park, how to dress for the weather, etc. I got caught up in the crowd’s excitement as start time approached. Participants were chatting while stretching and warming up. The colorful athletic wear, upbeat music, cheering spectators and overall energy were stimulating. I was ready.
 I started out near the back of the group. (I learned later that this is a good spot as participants are bottled-necked in front.) I was pumping my arms and walking fast. I passed some runners (!) and felt even more confident that I would not only finish but also perform well. Along the way, many folks asked “Are you going to walk the entire race!?” I was not the only walker. Of course, I felt fatigued after a lot of miles. My back and feet were aching. I stopped at some hydration stations, and I had a pocket full of peanuts (and I kept thinking about my post-race reward of donuts!). I said “good job” to fellow participants as I moved forward, and it felt important to thank the wonderful spectators. Around miles 16 & 20, I “hit the wall” which means that I felt worn out. I rallied. I looked around as I walked, noticing nature and interesting things. Fast forward (really fast walking!), I crossed the finish line. I felt great mentally, emotionally and, yes, physically. I had done it! My mantra had been “have a good time” (referring to a fun experience, not a clock time). I will say that after 5 hours, 32 minutes of walking, the crowd at the finish line had thinned as most competitors, especially the elite runners, had completed their race long before me. However, there were plenty of participants still crossing the finish line, and I quickly moved to the fence to cheer them on.
I returned home and, within a few days, signed up for my next marathon. I have now completed 26 marathons and counting! Just about anyone can do this! It’s simple: Put on some comfy sneakers and baggy clothes and just start walking!

I have followed People walker since I first heard about this business a few years ago. I loved the concept of being a people walker and did email Chuck to enquire about how to do this in Portland, OR. When they expanded to other cities I applied to be a people walker in Portland. I was hired, and I felt like I have a strong background in walking knowledge and I do walk. I was disappointed with the lack of people wanting to pay to walk in Portland and some disappointment in a lack of support to getting started in Portland. I still think their main focus was on the LA area and not enough support was given to the other cities. 

I do support the concept and I understand that the app they created to connect people with people walkers needed funding and due to a lack of resources the app is no longer available. 

I am happy to see that Chuck did a TED talk and I hope he is able to build his business and create a people walking niche. Now more than ever there is an increasing need to walk and spend time disconnected from our electronic devices. 
Scout
Website owner

This is a recent article on Mall Walking that was written for Groupworks. Here is the link to the article https://groupworks.com/blog/group-activity-spotlight-mall-walking/​

​I am very excited about a writing /blogging gig that I was recently hired to do. I will be writing for GroupWorks which is a platform for helping clubs by making management easier. I first heard about GroupWorks when the AVA started using it to manage their clubs and members. They also have interests groups called passions and then they have channels that one can follow. One channel is called Hiking and Walking and I will be the person writing and adding content to that channel. It is very similar to how I gather information for my website. I feel like this is a really positive step for me as I move forward in my life. 
If you are interested in using GroupWorks for club management I'd suggest checking their website. It is an easy platform to use and has lots of potential. Plus you could then subscribe to my channel!

​I recently joined a new group in North Portland (OR) that is focused on connectivity. Connecting multi modal transportation agencies with neighbors to discuss the transportation issues and how to move forward in an increasingly more densely populated neighborhood. We decided to do a Kick off and introduce ourselves to the community and get the transportation agencies involved with the neghborhood. This was our first event with about 150 people in attendance.
I was fortunate to know the author, who lives in my neighborhood and offered to attend the event and write a blog for America Walks.
http://americawalks.org/america-walks-attends-north-portland-transportation-kick-off-event/
Now the work begins to continue to build the partnerships and keep the dialog going.
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​When I turned 50 my friend recruited me for her relay team, The Vintage Whine Walkers. This is a group of older women who enjoy walking and all the challenges that come from living in a van with 8 other women during a relay event, fatigue, jumping in and out of a van to support the person walking etc..., bees, mosquitoes, heat, cold, finding and losing things, it is all part of the adventure.

When a relay comes up (this year we are doing 5 walk relays not the usual 2) our captain, Judy will ask who wants to join the team for that particular race. Sometimes she has to find new team mates which helps grow our list of walkers as some move to other teams or are unable to participate anymore.

​Our team prefers to do an 8 person team, we have a reliable comfortable older van which fits right into our group.  Although CLR did a Relay in Hells Canyon one year and we did it with 5 people. Don't ask how. We somehow managed. Unfortunately that relay did not continue after the first event.

​We do Portland to Coast, Cascade Lakes Relay from Silver Lake to Bend. This year we did an overnight Cape Meares Relay. Hood To Coast is expanding their races and moving towards one day relay events. We did HTC Pacific City and HTC WA. The two videos are from the HTC WA relay. The one on the right features my team captain. She is the reason I continue to do relays. 

​I am not sure why I enjoy doing walk relays. I'll be out walking along my leg on a narrow highway following the walker ahead of me with a walker gaining on my heels, it's hot, I am thirsty, hungry for real food, and tired. My team is waiting for me a couple of miles down the road, and I ask why am I doing this? 
Then when I am at home and it's dark and cold outside I see the email from Judy- I just signed us up for the CLR- are you in? And I respond-of course! How could I not do it again?

​I have two more relays this year. Cascade Lakes Relay and the Portland to Coast Relay. 
​Judy has us signed up for 3 next year and we keep searching for some new ones to add to our list. We've been eying the Golden Gate Bridge Relay. 



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This is a film that was taken 4 days before the Earthquake in San Francisco in 1906.
www.nytimes.com/2018/04/14/us/san-francisco-earthquake-film.html
​This link has two films the one taken before the earthquake and the 60 Minutes story about the film.
​I also found this footage that has sound. www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Q5Nur642BU
From the perspective of a walking advocate it is striking to see the people walking and streaming across the street and the vehicles are not so bothered by it. 
​It's a wonderful piece of history and of course tinged with sadness for the disaster and the lives lost.

Pacific Crest Trail / A Walk Across the United States

I saw this article this evening and I thought it was important to share. 
Inside the Mind of Thru-Hiking's Most Devious Con Man, I think the title says it all. In this age of social media I think it is important to be informed. 

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