Play Golf. Drink Beer. Eat Wings. Fight Breast Cancer.

The 1st Annual Mississippi Melons Golf Tournament was a huge success. We filled the tournament with 28 teams (as we had hoped), it rained and was extremely hot, but it was fun! The Oaks golf course was in great shape, the Hooter's girls were enthusiastic and the guys drank lots of beer...what more could you ask for? There will definitely be a 2nd Annual!

I've never really cared much for abbreviations and I have now learned my lesson. The Mississippi Melons became Miss Melons thanks to the state abbreviation . And I am pretty sure a few golfers walked away with the assumption that I had at some point participated in a pageant to acquire that title. And that I am a former Hooters' girl. Neither are bad assumptions and I am a little flattered. Thanks guys...you made my day!
I would like to thank all of our sponsors and everyone who donated their time and energy to make this a successful, fun event. I cannot express my appreciation enough. I still do not have a final figure, but I know we raised enough money to pay the balance for all four Melons to walk (that alone is $8,800!) and then some! I am very, very grateful to all!
I'd like to say a special "Thank You!" to Peter from Hooters of Gulfport. My husband, Jim, mentioned the tournament to Peter in a conversation and he offered to help. His experience and resources are the main reason this tournament ran smoothly and was successful. He went above and beyond for this cause and I can not thank him enough. He is the reason this was a success.
I would also like to thank the beautiful Hooters' girls who volunteered their time. They are extraordinary girls!
We had some really great prizes donated, including a hole-in-one chance to win a convertible Ford Mustang, Susan G. Komen Edition! (Thanks to the guys at Charlie Henderson Ford for that) Jeremy McCollister delivered what most of us thought was an amazing shot, however leaving the ball inches (literally) from the pin and the Mustang on the tee box was not his idea of a great shot. He did get to take home a Hooters golf bag for shot closest to the hole. Not to mention his team won the tournament. Great job team McCollister!
Thanks to donations, we were able to give away 5 golf bags and 4 rounds of golf for 4. Team Watkins Ludlam took home the prize for most honest team turning in a score of 71. Par really is your friend guys. Team McCollister came in 1st and won a round for 4 at Fallen Oak. John Carter of Team Island View graciously forfeited 3rd prize and Russ was able to auction the round for 4 at the Oaks for $250.00. Sweet.
At the end of the day we were all exhausted, but satisfied with our efforts. And the red beans. Thanks for stirring the pot, Mama.

I'd like to say one BIG THANK YOU to the following folks for contributing to the tournament and sending the Mississippi Melons to Texas:
Hooters of Gulfport for donating 4 golf bags, their time, hard work and well, Hooters ;)
The golf bags were given away on the 4 par 3s for shot closest to the hole
Woodfruittcher Grocery for donating the yummy food
Rex Distributing for the beer, hole signs and banners
Charlie Henderson Ford for the Mustang
Coca Cola Bottling for the beverages
Hollywood Casino for sponsorship and a round of golf for 4
Beau Rivage for sponsorship and a round of golf for 4
Grand Bear for a round of golf for 4
The Oaks Golf Club and Russ Bloom for hosting a great tournament and donating a round of golf for 4
(John Carter for giving up the round of golf so Russ could auction it off)
Ricky Brown and the Malt Beverage Assc. for donating a golf bag
Jennifer Fulcher for the great snapshots
Thanks to all of our major sponsors:
Watkins & Young, Jackson
Island View Casino
Desporte Seafood
Fox Everett Insurance
Shular Companies
Courtyard by Marriott
Roy Anderson
Sheriff Melvin Brisolara and the Harrison County Sheriff's Dept
Thanks to all our hole sponsors:
Bay Motor Winding
Biloxi Harbour Pointe Resort
Bob Short
Scott Drown, Gulf Shores Real Estate
Jim Simpson
John Holliday, GRI SRA ERA Gulf Realty
Mayor Chipper McDermott
Stephen Simpson, Commissioner of Public Safety ( and my wonderful brother-in-law;)
Watkins, Ludlam, Winter and Stennis PA
Walter Guillott, DMD
Leslie Granberry, Owen & Co. Realty
Rick Marshall, Owen & Co. Realty
Rep. Michael Janus
Sen. Billy Hewes
Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc.
Montgomery Barnett
The following folks donated door prizes:
FEB Distributing
Trapani's Eatery, Bay St. Louis
Lawler's Bistro, Diamondhead
Academy Sports
The Sun Herald
Mississippi Power
Bachus Liquor, Long Beach
Rosetti's Liquor Barrel, Bay St. Louis

Thanks to Lisa Noonan, fellow Melon for running around like a crazy person! Get on that treadmill girl!

And a special thanks to my husband for supporting me, standing behind me and driving the golf cart. And for pushing the stroller when we walk. I love you, Sweetie!

I am looking forward to bigger and better tournament next year and I hope to see you all there! Check out the tournament pictures here!

Couontdow: 13 Weeks

Training Tip of the Week:
Course Specific TrainingPart of your training for the Breast Cancer 3-Day includes practicing conditions of the event.It's a good idea for training walks to include hills of different grades, as well as walking on flat surfaces. This will help prepare you for any hills you may encounter on the event.What is the climate expected to be? If it is cool and rainy, try out your rain gear ahead of time. Consider rubber covers for your walking shoes. Practice layering Coolmax or moisture wicking long sleeved shirts under your windbreaker or rain jacket. Take note of your hydration in cool temperatures. Weigh yourself before and after a walk to assess your rehydration status. Often you will not drink enough in cooler weather.If the climate is expected to be hot, use your shorter training days or walk part of your long walks in the heat to increase your heat tolerance. Exercise at least twice a week in the heat during the last 8 weeks of training. Take extra safety precautions during heat training. Walk with a buddy and be sure to choose a course where you can rest in the shade. Carry your sunscreen with you and reapply it during long walks.Pre-exercise hydration is very important. Drink at least 16 ounces of fluid 2 hours prior to exercise. Then carry extra water and sports drink with you. Your body requires extra energy to cool your core body temperature down. This can decrease your exercise endurance. Stop if you become fatigued, dizzy or lightheaded.Click here to search for a Breast Cancer 3-Day training walk near you. Visit one of our 3-Day outfitters for great discounts on shoes and apparel.
Fundraising Tip of the Week: Tribute DonationsEncourage your donors to make their donations in "honor of", "memory of'' or "support of" someone they know who has been affected by breast cancer. This is a great way to let them feel very much a part of your experience. Suggest a donation amount for them to sign a shirt or a placard that you will carry with you on The 3-Day, or print their names on a twist of pink ribbon that you will pin to your shirt.
NOTE: All content, including information and images contained in this email are for general informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The training information contained in this email is meant to be used as a guideline. Before you begin any training plan, you'll want to consult with your doctor to go over your current physical condition and determine what you are able to undertake safely.

Sale Items

I was shopping online again today and I found some pretty neat items on sale at the Pink Ribbon Store. We may need some fleece while walking in November...maybe!

Take a look at these great items!

Pink Ribbon Quarter Zip Fleece Jacket only $16.95
Pink Ribbon Zip Fleese Vest only $14.95
Pink Ribbon Summit Fleece Jacket 0nly $21.95


Have fun shopping!

Countdown: 14 Weeks

Training Tip of the Week: Medications

Exercise can potentiate the effects of medications and increase possible side effects. Discuss your current prescription and over-the-counter medications with your primary care physician, even if you take them only as needed. The following medications can be especially affected by a 60-mile walk.Blood Pressure Medications: Diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide, lasix, furosemide) may cause electrolyte imbalances, dehydration and potentiate the risk for heat illness. Discuss stopping your diuretic, decreasing the dosage or changing the medication during the Breast Cancer 3-Day.Anti-inflammatory Medication: May cause gastrointestinal irritation such as heartburn, diarrhea or even stomach bleeds. They also can cause kidney injury and lower leg swelling. The stress of exercise can increase these side effects. Do not exceed the recommended dosage of 2 tablets of ibuprofen (400 mg. every 8 hours) or 1 tablet of Naprosyn (225 mg. every 12 hours).Diabetic Medication: Insulin and sulfonylureas, which increase insulin in the body, can increase the risk of lower blood sugars during and after exercise. Know the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar (shakiness, blurred vision, difficulty walking or problems concentrating). Be prepared for low blood sugar by carrying 15 grams of carbohydrate with you when you exercise (2 glucose tablets, 1 small box of raisins or 5 lifesavers). Test your blood sugar before and after exercise. If it is less than 100 mg/dl before exercising you may need to eat 15 grams of carbohydrate. Estimate an expenditure of 100 cal/mile and plan your medications and food accordingly. If you experience low blood sugar, talk to your doctor about changing your medication or food needs.Diet pills or Energy pills: Most diet medications are stimulants that contain pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine and/or caffeine. Even “herbal” products may contain Ma Huang, ephedra or derivatives of caffeine such as guarana. These drugs will increase your heart rate, heart palpitations and dehydration. None of these medications have shown any long-term weight loss effect. Avoid taking these drugs while training for the Breast Cancer 3-Day.Antibiotics: Certain antibiotics (Doxycycline; Minocycline, Tetracycline, Accutane) may increase your risk of sun sensitivity. Be sure to use extra sun block that has zinc oxide or titanium oxide as its active ingredient and also wear a wide brimmed hat.