that I finished the walk - nearly 60 miles in three days. My teammates weren't sure that I could do it, I am sure there were moments that my family and friends didn't think I could do it and I certainly had my moments of doubt about whether or not I could do it. But by the time I took my first step onto the route, I knew the only way I was getting off of the path was if someone dragged me off of it. I trained hard and learned my body. I knew how sore my feet would be after walking too many miles, I knew how dehydrated and hot I could get when the temperatures soared to 90+ degrees and I knew that if I kept a slow and steady pace I could go farther than if I sprinted out of the gate. Am I ever going to break any land speed records? No. But I crossed the same finish line that everyone else crossed - and I walked every step of the way.
Am I proud of myself? Damn straight, I am! But I am most proud of the fact that I was part of raising over $5 million to help fight breast cancer. I was humbled and inspired by the men and women who walked. One woman pushed her mother (a survivor) for miles after the batteries on her motorized wheelchair gave out. Three men walked with their mom (also a survivor). Three friends walked for a best friend that they lost last November after a 12 year battle with breast cancer. Men walked in honor of and in memory of wives and mothers and sisters and daughters. Women walked for lost fathers, sons and brothers. There were 1800 walkers, each one walking for their one personal reasons, but we all walked for one common goal - that someday no one will need to walk because there will be no more loved ones lost too soon to a disease that can strike any one of us at any time.
There were also 500 amazing crew members that raised money and worked unbelievably hard. They got up before the walkers did and went to bed after the walkers did. They emptied trash, served food, mixed Gatorade, tended to blisters, help us get across busy intersections and cheered us on. They were amazing.
I have swollen and blistered feet, I have a suitcase full of extremely ripe smelling clothes and 2 pairs of tennis shoes that I don't ever want to lace up again. But I also have the memories of a truly life changing experience and a new understanding of the fact that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. The only one who can stop me is myself - and that won't be happening anymore.
5 comments:
Way to go, girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I never doubted you for a single second. Honest.
GOOD FOR YOU!!!!
What an exciting event to be a part of, and how proud you should be of your accomplishiment.
And just as soon as you come back to earth, get those ripe smelling clothes into the washing machine. *grin*
The clohes were zipped up in zipocs so I just dragged the suitcase into the laundry room, unzipped, dumped them in and slammed the washing machine lid as fast as possible!
I can't believe I didn't check earlier in the week. Belated congratulations! I'm not sure I could have done it. Are you going to bronze the shoes?
You are such a wonderful person and an amazing woman! I hope you know that. I'm very proud of you for doing this. I knew you could! I don't know that I could have though so I'm glad you did it for me, my grandma, and the many others out there who supported you along this journey and each step of the way. Ok, I'm done crying now. :)
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