I am sitting here at my desk feeling grateful for my chair and the ability to be off my feet at last. Why? Because I have walked 33 miles in the last 35 hours. That sounds crazy doesn’t it! Actually I chose to do this deliberately and I didn’t do it alone. I’m part of Team Celebrate Life and we’re training so that we can walk 60 miles in 3 days on August 17-19. I am deeply grateful for Dianna, Carol, Christine and Kim who were my walking buddies this week. Walking with these amazing women helped the time fly and has created a warm bond of support that will continue to strengthen as we train together.
I’m blogging today to share some of my awareness about what it feels like to walk many miles over many hours. First, let me say that I seriously underestimated how rough this is. As someone who runs and works out regularly, I thought this would be no big deal. I am humbled and I was wrong.
Here’s my top 10 list on why walking is hard:
1. I have flat feet
2. Walking long distances takes a really long time.
3. You have to get up really early to get this kind of walking done, and you still miss most of the day.
4. My feet are red and swollen
5. Walking in pouring rain is annoying
6. Bathroom facilities on the road can be gross and far between
7. Aching hips.
8. Mud on the back of my legs
9. Toenails hurt
10. Hobbling like a grandma isn’t sexy
There are however some amazing bright spots I cannot neglect to report. How about another top ten list!
1. The beauty of nature holds surprises at every turn
2. My body can do this
3. Good shoes that fit well
4. Thorlos socks!!!!!
5. Courteous and friendly people throughout the Metroparks path system (I love how everyone says good morning)
6. Yummy snacks throughout our walks
7. Plenty of calories burned – My license to eat
8. UnderArmor fabric performs exceptionally with either sweat or rainstorms
9. Learning and connecting with amazing women as we walk
10. We are making a difference. We will beat breast cancer through our support. Each of us is raising over $2,200 and learning about prevention, treatment and survival as we participate.
