Sigh, another day red carded. 🙁 I got up this morning and headed over to the med tent to be cleared to walk. I should say I hobbled over to the tent! I actually got up this morning around 3:30am to hit the port-a-potties and practically had to crawl there. I could NOT stand up. I feared I was going to fall over and smother my poor tent-mate as I tried to stand. I was laying there this morning when I couldn’t stand up trying to figure out how I would let someone know I couldn’t get up after everyone left their tent. I could picture myself private tweeting @the3day saying “I am stuck in tent D-15, please help!” I can not stress the importance of STRETCHING! DO IT ALL THE TIME!! So anyway, I got to med this morning and she asked me how I was. I told her my lungs hurt from all the coughing and she made me do a breathing treatment and said she couldn’t send me out today. I was pretty upset but knew it was the best for me. I asked if I could take a ride in a sweep van to get that experience of the weekend but she said unfortunately since I was red-carded I could only get on the bus to lunch and then come back with the other walkers not walking after lunch.
I’ll have to say, I had no idea how many people actually don’t do the whole 60 miles! The important part is that you raised the money and you are HERE to support these people that can’t be here themselves! You do what YOU can do, that’s what I keep being told. (Thank you EVERYONE for your support!) It can feel very lonely as a solo walker, especially when you don’t feel support from some people you are closest with. The awesome thing is, these other walkers here with you: THEY support you! THEY lift you up when you feel you can’t walk one more mile, one more step. The support here is JUST amazing.
Jackie Miller, winner of the Keep Going® Spirit award on Friday
Last night when the last two walkers of the evening walked up we ALL got up and welcomed them to camp! The feeling of camaraderie is amazing. (Have I said amazing a lot the past two days?) Last night the Energizer Bunny® visited the camp and we also handed out the Keep Going® award. I got my one minute of fame while I got to stand on stage and pull a name out of the pink trash can. 🙂 The Keep Going® goes to a walker that has been nominated as a walker that embodies the spirit of the Energizer Bunny®. We will be giving another award out at tonight’s events. I’m hoping the Energizer Bunny® makes an appearance tonight as well because I’d like to get my picture taken with him before the weekend ends!
First Walkers in at lunch
This morning morning I was bussed over to the lunch stop and was able to watch as the first walkers got there. The first walkers got there somewhere around 9am. That is some super fast walking! I wish I would have caught their names, I would have nominated them for the Keep Going® spirit award!
Tonight we get to hear a concert from Candy Coburn. She sings the song Pink Warrior which is the official song of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure®.
AMTA Team
Energizer and AMTA is offering free chair massages at the Energizer tent today. I got one done. It was my first ever real massage! After not being able to stand this morning, it felt amazing to get my back massaged! He warned me to drink LOTS of water to flush the acids that were released from the massage.
I also wanted to talk a little about the two wonderful people I’ve worked with here in the Energizer tent. Sandy is amazing! She has an awesome Keep Going® spirit and she’ll break into dance at any moment. Chris is hilarious! He keeps singing and striking a pose. I will definitely miss hanging out at the Energizer tent when I “go home” tomorrow. I’m actually headed straight to vacation in the Wisconsin Dells straight from closing ceremony!
Even though I’ve not walked as far as I would have hoped, I’ve REALLY enjoyed this weekend. I’ve enjoyed meeting new people and hearing their stories and why they Keep Going® .
You’re awesome, Paula! It’s not your fault that your body is being uncooperative. I love reading your posts and I think you are doing great! I hope you get to walk tomorrow 🙂
Paula, I am so proud of you for getting as far as you did, and keeping that “Keep Going” spirit, even though your body didn’t agree with you. You are an awesome momma for just doing what you’ve done!
I am so incredibly proud of you as well. As someone who is sidelined from training with plantar fascitis at the moment (I’ll be a first time walker in San Diego this year) I know some of what you are feeling. I feel like I’m letting people down, but my mom (who is the reason I walk) reminded me that it is participating to the extent you are able that is important. Raising awareness and raising the funds are the true goal. And you are DEFINITELY doing your part to raise awareness and to support those around you! I hope you are feeling way better super soon. You are awesome! Just Keep Going to the extent you are able! You Rock!
So sorry you got sick before this. You have been working hard towards this. Know that there are many supporting you. Got some messages on facebook from friends of yours telling me how proud they are of you.
Sorry you didn’t get to walk for Day 2. You are doing great with your posting and tweeting and letting us know what’s going on since we aren’t there. Hope you have an AWESOME walk today (since you’ve been cleared). Keep Going!
I didn’t realize that you had already gotten started! How amazing that you got to do 11 miles yesterday! 🙂 I hope that you get to walk some of day 3 – what an amazing event to get to participate in!
Joly moly 11 miles on the first day! YOU ROCK! Sorry you were sick for day 2.
Kas