Day 1! What an inspirational start to the weekend! We started off with all our sponsors saying a few words to get us pumped up and then a stretch. Then came out people carrying the flags reminding us of why we walk. I immediately started crying. They reminded us that “Everyone deserves a lifetime!” I’m walking for my friend Benah because SHE deserves a lifetime of moments with her beautiful family!
I cried the whole way out the gate as people cheered us on:
I started off making great time. Pit stops were spaced approximately 3 miles apart. They had these graham cracker peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that I fell in love with! I know I was hydrated enough because every time I got approximately 1 mile from a stop I had to go! I was averaging 2.75 miles an hour today. The people in the neighborhoods were great! They were cheering us on, passing out treats, water and even giving little “tattoos.” 
Unfortunately I’ve been fighting bronchitis or a very icky cough the past week and a half and the last 2 miles of the morning was very hard for me. My lungs tightened up and I could feel the mucus down in my lungs. I got to the lunch stop, grabbed my lunch and immediately headed to the medical tents. They were wonderful! They took awesome care of me. I took two puffs of albuterol and while it cleared out my lungs it gave me an immediate headache. They had me lay down and take a nap. While I was laying there they also rubbed some stuff on the back of my leg because my muscle tensed up bad. They also took care of the hot spots on my feet. Let me tell you, I was a MESS when I walked into medical.
Because of my chest tightness and headache they stripped me of my credentials for the night. I was not able to finish the walk today. I did make it 11 miles! That’s the furthest I’ve ever walked in one stretch. I was pretty close to tears sitting on the bus, though. I felt like I’ve failed so many people by not making it the full 20 miles today.
I got to camp and set up my tent and switched to flip flops! Ah fresh air on my feet! I grabbed some dinner. The food today has been amazing. We had our choice of turkey or ham sandwiches for lunch and dinner was grilled steak, green beans, red potatoes, salad, bread and apple pie! I haven’t eaten that way since New Orleans. I’m now sitting at the Energizer tent doing my blogging 🙂 Energizer is offering portable cell phone chargers to people to walk around with their cell phones so they can recharge and still be able to connect! They’re also allowing people to get online and asking them to “like” The Energizer Bunny® on Facebook. For every person that likes The Energizer Bunny®, Energizer will give $1 to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. Their goal is 15,000 fans. So PLEASE click on like and share with your friends!
Tomorrow Energizer will be giving massages provided by the AMTA organization. I can’t wait to take advantage of that! Since having dinner, some Excedrin migraine medicine and relaxing I am re-charged and ready to walk tomorrow! Hopefully my lungs cooperate and I can make it all 20 miles!
Oh, Paula! You are not failing anyone. You need to take care of yourself and KEEP GOING! It’s just a minor set back and I hope your lungs cooperate tomorrow. 🙂 🙂 WTG making it 11 miles. I haven’t gone that far yet either. eek!
Even having to stop short You’re doing an amazing job Paula! Keep Going!
I agree with Rhea, you’re not failing everyone. You tried your hardest. I’m so sorry that you’re not feeling 100%. Thinking of you and know you have the KEEP GOING attitude and spirit! Loved your post and your tweets. Will follow you all weekend and during my training this weekend.
Agreed, your doing great! So hope I can go for the first time next year!
You do the best YOU can do. Keep on going!! I am happy to see that Energizer is offering up cell phone chargers. :o) That was a concern for me.->walking in Philly. I am new to your blog and now following you on Twitter. Looking forward to reading more. WALK ON!
You’ve done great today Paula! You’ll get back up and Keep Going tomorrow and do some more walking.
Great job Paula!! I did the Avon walk 6 years ago and I am always so proud of people who do these walks. Now I just do the Komen 5K, but I feel it’s important to do what you can! Good luck with the rest of your journey!
Girl I am SO proud of you!! You are doing fantastic! What an amazing event to be a part of! I so wish I was there to be with you! I lost a friend of mine last year – Denise Hussman. I would walk for her.
Great job Paula. I admire you for this big time.
These walks take A LOT out of you. I hope you feel better.
Well you are getting a unique perspective from what happens when there are medical issues and the care behind the event. That is a cool perspective that many don’t get to really see how much effort goes into all of that event.