10 Miles & a 5K

Training for the 3Day isn't easy...it's time consuming, it's trial and error with shoes/socks (in my blister prone world...LOTS of trial and error), it's painful as you get higher in mileage, it's soreness in legs and back the next morning, and it's freakin' HOT in Texas!  Granted it's quiet time with my music and sometimes an audiobook (funny story, while I was trying to finish Oliver Twist via audio book, my mileage actually SLOWED DOWN almost 2 whole minutes a mile.  not a joke.  boring book?  why yes. but I digress...)

However, that first 10 mile training walk...it's a milestone (no pun intended).  It's that breath of renewal that reminds you why you are doing this. It's the double digits finally amidst months of walking. Ironically, it's 1 mile per close family and friends of mine who are living with and fighting some form of cancer right now, today.  It's a sense of accomplishment.  You are half way through Day 1 of the 3Day in a sense.  

Yes, at the 10 mile training day mark, it's also a little moment of pride, because this is a big thing.  Not self-righteous pride because of what others see you doing, in fact I'd rather people NOT see me doing this b/c it's some nasty sweaty messy business.  It's rather a pride in yourself, your abilities, you realize you CAN do it.  The 3Day is not something everyone wants to attempt or even raise money for, I get that, I really do! (I for one, never plan on doing a marathon...5K maybe...marathon, nope, but I applaud those who do)  And there are various reasons, (all of which I completely understand), such as other causes are priority, maybe not a fan of Komen, or just not interested in raising that much money because truthfully, it ain't easy.  In fact, speaking of fundraising (shameless plug) we are currently registering walkers and runners for our first Virtual 5K "Bust a Move 5K".  You can run/walk anywhere and anytime on Sat. Sept 6th and you will receive a great custom medal made just for us!    

I know people get tired of hearing about it, but things like this are an honor in my eyes. Anytime you are able to walk to run for a cause, it's an honor to be a tiny part of helping someone receive treatment and support who is living with Alzheimers, Autism, Leukemia, ALS, Cerebral palsy, Muscular dystrophy, parkinson's, and the list goes on.  It's both humbling and encouraging, especially when you know people who have benefited from the funds raised from these events.  Anytime you simply donate to a cause or organization created for those battling these illnesses you are a true part of the hope in one day finding a cure.  I also know that as a believer, I trust God in all He does, whether it's illness or death.  But that doesn't mean we can't make a small contribution to improve someone's life while they are in the fight.

Being able to walk in honor of my friend who is on her first of 2 knee replacements after chemo wiped her body out.  Being able to walk in honor of my friend who is re-battling after being cancer free for several years.  Being able to walk in honor of my friend who is only able to walk part way through a mall without having to rest or use a wheelchair for awhile.  Being able to walk in memory of my aunt who didn't live through her fight but who I am confident is with Jesus, cancer free and enjoying her new healthy body.  Those are priceless to me.  Priceless.