I DID IT!!!!

Well folks, I did it. I completed the Philadelphia Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk. I walked ALL 60 miles and my feet are still in good shape. A bit sore and a few blisters, but nothing major. Over the next few days, I will recount my experiences on one of the most amazing things I have ever done.

Right now I am spending the day, chillin' and pampering my feet. They are alternating between ice cold water and heat packs. I took the day off of work so I could sleep in and take it easy (in fact, I will be heading for a nap after I post this!). In order to make sure I stay hydrated, I am drinking lots of water and a little bit of Gatorade. I am not allowed to drink alcohol for a day or two after the event, but I am serving up my fluids in a nice champaign glass.......makes it a little more ceremonial!

Allow me to "introduce" my teamates. I was on the team PINK PENGUINS. My team leader was Samantha. She was an absolute sweetie. She bought all of us gifts (toiletry bag STUFFED with goodies, pins, TShirst, sun visors. You name it, she thought of it!). Another teamate was Barbara. I unfortunately didn't get to spend a lot of time with her on the event. She was on the Crew, and those guys are BUSY! The last teamate was Kimm. Her mom is a 5yr survivor and if it wasn't for her, I would not have been able to complete the entire walk. Equal parts of determination, strength, and downright ornery-ness are what got us through the days!!!

Each day we started out to the cheers of the crew. As we walked, there were many people along the way to encourage us. It's amazing what little things can make your day. Some people set up hoses and sprinklers for us to walk through. Some handed out candy. Others brought out their dogs. If you are not an animal lover, this will make NO sense to you but when I felt like I could not take another step, getting a sloppy kiss from a dog got me moving again. Between Kimm and I, whoever saw a dog first would yell "PUPPY LOVE" and then we'd rush over to the wagging tail(s).

Each night we came back to camp for dinner and shower. The food was decent. The showers were amazing. Teeny little stalls in the back of a semi.....felt like a luxury spa after a day on the road!!!! They provided entertainment ("american idol" type contest as well as dance music). We had a foot massage station. We had a Post Office....where mail from friends and family was waiting for us. Then, at 9:00, it was LIGHTS OUT and time for bed!

Tomorrow I will talk about Day One!!!!