Come, Walk

2009 Seattle Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk day 1

(FYI, Text is generally above photos) 

The 2009 Seattle Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk began at 4am September 11th.  I popped out of bed as I'd been awaking every hour worrying I'd not hear my alarm (when has that even happened?)  Kyle had asked I not wake him until 5 minutes before I wanted to leave.  We needed to leave fairly early as having to set off for Shoreline Community College took extra time.  It'd been awhile since I was at SCC-the last time beginning the hang-gliding lessons I was sure my Dad was trying to off me with!  I'm glad we set off when we did because there was quite a line up starting.  Luckily Kyle was directed up to a lane to drop me off which was as close to the gear trucks as possible and he, thoughtfully, took my suitcase over to the crew member for the F truck (you're assigned gear trucks and tent locations)  After a hug and kiss, Kyle and I parted company.  I headed down to the Opening Ceremony area...and came upon this: I bet you figured out Energizer was one of the 3 Day sponsors.

While taking her picture my cell rang-Kyle telling me how lucky we were to be in already as the line up was now onto Aurora.  With my phone out I thought I'd ask the crew member to take a picture of me-all fresh-with my boas, jewelry and special hat.  Goodness!  Knowing how I looked at the end of the day this contrast is strikingly frightening!

The sun hasn't come up and more and more of us walkers pack in.

With the physical well-being of the walkers most important we are lead through a pre-walk warmup.

I came face to back with this looming message-hmmm, I wondered what the front looked like.........

I don't think I could have imagined or prepared myself for this!  Alright, I'll admit it-I coveted his bra!

The program began with a firefighter leading the way holding a banner with the word COURAGE on it.  He'd lost his mother.  I tried to get a picture but there's not a female around who doesn't have her heart skip a few beats when it comes to firefighters and I got too flustered until he passed and it was too late :-(  He and some of his fellow firefighters wore their full gear throughout the 60 miles.....you see what I mean huh? kind of god-like.

Opening Ceremonies revs-up and motivates all the walkers.....

The circle of survivors come up onto the platform and clasp hands with each other.  My shot was too dark to really see this well-sorry.

With music blaring all the walkers file down to the stage area and then turn back up to begin-cheered all along the way by fellow walkers and crew members.

When we pass through the 3 Day columns we'll be given our route cards for the day.  I finally learned to bring my glasses with me so I could even SEE where we were going and how long the segments were!  I really am surprised just how small the print is-I can't be the only one visually challenged!

I'm never disappointed by the cleverness-laced with humor-from the various teams.

I didn't know any better with the first two Seattle 3 Days, but when I went down for the Arizona walk I was stunned by the level of support from the area schools...I wondered what was up with Seattle!! This year they stepped up to the plate.  We had several groups of cheerleaders at multiple locations. It made a difference.  Plus I think it's important for these young women to be educated in awareness and the importance of early detection.

 I was so impressed that they could flip those flags around without taking someone out!

Edmonds really did a great job decorating and supporting the walkers.

Is this too perfect?!!!  I totally loved how they got into the spirit!

I wasn't all that familiar with where I was, but I did recognize this was the Edmonds ferry.

That's what I'm saying!!!!!!!!!

Beat the worst of the heat coming in...the theme for the end of the first day I guess being something of a safari.  I saw later the day 1 backdrop, but I didn't notice it at the time.....could be post-workout stupids beginning :-)

Stepped out and got my picture taken-first one in that walked every mile.

You can see some of my sun lotion still caked on my arms-besides slathering Vaseline on my feet I liberally applied the sunscreen.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, fighting breast cancer and soccer go hand-in-hand.  Camp was at Kasch Park...and yes, I have seen matches here too!  I was so happy to have my sister, Mom and cousins come up to support me.  Since I woke up with a head cold the day before my sister made arrangements for a hotel room not too far from camp.  I set up my tent for my tent-mate but I didn't ever meet her as I never was at the tent the same time she was.

Someone's hungry....the buffet and dinner table tents!  Even though I was going to spend the night at the hotel, I stayed at camp chatting, relaxing and eating most of the time.

I was so excited about having some of my yoga mats here.  It didn't seem kosher to start snapping pictures without asking for permission, but whenever I asked they'd stop stretching and 'pose'.  So, I'll just include a couple photos.  This gal made the minimum age to participate-I think she'll accomplish great things with her focusing on helping others being set at such a young age-thanks Marie!

Embrace Activism?  YES!