My longest walk yet...from Gas Works Park

Ouch...my feet are sore tonight because today, May 10th I walked almost 18 miles in 5 hours.

Before we headed out Amy gave those of us who walk a turtle pin...for the slow and steady people! Amy usually walks with a stuffed toy turtle on her hat so it was fun to get a turtle to be a part of the "slow and steady" team! We began 7:15a.m. at Gas Works Park in Seattle. The temperature was good - 53 degrees but we did not get the sunshine, in fact at one point we had a rain shower.

I walked along the Burke Gilman Trail just past Mathews Beach. I almost made it to the 9 mile water stop. (It was probably just around the next corner, but you can never be sure and it was time to turn back.)

Half way back I stopped and changed socks. My hot spots didn't look too bad so I thought this is good. I ended up finishing the last 3 miles with some of the team from Tacoma. I enjoyed getting some pointers about the course in San Diego.

As we turned in to the park the TNT Coaches and Mentors were there with cheers welcoming us back to base! There were decorations (Rock 'N' Roll) and Alexxx took my picture after Gerb put my medal on as I walked over the finish line!

I walked down into the picnic area and there was food, the gang, and a kid's pool with ice water in which to soak my feet. It did feel good. Thanks Team for giving us such a great party!

After relaxing for a while I headed up to Lynnwood to help Grant's Mom, Kim, with her laundry. Grant is our team's honorary teammate. He is fighting with leukemia and is back in the hospital right now. I stayed until the laundry was all folded and put away. Kim felt good that her laundry was all done for once. Hopefully her Mother's Day will be a little brighter. Her husband is in Alaska fishing so she is here dealing with Grant's illness by herself....and that is a heavy burden for a mom.

I made my way home, showered and assessed how my feet were doing. It turns out I have a very small blister on the side of each foot. Oh...I was so hoping to avoid them. I'll have to try and figure out why I had rubbing on those spots.

Otherwise, it was a good walk. Only three weeks to go before the big day!

March of Dimes

Sunday, May 4th I participated in the March of Dimes Walk in Seattle with others from CitiFinancial. Ardith was there with her husband, John and two children and Dulce and Gabe two of our Branch Managers.

We begin inside Qwest Field right down on the field. The walk then takes us up the Alaskan Viaduct on the top level...how fun that was walking on the street being able to look below on the city. A view you can only see if you walk on the street! It was a short walk. An hour each way.

When we arrived back on the field the sun was out and it was warm - a beautiful day. The walk was for a great cause...raising money to help mom's birth healthy babies.

The Spirit of the Marathon

Thursday, May 1st a few of us training for one of the TNT marathons watched the movie, The Spirit of the Marathon. I really enjoyed watching it as it helped me realize what an amazing event I am about to participate in on June 1st in San Diego. Committing to walk a 26.2 marathon is no small decision considering the training involved and also because I need to raise $4,000.

There were about four participants the movie followed through their decision to do a marathon in Chicago and what they encountered along the way.

It was an inspiring movie. I am glad I saw it.