Momma Katie's Random Thoughts: I Walk for Her!

What makes anyone decide to walk 60 miles without a gun pointed at their head? For me it was a needle, an IV, a hospital bed in my parents' living room, one rapidly-dividing cancer cell that took my mom, my dad's wife, my daughter's grandma, my grandpa's daughter, and my aunts' and uncle's sister. I did it for my aunt, for me, for my daughter, for my husband, my family, my friends, and for people I will never meet in this lifetime. Hell, I even did it for my dog! I mean, who knows how many biscuits she would get each day if I weren't there to give them to her?

November 20, 21, and 21 were three of the most grueling, emotional, hysterical, sobering, and silly days I have ever experienced. I walked with my mom's cousin, Lea Ann, and her friends Lori (a 20-year breast cancer survivor) and Judy. They are from Dallas, and flew out to walk in the San Diego 3-Day to celebrate Lori's 20-year anniversary. I met them at the Del Mar Fairgrounds for the opening ceremony. After we all had a good cry over those we have lost and those we refuse to lose, we began our 60-mile trek along the coastline. I must say, if you are going to walk 60 miles, part of which is one hell of a hill, you might as well do it in a gorgeous place like San Diego! Day 1 was easy compared to Days 2 and 3. By the time we rounded Mission Bay to set up camp, I thought my legs were going to fall off. Surprisingly, they didn't, and we were able to continue walking in Day 2.

By the end of day 2, my knee was really starting to ache. Those darn down-hill miles realy took a toll on it, so I asked the medical personnel to tape it. I even got to visit the chiropractor. Oh. My. God. If he weren't married, and if I weren't married, I would chase that man to the ends of the earth. He may not have fixed my knee, but I swear I stood straighter after he worked his magic on my back & hips! I am encouraging Mike to pursue a career in chiroptractor-ness ... Chiropractician? Chiropractorate? Anywho, it was awesome. But, like I said, it didn't fix my knee. Day 3 was really hard for me. During those long stretches between cheering stations and official 3-Day cheer teams and supporters handing out free mimosas and beer, it was really tough. What kept me going, through the tears, was the thought that "dammit, if Mom went through chemo and never complained ONCE, I can walk one more f-ing mile!" Thanks, Mom, for helping me continue! And while I did take the sweeper van once, I think that mile I "missed" was taken care of the night before, when I was walking to the bathrooms and shower and dining tent from my own bright pink tent in camp. By the end of the walk, my knee was shot, but I had NO BLISTERS ON MY FEET!!! YES!!!!

Walking with three amazing ladies and one beautiful angel right next to me, I will never forget this experience. And while it may take me until 2011 to recover before I try it again, I WILL WALK 60 MILES IN 3 DAYS AGAIN.

A million thanks to all of my supporters! I could not have had this amazing experience without you! You will always have a place in my heart!

Here is the description that was written by a 3-Day staffer:

The San Diego Breast Cancer 3-Day began with an emotional Opening Ceremony at Del Mar Fairgrounds. The morning was chilly, but our smiles were warm. With a toot of the horn from the Surfliner train, we were off! Some of the highlights along the route included the great community support in Downtown Del Mar, the picturesque La Jolla Shores boardwalk, an Elvis sighting before lunch, SDFD Station #13, balloon bouquets in Bird Rock and

homemade treats from Bird Rock Elementary School students and local Brownie troops. After a long day of walking, we gathered at Crown Point Shores, our home away from home for the weekend and enjoyed some music from local band, “The Stoaks."

On Saturday morning, we woke up early, ready to hit the trail again. We enjoyed breakfast burritos in Point Loma, the Pair Tree decorations and the beautiful homes and sailboats along Sunset Cliffs. Smile Guy and Little Grin cheered us along, and the Dancing Ballerinas sang:
“1, 2, 3 Shake your boobies
3, 2, 1 Keep walking till you’re done
1, 2, 3 Shake your boobies
3, 2, 1 We’re dancing till you’re done.”

South Beach Restaurant handed out sodas and Kleenex, “Hugs 4 Jugs” passed out water, dogs dressed up to support the cure at Dog Beach, cheerleaders welcomed us to the lunch stop and Team Tami showered us with pink Gerbera daisies on the way out. Bonita Fire Department showed their support and we got a glimpse of reality stardom at a pit stop with Gillian Larson from “Survivor” and other reality shows. Pit stop 4 featured a free hug fairy, and the San Diego Police helicopter cheered us from the air.

Our final day of walking featured the Madcaps mother/daughter group along the SD Channel Bike Path, Surf Cities National Charity League in Heritage Park, a pink Mission Hills Nursery, Roosevelt Middle School cheerleaders, cheering by SD Enforcer’s Football League and a serenade from Francis Parker School students. Thank you to the San Jose and San Diego police departments, who brought smiles to our faces all weekend with their cute cops on bicycles. Our incredible journey ended with a celebratory Closing Ceremony at Petco Park.

The money we raised will help Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund save lives.