Almost exactly a week ago, my 2013 3-Day season came to a close. I'll be honest- this one may have been the toughest yet. For those who missed it- or who missed my copious whining- we had record heat in SLC this summer and that definitely impacted my training. Ironically, I didn't need the heat acclimation for either walk- Chicago's weather was pretty much perfect, and DC was ideally suited for canoes and water fowl. Nevertheless, the heat during training, the extra-long training season (doing a 2nd walk 2 months after the first makes it HARD to stay motivated), and splashing through the streets of DC helped me realize that I'm a little tougher than I thought. It also reminded me that I am indeed deeply committed to this cause; while I had hoped that this year would be my year to not walk in memory of anyone knew, that wasn't to be. Jaci Schiffern was added to my list of angels this year, something that impacted me greatly because she was my motivation for my first walk in Seattle in 2010. I still remember that day that I was at yoga next to her, while she was in the midst of radiation, thinking, "If Jaci can come to yoga while she's still in treatment, I can go for a long walk." I did, and I've never looked back.
Please enjoy my photo journey. I had the privilege of walking with two first-time walkers this year- Ailish in Chicago, who is a kindergarten teacher (my kind of person, right?!?) and Jennifer, a friend who I convinced to become part of the craziness and who I hope will be back. I also got to share my Chicago experience with Team Teton teammates Faren and Laura (who happens to be an ADPi sister!) and Official Stalker Cheryl. Cheryl was also part of the DC edition of Team Teton as crew for a Grab-N-Go that didn't actually exist :)
I hope that I can convince you that the friends and "family" acquired through the 3-day make this an experience you want to be a part of next year. Team Teton will be appearing in Twin Cities for 2014, so check your August calendars if you want to walk or crew with us. And if you're one of the donors who has repeatedly and generously supported my craziness, be ready for another request. I'm still here and still walking until I can't or I don't need to.
Now playing: Dierks Bentley "Every Mile a Memory"Labels: 3-Day
