I walked 60 miles in 3 days! What did you do this past weekend?

I had an amazing experience at the Susan G. Komen Philadelphia 3-Day for the Cure.

Friday's arrival at 6am was cold and windy, however, it was all worth it! I walked 19.7 miles that day leaving at 7:45am and stopping every 2-3 miles for hydration and food as well as foot care! We walked along beautiful streets filled with many people cheering us along. My favorite spot was Chestnut Hill where we were greeted by warm coffee and pizza from the business owners as well as bra strung clothes lines in front of houses- to offer support!. Lunch was a bagged lunch accompanied by the music of Jimmy Buffet. I climbed many hills that day and finally made it back to Fairmont Park around 5:30pm. We camped in pink tents on the floor of the convention center due to high winds. Camp consisted of a yummy dinner followed by massages, internet access, phone charging stations, and games! Early to bed though since we'd be early to rise!

Saturday morning was tough. I didn't sleep well. It was 4:45am and time to rise. The day was much harder. My feet were soar and I was physically tied. I chugged through it- all 21.4 miles. At times I wanted to give in so badly, but I remembered how lucky I was to have legs to walk and that I physically could. A tremendous thanks to all those people who came out cheering us on offering candy and snacks to keep us going. Lunch was a grilled chicken sandwich on the lawn of Haverford College. Back at camp I took a nice long hot shower in the shower trucks and enjoyed a yummy chicken dinner followed by a country concert put on by Candy Coburn and a dance off! Early to bed though since we'd be early to rise!

I was looking forward to Sunday. I thought I'd sleep in, but the noise at 4:45 again woke me up. It was our last day! Time to pack everything up and take down the tent. A big thanks to the football players of Temple and local Girl Scouts who helped with baggage and tents. Breakfast this morning was eggs, bacon, potatoes, fruit and a danish. No one goes hungry on the 3-Day! I boarded the shuttle to take us to Fairmont Park to begin day 3. This would a fun flat route!

We began walking under blue skies and warmer temperatures. Supporters cheered us on as we entered into the Philadelphia Zoo and the animals were woken up early to entertain us. The cheering station in South Philly was filled with supporters with goodies (yummy soft pretzels) and lots of clapping as well as free hugs. At one point I walked by an elderly man who gave me a hug and said tearfully that this was because he couldn't hug his wife anymore. She had died of breast cancer. Later that morning Travis and Ryan met me at the Penn Landing cheering station and that gave me an extra push. They walked with me for a little while then met me later for lunch. After lunch I had only 2 more miles to go till the holding area. I had gotten my first blister and badly wanted to take the sweep vehicle and give in. However, there on someone's door was the sign: Komen saved a life in this house. Don't give up- Please keep walking! And that I did!

My incredible journey ended with a celebratory Closing Ceremony at Philadelphia Navy Yard with Travis and Ryan by my side.