This will be four posts in four consecutive weeks, so feel free to hold off reading until they’re all posted, or read it and wait with baited breath for the next installment!
When I started to train to walk 50 miles in two days, it was to get myself in some sort of fitness state that was less couch‑oriented, and to prove to myself and everyone else that, no. Cancer can't stop me.
Last weekend I went for a 52‑ish mile walk. When it was done it was no longer that *I* went for a 52‑ish mile walk. It was *we* went for a 52‑ish mile walk. I'm having trouble figuring out where to begin, but just know that the end is another beginning. A beginning of new friendships with a bunch of crazy awesome ladies who are already planning the next adventure. I am so honored to be part of this group of amazing strong survivors and supporters.
On May 21st, 2021, I headed to the airport. My husband dropped me off and shipped me off to San Diego for a trip of a lifetime. I wore my mask as required on the plane, and honestly? I don't think I'll ever fly maskless ever again. The last time I flew with a mask on it was because of cancer treatment. This time because of FAA guidelines ‑‑ although more and more people are getting vaccinated, so hopefully the light is at the end of the tunnel. But really, when you land you feel so much more refreshed! Recommended.
I took a lot of pictures on the plane. I haven't done that in quite a while. It could be because I was excited to fly again, or maybe I knew this trip was different. This trip was 100% for me. A step in my recovery that if you'd asked me just over a year ago about? No way. Never happening. I could barely get out of bed in March of 2020, much less walk a mile. 50? Get outta here! You're nuts.
When I landed, I first met Stephanie and Lex. They were on my plane, in fact, but Southwest being Southwest, we didn't find each other until we landed. Which was fine, because we gave proper hugs and then we rode the shuttle to the first hotel together. It was such a horrible, horrible hotel. With horrible, horrible views of San Diego Marina. Am I being sarcastic? Absolutely. It was freaking gorgeous! I had my own balcony. I sat on the balcony with the door open looking at the boats, watching seagulls, noting the fabulous people walking around below. Wow. Off to a great start.
Off to the bar! I wasn't going to drink, though. Not until I was done. But it turns out Lex, Stephanie, and Tammy ‑‑ who we would meet later that day ‑‑ had all been training for this walk for a year and a half. It turns out they were supposed to go in May of 2020. I'll leave it to your imagination why that one was canceled. Then October 2020. But too many people dropped out. So, now we are in May 2021 and nothing was going to stop them. They were a true inspiration both days, dragging us all along to the finish, even as Lex's foot juiced everywhere. That was kinda gross. Sorry, Lex.
Foreshadowing... ha, ha, ha!
That first night, we all met in the bar for the welcome dinner. Tacos! I love tacos. I can't explain how much I love tacos, just that every time I was offered tacos on this trip, I ate tacos.
Aside from the tacos, we got to finally meet all of our teammates! Stephanie, Lex, Diane, Lucy, Tammy, and Renee for the survivors camp, and Meagan ‑‑ our wonderful photographer and fellow endurance walker as well as her daughter who would be turning 13 on that Saturday and had chosen to walk with us. You are my hero too, Gloria. Although all the pictures here are mine, Meagan’s are better
And Robyn, our fearless leader, and the support crew, including our trainer, Piper, who would take care of us at every stop. And the reaper. That's the person who follows in the back to make sure everyone stays together and no one gets left behind. I could see myself in that role someday. I'm fine rolling in the rear of the train!
We had a wonderful, inspirational first meeting. It was great to go around and tell our story. Three of us were BRCA1. This leads me to believe that the BRCA1 gene also leads to questionable life choices at times. But whatever it takes! That was to be our motto for day one. And it’s so very true.
And I had tacos. Did I mention I like tacos? And there was swag! We all got hats and a buff - I wore the buff both days on my head since that’s what I trained in. I’m weird about hats. Although I’ve been wearing it around walking the dogs since I got back and it’s very comfortable. Also, two Project Athena shirts we would wear to walk in. They are pretty fabulous and very comfortable. It’s like the organizers know what the heck they’re doing 10 or so years in! (Hint: everyone involved is awesome.)
We had name tags to put on our bags for the van and our backpacks. I think this is the first time I’ve learned that many names in that short amount of time in my entire life. I’m usually terrible with names, but this was different.
After dinner Lucy and I grabbed the free s’mores and chatted for a bit. She’s my hero. Then it was off to early bed for everyone assuming they could fall asleep.
Next time: The Walk.