Walking? Yes, I’m walking in the Avon 2-Day Walk for breast cancer in Chicago June 2-3, 2012. On “Leap Day” I jumped online and registered for the walk; this week I received my walker packet with T-shirt. As part of my team, I’ve recruited my former physical therapist, Joe King of Physical Therapy Advantage in North Aurora to be my sponsor and to help me physically prepare for the walk. I met with him last week and we picked out new running shoes, worked through stretches and limitations and created a plan for ramping up the demands on my body in the next 11 weeks. I’ll be checking in monthly with Joe to keep in tip top shape – thanks PT Advantage!
Training? Yes, I’m training for it as prescribed by walk organizers to avoid shin splints, blisters and everything else that could go wrong in pacing 39.3 miles in two days on the pavement. Yesterday was my first longer walk of 7 miles… let’s just say there is a lot of time for thinking during the next 11 weeks of training walks! Training for the walk is also a great way for me to reach my goal weight (10 more pounds to go!). This walk has so many benefits!
Fund raising? Yes, I’m doing that now so I can pay my event entry fee of $1,800. I topped the $1,000 in my first week, and am motivated to complete the fund raising step by the end of March so I can focus on other aspects of participating in the event. I invite you to join the team of my financial sponsors if you are able. If you want to join the Team DCISMyStory.com sponsor team, here is the link to pledge financial support http://www.avonwalk.org/site/TRC?pg=center&fr_id=2171. I’ll wear donors and sponsor names proudly on my event shirt at the walk. If you cannot give at this time, cheer me on from the sidelines, send me an encouraging message or make a side dish for the Margaritaville celebration BBQ in May. Details are on my personal Avon Walk page.
Why? Like the walk shirt says in my photo, I believe I am powerful, bold, passionate and unstoppable. And I want to help those working on research to find a cure for breast cancer as well as reach out to others who are not as fortunate as I to be on this side of recovery. And most importantly, because I CAN do it! Team DCISMyStory.com is on a mission. Our mission is to reach out, to educate and to share my story as well as to raise funds and awareness. Even though you are not physically walking with me, you will be with me spiritually every step of the way. Please check back on this blog or on my personal Avon Walk page to check on my progress. Remember, “There is no ‘I’ in Team,” Let’s cross the finish line together!
