The weekend started by me and Melissa (my teammate) dropping off our luggage and attending opening ceremony at 5:30 in the morning on Friday. This was the start on an emotional and inspiring weekend. During opening they talked about what we were about to do and why each of us was embarking on this journey. There were 3500 walkers this year! Opening seemed to last forever, and when it was over, we all corraled out of holding in the "chute" and got scanned in- to start the walk. Here is a picture of opening and we are getting ready to walk down the chute and begin our journey.
The route was every kind of terrain you could imagine. We walked on Dallas streets, sidewalks in various conditions, grass, parking lots, up and down some small hills( yeah for flat Texas!) and across some busy roads. The oddest part was crossing under hwy 75 and Dallas Parkway with all the people on it- I am sure they wondered why there was a pink parade going by....
The end of day one was an exhausing and exhilirating one. Walking around the corner and seeing large tents and signs of camp was enough to bring tears to the eyes. Mostly becuase the idea of sitting down was thrilling, but also because I was unsure if I would be able to make it the first day, and I did! It was a powerful feeling to know that I accomplished such a huge task.
Once we got to camp, we had to retrieve our nearly 40 pound bags, and carry them to our tent location. Then we had to get a tent and set it up... Luckily, Elmo (see below) carried my bag for me- I dont think my feet would have lasted the 400 feet or so to the tent area... and some Brookhaven sports players were out to help put up tents for us.
This is "tent city", we all had two person tents that all looked the same- fun when its dark outside and you are wondering which one is yours... but we all found our own...
This is the dining tent- and enterainment tent. The best part- it had CHAIRS!
After day one, we set out for day two- 20 more miles of walking with no real endpoint. This was the hardest day. There was no real motivation becuase we just walked and returned to camp. The best thing was that Melissa's parents came down from Arkansas and followed us from lunch to the last pit stop that day. Melissa was not feeling particularly great and decided to head to the hotel with her mom and dad that night, so I camped out alone that night. I had fun at camp and participated in the bingo, game show, voting for rockstar favorites and of course the dance party (from my chair!). Then off to bed, to get up and pack for the final day.
The third morning started with getting up at 4AM. Getting dressed and ready, packing up my gear back in a thousand ziplocks and rolling up a sleeping bag and air mattress. Then, I had to put the tent back in a tiny bag- by myself. This was a fun sight- too bad there were no video cameras- I could have won 10,000 in that show.... Seeing as how the whole tent was wet, the bottom was dirty and I had to shove it in this bag without getting my clothes dirty- I did a good job. Then, I carried my bag and tent bag to the gear trunks and loaded them up...
It was 4:50 at this point. I walked over the shower area to brush teeth and then went to the medical tent early! I was in line at 5:10- along with about 200 other people- they were wrapping my blisters and swollen knee so that I could make it another 16 miles that day! Like I said, there were a ton of us in this line. So, I waited. Once in, and through- I got in line for the bus.
They bussed us to the first pit stop that day (mileage would have been over 60 if they had made us walk it...). I met back up with Melissa at this point and we took off walking. The highlight of day three- knowing that Sara and Austin and some neighbors were going to be out cheering for us at mile 12!!! I was SO excited to see them. After tearing up the body walking that much, being so emotional all weekend with the events and people that you meet, as well as overcoming a personal challenge for myself- I really needed that person to lean on and say- Thanks for coming. I was hard! That is an understatement. I wish I knew the words to explain what I felt this day- It was painful, and perfect all at the same time. I would never do this walk without knowing that somebody could come out and support you- It really changed the whole attitude of the day.
Here are Sara and I, after I sort of stopped crying at seeing them from 200 feet away.
Cheryl, Carly (baby), Sara, Me and Melissa all took a photo. Austin was there too, as was Melissa's husband Josh and her parents. Thanks to everyone that came out, again I cant express what it meant to have you out there.
We walked the rest of the way (with some help of Melissa's parents who drove us some of the way)- and ended at Fair park and recieved our victory shirts. This was incredible. I, of course, cried again at this point. I am so proud that I finished such a huge event. I didnt know I was that strong! But I am truly glad I did and I am getting registered for next year as a walker! I will need your support in raising the funds again, and in getting ready for the walk!!
I did all of this in honor of my aunt. I miss her, I would have loved sharing this with her and I am sure she would have been out there cheering us on. I carried her picture with me the entire way and thought about her with each step of the journey. I miss you Kookie- You have so many people that love you, and I know you were there with me!~Jodi
The pirates were by far the most elaborate costume.
This is the "most awesomest batman" - his words, not mine.. Did I get it right Gavin?
Look how excited she is!
At the Air Show- watching the blue angels get into thier planes...
