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October 22nd 2004
I started the day just like any other. NOT! I was up at 2 am and just ready to go. All of you know how much this weekend means to me and everyone else involved. So I jumped into the New Balance shoes, notice matching socks to boot, not just any socks, cool max which is a lighter and cooler material.
I am ready to go! WALKING
The walk begins at Raw Hide western town, and goes for around 20 miles each day until we reach the Tempe Town Lakes.
I walked in and they began to stretch. Hey look! It looks like Angelina Jolie up there. I know you cannot see that because I never had a sponsor that would give me a new camera. hint hint.
The ladies went up and made short speeches about their experiences. The lady at the microphone was an experienced walker and wonderful person. I had the pleasure of walking with her and her friend for awhile. At one pit stop they did not tell us which way to go and since we were close to the lead we kept going and it was the wrong way. A staff member caught up with me and turned me around. Half a mile later I caught up to them again. Not too much later I took the lead.
More nice people.
The main dude for the event Mr. Howard Sitron. Yeah I wasn't really up there with him and I really didn't spend much time trying to make it look like I was, but if I had the opportunity I would have said hello. Who knows he just may know our friends from F5, these guys are mostly concert promoters and organizers.
I just had to have that picture of me in the lead, with the ladies not far behind. I was really building up steam and just as they thought they caught me, I was really walking barefooted down Thunderbird because it was cold concrete which takes the swelling down. Then I knew I had 'em. When they got close and I put my shoes back on, I was gone. I had a rock in my shoe since Rawhide, I kept it there to remind me of the pain that 44,000 people who die of breast cancer each year, had endured. I left it there to remind me of the pain, all the survivors faced to survive, I left it there to remind me of the pain the families of victims endure and at times are left to heal. And I left it there to remind me of what it feels to be in second place.
Here we were at the pit stop. We had to hold back for a short while so the staff could prepare for the next stop. We were alking at a great pace. 17 miles and it was only 4 and one half hours. Mercy. I was sort of upset about the fact that I was held back and would like to apologize to the poor staff members that had to hear about it. It was just ironic that the same people who would laugh at me because I eat only McDonalds, we behind me. And that Morgan was almost dead after a month of McDonalds and here I am in front of over 2000 people. Fact was that I purposely waited until I was near the end so that every one of the walkers would see the McDonalds Kid... Passing them.
Well I made it and there are plenty of tents to sleep in. I decided to rest at home.
Every mile makes a difference. For some people, it is a walk down memory lane, a chance to heal. For me it is a race, it could save lives. Just a difference of opinion. If you ever attend one of these events, be prepared to take your time. Savor the moment. I'll be back tomorrow and take my time. I had to promise to be on my best behavior and I will be representing all of you that helped. Thanks to a personal call from Howard, himself. No Whining...I missed that part.
Cheering Stations 8:15-10:15 Opening
Ceremonies
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