I wish I could sit down and write an eloquent post about my Breast Cancer 3-Day experience. But, my feelings and impressions are still a bit raw (not to mention my feet), and I need more time to let it all sink in. So, in lieu of an inspirational or descriptive piece, let me share a string of assorted memories. And point you toward local news video about the Washington 3-Day which features walkers far more articulate than me.Most Humbling Moments …
Hearing about a fellow walker who’s participated in all of the 3-Day walks held across the country this year. That’s 840 miles over 42 days and more than $30,000 raised. Or, seeing the two DC walkers who hoola hooped their way through the 60 miles. They had bandages not only on their feet, but on their backs where the hoola hoops circled their mid-section. But, most humbling of all was seeing the scores of women who adorned pink shirts before walking into the closing ceremony. These were the walkers and crew members who also were breast cancer survivors. Somehow walking 60 miles in my otherwise healthy body didn’t seem like such a monumental feat anymore.
Most Energizing Moment …
Encountering my family (husband, kids, sisters and brothers in-laws, nieces and nephew) at a cheering station. Their signs, hugs and chants of “E. Laine. E. Laine. E. Laine” were such a boost to my weary body and sagging spirits.
Most Emotional Moment …
Crossing the finish line at 60 miles and being congratulated and high-fived by hundreds of fellow walkers who had already completed the walk. My rush of emotion was a mix of exhaustion, relief, sadness and overwhelming love for the sisterhood of support. It was strange to fight back tears at a time when I imagined I would be all smiles and joy-filled.
Most Unexpected Moment …
Staggering out of my pink tent into a pitch black night with only a flashlight to guide my way to the port-a-potty. The surprise was seeing dozens of other bobbing lights moving in the same direction, all of us women united in our need to go in the middle of the night. It was a surreal, yet normalizing moment.
Most Painful Moment …
On Sunday (Day 3) about 2:30 p.m. experiencing psychological pain as I realized there was 1-2 hours of walking left and physical pain from blister-covered feet that throbbed with every step. I finally took off my sneakers and walked the last two miles in flip-flops.Most Connecting Moment …
Walking in silence alongside my friend Viki during those final hours when both of us were too miserable to speak. No words were needed to feel connected: I knew she would be there for me and I would be there for her.
Finally, let me give a shout-out to Leanne and Kathleen, regular Wise Women readers who also completed the 3-Day in Washington. Ladies, please share your thoughts about the experience. (And thanks, Kathleen, for the photos.)
10-7-2008 07:04:12
I am so inspired by women like you. As a person with bilateral hip replacements, I’d never be able to walk this type of event — but wish I could. (I keep hoping for a bike riding marathon for the cure!) And I am not alone when I thank you for doing this for women everywhere.
10-7-2008 09:39:09
Elaine~What a gutsy thing you did. You and all the other women have my utmost admiration. I look forward to hearing more about the walk after you’ve had time to process your experiences.
10-7-2008 09:40:57
Congratulations Elaine, and despite your bandages, your toes look very pretty – love that pink nail polish. Such an amazing accomplishment, and on so many levels.
And Cindy, why don’t you start a bike ride for the cure in your town?
10-7-2008 10:36:08
Unlike Elaine, I’m verbose even when the emotions are still raw. You can read the play-by-play (in more detail than you probably want) of my experiences here:
http://web.mac.com/krakestraw/iWeb/Site/Blog/1B9C88BC-15D7-4658-882E-0A7951507CFD.html
10-7-2008 10:42:25
I did the 3-day 60 mile walk 10 years ago when Avon was the sponsor in NYC. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I walked with five other women – one of whom was a survivor. We were called, “Mals Pals” as, you guessed it, the survivor’s name was Mallory. We proudly wore our ‘Mals Pals’ caps each and every day and were greeted all along the journey as such. I am so glad to hear the experience is still as poignant as when I endured it. Congratulations Elaine – it will be something you will remember for the rest of your life!
10-9-2008 10:25:01
This has been the most amazing unforgetable experience of my life. The love an the kindeness that I experience in the three days I will never forget. I feel like a different person!
I remember telling Maura, I can’t do it because my legs hurt all the time anyway, Maura replied, I did not donate money so you can be a crying baby, you will do it.
I want to thank Kathleen, Elaine, Chris, and Maura for making me do this
Elaine, thank you for the kind comment about the last few hours of our walk. I thought that I was not going to be able to make it, but at mile 10 you said to me, my feet hurt so bad, they can’t hurt more, so from now on, it is all mental. That got me through to the end. Thank you my friends an I love you.
10-13-2008 20:32:04
Women supporting women – nothing better than that. I have participated in the Relay for Life a few times, but that is a piece of cake compared to a 60-mile walk. Congratulations to all of you!