Getting Ready for the 3-Day Part 2

I just completed my check-in for the Breast Cancer 3-Day, which starts on Friday. Between now and then I will work 11 hours a day every day, figure out how and what to pack for the event, try to fit in 1 or 2 short training walks, and eat lots of pasta!

Part of the check-in process includes watching a safety video that talks about preventing dehydration, and gives guidelines on how the event works. I also browsed through the pages that talk about pit stops, cheering stations, and the opening and closing ceremonies. In doing so, I started getting a little teary remembering the last time I walked.

Bean asked me a couple of weeks ago if I was going to cry when he drops me off. Last time he dropped me off, I felt like a kid going to Girl Scout camp where I didn't know anybody and I was really scared and didn't want him to leave. Even though I had a team I was walking with, I only knew the captain and she was going to be my tent mate, but I was still nervous about meeting all of the other girls. I had been on a couple of training walks with my tent mate, so I felt ok with her.

This year I don't have a team, I don't know my tent mate, and I've done all training walks alone or with a friend who is not doing the actual event. I emailed one team that seemed like a good fit and the team captain sounds nice but then I got the promotion and haven't had as open a schedule as I'd like so I haven't met her in person. Also, since I just did my check-in, it's too late to be in a tent next to the team, especially since I haven't even called in and had them officially put me on the team!

I don't mind having a random tent mate (it's kinda like having a random roommate at our National Sales Meeting, you get to know someone different but who is there for the same reason), but what I'm scared about is showing up that first day feeling so alone in a huge crowd of teams and having to walk the entire day by myself, with no IPOD- they aren't allowed.

On the other hand, part of what makes you grow as a person is challenging yourself and doing things that scare you. This is a big one for me.

So I have to go for it. Put myself out there and just do it.

The reward is at the end when you see your friends and family there at the closing ceremonies. The reward is also the cheering stations and the signs that say, 'Thank you for saving my mom'.

This year I will not end up in the medical tent with an IV for dehydration like I did last time.

But I will walk the entire 60 miles. I will feel comfortable in my skin without makeup. I will make friends. I will cry and laugh and walk. For those who aren't here to walk anymore.