April 17, 2008

Fifteen Days And Walking . . .


I had one of those "Awwww!" moments today when a sweet package came to me in the mail via Chelsea Haas in California, who happens to be my sister-in-law Audrey's sister.

Chelsea's package was full of fun little "Pink Ribbon goodies" for my friend Linnea and for me as I get closer to THE WALK. It says a lot about a person when they do something for another person they don't even know ! A huge thank you to Chelsea for her thoughtfulness! I zipped straight over to Linnea's and we enjoyed the package's contents together with her little girls who adored the stuffed bunny (see foot below).


The walk is only 15 days away. I'm feeling pretty excited about it, but also a little apprehensive when I think about the physical nature of the task ahead. The four of us that are doing the walk have been taking long training walks on Saturdays. This Saturday we will walk 17 miles, followed by at least 7 miles on Sunday.




My body feels pretty great while doing the walking. But about three or four hours after I finish, I hit a wall of exhaustion that I cannot even explain. I know it sounds silly - we're just walking! But I challenge you to try it and see what it does to your body to walk that many miles! It's not that easy! I now see why just adding regular walking into your exercise routine can be of great benefit. I was pretty worried about sleeping in a tent on the first night of the walk - but now I believe I will die to the world and have a very intense night of slumber because of the 26.1 miles!

I thought you all might enjoy this picture of Linnea in a fabulous hat my mom loaned her. I feel pretty honored to be walking in Linnea's name. She has dealt with a lot this past year and she is remarkably positive and beautiful!

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I am also very aware of my friend Christy, who lost her battle with breast cancer in the Spring two years ago. She was THE ONE who put cancer on the map for me. She is the one I still think of whenever a trial comes my way. She lived fully and I will wear her name on my back proudly for 39.3 miles.

Of course, my dad will be in the front of my mind and I will continue to hope and pray for his recovery and remission. I am so blessed to be able to honor these three people. Now you see why I'm excited! Won't you get out and take a little walk today, thinking as you do about someone you love and how you could honor them? (PS - A HUGE thank you to all who have donated to my walk! I wouldn't be able to do this without you.)

6 comments:

Hil said...

Good Luck on your walk, Sam. I can't wait to read your blog after it's over! It's an awesome thing you're doing. :)

chelsea said...

Hey! I'm glad I could bring a smile to someones face!!

I have your Dad to thank for his post about the medical staff. I think you just get into a rut with your job that you forget these people are hurting, they have cancer, and all they need is some serious, real support.

Good luck with your walk! I wish I was there to do it with you guys!!

Anderson Zoo Keepers said...

Do me a favor and walk a few miles for Charity too.
You are going to do great. I'm very proud of you.

The Queen Vee said...

Remember that AFN commercial where they sang, walk, walk, walk, walk, walk, walk, walk, walk, walk walk. That's how I see you right now.

How thoughtful of Chelsea, such a lovely tenderhearted sweet woman.

Linnea, Christy, Ken they are the face of cancer.....all extraordinary people having to fight an ugly enemy and doing it to the very best of their abilities. Samantha and Audrey, thank you for honoring them.

Tobi said...

Make sure you take some pictures of you walking before you hit your wall of exhaustion. I can't wait to experience the walk through your pictures!

Matt said...

Well put, now go walk your legs out!