Monday, May 3, 2010

Six Miles and Miles of Memories!

I think I experienced a miracle on Saturday. I walked six miles with absolutely no breaks. Six entire miles without stopping!

I'm pretty sure this is the first time in my life I've ever walked six miles without stopping! And I know it's the first time while training for the 3-Day that I walked six miles without my sugar crashing, my feet exploding with hot spots or me having to dash off for a potty break!

Yesterday, I set out determined to do four miles, but yowza! It was 90 degrees! The first truly humid walking day of the year. So I managed two. As I sweated buckets and fought off the urge to toss my cookies, I decided two miles was pretty dang good.

Then last night I heard that Frank, a wonderful friend from church, died. He was in his 80s and had been battling emphysema, but he was the kind of person that, no matter what, you kind of thought would be around forever.

I've known Frank almost as long as I can remember. He had a jolly, booming voice I hope my memory will always be able to hear. He was a kind soul and very generous. He and his wife donated huge to my walk just a few short weeks ago. It seems surreal that I won't get to tell him how the walk goes. At least not face to face.

I remember years ago after he had a heart attack, he stopped smoking and started walking. We'd often pass him walking all over town. I know--despite the fact the miles are so not as long in your car as they are on your feet--that he walked several miles a day. We'd wave, and he'd flash us a big grin and wave back.

Now I know, when I'm trudging along about to keel over on Day Two (or hey, probably on Day One), that I'll picture him walking, flashing that big grin, waving and supporting me. Like he's always done.

2 comments:

  1. Sorry for the loss of your friend. I think that it's great he is inspiring you. 6 miles is awesome!

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  2. I'm so sorry to hear about Frank, but he will inspire you to keep on walking! And six miles without a potty break? - you're my new hero!

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