2011 Day 3

Day 3 is finally here! I opened my final card from my sweet husband - he's written me a card for each day of the walk. They encouraged me and reminded me why I'm walking - for our child, our family, for a world without breast cancer.

We got an extra hour of sleep and woke up to pack our bags and get ready for day 3! Courtney's finance, Philip, was picking up our luggage from our room (AWESOME!) so Dad came up to our room in the morning with his luggage as well. We were all hurting (Dad and I more than Courtney and Jessica) but were ready to tackle day 3!

Our angel Laurie drove us over to camp again on Day 3. We met a bus at camp that drove us to the start of the route. The school bus drive wasn't the most ideal - especially since we all get car sick, but we made it! I was sore, just going to take it a mile at a time, but I was excited for the new day.

We were definitely walking slower today, but no one seemed upset about that. We were still towards the front of the pack, but taking it easy was awesome. Before long, we were at the first cheering station - donuts, crying, children, and Philip!

Day 3 was the toughest day for me. My feet were swollen and my shins were really hurting. I was determined to keep walking as long as none of the pain was baby related. We pushed on!

Lunch was really late on day 3 - not until 13 miles. We rested at a lot of the pit stops, taking our time. I was struggling towards the middle of the morning, but rested, took it easy, and pushed on. The cheering stations and other stories really kept me going. Shin splits don't need chemo, sore feet don't require radiation, and the baby was fine. We walked on!

Another cheering station kept us going. I cried a lot. I couldn't believe I was doing it. I was overwhelmed with the incredible mileage I'd covered, the difference that we were all making. Courtney's rockstar fiance was at the final cheering station as well!

I secretly hoped I would find a way to get to every cheering station. I wasn't going to push it or hurt myself or the baby, but I love cheering stations so much! I was thrilled that I'd made it through each cheering station. I saw lots of incredible people - cheerers are my inspiration!

We finally got to lunch - 2.2 miles away from the end! I wasn't sure I was going to make it to lunch and I was thrilled we got that far. We were all hurting, but everyone was rocking it. It was a very moving day. Lunch was a great rest for me. I knew the last few miles would be would be incredibly challenging. 2.2 miles has never felt longer! I hurt but drew on the inspiration around me - from my family, supporters, and the drive to finish. Before long, we were walking into Fair Park. Finishing with the baby in my belly was incredible - people were so excited. We'd done it! Jessica, Courtney, Dad, and I finished together. I sobbed the whole way through. We picked up our t-shirts, met up with our team, and took our pictures!

We danced, cheered, rested, and waited for Closing Ceremony to begin. It was awesome - such a rush of emotions. We watched teams cross the finish line together. We saw incredible men and women cheer and complete the event. Seeing women in their pink survivor shirts gets to me every year. Survivors are honored by their pink shirts so they are easy to spot. Each year I participate I feel like the survivors get younger and younger. That's why I walk.

Before long, it was time to line up for closing! We lined up and headed towards the stage. While we were there, we walked through the whole crew team, which is overwhelming. They work far harder than anyone else (but the staff!) and have such a great attitude. I was worried I'd get a hard time from the medical crew for walking, but they were incredibly supportive. While we were walking through a medical crew woman jumped out of line, gave me a big hug, kissed my face, and thanked me for walking. I lost it. I am so proud to be part of something this awesome.

 I think closing ceremony this year was the most moving I've experienced in a long time. Knowing this was Jarrod's first closing ceremony was incredible. It was the only part of the 3-day he hadn't experienced and I was so glad to know he was somewhere out in the crowd. Having my dad and Jessica there was awesome as well. I know that they had a GREAT experience and this was just the icing on the cake. When the survivors came through and we removed our shoes in their honor, I am so inspired by those women. 

There were about 3,100 walkers and 450 crew members. Together we raised $7.1 million for Susan G. Komen for the Cure and are that much closer to a world without breast cancer. I couldn't be more proud of the walkers, supporters, crew, staff, etc. for such a wonderful event. Life-changing, for sure. My life, our baby's life, and hopefully the world. Praying for a world without breast cancer.

I will continue to walk until we find a cure. I'm registering for next year - will you walk with me?

2011 Day 2

I woke up a little early on Day 2 and decided to take a bath to loosen up my tight muscles. Because we scored a ride to camp from our team walker angel, we didn't have to get up all that early so we took our time getting moving. I was hurting, sore, and stiff, but Jessica and Courtney were both rocking. Dad met up with us in the lobby and we rode over to camp. We are so thankful for Laurie who graciously drove us to camp so we didn't have to wake early for a shuttle.

We arrived to camp and got in line to walk. We scored a few bananas, but decided not to wait in line for a hot meal. I'm sure it was great, but getting on the route early was more important to me. Before long, we were on the trail! Dad and I were both hurting, but were taking it one step at a time. We hauled to the first cheering station, ready to see our family!

Saturday cheering stations are absolutely incredible. They are full of the most wonderful people ever. Children, babies, women and men battling cancer, those who have suffered incredible loss, puppies, and supporters with donuts. I was so thankful to make it to another cheering station. Still hurting, but taking it one step at a time.

Before long, we were 11+ miles in and at lunch. Again, I wasn't sure I'd be able to go much beyond lunch. Dad was done and after lunch hopped on a bus back to camp. He wanted to be sure to be healthy enough to walk on Day 3 so he listened to his body and quit a little early. No shame!

Lunch again was awesome. We met some new friends and heard a story of a woman who went into labor at lunch. Mixed messages, but basically her water broke at lunch and by the time the ambulance got to her the contractions were 2 minutes apart. She was 9 months along and baby was ready! Of course we heard the story, and various other rumors surrounding it, for the rest of the walk. Folks were worried it was me - definitely not me! This baby isn't ready yet.

There was a cheering station shortly after lunch that I really wanted to get to. I was still hurting but thought I could make it another mile or so. While we didn't see anyone we knew at this cheering station, it was absolutely incredible. So many tears. The cheering stations really keep me going! Of course I drew a lot of attention at cheering stations. I heard everything from "Oh my!!!" and "She's PREGNANT!" to "Way to go, walking for 2!" The best thing I heard was "WAY TO GO, BABY!!" focused right on my belly. Definitely kept me going!

There was a pit stop just a mile after the cheering station and I made it there without any trouble, but knew that I was about done. Courtney and Jessica were still going strong but were thankful to be walking a little slower - I felt like I was holding them back, but they assured me it was a good pace. I considered quitting at the pit stop, but a cheering station was coming up and I thought I could make it. I'm glad I did, but once we got through the cheering station I knew that I was done. The cheering station was incredible, but didn't ease my pain enough to keep going the remaining 6 miles. I sat down on a bench at a street corner and waited to be picked up.

I know there is absolutely no shame in hopping a van and skipping a few miles. I encourage people to do it all the time. However, in 4 walks, I've never done it - I've always walked all 60 miles. Admitting defeat was very challenging for me. I know I'm pregnant and should be so proud of the miles I was able to go - and I am - but it was still a huge challenge for me. I insisted that Courtney and Jessica go on ahead. They made sure that the crossing guard and crew member knew I was in need of a van. I insisted that I was FINE, just done. Before long, a van passed and stopped at the intersection to pick me up. I met some great people in the van and am so thankful for awesome crew members for driving the vans and picking folks up! I even got a button.

I was so proud of Courtney and Jessica for going on ahead. They seriously rocked the walk and I couldn't be more happy that our baby is going to have two of the greatest women as aunts. I was sad not to join them on the last 6 miles, but was thankful to quit. The van dropped me at the next pit stop where I hopped on a bus back to camp. I called Jarrod and tried not to cry. I'd made it 15 miles on Day 2 and he was thrilled that I was taking care of myself and baby.

Back at camp I relaxed, got a foot massage, and chatted with new friends. Within about 2 hours, Jessica and Courtney were headed in. I cheered them in and we got our picture taken - 40(ish) miles down!

Seeing this picture makes me realize why people are so shocked when they see me at cheering stations - I'm really huge!

After taking this picture, we hobbled over to grab dinner. Dad was already at the hotel relaxing, so he missed another delicious meal at camp. We had grilled chicken with veggies, pasta salad, potatoes (sweet, red, purple, etc!), salad, bread, and delicious desserts! I got a chocolate frosted brownie, Courtney got a caramel apple bar, and Jessica got a cookie bar with chocolate chips, graham crackers, and coconut...I had one of those later as well... ;-) Dinner was incredible.

After dinner, we hopped on the bus back to the hotel for a hot shower and relaxation! When we got back to the hotel we were met by Jessica's husband and best friend and her fiance. (She's getting married on Saturday!!) We chatted with them for a while - they were so encouraging! - before Courtney and I went up to the room to clean up. Courtney's finance was on his way to us so I showered up first while she waited for him. Before long, Philip was hanging out with us and then Jessica came back up to clean up too. Courtney and Philip went to visit with Philip's aunts who were also walking. I relaxed in bed, resting my swollen feet. Soon our teammates were back from dinner and I went to spend time with them. Hanging out at the hotel is definitely different than camp, but the fellowship is just as awesome.

Before long, we were ready to crash. I slept like a rock - tired after two days of walking and the emotional overload of the walk. There was still basketball doors slamming, but I ignored it and had a good night's sleep. Day 3 is almost here!!!

2011 Day 1

I cannot believe it's finally here! The first day of the 3-day for the Cure is always one of my favorite days of the year and this year is no different. There is a new sense of excitement as I have this wiggly baby growing bigger and bigger inside of me. I was also thrilled to have two new walkers join us this year - my dad and sister-in-law!

I was tired when I woke up, but so excited for the new day! We packed up our stuff and were on the road by 5:15am to get Jessica. After a little bit of alarm-set-for-PM-not-AM drama, we were all packed up and on our way to opening ceremony! We arrived with plenty of time for pictures and hanging out before the ceremony began. I saw lots of great friends while we were waiting for things to get started.

Opening Ceremony was a beautiful event, as usual. It was very cold, but not quite as cold as last year. I sobbed through the ceremony, completely overwhelmed by the beautiful words, the courageous survivors, and the life growing inside of me. Before long, we were off!

Naturally, we were towards the front of the pack heading out of opening ceremony. Dad, Courtney, Jessica, and I stuck together. I wasn't walking quick and was definitely passed more than any other year, but felt good about what I was doing. I listened to my body and checked on the baby regularly. I was very nervous on the first day, having absolutely no idea what this amount of walking would do to me or the baby, but I took things one mile at a time.

Before long we were at the first cheering station - my absolute favorite part of the event!

The cheering stations are always emotional and overwhelming for me. Seeing women bald from chemo saying thank you is just too much for me. This year was even more overwhelming than any other year. I got a lot of attention with my huge belly. Lots of encouragement and lots of shock. Baby Johnston is a celebrity - people were so excited about walking with the baby. Seeing little ones out cheering really got to me this year. "My mommy walks so we don't have to" signs made me cry all weekend. Thinking about Jarrod cheering with our little one next year was incredible and kept me going.

After a few cheering stations, we were getting close to lunch. I was hurting pretty bad and was pleased I'd made it 10 miles. I was ready to hop on a bus at lunch and call it a day. However, after a delicious turkey and cheddar sandwich, delicious chips, an apple, and a cookie, I was ready to see if I could make it to the next cheering station. Lunch really helped me feel a lot better and I was prepared to take it another mile. Next thing I knew, we were back at camp! 17 miles down.

We were all hurting, but feeling really good. We made it back to camp by about 3pm. Jarrod already dropped our luggage back at the hotel - in our room! - and met us at camp to take pictures and spend some time with us. We hung out for about an hour while we waited for dinner. We said goodbye to Jarrod and got ready for a delicious meal. The new caterer this year gets my stamp of approval - dinner was incredible!!! Seriously, we had penne with marinara, meat balls, sausage with peppers, baked mac and cheese, veggies, Ceasar salad, tomato salad, bread, and our choice of delicious desserts - chocolate or carrot cake. YUM!!!

After dinner, the 4 of us hit up the bus to get to the hotel. I am a huge supporter of staying at camp and have camped for each one of the previous 4 walks I've done. However, being 31+ weeks pregnant, I knew camping wouldn't be the best option for me. For my own health, I knew I would be much better off at the hotel. And I have to say, it was a delightful decision. Baby was wiggling like crazy and I was finally able to calm down a little bit. My biggest concern was doing something to harm the baby and was conscious the whole time about how baby was handling the walk.

We got back to the hotel and took turns taking showers. We hung out with the rest of our team, giggling, eating sweets, and stretching. By 8pm we were ready to crash. The hotel bed and clean bathroom really made for a beautiful first night of the 3-day. While we didn't sleep as well as we'd hoped (thanks to a basket ball team slamming doors until well past 3am!) we did get some good sleep.

2011 Day 0

Because this year I'm walking in the city where I live, Day 0 was a work day for me. I was at a conference in Dallas most of the day on Thursday. I was at a hotel that night before, which stressed me out in preparation for the 3-day. My bag was mostly packed at home when I left on Wednesday, but I was still nervous that I'd forget something or not have time to pack the rest of the things. I wanted to be sure to get enough sleep on Thursday night, knowing that the 3 days were going to be harder on my body that any other year. Thankfully the conference was very close to the airport and I was able to leave the conference and pick my dad up from the airport when his flight came in from New Jersey. We were on the road to home by 5:30pm for dinner.

When we arrived home for dinner, Jarrod had prepared a roast and potatoes. The house smelled incredible! Courtney had already gotten in from Oklahoma City, and we were starving! We ate dinner, got everyone ready for Friday morning, and went to bed - after a trip to Jarrod's office to print off Dad's credential and a trip to Target for some last minute supplies.

We were packed, relaxed (everyone had a little bit of wine...except me!) and watched The Office before crashing around 10pm. Unfortunately my mind was racing and I didn't get much sleep (Courtney didn't either) and the alarm rang very early at 4:15am!

Let's Get WALKING!

My sister in law has committed to walking in the DFW 3-day for the Cure. She has been to closing ceremony twice and was so moved, even after hearing my horror stories of port-o-potties, swollen feet, and raising $2,300. She is married to my husband's brother and I couldn't have asked for a better family. She has given me two nephews, which is the greatest gift ever.

She's walking because she believes in a world without breast cancer. As we all know, fundraising is not easy. She's $295 away from HALF her goal of $2,300. I'm taking this on as a challenge to raise the funds TODAY! Will you consider making a donation of $8 for the 1 in 8 women in America that will be diagnosed today? Will you donate $35 to signify the cost of transporting a woman to treatment? Will you donate $60 in support of the 60 miles Jessica will walk in November? Will you donate in honor or in memory of someone you love? Let's get Jessica $295 TODAY!

A lonely 57th Mile

I wrote a last week about how different this year's 3-day will be than years past. I'll literally be walking for 2, won't be camping, and for the first time, don't have the goal of walking all 60 miles. In addition, I've had to move someone very special from honor to memory. My heart breaks today because John is no longer physically with us.

Although not touched by breast cancer specifically, John is a huge motivation for me to walk. I wrote about John nearly a year and a half ago and the incredible inspiration that he was. My sister wrote on Saturday about John's impact on her life and how she was touched by his strength. John passed away on Sunday evening after less than two short weeks after making the decision to bring in hospice. After fighting prostate cancer for years, trying everything that he could, and going through a lot of painful procedures, there was little left to do. John was in intense pain in the end and I am so thankful that he's no longer suffering.

Jarrod and I had planned to go to Baton Rouge this coming weekend to visit John and Marie. Now we are going for John's funeral. We are incredibly sad, mourning the loss of an incredible man. This year when I hit the 57th mile, I'll walk it for John. I'll probably walk a lot of miles for John this year in hopes that this will be the first and last funeral our baby will attend because of cancer.

Smells like November

After record highs and months of days in the triple digits, cooler weather has FINALLY hit North Texas. I couldn't be more thrilled. Walking in the cooler temperatures really reminds me of the 3-day. Walking in Dallas in November means we typically have beautiful weather that is cool (or sometimes FREEZING!) at night and in the mornings, but by mid-day the weather is warm and gorgeous.

When I woke up to cooler weather I smelled November. That glorious sign that the 3-day in DFW is almost here! I always like walking and training - it's good for my soul - but walking when it's cooler makes me so happy.

As the little one growing inside of me is getting bigger and more wiggly, walking has taken on a whole new meaning. I get teary at least 3 times a week while I'm training because I think about a world without breast cancer. I think about my child growing up knowing that if nothing else, I was part of the fight. I think about walking through cheering stations, 31.5 weeks pregnant. I dream about crossing the finish line, knowing that while I didn't walk 60 miles, I made a difference. That this baby and I made a difference in the fight to end breast cancer.

This November will be just as magical as the others. It will include gatorade, lots of pink, new friends, and swollen feet. This November will also be different - I won't walk 60 miles this time, but I hope to walk a lot! This November I'll walk with a constant reminder of why I'm walking and hopefully I can be a reminder to those around me that there is so much hope.