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9,447 Posts
<p>This was one of those events where I couldn't wait to get to the starting line! I wasn't able to raise the funding. After giving them my credit card number, I was given an additional month to try to raise the funding. Son4 and I flew into Tucson to visit my parents before the event. It wasn't until days before the event that I found a ride to Phoenix. Failing to find shared housing in Phoenix, hours before leaving for Phoenix I found a hotel. The morning of the event, I hailed a cab who had never heard of the park where we started, even though it was less than 2 miles away...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Once I arrived, the Koman crew took care of me. I dropped off my gear at the truck, was given a lanyard for my credentials, and was sent off to the opening ceremony. The opening ceremony was overwhelming, plus I was wanting to get this thing started! I didn't take any photos until the walk was actually started.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/63369/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="PB120298.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="15021" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/15021/width/667/height/500" style="; width: 667px; height: 500px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Looking back down the hill at all the walkers behind me. We walked through a tunnel of supporters who cheered us on and gave high-5's.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It took most of the first day for me to get used to the fact that I was walking, not racing. I still flew through pit stops. I enjoyed the scenery, but didn't stop for photos. We walked through "cheering stations". Supporters lined the sidewalk to cheer us on. Girl scouts handed out candy and home made pins. Others handed out beads. So many people thanking us for walking. It was pretty overwhelming because to me, this was no big deal. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/63371/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="PB120306.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="15022" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/15022/width/667/height/500" style="; width: 667px; height: 500px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Finally, into camp! Pre-event instructions stressed the we had to put up our own tent. However, once in camp, tent and gear took over. They retrieved my bag, grabbed a tent and set everything up at G-90, my "home away from home".</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/63374/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="PB120308.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="15023" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/15023/width/667/height/500" style="; width: 667px; height: 500px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>After a hot shower, I relaxed in my tent until dinner. We were served a real dinner--chicken, green beans, potatoes, bread, and a brownie for dessert. Once the sun went down it got COLD! I planned on resting in my tent until the after dinner entertainment, however, I woke during the closing number. Oh well... I snuggled into my sleeping bag and tried to stay warm enough to sleep. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Morning arrived way too early. Luckily, they turned on the field lights which helped get everyone moving. We were served a breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage, breakfast rolls and fruit. And then we were off for Day 2!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/63376/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="PB130309.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="15024" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/15024/width/667/height/500" style="; width: 667px; height: 500px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>We had so many people supporting us along the way. Other teams had support crews who leap frogged the route. I never got a photo of the "Walker Stalkers", but I did catch these guys as they "judged" us.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/63380/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="PB130323.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="15026" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/15026/width/667/height/500" style="; width: 667px; height: 500px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>We had numerous "pit stops" every day. This was lunch in a park. We were served cold cut sandwiches, chips and fruit. Oh, and these graham cracker PB&J sandwiches that were to die for! We also had "grab and go" stops, which were just POJ's, snacks and fluids. What was nice was they did not use cups--we were required to carry our own water bottles. Sure cut down on waste!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/63378/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="PB130324.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="15025" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/15025/width/667/height/500" style="; width: 667px; height: 500px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Finally, half way through day 2, I started taking more scenery photos. After snapping one photo, another walker asked if I wanted him to snap one with me in it. Sure! You can see that I'm collecting lots of pins and beads!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/63382/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="PB130326.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="15027" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/15027/width/667/height/500" style="; width: 667px; height: 500px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Day 2 was our longest, at 22.5miles. I was glad to make it into camp! We had another nice dinner of beef, vegetables, roll and pecan pie. I didn't even bother to stay up for entertainment. Decked out in long pants, long sleeve, fleece and hat, I turned in for the night.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Day 3 started much the same. Scrambled eggs, breakfast roll, fruit and coffee. After breakfast, it was time to pack up camp. Everything came out of the bag, so it has to fit back in, right?! Although we were supposed to take down our own tent, tent and gear crew came to the rescue and took down tents so all I had to do was carry my gear to the truck.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We were bussed to the start of Day 3. We started in Paradise Valley, which is beautiful.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/63384/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="PB140332.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="15028" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/15028/width/667/height/500" style="; width: 667px; height: 500px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>And how could I forget our safety crew! These guys were at every major intersection making sure we crossed safely. They were a hoot! While we depended on the food crew at the stops, these guys got us through the miles between pit stops. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/63386/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="PB140334.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="15029" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/15029/width/667/height/500" style="; width: 667px; height: 500px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>And finally, after three days and 60 miles, the finish. Me with my mom, a three and a half year survivor.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/63390/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="PB140337.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="15030" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/15030/width/667/height/500" style="; width: 667px; height: 500px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>We stayed for the closing. First, the crews (food, tent and gear, medical and safety) walked through the walkers so we were able to give them a proper thank you. After all, we couldn't have done it without them! Then, as the walkers walked into the closing ceremony, the crews cheered us on. As they put it, if it weren't for us, they wouldn't be needed! It was a bitter sweet time. I had spent the past three days with these people, many I would never see again.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And the famous Koman 3-Day gesture, the raising of the shoes as a tribute to those affected by breast cancer.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/63397/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="PB140344.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="15033" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/15033/width/667/height/500" style="; width: 667px; height: 500px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Once I arrived, the Koman crew took care of me. I dropped off my gear at the truck, was given a lanyard for my credentials, and was sent off to the opening ceremony. The opening ceremony was overwhelming, plus I was wanting to get this thing started! I didn't take any photos until the walk was actually started.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/63369/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="PB120298.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="15021" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/15021/width/667/height/500" style="; width: 667px; height: 500px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Looking back down the hill at all the walkers behind me. We walked through a tunnel of supporters who cheered us on and gave high-5's.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It took most of the first day for me to get used to the fact that I was walking, not racing. I still flew through pit stops. I enjoyed the scenery, but didn't stop for photos. We walked through "cheering stations". Supporters lined the sidewalk to cheer us on. Girl scouts handed out candy and home made pins. Others handed out beads. So many people thanking us for walking. It was pretty overwhelming because to me, this was no big deal. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/63371/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="PB120306.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="15022" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/15022/width/667/height/500" style="; width: 667px; height: 500px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Finally, into camp! Pre-event instructions stressed the we had to put up our own tent. However, once in camp, tent and gear took over. They retrieved my bag, grabbed a tent and set everything up at G-90, my "home away from home".</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/63374/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="PB120308.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="15023" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/15023/width/667/height/500" style="; width: 667px; height: 500px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>After a hot shower, I relaxed in my tent until dinner. We were served a real dinner--chicken, green beans, potatoes, bread, and a brownie for dessert. Once the sun went down it got COLD! I planned on resting in my tent until the after dinner entertainment, however, I woke during the closing number. Oh well... I snuggled into my sleeping bag and tried to stay warm enough to sleep. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Morning arrived way too early. Luckily, they turned on the field lights which helped get everyone moving. We were served a breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage, breakfast rolls and fruit. And then we were off for Day 2!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/63376/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="PB130309.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="15024" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/15024/width/667/height/500" style="; width: 667px; height: 500px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>We had so many people supporting us along the way. Other teams had support crews who leap frogged the route. I never got a photo of the "Walker Stalkers", but I did catch these guys as they "judged" us.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/63380/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="PB130323.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="15026" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/15026/width/667/height/500" style="; width: 667px; height: 500px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>We had numerous "pit stops" every day. This was lunch in a park. We were served cold cut sandwiches, chips and fruit. Oh, and these graham cracker PB&J sandwiches that were to die for! We also had "grab and go" stops, which were just POJ's, snacks and fluids. What was nice was they did not use cups--we were required to carry our own water bottles. Sure cut down on waste!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/63378/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="PB130324.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="15025" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/15025/width/667/height/500" style="; width: 667px; height: 500px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Finally, half way through day 2, I started taking more scenery photos. After snapping one photo, another walker asked if I wanted him to snap one with me in it. Sure! You can see that I'm collecting lots of pins and beads!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/63382/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="PB130326.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="15027" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/15027/width/667/height/500" style="; width: 667px; height: 500px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Day 2 was our longest, at 22.5miles. I was glad to make it into camp! We had another nice dinner of beef, vegetables, roll and pecan pie. I didn't even bother to stay up for entertainment. Decked out in long pants, long sleeve, fleece and hat, I turned in for the night.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Day 3 started much the same. Scrambled eggs, breakfast roll, fruit and coffee. After breakfast, it was time to pack up camp. Everything came out of the bag, so it has to fit back in, right?! Although we were supposed to take down our own tent, tent and gear crew came to the rescue and took down tents so all I had to do was carry my gear to the truck.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We were bussed to the start of Day 3. We started in Paradise Valley, which is beautiful.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/63384/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="PB140332.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="15028" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/15028/width/667/height/500" style="; width: 667px; height: 500px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>And how could I forget our safety crew! These guys were at every major intersection making sure we crossed safely. They were a hoot! While we depended on the food crew at the stops, these guys got us through the miles between pit stops. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/63386/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="PB140334.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="15029" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/15029/width/667/height/500" style="; width: 667px; height: 500px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>And finally, after three days and 60 miles, the finish. Me with my mom, a three and a half year survivor.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/63390/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="PB140337.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="15030" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/15030/width/667/height/500" style="; width: 667px; height: 500px"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>We stayed for the closing. First, the crews (food, tent and gear, medical and safety) walked through the walkers so we were able to give them a proper thank you. After all, we couldn't have done it without them! Then, as the walkers walked into the closing ceremony, the crews cheered us on. As they put it, if it weren't for us, they wouldn't be needed! It was a bitter sweet time. I had spent the past three days with these people, many I would never see again.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And the famous Koman 3-Day gesture, the raising of the shoes as a tribute to those affected by breast cancer.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a class="H-lightbox-open" href="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/63397/width/1000/height/800/flags/" target="_blank"><img alt="PB140344.JPG" class="lightbox-enabled" data-id="15033" data-type="61" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/content/type/61/id/15033/width/667/height/500" style="; width: 667px; height: 500px"></a></p>
