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Sunday, October 11, 2009

The Walk - Day 3

WOW!!! This was amazing! I can barely fathom that I did 60 miles over the last 3 days. Can barely fathom the camaraderie of the women (and men) who walked, who cheered us on daily. It was saddening to see how many lives are touched by this disease. It was empowering to see how passionate these people are.

So tired, so fatigued, but so satisfied.

More tomorrow. :-)
Regards,
Natalie Sinanan
Support my 3 Day Breast Cancer Walk at www.the3day.org

Saturday, October 10, 2009

The Walk - Day 2

Can I say WHOPPED????!!!!! My feet aren't even mine anymore. 22.5 miles through Bethesda, Chevy Chase and Potomac really put my feet and will to the test. I made it back to camp though. I met my goal: no sweep vans!!! This 2nd day was trying and a lot of people felt it. Sadly some people were in denial and literally fell on their face, others knew that despite their dedication, they needed to call it a day and head back to camp. Either way, we are all victors!!!

So I chickened out last night and brought my tired butt home, it was worth getting a good night's rest. And I am doing the same tonight. Getting on the road even earlier to ensure that I get to the Closing Ceremony at Lincoln Memorial on time. I am a little nervous because it is going to be such an emotional experience.

Well, would love to write more, but gotta get some rest.

TaTa for now!

Friday, October 9, 2009

The Walk - Day 1

Woooo Hoooo!!! I am no longer a 3 Day Virgin!!! he he he A 3 Day Breast Cancer Walk virgin that is (get your minds out of that gutter). I had the BEST and most empowering time EVER!!! 19.8 miles and I am ready to do tomorrow's 22.8 through Montgomery County.

I met survivors, children of survivors, husbands of survivors, widowers; people who proudly workded hard to raise money for not only the search for a cure, but the all out FIGHT!!! I met a 24-walk veteran who has decided to hang up her walking-sneakers at age 74 because it's "enough on her body"... 24 walks!!! Twice a year Mattie walks for the 3 Day: once in her hometown of Boston, and once in another city, to raise money to assist those who don't have it to pay the medical bills associated with chemotherapy; to afford home-care for single, people with no family members; to educate women in rural India that Breast Cancer is NOT contagious; to reassure women in Africa that the removal of a diseased-breast makes her no less of a woman than any of us.

It was inspiring to feel the warmth of 61 team mates I had never met, to walk alongside me in this fight. It was comforting to walk past residents of Georgetown who opened their homes in gratitude with snacks, gatorade and a clean and comfortable bathroom, because we are fighting a fight for them and their sisters, mothers and daughters. It was motivating to have crew members donate their time and energy in this unseasonal 85-degree October weather ensuring our safety, handling our food and luggage and just in general be good-natured continuously.

It is the warmest and fullest feeling, next to bearing my own child, that I could feel to date. I have already made up my mind to do things better, because I HAVE to do this next year.

Thank you all...especially my team mates who contributed some of their donations to assist in achieving my minimum to participate in this phenomenol event. Definitely to the boss-man, who has been supportive all the way in other than professional achievements. And ABSOLUTELY my mother who as always has my back...side, front and everything else.

I'm ready for Day 2 yall!!!!!

Sunday, October 4, 2009

10.5 miles!!! 5 Days to Go!!!

Well I did two walks back-to-back. Granted I could have gotten that done a little earlier, better late than never right? Well at least this time I didn't go straight to sleep right after either walk. As a matter of fact, I've been home lounging for the last 6 hours and I'm not sleepy at all. YIKES!!! I am a little sore, but feeling great. As a matter of fact, I had a partner today (thanks for coming out Sam!!) who I met through FB just yesterday. Yeah, what are the odds? Anyway, was grateful to have the motivation of a partner who will be joining our team. The comraderie never ends.

Got the bulk of my packing out of the way. I think I've made my 35lb weight restriction and have all the essentials...I think. lol We think we've found out where the camp site may be, and fortunately it's not that far from home, if for some reason I do need to check back with the fam. I'll try spending at least the first night on campsite and depending on how that goes, will determine as to whether I spend a second night.

Folks, keep those donations coming in. Still have another $1500 to go. It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I know you can do it!!

Thank you always and stay tuned...

Saturday, October 3, 2009

6 More Days!!!! I'm excited and READY!!!!

Oh Yeah, I am PUMPED!!!! I just finished walking 10 miles in this GORGEOUS autumn weather, and my body feels ready. Better yet, my spirit is CHARGED and my mind is right where it needs to be. I can't wait until next Friday to meet my 58 team mates from around the entire country. YES 59 OF US!!! The comraderie is great, with this co-ed team. I can't forget all of my friends, family and coworkers who have been supportive in my venture. You have made this challenge one a lot easier to face.

I'll say that fund raising hasn't been the easiest, but this economy has touched us all (and not in the nicest of ways). At the same time, this is all part of the "fight". Thank you folks for sending what you can. Keep your eyes open for events in the near future, though.

Will start packing today. Yikes!!! Can I fit an airbed, sleeping bag and all of a ladies' needs in one 35lb bag? Ha Ha Ha, yet another challenge. Please feel free to send me any tips on that as well.

Later folks!!

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

10 More Days to GO!!!!!!

Yikes!!! It's get soooooo close and I am getting really nervous. I know that I can do it, shoot, how many times have I chipped through Woodbrook, up Frederick Street and over the stage for Carnival? :) I know this is definitely doable. Getting these donations in isn't easy either, but I am definitely getting there!! Thank you folks for all of your encouragement and support. If you're in the Fairfax/Falls Church area this Thursday, stop on in at Chevy's for lunch with the fundraising flyer to the right. Chevy's will donate 25% of your food bill to my walk. Thanks folks!!!

Late night 3-miler

Yeah, got it in! Have to get these legs conditioned for the real deal. Wasn't easy on the lungs (these allergies are killing me), but it felt good everywhere else.

Folks - thanks for the support, but throw it up on the blog and spread the word to keep the donations coming in.

Peace
Regards,
Natalie Sinanan
Support my 3 Day Breast Cancer Walk at www.the3day.org