Remember a while back, I was desperately seeking donors to support me in my walk for breast cancer, benefiting The Princess Margaret Hospital (which happens to be one of the top 5 hospitals for cancer research… in the world). Through numerous (desperation soaked) emails to friends and several fund raising events at the office, I met and (just barely) exceeded my goal.
The walk took place this weekend, starting at the Direct Energy Centre aka Exhibition Place, day one ending at Downsview Park and back again the next day, totaling 60 km (just over 37 m for those of you down south).
When I had first registered for this event, I was told that training was important. I thought, who needs to train for a walk? Nonetheless, I had gone out for a few long walks to prepare. One of my first attempts was walking home from work and although I did make it home in 2 hours, I was hit by a car. Nothing dramatic that required medical attention, a man had reversed his car and failed to see me, then failed to apologize for hitting me.
Team Harlequin met at 7am to get ready for the opening ceremonies. It was amazing to see a crowd of 4,616 walkers work together to raise over $11 million dollars for womens’ cancer research.
I really didn’t know what I was getting into, I didn’t know what an emotionally and physically draining experience this was going to be. Those who know me well, know that I’m a crier. And boy did I have the water works on high this weekend. This walk challenged me, from the very beginning it challenged me to get creative – baking over 100 cupcakes for a fundraiser and through to the very end it challenged me to push myself and not give up.
Day 1 went well, I had excellent company which helped make the 30+ km walk go by quickly. As did games like, spot the nearest Starbucks to nurse my caffeine withdrawal headache and get to know you better questions such as, if you could own any kind of business, what would it be? Just so you know, I’d own a wonderful little cafe along the coast (east or west, just gimme water) where I’d make gourmet sandwiches and desserts and coffee, play the music I want to hear and sell locally made artisan crafts, art and jewelry.
We made it to camp around 6pm and I dug right into the free booze (thanks Steam Whitsle and Yellowtail!) and dinner. Come night, only 5 of the 9 team members staying overnight made it past dinner. We got to know each other better, chatting the night away over a few beers before I retired to my tent.
Day 2 started early, I arose at 4 am (thanks to the early birds in the tent next to me) and spent a good hour stretching out my sore feet, ate breakfast and packed up before our 30 km trek back home. My Day 1 walking mates had gone home (they were participating in the one-day walk), so I rejoined the rest of Team Harlequin. Day 2 took us through downtown and I was looking forward to possibly spotting some celebs as TIFF was going on. I was hoping we could get some stargazing done – in the least obvious way possible. Although I didn’t spot anyone, I could have cared less, the only thing that concerned me at that point was the monstrous blister that had formed on my heel and had caused a limp in my step. Ack!
I had one breaking point, it was after lunch on day 2, the limp was taking a lot out of me, it was hot as heck and my mind was playing games with me. I was ready to call it quits and have one of the sweep vehicles pick me up and take me to the finish line. It was at that point that I spotted a man and his daughter sitting out front their apartment and clapping for us, saying, “Thank you!”. I was overcome with emotion, tears began to fall and I got my second wind back.
Crossing the finish line, was amazing. Boy and Olgie were waiting for me, cheering me on and the waterworks were on again. I even made it on the local news, even if it was for 2.43 seconds (click on news from Sunday September 13th and skip to the 11:47 mark – I’m in the pink tank top and the next shot is of my team members).
This past weekend was a life changing experience. Whether it was at the opening ceremonies when friends and family members of those who had fallen victim to breast cancer were carrying the running shoes their loved ones were to wear on the walk before cancer had claimed their lives. Or walking down King St. in Weston, where a loving community was very much alive. This street was lined with neighbours supporting us some with a hose to give us a light mist on a hot day and others with watermelon slices, lemonade, chocolate, applause and even… shots of beer. Walking through Downsview, where cute Italian families handed out freezies, pannetone, popsicles and fresh fruit.
The most inspiring part of this walk was having breast cancer survivors cheering us on and holding signs saying, “I’m alive because of you”. It’s so overwhelming. People thanking me for raising money and walking 60 km? It seems so bizarre to me. Needless to say, I cried a lot, laughed loads, shared stories and am really proud of myself for completing the entire 60 km. Congrats to all who participated.
Here are a few more photos from the weekend:
A clever sign an optometrist had up for us.
My favourite team logo... so hilariously creative
Me, Tripetripeandmoretripe.blogspot.com, and another friend at the pirate pit stop.
Team Harlequin heading toward the finish line
Thanks again to everyone who supported me in my walk. I really appreciate your help and thank you for giving me the opportunity to experience this.
