A new 'walk season' has begun. I cannot believe how fast the time has gone since January. As usual I was very apprehensive about the 1st walk. I am always concerned if I can 'do it', especially since I began having new foot problems on my last long training walk. So, before I continue, I will say that I did it! Every step!

Bob and I flew into DC on Wed. and spent a couple of days doing the tourist thing. We spent some time with our goddaughter who goes to school there and we ate lunch at the American Indian Museum--Bob's favorite place for lunch. On Fri. at registration I had fun selling Ronda's jewelry and meeting so many of the walkers. That time usually gets me excited and 'hyped' up, meaning I don't sleep well the night before the walk. It is always amazing how little sleep I get and then walk a marathon walk--the body truly is amazing!

The walk began after opening ceremonies, which were at the Kennedy Center. My foot problems happened around lunch, but I was able to try different pads that worked for a while, so every few miles I had to readjust something to make my toes comfortable. It all worked and I was able to finish the complete route.

This route was quite lovely, as well as the weather. Everyone was commenting on the weather. I had forgotten that it rained last year for the event. When I wasn't walking with someone, I entertained myself by observing the number of churches, hospitals, and Starbucks! It seemed that there was at least one of each on every block!

I spent time walking with Amy and Bonnie. They are really good friends--great female bonding. Amy is a young survivor. She felt a lump when she was 32 yr. old and the doctor thought it was nothing because she was too young. One 1/2 yrs. later, the lump was removed with a diagnosis of cancer and she then elected to have a double mastectomy. What a powerful woman! Go Amy! Then I spent some time talking to a different Amy. She was asking me a lot about my walks and then mentioned that her husband had died in his sleep only 5 weeks ago at 34-yrs.of age. She has 2 small children. She told me of the incredible support she has from friends and family, but what a heart wrenching story. She is an amazing lady and I wish her gentle healing. I also spent time talking to Amanda. Amanda was walking for her friend Jacki who had died in Jan. from breast cancer. Amanda never had a chance to say goodbye, so we talked a lot about Jacki. We were able to find each other at closing ceremonies and walk into that together. That was a great thing to share.

I thank everyone who has shared this experience with me. This commitment over the last 9 years, has been totally enhanced by each of you. And, of course, a special thank you to Bob for getting me from here to there and for hanging signs to support all of the walkers.