Last Friday I dropped Tyler off and came home intending to go for a long walk. I did some dishes, started laundry, answered emails and a few other things. For some reason, I was ridiculously tired. I thought I'd take a quick power nap and still be ready to leave around 11 which would be plenty of time for 6-8 miles. I fell into bed, fully clothed, a little after 10. I woke up at 2:30. Obviously, my body was trying to me something. Good thing I listened.
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The Breast Cancer 3 Day isn't a race. There are no prizes for making it to lunch before 11 or back to camp before 3. Pushing yourself is not necessary and it's not a good idea. I think the lingering injuries I have from last year's walk are in part due to me trying to keep up with my mom (I'll say it's because her legs are so much longer than mine *ahem*) and not listening to my body.
Since it was my first walk I put a lot of pressure on myself to walk all 60 miles. It can be a little disheartening to see pregnant women or someone my Gramma's age pass you by. It's also hard not to get caught up in the idea that as walkers we need to push ourselves as some sort of symbol. One of the mantra's for the 3 Day weekend is "I may have blisters but it's better than cancer." I took that to heart too. It's hard to see people walking who are bald from the chemo and not think, "if they can do this, certainly I can too!"
I thought taking a sweeper van was a sign I couldn't cut it or that it would take away from the experience somehow. Not true! There are so many things that make the 3 Day so amazing. Sure, walking the whole thing is a great accomplishment but it's not the goal of the event.
Rest when you need to, ride the van when you need to. Take advantage of medical. You will not be letting anybody down. I give you my permission to not be so hard on yourself. Listen to your body!
I'm so proud of you for doing this - again. You - and your mom - are amazing and I applaud you for taking on this challenge.
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