Why Do We Walk?

It's not quite normal to walk 60 miles over three days. Or to become an expert in various blister remedies. Or to become well-acquainted with all of the different colors of Gatorade--and to become adept at mixing them with the proper ratio of water. Or to keep track of how often you pee. Or to take a shower on the back of a truck.

Why do we walk?

We walk because we can. We walk for those who can't. We walk because even one more day with our loved ones dying of breast cancer is one day too many. We walk because we'd walk forever, just to have another day with those we have lost.

During my first 3-Day, in May 2000 (that was the one when it got to 111 degrees!!), a speech was given at the opening ceremonies, and I carry those words with me still. "We hold our heads high, standing tall but not standing still. Smiling, though faced with obstacles. Independent, yet deriving strength from togetherness. We would walk forever to overcome breast cancer, though the point of our journey is to shorten the road. Our song is filled with the weight of urgency, yet lifted by the lightness of joy. In the garden of our souls, commitment is tended by optimism. Surprise us in the quiet of our thoughts and you would find us thinking about victory, even when no victory is in sight. Because we are always looking ahead, to a place of health and long life--to the time we all dream of when we may cease our walking and begin to dance."

Why do we walk? We walk because we cannot wait to get to the day when we may begin to dance.