Happy Days

I think I'm still floating on Cloud 9! I just did 15 laps today and changed it up a little and did some other exercises.
I feel great after the Cancer Walk - maybe a little emotionally exhausted, but I feel great. I do have a 'little' blister on the instep of my foot. Oopsie!

Its a crisp cool day out, but I'm going to keep on walking. I must admit the crowd issue at the Marathon has me a bit worried. But once I get through that and onto walking, I'll be fine. I can't wait to see how much stronger I'll get by May!

Keeping on.
Thanks everyone for your support! :>)

I DID IT!

I cannot even begin to tell you what an awe inspiring walk this was. Not only was I walking for those who have cancer, for those who are survivors and for those who lost their battle. I was also walking for myself to prove to myself that YES I can do this. It was exciting, exhilarating, and quite emotional especially as we crossed the finished line running and having people cheer us on. I had never experienced anything like it - it was quite rewarding! I got many high-five, many hugs, many GO JOEY's! I'm proud of myself!

Although I was nervous as hell when we first got there, i didn't know what to expect. i was excited but more nervous. Charlotte could read my face. When we registered, we got a ticket then had to stand in line for our shirts. I knew I couldn't, so Charlotte said I could sit down and she'd grab them. Then we took a few photos of me being nervous. Then I said i better go to the bathroom. I couldn't go - i was so nervous.

Once we got started, I was doing fine. I wanted to keep ahead of the little boy with his big wheel!

But he got ahead of us. I ran a little - Charlotte had to keep up with me!! LOL

I just tried to maintain - keep my focuse and FINISH. And that I did! Go Joey GO!!!

We didn't even bring the camera on the walk, others had theirs, but i just thought it would be a pain. Charlotte did carry my machine in her backpack in case something happened and i needed to say what was wrong. Thank you Charlotte & thank you for walking with me!!

We hung out a little after and took pictures, watched the runners come in - they ran the 10K!

It will be something I'd like to try again. I am nervous for the actual marathon, knowing how many people were here and knowing there will literally be thousands more at the Marathon. I'll need to round up a few people to walk with me. I know I can do this.

Thank you to Southpoint for all your support and to Charlotte - thank you for making this possible. Making me believe I could do this (even though you wanted to call my dad - if something happened!!)

Yeah I did it, I'm gonna keep on moving!!

Photo above was before the walk holding the t-shirt we got. (One of them) and me looking like what in the hell have I gotten myself into!! I'm so glad I did this, it was worth all the nervousness!

Beautiful Morning

I went for a walk this morning. Gearing up for the 'big' walk tomorrow morning. My goal on this walk was to stay focused and to NOT stop and take pictures! It was kind of funny as I was walking by homes and apartment buildings how I could smell bacon frying!! Made me want to have a big juicy cheeseburger!

I did stop for less than a minute on a bench that I usually sit on to take pictures. This time I stretched each leg and sat for 10 seconds or so and off I went. I kept saying in my head 'to keep on moving - you can do this'. I went the same route as last time, except last time I cut through one of the parking lots.

I stayed focused and kept my head up and kept going. Made it in about 40 minutes. I'm still unsure how far it is, but I felt good after. Doing laundry now.

Will blog tomorrow after the big day!

Peace out!

Two more days

Saturday is the 'big' Roger Maris Cancer Walk. I say 'big', because to me I'm sure it will seem big as this will be my first one EVER.
I must admit that I am a bit nervous just because I don't really know what to expect. Charlotte & I walked part of the race and at first I was concerned that we'd all be crowded on the sidewalk, but she said they open the streets up for this; which made me feel more at ease. I really hope there isn't a lot of baby strollers, dogs on leashes, that I might trip over! Charlotte asked for my dads number in case something happened to me. If anything happens to me - we will call 911! I highly doubt anything will happen but she said she just wanted to have a plan of action. The only thing I foresee happening is i may have to sit down for a minute or so. I'll just see how I do. I am not concerned about time at this time, just want to complete. Although, I'd rather not come in last. I was getting very warm today and asked Charlotte why she isn't sweating and she said it may be because this is a little slower pace than what she does when she walks. So I'll just have to kick it up a notch and show her who is boss!! Ah-hahaha!! We saw so many beautiful flowers on the way. I can't let that distract me!! So there will be no photo ops on the route. I wanna keep going. Thanks Tiffany for saying you would take pics if you were here. (she lives in Michigan)!
We'll get some before and after!

So before we walked outside, i walked 5 laps to warm me up - then we walked. Then I just did stretches, the Bose; which is easier now. Kind of taking it easy. Don't want to stress out but I also want to maintain. I'll try to get out and walk tomorrow morning before it rains.

One step, two step....here I come!
Have a good day and I appreciate everyone's support! :)

I'm doing doing this

This morning I got up at 6am! I don't know what I was thinking but I knew if I went back to bed for an hour, that I'd fall back to sleep and couldn't get up. Then I'd be rushing. So I get up at 6 and am moving so slow and my eyes would not stay open. It was CRAZY! I had them closed when I was eating and woke up a little after my shower. It was funny trying to keep eyes open while putting on make-up; like i really needed it going to gym! Oh well.

I was better once it was time to go - i didn't have to hold my eyes open. Its a gloomy rainy day, so I'm blaming it on weather. Started out doing a few leg stretches at gym, then off i went. I did THIRTY laps..yeah THIRTY!! I did stop at the 20 lap just for a minute. That was all I needed and it was like I got a bolt of energy. I did TEN more (30 total) and I felt great!! I think Lisa S. joined me on the last 6.

So I am pretty sure I can do the walk Saturday - it's 2 miles. I'm a little nervous as I don't know what to expect. I have never done anything like this but it will give me the experience for the 5K next May. Charlotte will be with me, so that eases my mind! I'm trying to figure out how I can get someone to take pictures! LOL

I then went (after gym) to have a flu shot. There was a short line and this is where I have trouble. I can't stand in a line or stand to fill out forms. This very kind lady said she would hold my spot in line while i sat. Which was so sweet. By the time i got to the place you register, i couldn't stand, so just kneeled on floor; which concerns everyone. They think i'm going down for the big one. A nice nurse helped me up and to where i would get my shot (only about 20 steps) and after I was done, i got up like nothing ever happened. See this is the frustrating part. I don't know if this is the dystonia causing me to not stand or what. I'm ok if I keep going though.
I just do the best I can.

Here's a quote a friend, Lisa M, sent me.
Your attitude towards life defines not who you are - but the quality of life you are after!
Peace out - til next time!

Left Foot, Right Foot!!

Moving along and doing well. I finished 24 laps at gym; which is 2 miles!! YIPPEE!!

I could tell i was getting fatigued towards end. I sat down and had my little snack (spice drops); which the therapists laugh at!! I could bring in a dish of ice-cream!! After I sat awhile, i did more jumping. That gets my heart moving. I have never sweated so much since i started all this walking. I feel it is so good for me. I may not be the best, or the faster, but I AM DOING IT. i even ran a little. It's funny when people start to chase me!!

After gym I picked up 2 cheeseburgers w/ mustard, ketchup, mayo & pickles on it! Something seems wrong about that - working out then having fast food!! I did eat a fresh tomato from my building owner with it, so it was a partially healthy lunch!!

Have a splendid day. Never give up on dreams.

Above lovely photo is from my big walk yesterday!

Big walk

I got up this morning and ventured out on a walk. I went the same way i went before except this time I added on a few more blocks. I am unsure how far i walked but guessing closer to 2 - 2.5 mil!! It was such a pretty day out and i want to get out as much as possible as i know days like these won't last long.

Whew!! I'm going to make this 2 mile Cancer walk - rain or shine!

Enjoy your evening.