We got home around 11:30 on this sunny, but very chilly and very windy day. Needless to say, the walk wasn’t held outside, but inside the massive gym/track facility at Colby College in Waterville.

This event was one of six locations where walks were being held today to benefit programs for the Brain Injury Association of Maine.

There were donuts, fruit, coffee cake, yogurt bars and other assorted goodies waiting for us when we arrived and checked in. I raised over $1,000 so I received a sweatshirt. I was only there wearing one, so I guess I did good! LOL Dave got a t-shirt and we wore them proudly. I raised a total of $1,260.

After some opening announcements and some stretching, we started the trek around the gym with the other 100 or so people who signed up today. A good turn out apparently, compared to years past. And they had a nice brass quartet playing very upbeat tunes during the walk. It sure helped pass the time and they sounded great.

I had to pace myself and keep a steady even pace and no over do it, which I succeeded in doing pretty well. Dave walked with me except for a few times were I let him go and have fun and walk faster. The track is a 1/4 lap within the outside ring of the track. I tried to stay in that lane, but with all the young kids wanting to run instead of walk and other folks, it was tough to stay there. They had a table set up with water and fruit so I did stop at one point for a break and grabbed some water.

In total, I ended up walking 16 laps I think for appox. 4 miles. I’m pretty pleased with that. My inner thigh started to bother me the last few laps, ironically, right where my coils were inserted, and I didn’t want to push it any further. I was limping across the finish line, but happy I did it. Then they served us a nice lunch and we said our goodbyes.

There were a couple of people there in wheelchairs and one with a cane and I thought the one man who got out of his wheelchair and made several laps with a walker did  fantastic job. He had quite the support crew with him as well. From the looks of the banner, some folks were there in memory of a loved one too. I wrote that I was walking for Heidi & Jennifer. I wore the ABTA.org bracelet.

People walked much faster than me and lapped me several times, but I didn’t care. I was lucky to be able to walk the amount I did. I’m VERY tired. My head hurts a little bit, but it’s nothing compared to what so many others are going through. I’m reminded of how short life is and one should enjoy it.