I did not physically prepare for the walk. My legs and feet were in great shape for the first 12 miles. As the route unfolded leg muscles stiffened, shortening my stride. Gradually tightening up to max at the 1 hour remaining mark, as I was leaving downtown CR for Summit Schools. I was determined that I had to reach Summit by 3PM before the kids left for the day. I remembered I had passed a sidewalk with the words "Keep Going" spray painted on it from a recent event. Good advice.
My friend Jeanelle ran across Iowa last year to raise awareness and support for family farmers. Her perseverance in the face of stress gave me courage. I remember her advice -'it's all temporary'. I kept walking.
Governor Terry Branstad has a Healthy Iowa Initiative. Having nothing better to do with my upper body, I snacked:
The fall colors were amazing, and distracting as I wanted to stop to take more pictures, but not this time.
The last two images are courtesy of my excellent route support and terrific photographer Kaylyn Hoskyns.
By the end the sun was bright and 85 degrees. Knees no longer wanted to bend, and stepping up from the street to a curb was a challenge. When I arrived at Regent street it was with a great deal of anticipation, this was the final stretch! Even the street sign was worthy of a photo.
As I turned the corner, I could see the Summit School building at the end of the block. The whole school had piled out onto the front lawn, with banners. I was immediately overwhelmed. Surprise. Happiness. Lump in throat. Glistening eyes. Adrenaline lengthened my stride.
When staff and students saw me they began waiving and cheering encouragement. A chant began. I could hear all the commotion a block away. None of the uproar subsided even as I got closer.
I walked through a huge finish line banner and was immediately surrounded in a group hug of medium, small and micro sizes.
So fatigued were my muscles, and swimming in emotions, I had trouble keeping my balance.
132000 feet, 8 1/2 hours doesn't begin to tell the story...
Any final thoughts?
I am so grateful for all that yesterday was, and will always be. Kaylyn said it best: "Goosebumps don't Lie!" -that described the last block and the part of the day I will most cherish.
No doubt I will spend several days reflecting on it, but I will never forget that special day, or my 140 uniquely wonderfully welcoming Summit friends.
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