GUTS TO GLORY

The Weekend to End Breast Cancer:
An Adventure in Walking 60k

By Jone Rush MacCulloch

My adventure began with an email last winter. A friend of 30 years invited me to join her team, “In the Pink,” and walk 60 kilometers during “The Weekend to End Breast Cancer” in Vancouver, BC. Hmmm, I thought to myself, I walked the Portland Marathon in 2000; I certainly could do a 60k; walk two 30k days and camp in-between. Of course, I had forgotten that I hadn’t done any serious training since a car accident in 2001 but I wanted to support my friend, recently diagnosed with breast cancer.

I signed up, thus committing myself to raising $2,000 in Canadian currency. I could do it, I told myself. My next challenge was figuring out the training piece. My team lived and trained in the Seattle, WA. Not convenient for me every weekend. It was too late to sign up with my previous training group. Could I do it alone? Would I be willing to get out of bed at o’dark 30 to walk especially if there was a hint of rain? Probably not. I found the group, Portland Fit, which was just gearing up for the walking season. My Saturday morning training walks were in place.

It wasn’t long before I raised the money, rediscovered that I could walk more than four miles, and was packing for the great adventure. I arrived in Vancouver, BC early Friday morning. Once the rest of my team arrived, we headed to check in at registration. Then the search began for a restaurant and a carbohydrate-loaded meal before retiring early. The bus to opening ceremonies was boarding at 5:45am.

Now all summer long, the Northwest was hot and humid with virtually no rain. I prayed for a bit cooler weather and a little cloud cover. I was excited when I saw the beautiful sunrise that morning, completely forgetting the sailor’s saying, “Red sky at morning, sailors take warning.”

The opening ceremony pumped us up with adrenaline and a few tears. A blank flag was brought in to write on. I reflected on why I was walking: for my friend and team captain, recently diagnosed, for my book club member who lost her fight this summer, for my colleague fighting the battle, and for my aunt, a 20-plus year survivor.

A ribbon of smiling walkers filled the walkways of Vancouver as the group made its way towards the waterfront and around Stanley Park. Pit stops were every three kilometers for hydrating and refueling. The sky darkened with every step.

At about 11:30am the first raindrops hit. A shower refusing to pass. I finally acquiesced to the blue rain poncho thus becoming a Smurf in the crowd. Rain, rain, and more rain. My team huddled under the eaves of the restrooms at Sunset Beach for lunch. The organizers began passing out hundreds of space blankets. Now a sea of walking baked potatoes hit the streets. I felt the slush, slush of my feet in my shoes as we crossed the Burrand Street Bridge. Automobiles sped by splashing me. Would I make it the full 35k today? My team found a place to change our socks. Changing socks was not part of my routine but I was thankful I had brought an extra pair. It made a difference; the sloshing of my feet subsided.

Three hours of walking in the rain passed. A mantra of “one foot and now the other foot,” my head down to avoid rain in my face replaced my correct walking posture.

The walk had been flat until the last 9K. The hills arrived. Hills, a rain- soaked body, and screaming feet do not make for fun. At 5:30pm Camp Killarney Park was in view, six hours of walking in the rain completed. I was greeted with high-fives by fellow walkers. Day one of my goal was completed. The smell of dinner permeated the camp. A hot shower, food, and dry clothes never sounded better.

My team and I wandered around camp dazed. The massage and chiropractic tents were full but I grabbed one of the last reflexology appointments. Another amazing experience. My feet still hurt as I fell asleep but in the morning, I didn’t feel like I had really walked the previous day.

Sunday morning, 4am, awakened by our neighbors, an hour too early. The rain seemed to subside through the night until a major downpour between 5 and 6am. I wondered, “Can I do this one more day?” As quickly as the rain started, it stopped. Could we be in for a dry day? I held my breath.

Thankful for dry clothes packed in Ziploc bags and dry shoes, I got dressed and finished packing. I headed out with a smile on my face after wolfing down a hearty breakfast.

Our walking pace seemed faster this second day. Was it the sunshine or the excitement of being over half way? I heard cheering from my friend’s family at Queen Elizabeth Park. To walk all that way and then see your name on signs is emotional. Cries, hugs, and laughter. I was on my way again.

Soon the BC Stadium was in sight. Had I really done another 25K? The crowd’s cheering grew louder with each step. Everyone lined up to slap my palms. Then I saw the familiar signs. The tears came hard and fast. I completed my journey of 60K. I was part of a team that my friend organized in response to her own fight with breast cancer. I was part of an experience that raised over $7 million for breast cancer research.

One quote stayed with me, “The rain may have dampen our shoes and clothes but it didn’t dampen our spirit.” So true. I got soaked; developed toenail blisters but the laughter, the camaraderie with thousands of walkers was a lifetime experience. The Weekend to End Breast Cancer was an adventure of spirit that won’t be forgotten.

Jone Rush MacCulloch is a teacher in the Evergreen School District in WA. For more information about The Weekend to End Breast Cancer call 604-684-WALK (9255).