I walked with “Team Rio” training group for the first time today in preparation for the Country Music half marathon on April 30, 2011 in Nashville, TN. I have been walking a couple of miles each morning for the past few weeks, and last weekend I walked 3 miles on both Saturday and Sunday. That was the furthest that I had walked since my cancer treatments ended 6 months ago.
When I arrived at the Team Rio meeting place in downtown Nashville this morning, I learned that the planned route was 6.68 miles. I was expecting to walk maybe 4 miles. The route was out 3+ miles and then back the same streets. So I could always turn back early if I got tired or was hurting. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. About 1.5 miles into the walk I missed a turn and did not realize it until I had walked a quarter mile or so down the wrong street. I turned around and got back on track.
There were lots of runners out today, and a few walkers. Team Rio and the Athletic House had water stations along the route so I kept well hydrated.
When I was nearly back to the starting point, I got off course again and walked an extra couple of blocks. So my 6.68 mile walked turned out to be much closer to 7 miles. I was tired, but not exhausted. It felt good to walk for 2 hours without stopping. Now I feel even more confident that I can walk the half marathon in under 4 hours, my goal.
I am walking to support two groups – the American Cancer Society and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee. If you would like to make an online contribution to either of these groups, simply click on one of the following links: Donate to American Cancer Society
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