7th Year and 10th Time!

I lost my mother, Sherrie Gibson, to Ovarian Cancer on September 16, 2000 and my best friend, Tracy, lost her mother, Jeanne Spencer, to Lung Cancer on June 27, 2008. It was that year I started walking to honor our mother's lives but I continue to walk year after year in memory of those who gave it all but lost, in honor of those who have won the battle and for all those still fighting the ugly disease we call cancer. This will be my 7^th year and 10^th time to walk 3-Days and 60 miles in the fight against breast cancer.

Cancer wants us to give up hope, to quit and throw in the towel. I will admit at times it sounds tempting. My eyes are running out of tears, my heart is sad from all the loss and my feet are tired from many miles of walking. My spirit, however, remains unshaken and stronger than ever. I REFUSE to let cancer win!

According to the American Cancer Society, “more than one million people in the United States get cancer each year.” In my books that’s One Million too many!  I, along with all of us, can and are making a difference in the fight against cancer. I believe that we must fund research so that we can continue to make improvements in cancer treatments, increase life expediencies of survivors and one day find that CURE to end all cancers! To make this happen we must raise money for research. Without research there is no cure. My goal is to raise $2,300 by October 3^rd. What better way to celebrate my birthday than by reaching my goal and knowing that we are one step closer to the cure. I encourage you to donate and help me reach my goal! www.forallyoudid.com

In closing let me share a verse that I try to live by: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9.

Thanks as always for supporting me whether it’s with friendship, thoughts and prayers or donations. I could not accomplish anything without each and every one of you.

Until there is a Cure!

Catrina Gibson

P.S. Please email me the names of those you would like to honor or remember and know that every step I walk and every dollar I raise is for you, for them and the hope that one day we are a world without cancer.

My Update: 2 Weeks to go!

It’s October and I’m only two weeks away from walking 60 miles over 3-Days in the fight against Breast Cancer! I am getting excited as I have been training and fundraising all year for this incredible journey. The 3-Day is like no other experience I have ever been a part of and I am unable to find the words to express to you just how life changing these 3 Days can be. I will do my best to take notes and pictures along the way and share them on my blog when my journey is complete.

October is a special month as its Breast Cancer Awareness Month and there is pink all over the place! I know that we are making a difference as the American Cancer Society reports that deaths from Breast Cancer are down 34% since 1990. Make sure to tell your mother, wife, sister, friend and co-workers to get their mammograms and screenings. Early detection saves lives! And while you are at it, tell your father, husband, brother, friend and co-workers to get cancer screenings as well. Don’t leave anyone out as Cancer can affect us all.

I also wanted to update you on my 26.2 Challenge of which I came up short so no marathon for me next year unless I convince myself otherwiseJ My goal this year is to raise $5,000 and I am currently $1,535 away. If you would like to donate it’s not too late and I would greatly appreciate it. Also I love to know the names of persons who are in the fight that I can honor when I walk or that I can walk in memory of. Please send them my way as they are the true heroes in the fight against cancer!

Thanks again to everyone for your donations and moral support. Cancer isn’t going to let up and neither are we. We will keep standing up to Cancer taking one step at a time until we find a cure!

To  DONATE

26.2 Days, $2,620 for 26.2 Miles

DONATE NOW

I know many of you have wondered if I dropped off the face of the earth as you haven’t heard from me and I haven’t updated my blog in eons.  I promise I have been busy fundraising and training so that I can participate and walk 6 days and 120 miles in November in the fight against cancer.  Yes that’s right you read correctly. I will be walking 3 days and 60 Miles in Dallas Nov. 1-3 and then two weeks later will be heading to San Diego to walk 3 days and 60 Miles of hills Nov. 15-17. When it comes to fighting cancer I will continue to do what it takes to raise funds and awareness no matter the personal challenge.

This brings me to a challenge I have for each of you! I once said I would never run a marathon (26.2 miles). How does the saying go….Never say Never! Today is Sept. 3rd and there are 26.2 days left in the month. Here’s my challenge to you, if my friends, family and co-workers donate a total of $2,620 over 26.2 days then I will put on my running shoes and train to run 26.2 miles in the fight against cancer. This will be my biggest challenge to date and is a huge undertaking as I have previously only run 13.1 miles.

This challenge however doesn’t even begin to measure up to those that get out of bed every day and look cancer in the face. They continue to fight no matter what it takes and they will never give up.  I too will never give up and am going to keep doing what I do to make a difference. This past year I have lost additional friends and had more family members diagnosed with cancer. I’m sick of cancer and I know many of you are too. Help me make a difference, together we will find a cure!

Until there is a Cure!

Catrina Gibson

J&S4EVER

Click HERE to check how close I am!

3 days and 60 miles closer!

Thank you to each and every one of you for making my 7th 3-Day a success. It’s been a little over a week now and I’m still searching for just the right words to sum up my recent journey. I’m at a loss for words.

This year, in particular, I feel like I have been touched by so many other walkers, teammates and friends. They tell me I inspire them but the truth is they are the ones that inspire me:

To our adopted team, Lindi, Lani and Jill, three sisters walking for their mom, there is no doubt in my mind that your mom is well on her way to being cancer free. Your team name says it all, “Fight like a Girl.” You girls are fighting and I am blessed to have met you.

To our other adopted team, the Cowtown Crusaders, Shelly, Cheryl and Holly. It was a joy having you on training walks and hanging out with us at camp. Your spirit and joy are with me to this day. You can walk with me anytime!


To Laura, a walker who set a goal and accomplished it even when her teammates backed out, you are an inspiration to anyone that ever wanted to quit. It takes a lot of drive and determination to not only fundraise on your own but to show up at the 3-day not knowing anyone and head out to walk 60 miles. You have a team now and we won’t leave you walking alone!


To Eric, the gentlemen that recognized me in the dark as the lady who gave a packing demonstration back in September. I am glad to have met you and it meant the world to me to know that I made a difference to you! I am inspired by your energy and efforts in getting your employees involved for 2013.

To Martha, you’ve been on so many training walks with us that I already felt you were part of the team but I’m overflowing with joy that you are now officially a Pink Sole for 2013.

To George, Karen and Jennifer, George you met two great ladies in Karen and Jennifer and I’m glad they pulled you into our family.

To Colleen, so blessed to have met you and all the way in Castle Rock, Co. Let this be a lesson to everyone, when you travel use the 3-Day friend finder and find a friend to walk with. Hope you are back in 2013.

To Terri and Ali, a mother and daughter (age 17), I don’t even know where to begin. Ali is such a role model and has accomplished so much at her young age. Terri, I know it’s because of the mother you are that Ali is such an awesome young lady. I don’t know how you find time to take care of all your kids, hubby and find time to train and fundraise.


To all my teammates, thank you for being with me every step of the way in training, fundraising and in life. You aren’t just teammates you are family and I treasure you all.


And last but not least, THANK YOU to those of you that came out to cheer me on, that sent me cards, donated and prayed for me. I cannot take this journey year after year without you.


Together we make a difference. Together we will find a cure!!!

Until there is a Cure!

Catrina Gibson

Pink Soles in Motion
www.pinksolesinmotion.org
J&S4EVER

www.forallyoudid.com

Another Year Older

On this day I find myself another year older and another year wiser. What? No, that doesn’t sound right. I think maybe I’m another year older and sillier! Yep, that sounds better!

I took a look back over the year and here is what I’ve been up to:

Walked, ran and trained almost 600 miles according to my trusty Garmin Watch

Volunteered for the Boston Marathon and raised funds for Dana Farber Cancer Institute

Cheered on runners and walkers at the Rock n Roll Half Marathon benefiting Susan G. Komen

Sold Pampered Chef

Painted with a Twist

Sold Tamales

Had a yard sale

Worked and helped organize Pink Soles in Motion Golf Tournament

Worked and help organize Pink Soles in Motion BBQ Cook-Off

Worked and chaired Pink Soles in Motion 5K in the Park

Worked at Texas Motor Speedway selling concessions for a Nascar Race

Worked 7 very hot Rough Riders Baseball games selling concessions

Sold Raffle tickets for chance to win tickets behind Home plate for a Texas Rangers Baseball game

Helped to set up Pink Soles in Motion as a non-profit organization and now serve on the board

Volunteered as a Pink Soles in Motion Team Captain for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day

Volunteered on the weekends as a Training walk leader for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day

Cleaned Pink Soles in Motion’s adopted street in Coppell, TX

Volunteered to assist at Susan G. Komen 3-Day Event Prep Seminars

Volunteered as the Web Master (I use that term loosely) for pinksolesinmotion.org

Supported and attended numerous individual fundraising events put on by fellow teammates

You might be thinking, “Wow, is she looking for a pat on the back?”  The answer is NO! What I am trying to show is that I’m willing to do anything and everything I can to raise awareness and funds in the fight against cancer. I, however, can only do so much and that is where you come in.

As I celebrate another birthday today, I’m hoping that you will be able to give me the best birthday present I could ever want and help me reach my goal of raising $8,000 this year. The 3-Day is just a few weeks away and I’m really close!

How amazing would it be if the dollar you give is the one that finds the Cure!!

Until there is a Cure!

Catrina Gibson

J&S4EVER

www.forallyoudid.com

Inspiration for Friday!

I received a donation that brought tears to my eyes today. It just goes to show you that there are peoples live you touch that you may never meet. Just share your story and talk to other people and walkers. We are all an inspiration to the world and we are making a difference 1 step at a time.

I met a girl on the 2010 3-day. We were walking along and there she was walking by herself. I started a conversation and found out she was walking for her mom that she had just lost in August. Her mom was suppose to be there cheering her on but was there in spirit instead. The girl was finishing up college, had just gotten married (so her mom could be there) and they moved in with her dad to help him out. I had told her she had to come to Dance Party that night and if she didn't show up I was going to her tent to get her. And that's what I did but she wasn't there. Good thing her next door neighbors told her I came for her. She showed up at Dance Party!!! I thought that might be the last time I saw her as the 3-day is a big place but nope, I ran into her the next day at the first pit stop and then again at closing ceremonies. I keep up with her now and then and invite her to our fundraisers. I won't ever forget her or the 2010 3-day as that's my biggest memory. She touched my life forever.

Keep up your hard work training, fundraising and sharing your story, the big weekend is fast approaching.

Note on the donation I received today from friend’s twin sister today:

You met/walked with my twin sister at the 2010 3-Day. She forwarded me your donation request a few months ago and I finally took the time to read it and am glad I did! You're amazing and inspiring. Thank you for walking and best wishes :)

Email that my friend had sent to her friends and family:

Hello All,

The email below was sent to me from a friend I met in 2010 while doing the Susan G Komen 3-Day Walk. I met her one day while walking the 17mile route by myself. I just so happened to walk into her group of walkers and she immediately started talking to me asking about my “story” and why I was at the 3Day. The event itself is such a challenge and its people like Catrina that make it so worth the time to meet people and hear others stories.

Since the walk in November of 2010 she has stayed in contact with me through email and the walk is starting back up again this fall. I wanted to forward her email in hopes you would be interested in hearing her story through her blog or would like to donate on behalf of her team for this year’s walk.

Catrina is a very sweet lady and I’m thankful we crossed paths that day. You can visit her web pages at the bottom of the email if you are interested.

Thanks,

Please pass this along to help Catrina and her team meet their goal for the 3-Day walk!

The 3-Day Friend Finder in action

I recently found myself traveling to Castle Rock, Co. to visit my sister, aunt and uncle. I knew I wanted to at least get 1 training walk in while I was there and the schedule was for 7 miles on that Saturday. I thought about the 3-Day Friend Finder and thought why not give it a try and see if by some chance I could find someone to walk with me. I found Colleen, a survivor and first year walker and she just happened to be signed up for the Dallas 3-Day like me! I quickly sent her an email through the 3-Day website and asked her if she would be interested in walking with me. She wrote me back and we made plans to meet at 6am Saturday at Rock Park (the Rock is in the background of the picture of Colleen).

Colleen had a nice 7 mile route all planed out for us and it turned out to be a very nice morning for a walk and to get to know a new friend. She told me that she knew she would be coming to Dallas alone and that coming alone didn't mean she would walk alone. Now she is even more excited to come as now she knows not only me but will have the entire Pink Soles in Motion team welcoming her to Dallas.

The 3-Day Friend Finder really works!!!

Just DO IT!

Every now and then I think maybe I need to slow down and not volunteer myself so much so that I have more free time for “ME”. That thought only lasts a moment. It’s not about ME ME ME! It’s about finding a cure for cancer and not just one….CURE THEM ALL!!!

This will be my 7th 3-Day 60 Mile walk in 5 years and I will once again be walking Dallas with the best team ever, Pink Soles in Motion.

Every year brings on new challenges (my body feels 100 years old some days), adventures and new people that I honor as I walk. I hate that my Wall of Honor keeps getting longer only because I want a world without cancer and no one on my wall. I do however, take consolation in the fact that it means I’m reaching more and more people and that I continue to make a difference to so many friends and family.

I thank all of you for the support, encouragement and donations year after year. I sometimes wonder if I’m wearing everyone out with my emails, fundraising, and stories. It’s hard sometimes to get motivated to send emails and ask for donations and support. That is until your co-worker’s dad is diagnosed with melanoma and passes in less than a month; a high school classmate’s mom losses her long battle to cancer which she fought with grace; and a woman that is married to a man you are acquainted with through work is diagnosed with tumors on her brain and needs a miracle to be able to spend more time with her three young children. This all just happened to me within the past month and I’m motivated now more than ever.

If I can make a difference to just 1 person by walking just 1 more mile to send just 1 more email to raise just 1 more dollar that funds the research that saves just 1 more life, then I will just DO IT!

I am truly blessed by knowing each and every one of you and I can’t thank you enough for making a difference in my life and that of others.

If you would like to donate it would be greatly appreciated and any amount is welcome. If you would like me to walk in honor of someone please email me their name and if you would just like to share a story or give me encouragement I would love that as well. Together we will find a Cure!

Until there is a CURE,
Catrina Gibson
J&S4EVER

Last 3 months in a Nut Shell

Where does the time go and why haven’t I updated my blog in 3 months…… Oh I guess it’s because I’ve been busy!!!

April 16th: Tracy and I were off to Boston where she ran the marathon and I volunteered. It turned out to be the Hottest April 16th in Boston history and a very hot marathon. So hot that they left the route open an extra hour and encouraged rookie marathoners to defer their entry to next year. Allowing deferments is unheard of for the Boston Marathon so you have to know they were worried for everyone’s safety. I, in turn, was very concerned about Tracy. Luckily she had the right frame of mind. She had been struggling with a leg injury and knowing how hot it was she told me “I’m not worried about time I just want to finish.”

I was volunteering at Mile 25 with Dana Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI). I was in charge of helping any of the Dana Farber patients find a place near the fence and make sure they had signs and cow bells to cheer on the DFCI Runners. I was having a great time cheering them on and each time a DFCI runner was in sighted we yelled out “Here comes Dana Farber,” that way we all knew to yell, cheer and shake our cow bells. I was getting text messages of Tracy’s progress and so I had a pretty good idea of when she would be showing up at mile 25. I had told myself if she was struggling I was going to jump the fence and help her make the last mile!!!



When I thought she was getting close, I actually jumped the fence (I stayed off the road), got my camera and my cell phone camera ready to shoot. Needless to say I almost missed her. I had turned my attention to a runner that had gone down a little ways back and when I heard “Here comes Dana Farber” I looked up and Tracy was half way by me. I hollered at her wait, wait I need a picture. Can you believe I made her run backwards to me but it was worth it as I got a big hug and a “Cat, I did it!” The smile on her face said it all and I will never forget that smile the rest of my life (photo not so good, memory will last a lifetime). I am SO proud of her as she not only overcame an injury but she persevered the heat. The Boston Marathon is the marathon of all marathons and Tracy ran every mile. Not only that but together we raised $4700 for the fight against Cancer!!

May: Pink Soles in Motion had our annual Pink Soles in Motion Golf Tournament and I have to give a special shout out to PlainsCapital Bank for stepping up as a presenting sponsor this year. We couldn’t have had a successful tournament without them. If you need a bank I would encourage you to give them a look!

May also brought about the start of our 24 week training plan. Yep, 24 weeks of training walks so from May 26th to November 2nd if you are looking for me on a weekend morning, I will be out leading and walking training walks with my fellow teammates.

Also in May, PSIM had a Pampered Chef fundraiser. If you need Pampered Chef check out Fonda Wirth. She helps PSIM every year by donating to the team. Pampered Chef

Oh and I almost forgot, I started making seat covers for a team fundraiser. It’s basically a beach towel with a hood that fits over your car seat head rest. It’s great for people that work out, swim, or get dirty. You just put it on your seat and then take it and wash it. A few people like to use them to keep their seat cool in the summer too! If you need one give me a shout $20.

June: This month was very busy and flew by way too quickly. We had our annual BBQ Cook-off, which has been our biggest fundraiser of the year so far! I worked concessions at several Frisco Roughrider baseball games and worked concessions at a very HOT Texas Motor Speedway Indi car race.

Also in June Pink Soles in Motion adopted a street in Coppell. If you are driving down Sandy Lake road between MacArthur and Starleaf, be on the lookout for us as we will be cleaning the street. We cleaned it for the first time on June 17th and I must say it looked beautiful when we were done!

The end of June brought about our first meeting for the Pink Soles in Motion 5k in the Park. I’m heading up the event with lots of help from teammates. The 5K will be Sept 1 at Andy Brown Park in Coppell. I’d love for everyone to come out and get some exercise. We all must stay active to stay healthy. You can Register Now!.

 

That’s the last 3 months in a Nutt Shell and I will try to better in the months to come!

No time to feel sorry for myself!

It’s so easy to get in a funk and feel sorry for yourself that life isn’t going the way you planned. Have you been there? I have. In fact, it was just a few weeks ago. I was running a 5k, feeling strong and even posted my personal best 5k time. The thing was, I hurt myself as I was finishing the race and saw my goal of finishing the Dallas Rock N Roll Half benefiting Susan G. Komen on March 25^th become a thing of the past.

I was devastated. I run and walk to fundraise for cancer research, to help raise awareness and to honor those we’ve lost and are in the fight. I found myself not able to do the one thing that I thought gave people a reason to donate to my efforts. I quickly got in a funk, felt sorry for myself and was determined that I would at least walk the half marathon.

Then something clicked. Here I am always telling people that we each play a role in finding a CURE. Some of us run/walk, some make donations, some volunteer and some cheer and offer encouragement. It hit me that my role has currently changed and that I don’t have to always be walking or running but that I can fundraise and cheer those who are doing the walking and running. I always remember how the 3-Day cheer stations lift my spirits when I’m out walking 60 miles for a cure. I know how important that is to each and every one of us even when we don’t know each other.

So instead of willing myself to walk 13.1 miles and possibly delaying myself from healing, I will be out cheering on all the runners and walkers. I CAN make a difference in the fight against cancer and you can too!

Oh and I can’t forget, Team J&S4EVER is only 4 Weeks away from our participation in the Boston Marathon! Tracy will be running and I am volunteering. My official assignment is 25^th Mile Support Crew. I will be right near the finish making sure that each and every runner makes it all 26.2 miles!

Tracy and I are fundraising for Dana Farber Cancer Institute and we have a long way to go to reach our goal. Please visit our website www.forallyoudid.com and donate if you can. Every little bit helps!

What was I thinking? I don’t have time to feel sorry for myself.

I have a lot of things to do Until There Is A Cure!

Catrina Gibson

J&S4EVER

Running Update and the Rock N Roll Half

Where do I begin to start my update? I signed up for a running class through RunOn! to train for the Dallas Rock N Roll Half Marathon benefiting Susan G. Komen on March 25th. The class started in mid December with group runs on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Training was going good and I was even getting use to getting up at 4:15am to run. In January, I ran the Hotcake Hustle 5k and Too Cold To Hold 15k. I was so excited and amazed at how strong I had started to feel running and that a 6 mile run was nothing to worry about any more and then………

Saturday, February 11th came along. It was a very cold morning of 17 degrees and I was all set to run the Hot Chocolate 5k. All was going well and I was a short distance from the finish line and started to speed up as I always like to finish strong. My leg, however, had other ideas and it’s hard to explain how it felt but just know it was not a good feeling I made it across the finish line and it turns out it was my personal best time for a 5k since I started running a year ago. I tried to play off the pain I was having in my leg but every step I took hurt. I smiled and said, “I’m ok, it will be fine.”

I took the week off from running and went to my Primary Care doctor the following Friday, February 17th as one of my coaches had told me it’s always good to be safe. Turns out I’m very glad I went as by Friday my back had started hurting as well and by Saturday I was unable to put my shoe on without my back screaming at me. I was rather baffled as to why my leg and now my back was hurting a week later? The Doc had given me meds and told me to give it 5 days so I gave it 6 and tried to run again on Thursday, February 23rd.

That wasn’t a good plan as it turns out. I started out and thought maybe my leg just needs to warm up and it will feel better but that was not the case. We had made it to our turn around for our warm up mile when I let my coach know I was done. He ran with me a little ways and at one point said, “You look like you are swinging a dead leg.” Yep, that’s pretty much how it felt too! I made it an excruciating warm up mile. Good thing we were close to home as we were scheduled to run at the track that morning.

Next, stop Texas Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, however I couldn’t get in until the following Thursday, March 1st. I left the Dr’s office totally baffled as he wanted to get an MRI of my back and prescribed 10 sessions of physical therapy. What? My back, I swear it’s my leg?!?!?!. I mean I know my back hurt that one weekend but the Meds made it feel better. Granted it didn’t feel great but I could deal with it as I’ve had to before, but my leg was sooooo not better.

The bad thing is I would be traveling all next week and so I knew my MRI wouldn’t be for another week. I feel like I’m just wasting time and all I wanted to do was get better so I could join my running group again. I was able to get to the Physical Therapist (PT) before leaving town so I had exercises to do while I was traveling. This made me feel a little better and at least I had something to work on and give me hope until I knew what this MRI would tell me.

I got back to Dallas and had my MRI on Monday, March 12th and my follow up visit with the Dr. on Thursday, March 15th. I was on pins and needles wondering what the outcome would be……………..

I left his office frustrated:( He told me I had a small bulging disc. Good news is it’s small:) He suggested that since I hadn’t felt much change in my back and the nerve issue I have in the bottom of my leg/foot to get a cortisone shot. I asked him does this explain the pain I have in my leg (it’s my sit bone). He said “No, where is it hurting?” So I showed him and he felt it and said, “I think we are dealing with two issues, your back and your hamstring.” Really, I already knew that?!?!?!

In case you are counting weeks, it’s been 5 weeks and I sure felt like I was right back where I started. Let’s just say I wasn’t real happy.

I talked to my PT the next day and was able to ask him some questions that I didn’t think to ask when I was at the Dr. I’m a little less frustrated now as I know that the lower back and hamstring are connected. If my hamstring is strained then it pulls on my lower back. So I’ve been working on strengthening my core and hamstring.

I am scheduled to get my cortisone shot tomorrow March 19th and we shall see if that helps the inflammation in my back and then we will go from there. Still not sure how long the road to recovery will be but I’m going to do what I’m told and I know I will be back and stronger than ever before. I have to be as I have to continue to fundraise and bring awareness to finding a cure for cancers.

I’m really bummed that I won’t be able to run let alone walk the Rock N Roll Half Marathon benefiting Susan G. Komen this coming weekend. As the saying goes, “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it”. So guess what, I will be there cheering loudly and holding up signs for all those I know and don’t know that are running and walking it. Like I’ve told all of you before everyone plays a part in finding a cure, sometimes it’s running/walking, sometimes it’s giving donations, and sometimes it’s just cheering people on to the finish line. Together we WILL find a cure!

31 days, 31 dollars, 131 people

It’s almost 2012 and Tracy and I are more determined than ever to help find a cure for ALL cancers. We are IN IT, TO END IT! That is why we are taking on the Boston Marathon in April 2012. Tracy will be running and I will be volunteering and together we have set a goal to raise $8,000 to benefit the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Here is our plan and we need the help of all our family and friends. Today is December 1st and Tracy and I want to get 131 of you to donate $31 (or amount of your choosing) over 31 days in December. In this Christmas season why not give the gift of a donation in honor or memory of a friend or loved one. It is also perfect timing for that end of the year tax donation for 2011.

Visit forallyoudid.com to find out how this opportunity came about and to find out more about the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

31 days, 31 dollars, 131 people giving us hope that a cure will be found in 2012.

Thank you in advance for helping us to reach 50% of our goal.

IN IT, TO END IT!

J&S4EVER

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To DONATE

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Boston Marathon 2012-Here we come!

Tracy and Catrina are ready for 2012 and are taking on a new challenge. Believe it or not they are taking on the Boston Marathon, April 16, 2012. Tracy will be running, Catrina will be volunteering and both will be fundraising for Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

The Boston marathon has been a lifelong dream of Tracy’s and in fact she had qualified this year with a time of 3:44:23 however, entries from applicants in her age group were accepted through and including the time 3:43:46. She missed the cut off by 37 seconds. She was very bummed to be so close but yet so far. Then she came across the Dana Farber Cancer Institute Marathon Team. She mentioned it to Catrina and that if they applied they would have to raise a minimum of $4,000 for Tracy to run. Catrina knew instantly that this was what team J&S4EVER was meant to do together in 2012 to raise funds and awareness for Cancer research. They applied and of course were chosen!

Tracy and Catrina are IN IT TO END IT! and continue to not only challenge themselves but all their friends, family, and co-workers as well. They cannot take this journey without your help. Please visit their Dana Farber Cancer Institute team page and make a donation to Support Tracy & Catrina. Any donation large or small makes a difference in the fight against cancers.



J&S4EVER

Day 3: 2011 Dallas 3-Day

I woke up much to my displeasure earlier than I had planned on Sunday morning. I’m a light sleeper so the first noise I hear I’m wide awake. Sunday we turned back our clocks only apparently a few people (I won’t name names) didn’t get the memo:(  Soooo at 4am I was awake and had nowhere to be until 6:30am when the first busses would take us to our starting point for the day. I took my time packing and putting away my tent and then I went to eat breakfast and have a few cups (3) of coffee.

We got in line for the bus about 6:10 and there was already a pretty big line. Those of us that have done the walk before know you want to get in line early or you end up having to wait quite awhile for a bus. I’m not big on crowds and waiting so I like to get up and out on the route as soon as I can.

They changed up the lunch break this year which threw us for a loop as we had planned to make our Starbucks stop before lunch like we did last year. Instead we made the Starbucks stop and kept on walking as instead of 2 miles to lunch we still had about 5 miles. We weren’t happy about the change until we got to lunch and realized that it was so perfect for us mentally. Knowing that we were at lunch and only had 2 miles left after that was such a relief. I have to admit by lunch Sunday we were all feeling pretty tight, sore and ready to just be done!

We ended up in holding at about 2pm and closing ceremonies was at 4:30pm. I had lain down on the cool cement for a bit (it felt really good!) and then all of a sudden it just hit me, “I have to go cheer my team in.” Maybe it’s just me but to come through the finish line and see people you know and have sweated, trained and fundraised with is very rewarding. Seeing the looks on the rookies faces, knowing they just completed what they once thought was impossible is priceless. I saw so many people that I met and talked to on training walks and clinics and to see them cross the finish line with tears streaming down their faces, overcome with joy for the accomplishment and sadness for those they are remembering. I share in their joy and their sorrow as I know what the 3-Day is all about, the family we are, and that one cause brings us together and bonds us for a lifetime. I wore myself out cheering them in and almost lost my voice but it was worth it!

Highlights of Day 3: A Team of four ladies recognized my fluffy hat and said we love our bags. I recommended the Nike Varsity Girl Gymsack available for $12.99 at Academy to them at a New Balance clinic. I absolutely love my bag so I talk about it to every 3-Day person. I really think Nike and Academy need to pay me a commission: Our 2 year Starbucks tradition. It’s a well deserved treat: Crossing the finish line with all my PSIM teammates. They are more than just a team, they are family and I love them all.

Oh yes! I almost forgot to update you on my feet (the four letter F word). Call me crazy but believe it or not they feel better than they did before the walk. I’m not saying they are healed but they feel better. Maybe all that walking is just what they needed.

Stay tuned as I have many things in the works for next year!

In It To End It!
J&S4EVER

Day 2: 2011 Dallas 3-Day

Day 2 started bright and early as the route would open at 7:50am and we wanted to be up and ready. My friend Gail Gallegos and I decided it would be fun to wear our costumes that we had worn for out last training walk, which we call our “Halloween Walk.” I’m not sure how the idea came to me but one day while at work I thought… Thing 1 and Thing 2 or in our 3-Day world Boob 1 and Boob 2. I think Gail and I got big heads that day as we felt like we stole the show. We had several walkers and even people at cheer stations wanting to take their picture with us. We also kept hearing people say “Boob 1 and Boob 2, how cute." We were just eating it up. I’m not sure what we will come up with next year as we have set the bar pretty high.

The cutest thing about the whole thing was at lunch when I saw a little girl wearing a Thing 2 shirt. She was very shy but agreed to take her picture with me. I knew this photo op would make my best bud Tracy Wetherbee happy.

On a side note I have to tell you that even though Tracy wasn’t with me on this walk, memories of her kept popping up everywhere I went. I knew she was with me in spirit and together we continue to fight to find a cure. Here are a few things that I remember seeing: BooBee-Hive sweep van (WeatherBEE); Pirates of the CURE-ibbean Pit Stop(she’s an ECU Pirate fan); and of course the tree she said she wanted to climb, told me she couldn’t get up and then the next minute she’s yelling at from the tree to take her picture. Love you Tracy! J&S4EVER.

This was definitely the longest and hardest day of the 3. They told us it was 21.3 miles, however, several people told us their GPS said it was 25 miles. We made it back to camp around 4:00pm a little more tired and sore than the previous day but we had survived and we knew it was down hill from there.

Highlights of the day: My friend Kelly Ninemire came out to check out the craziness and cheer me on at Cheer Station1: My little Adyson came out to see her Aunty Cat at lunch and brought two of my favorite people mom and dad Davis: Teammate Amy Snyder came out 9 months pregnant to show her support only to go into labor (or so we all thought) and have quite the exit. I will never forget that moment as I know how important it was to her to be there for us and how much it meant to all of us that she was there. Her new little girl waited until Monday the 7th to show her pretty little face. Congrats Kelly and Amy: At just the right time in the day my good Friend Judy came out with not only a diet coke for me but a frozen diet coke. Wow! Did that hit the spot!!: Special Dinner and dessert for the Pink Soles top fundraising team. We were served a very big Texas Cake and washed it down with a nice glass of milk.

Day 1: 2011 Dallas 3-Day

Every 3-Day is a new experience and this one started by meeting the bus at 5:30am to take a short ride with my teammates to Collin Creek Mall and opening ceremonies. Four Pink Soles in Motion team members had been chosen to participate in opening ceremonies and I happen to be one of them. I was so honored to be chosen. I carried a future flag representing “Our Achievements” and I did it without falling down the stairs!!!

Before the walk started I was really worried about how my feet would handle the next 3 days. I have been fighting plantar fasciitis since May and struggled through it in Boston. I had hoped it would go away but it only seemed to get worse. I chose not to dwell on it and even told my teammates that we would not mention the “F” word (FEET) on this walk. I’ve learned that if you continue to talk, complain or dwell on something you can mentally defeat yourself. I would say half of the ability to complete 60 miles in 3-days is mental and the other half physical.

I use this same philosophy when dealing with the cold. I no more than stepped on the bus and was asked, “Aren’t you cold?” and my quick response was “NO.” The minute I admit to myself that I’m cold I know I will be cold and miserable until it warmed up outside. I was wearing a short skirt, long sleeve shirt, gloves and scarf. I hate carrying to many things in my bag the entire day. The morning was very very chilly but warmed up quickly and I was shedding my gloves and scarf within a few miles. It was a beautiful day.

The amusing story of the day was at our first pit stop. I came out of the porta potty and was joking about how mine wouldn’t flush and that it was broken. As we moved on down the road I heard people talking about how the porta potties now flushed and about fell down mortified. I thought the little blue thing on the floor was some kind of air freshener and I was trying to avoid stepping on it. Turns out it was the little pump that flushed the porta potty. So my joke about my porta potty being broken wasn’t funny at all and it turns out I didn’t flush. YIKES! Too late to go back now! The rest of the 3-day it got all confusing as some flushed and others didn’t so I now had to pay attention to which type I was in. Walking 60 miles is hard enough without having to think about flush or don’t flush!!!!

My little group that I was walking with made it back to camp at about 2pm and thanks to some camp angels, (Larry Allen) I didn’t have to go get my bag and he helped set up my tent. I got to experience a tent by myself this year as we have some teammates that prefer to stay in a hotel. I learned there are good and bad things about tenting by yourself. Good: I have all kinds of space and can put my bag inside the tent as opposed to outside and that makes it much easier to get things. Bad: I’m all by myself. I do much better waking up in the am if I know someone is in my tent with me. I’m more motivated to get up as opposed to rolling over and going back to sleep.

The highlights of day one: My co-worker Kelly Carney came out to opening ceremonies and recorded me carrying my flag. Her mom is a breast cancer survivor so it meant a lot to me to be able to share my shining moment with her. I walk for her mom!: Pink Soles in Motion was recognized for being not only the largest team in DFW but also the top fundraising team with over $190,000 raised for Breast Cancer Research.



Boston 3-Day in a nut shell

Boston Arrival

My flight arrived Boston Logan about 2 hours prior to Tracy so I waited for her so we could both catch the Framingham Express from the airport together. We decided this year that we would stray from the Thursday night hotel the 3-Day suggested and find our own cheaper hotel. I found one right near where the bus would drop us off and across the street from a fairly large mall. I thought how can we go wrong? That was my first mistake.

When we got off the bus I pulled up my GPS on Google maps and located the hotel we started walking, me with my rolling duffle bag and Tracy carrying her bag. We quickly realized 1) it was hot 2) our bags were awkward and heavy. While strolling through the parking lot Tracy had a brilliant idea… we borrowed a shopping cart that was in the mall parking lot! Awesome idea that is until we ran into mall security and he nicely asked us how far we were going with our cart. We told him not far and promised we would bring it back.

We came to a road that we needed to cross but noticed there were no cross walks on either side of the road. Yikes! I’m sure at this point Tracy was thinking, “Why did I let Cat make the plans?” We watched the lights cycle through a few times so that we could determine the best time to cross (I’m sure this was against the 3-Day rules but it didn’t really start until Friday). We finally thought OK, this is it so off we go. Wait, Stop! The light cycle was different that time. Grr! Next time around we did make it and no casualties. Shoo. On to the hotel we go.

As we turn into the hotel Tracy’s first comment was “is this the Bates Motel,” very creepy and not the best hotel ever. Needless to say I think we may just stick with the 3-Day hotel in the future or at least one we have heard of before. They sure can make a hotel look nice on a website!!

Day 1

The alarm went off at 4:00am and we got up and around and our cab was right on time. We arrived really quickly and there was not any traffic at all. Tracy and I asked the cab driver to drop us off at the row of trucks we saw as we assumed they were the baggage trucks. Boy was that a bad decision. We found out that the baggage trucks were up the hill about a half of a mile. Boo,:( it was already hot, humid and our bags were still heavy and awkward. This time I had the brilliant idea. I noticed 2 3-Day workers sitting in a golf cart with a truck bed (for lack of a better name). I thought why not ask, after all it was the 3-Day and the 3-Day spirit has never failed me yet. I batted my eyes and gave our sob story and sure enough they loaded up our bags and off they went to find Truck F. Our biggest fear was that our bags wouldn’t make Truck F and when we got to camp that night we wouldn’t have luggage but we put that fear to rest as once again we reminded ourselves everyone has the 3-Day spirit!!

To kill time until opening ceremonies began we found some coffee to drink. We later found out that it was decaffeinated which makes sense but so not want we needed that early in the morning. Opening ceremonies finally started and we were introduced to the new 3-Day spokesperson Dr. Sheri Phillips. She did an amazing job all through the 3-Day. She had some big shoes to fill as we so fell in love with the previous spokesperson but she did it with flying colors.

The temperature kept rising and they kept telling us to drink our liquids. It was drilled into our head that we should be stopping at every pit stop to 1) rehydrate 2) relieve ourselves and 3) refuel. Tracy and I were doing just that as we were making our own pit stops in between the planned ones. We were taking the heat seriously and had no plans to make a trip to an emergency room. After leaving Pit Stop 3 11.5 miles into day 1, things started to get a bit confusing. We were told by a Road Crew member (volunteers that keep us safe on the route) that the route had closed and that our Lunch stop at mile 13.7 was being moved to Pit 4 and they would bus us there. We got to the Lunch stop and they still had some lunches so we grabbed one and went and got on the bus they told us to get on. Someone came on and told us we could keep walking to Pit 4 (17 miles) if we wanted to and you are talking about Tracy and I so of course off the bus we came. We continued on our way and I have to tell you the route was very lonely and hot, hot, hot. We did make it Pit 4 at which point we were told the route was definitely closed for the rest of the day. Everyone was being bused back to camp from Pit 4.

We made it back to camp I think around 4pm and found our bags (Yeah!!!). We went to set up our tent but were told that we couldn’t as they didn’t want anyone crawling in their tent and passing out. Oh, and we just happen to be camping on an Astro Turf Soccer field. Yikes, now that’s a hot house.

At the camp show that night we were told that this was the 2nd hottest day on record in Boston, it was 102 with a heat index of 105. I realized that night that on all 4 of my previous 3-Day’s I had never heard any ambulances and this walk I had already heard 4 or 5 and a couple were even at camp. Sleep that night was in between runs to the porta potty. Tracy and I got up at least 4 times and maybe even 5 or 6. We definitely were hydrated!

Day 2

We were up at 5am as they were going to open the route at 6am and we wanted to beat the heat as much as possible. We had heard there might be a chance of rain that day so we put our cover on our tent just in case and then we headed out. Not far into the day the drizzle started. Hmm, Tracy looked at me and I looked at her and we thought, “How smart are we?” We thought to cover the tent up but the 6+ ponchos we brought, we left in the tent. The rain slowly got more intense along with some thunder and lightning. We made it to a Pit Stop at mile 6.9 and they were handing out ponchos just in time as the rain had started coming down hard. We thought they might pull us off the route here but they said we could keep going so on we went. About a mile or so down the road we did get word they were pulling us off the route and having us hold up in a Lawn and Garden business while the storm passed.

Funny thing is by the time we got there and used the restroom they had sent us all back out. The rain was done for the rest of the day and the sun was back. It didn’t take us long to dry back out.

I think the longest part of the 3-Day was right after lunch. It was a stretch of about 3miles that we just felt like we were out there alone, the sun beating down and going up and down hills. I was pleasantly surprised at the community (although few in numbers) as they realized how hot it was for us out there. Many turned their sprinklers on just enough that we could walk through them and get sprinkled on. It’s amazing what will make your day when you are out walking 20 miles.:) They even brought us ice pops and sprayed us with mist along the way. I thought it was very cute how the little kids would ask us for permission before spraying us.

We made it back to camp sometime after 3pm I think and found out that they had closed the route down again for anyone that made it to Pit Stop 5 after 3pm due to the heat. I have to admit that last 2.1 miles was hilly and in the sun so probably a good idea as the heat index had sky rocketed again. Tracy and I hung out in the dining tent out of the sun. We didn’t want to shower that early or eat dinner so we decided to go get a foot/back massage at the Bank of America Tent. It was a machine and was only about 10min but it felt pretty good!

At camp show that night we heard the inspirational story of fellow walker and breast cancer fighter Maurine Turcotte of the Tough Warrior Princesses and the Youth Corps. They have just gone nationally but were started in Boston 10 years ago by the father of a daughter that lost her mom to breast cancer but wanted to help. Very touching.

Day 3
This was the first 3-Day walk that we didn’t have to get up extra early to stand in line to get on a bus for the start of Day 3! Wow, we were actually walking to our final destination from camp. The route opened at 6:30. We packed up our tent and bags, ate and then got in line to start the day. We were told it would be 80 and partly cloudy. Finally the weather we had all thought we would have in Boston. Hmm, but as we stood in line it started to drizzle. Really? You’ve got to be kidding. As you can probably guess our ponchos were in the bags we packed and put on the truck. We stopped at the first CVS and bought some just in case the rain got worse. Luckily, it just stayed a nice cool drizzle and then stopped.

Day 3 took us into Boston and we wound around MIT. I felt smarter just walking through there. OK maybe not! We walked through the park and finished up with a nice walk along the beach and into holding for closing ceremonies.

Every 3-Day brings new experiences (weather this year) and new friends. I met Dan, Steve and Randy of the 60- Mile Men, Rebecca (survivor of 4months) and her friend Jacob of Louisville, KY, and also Debra and Maggie of Tampa, as well as many others. The one thing I will take from this 3-Day is the picture to the left. I don’t think I even need to tell you why I continue to walk.

Now on to training for the Pink Soles 5k in the Park, Walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer and the DFW 3-Day.

Until There is a Cure!
J&S4EVER

Day 4

We didn’t think we walked enough over the weekend so Tracy and I headed out on Monday to walk around Boston. We then took in the Red Sox vs Royals baseball game at Fenway Park and don’t you know it rained and of course we had no ponchos once again. So we bought some more:) Game was delayed but we still had a great evening and end to our Boston journey.

Off to Boston!

Just a quick update to let you all know that I am off to Boston on Thursday for my first 3-Day 60 mile walk of the year. Below is a brief description they gave us for our route. They make it sound like a nice relaxing stroll! Oh and if you are adding up the miles in your head (58.7), trust me we walk way more than 60 miles when it is all said and done. The below are just estimates and don’t include the distance we walk at pit stops, lunch, opening and closing ceremonies, camp and the occasional stray from the route to cross the street to get to Starbucks!!!

Friday: Approximately 20 miles
The Boston 3-Day will begin with an inspirational Opening Ceremony at Farm Pond. We'll walk through several quaint towns filled with interesting architecture, as well as many unique shops and restaurants. As we head towards Boston, the route will travel through many residential neighborhoods filled with typical New England style houses. Just before arriving at camp, the walkers will enjoy a stroll through Waltham, the city known as “Watch City” due to the Waltham Watch Factory established there in 1854. Today, this town is also known for its diverse restaurants. We’ll wrap up our day arriving at camp, your home away from home for the weekend.

Saturday: Approximately 21.2 miles
On Saturday morning, we'll rise and shine, ready to hit the trail. This day is filled with New England history, including Arlington and Lexington, both known for their historic landmarks and beauty. We'll enjoy walking along Mystic Lake and then Woburn Parkway, a walking path surrounded by water on both sides, before heading to lunch. The day will come to a close as we pass the Minuteman Statue, the Old Burying Ground and the Lexington Battle Ground. Then it's back to camp for another night of community, camaraderie and fun. 

Sunday: Approximately 17.5 miles
The final day of our journey will begin with a tour through Cambridge. We'll enjoy the neighborhoods of Brattle Street as we walk through Harvard Square, and then along the border of Harvard University. From there, we will head to MIT before crossing the Charles River. Once in the center of Boston, we will enjoy a stroll through the famous Public Gardens. Continuing through the Financial District we will exit the center of Boston and head to “Southie,” located south of the Fort Point Channel and abutting Dorchester Bay.  Following a walking path along the bay, the route will wind around to our final destination, the University of Massachusetts, where our long, beautiful weekend will end with a celebratory Closing Ceremony.

Can’t wait to get to Boston and I am ready for whatever this 3-Day 60 Mile Journey has in store for me. Never losing site of the reason I walk. Remembering, honoring and fighting for a cure for all our friends and family.

No time for rest!

I continue looking for and finding new ways of helping to find a cure each year. This year I ran my first Half Marathon for the Cure (13.1 miles in 2 hrs. 40 min.) and will once again walk 6 days and 120 miles.

Tracy and I, Team J&S4EVER, will be walking Boston, July 22-24, just a short 13 weeks from now (Yikes!). I will then walk Dallas with my team, Pink Soles in Motion. Last year we were the #1 fundraising team in DFW, an accomplishment that we don’t take lightly. Every year we aim to raise more than we did the previous year. This means lots and lots of fundraising events. Already this year I have worked concessions at a cheerleading competition as well as the NFL Super Bowl experience, had a garage sale, am selling Raffle Tickets for a smoker, holding an on-line Pampered Chef Fundraiser (30% of orders go to my 3-day), and helping my team plan our BBQ Cook-Off (May 14), Golf Scramble (June 3) and 5K run (TBD).

I have also volunteered to be a 3-Day training walk leader. As you can probably imagine you can’t just go outside and decide to walk 60 miles and succeed. It takes weeks and weeks of training (24 actually) and when you get up past 8 miles it can get pretty lonely if you are by yourself. Not to mention the difficulty of planning a route that goes 18 miles on sidewalks with rest stops. It’s much easier when someone has it already planned out and all you have to do is show up and walk. I’m going to be that someone this year.

All of these things keep me very busy but I never lose sight of why I do it. I don’t do it for recognition, I don’t do it because I have to always be doing something, I don’t do it because I need exercise. I do it because I can.

You see, I understand not all of us have the time to spare, the athletic ability to walk, or the funds to donate. But each of us together can play a part in finding a cure whether it’s walking the miles, spreading awareness, encouraging someone to have a cancer screening, supporting a fundraiser, or a direct donation. Whatever you choose to do, I encourage you to just do something. I know that alone I can’t find a cure but I do know that what I do makes a difference and will one day lead us to a cure for all cancers and with your help we will be one step closer.

Thank you for all your support and encouragement and allowing me to share my journey with you. To see my story and donate please visit http://www.forallyoudid.com/.

Catrina Gibson

For all you did, for the life you lived!

J&S4EVER