Reflections

CAN you believe it?? *I* am an ambassador to the 3Day and a walk leader!! When I started to lose weight a couple years ago I was 525 pounds (or more, the scale only went to 525). I knew I had to lose weight, and started working to change.  In January of last year, I joined the 3Day. Hoping I could take a big goal to get in shape for, and I would make it happen. A year ago February I was 425 pounds, and I couldn't walk more then 100 yards without being so tired.  My back hurt, my legs hurt, and I just..... Felt weak.  I knew I needed  to make a difference in my life. What a difference a year makes to a person.  Because of the prodding of prior and current 3day walkers, they would not let me quit!! I walked the 3day last year with the help of my friends.  They supported me, they encouraged me, and they pushed me to continue.  While training I met my team mates, who just inspired me to do more.. They amaze me and I am truly lucky to know the ladies and gentleman of the Colorado Sole Patrol. 

The time after the 3Day has left me fighting to get back to walking this year.  After the Denver 3Day in August of 2009, in order to stay healthy, I decided to walk 5k's every now and again.  I walked the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving.  I stepped of a curb funny, and I hurt my knee.  I didn't go to the doctor for a few weeks and I limped my way a long.  I finally went to the Steadman/Hawkins clinic, and got my knee injury diagnosed.  Whew, no surgery, but physical therapy.  I worked hard on my knee with my Physical Therapist (Alice you ROCK).  I feel so much stronger, even stronger then when I walked the 3Day last year. 

I started to really ponder my injury in the last couple days.  I worried about my knee.  I worried about my ability to walk the 3Day this year. Much less both Tampa and Denver!! HOW CAN I.... Then you know..... I am not even close to in the pain I was, when I weighed 525 pounds.. I am not in the pain I was when I weighed 425 pounds. THIS journey has made me push myself to limits that I never thought I could reach.  I gave up once, I know my knee is stronger now then it was last year. I still feel a twinge every now and again.  Because of the physical therapy, I have the tools to make it happen this year again.  *I* WILL WALK 60 miles in Denver and *I* WILL WALK 60 miles in Tampa.  Why is this so important? 

To Me?

Know your risk factors--I have a family history of breast cancer.  Being overweight increases my odds of having breast cancer in my future.  *I* can not control my family history.  But, *I* CAN control my weight and I need to.  This is about my life--My future--My goals... I will prove to myself that *I* AM WORTH IT. I can and will be accountable today for the person I want to be tomorrow. I am walking my home town, to help the walk grow and take hold in this beautiful city.  I will walk Tampa because *I* owe hugs to some amazing Tampa walkers who friended this gal on facebook, simply because she posted her goal on her site.  These are the people who would not let me quit.  They encouraged me and made me realize the importance to finish what I started. 

To My Mom?

She is a long time survivor. She was diagnosed in 1991, and again in 1995. She gave her breasts to a terrible disease.  She did not lose her courage and her conviction to live to see her kids graduate university, and to watch her grand children grow up. Within me I have her courage and strength.  I will not quit until a cure is found! I will walk the 3Day until I can not physically use my two feel to walk.. I will raise money for this incredible cause until we find a world without breast cancer! 

To My Cousin Mary?

My cousin Mary in Michigan is so very strong. She has MS and lost her kidney in her past.  She fought off breast cancer once.  Now it has come back when she doesn't have a way to really fight. She can not take chemo, nor can she take radiation because of missing a kidney. She is taking a pill in hopes to hold off the effects.  I am not certain of the longterm prognosis.  This year.... *I* WALK FOR HER.. Because I know she can't.  I am proud of her courage and love in the midst of a fight for her life.  

My sole sisters and brothers from the Colorado Sole Patrol are walking because they have their own connection to breast cancer. They have their own stories to tell.  My co-walkers and myself need your support this year.  We are just beginning to train, and we need to each raise $2,300.  It isn't an easy road.  I know the economy has been tough.  If you can support me, or my teammates, please go to www.the3day.org----You can click donate, and search by the team name Colorado Sole Patrol.

I could not have gotten as far as I have without the support of many people. From fellow 3Day walkers who inspire me everyday, encourage me and make me laugh.  To my co-workers who initially pushed me to do better for myself.  To my friends who constantly push me and ask me how I am doing.  To my family who is amazed everyday by the progress I am making.  Lastly to my Colorado Sole Patrol teammates who believe in this lady to create a team of people who come together to make a difference.  To have fun doing it. To encourage and support each other.  I have in this blog introduced you to myself, and my team mate Yvonne. In the next couple days, I will introduce you to another member of my team, and tell their story.  

Thank you for reading my reflection. *IT* IS TIME TO TRAIN TO WALK 60 MILES MY 3DAY BROTHERS AND SISTERS! Pull out your pink, pull out your training schedule! Get ready for the virtual training sessions!! I'll see you all in a park near me!! 

Shannon Davis