My Coach, My Strength, My Bestest Cheerleader

Friday began bright and early, in a hotel room near SFO, just like last year. Driving up the night before and staying in a hotel means we can sleep an extra hour and a half on Friday morning. This is important not only for what I’m doing but also because once Dave drops me off at Cow Palace, he has to drive all the way down to Aptos and work his 8+ hours in the warehouse.

Without even realizing it, he was my coach for my training this summer. My training was cleverly disguised as weekend hikes in preparation for a big hike together from Big Basin State Park, up here in the mountains where we live, down the side of the mountain to the ocean. It was because of these hikes and the time Dave and I spent outdoors together this past summer that I was in the physical condition I was for the walk.

All weekend long, each time I was on a break and sent him a text message update, he was right there with encouragement and enthusiasm. I believed that I could walk the 60 miles but it helped so much to know that he believed it too.

I took this pic on our way out the door Friday morning. Me and my coach, my strength, my bestest cheerleader. Thanks, Babe, for helping me to be all that I can be.