THE BIG DAY

Day 3 is probably more exciting than Day 1 (if you can imagine that). This is what you have walked, sweated, fixed blisters, spent time away from home, etc, etc, for the last few months. I do not care how sore you are. I do not care if it was cold and rainy last night when you slept on the ground with someone who if they were a stranger Friday is now a close friend. You are going to be pumped and primed for this day. You can feel the excitement in the air at breakfast (high calorie but very good). Tales of the previous two days are being exchanged. Lots of laughs and lots of hugs. It is going to be a great day.
As you stroll through your last 20 miles you will have lots of time to reflect on your entire journey. You will remember the day that you first heard of the 3 Day and decided to sign up. You will remember good training walks and bad training walks (don’t lie guys there were some bad ones). Most of all, you will continue to be carried by the Spirit of the 3 Day. Over the past two days and 40 miles you have met some incredible people and shared stories of strength and courage. If you haven’t cried once, you have cried a hundred times (be sure to hydrate after a weep session). Finally you see it – the Finish Line. You will pause, reflect, take a deep breath, and with your shoulders back, your head held high you will take those final steps. The reception you will receive from those who have already finished will be enthusiastic and genuine. Just try to wipe the smile off of your face. You made it!!!!! Now go get your shirt.
Later that afternoon you will gather for the closing ceremonies. If you thought the opening ceremony was moving you aint seen nothing yet!! Walkers almost run to circle a runway. Crew, those wonderful angels who take care of us parade in. Our motorcycle crew roars in. And then, we all get very quiet and our Survivors enter the area. This has got to be one of the most moving ceremonies you will ever experience. A two Kleenex box event at least.
It’s over. Hugs to your new friends. Long looks at the memories you have made. Grab your gear bag and find your family. You will have lots to tell them. And who knows, you just might do this again.