Usually The Revlon Walk is a sunny, warm day. This year it was overcast and cold. I had a hard time waking up and walking over to Shannon’s apartment. We had to get to 7th Avenue earlier than usual, (the organizers changed things this year,) to register and pick up our t-shirts. We met at 7:00 a.m, extremely sleep deprived but happy to see each other. Off we went.
Lisa: “So now we have all our stuff, what shall we do? It’s still an hour until the walk.”
Shannon: “How about breakfast? We can relax a bit and eat before we go.”
Lisa: “What a great idea! I love having smart friends.”
Shannon: “Not so smart, just more awake.”
We laughed.
Shannon: “How about this place, the food looks pretty good.”
Lisa: “I’ve got twenty bucks on me and I’m not afraid to use it.”
Yes, we’re definitely more entertaining when we are awake!
After breakfast we listened to a few speeches and then the race began. 40,000 people cheering, and confetti flying everywhere. And signs, lots of signs.
I’m walking in support of_____.
I’m walking in memory of_____.
My sign said:
I’m walking in support of:
My Mom
Shannon
All My Blogger Buddies
I noticed this year there were a lot more men walking. Also more people of color. The other thing I saw was how many children were walking in memory of their mothers. So terribly sad yet somehow uplifting at the same time.
We crossed the finish line, high-fived each other and hugged. Another year, another good time, and another chance to give back.
Every year Shannon and I talk about how much we LOVE doing this walk. And we’re going to keep doing it because it matters. Thank you again for your wonderful support. I adored taking you all with me!
Were I to have done the walk (he says, hoping he got the future subjunctive verb tense right, a dicey proposition despite massive formal education in things grammatical), I would have been marching in support of several women who are very much alive today and who made me who I am (and who made the process of making me who I am a lot more fun, to boot!). Sure, I would have remembered those who passed as well, but I would have made sure to celebrate the living. And not just the usual suspects like Mom, but a few others whose contributions to me fall below the line of the inspiring, G-rated family-friendly subject matter one would usually associate with a noble cause such as this.
Instead of doing the walk, however, I was happily snoring in my bed, glad I could hire a couple of friends via a convenient pledge web site to do my walking for me… Perhaps if they could do it at a more civilized hour next year, I’d be willing to hang out at the finish line for those same friends.
So congratulations to you, Lisa, and to Shannon for getting out there and getting it done. And apparently, you got it done in typical New York style — properly latte’d up, eminently fashionable, and fresh off a gourmet croissant or two at a delightful outdoor cafe (which they don’t do in Des Moines before such things).
I love ya, Lisa B., thank you.
Since it’s the Revlon Walk, instead of those guys who hand you water every couple miles, they should have guys that touch up your hair and make-up.
I did this 5K too!! Wasn’t it amazing?? My cousin is a HUGE marathon runner and she happened to be in town this past weekend visiting so of course we had to do it! I’m not much of a runner but I did it and it was so inspiring/uplifting to be among so many people–all there for the same reason. You’re right–the weather was terrible!! All I wanted to do was take a hot bath and eat soup. I didn’t get the take the bath right after but we did go to Forty Carrots at Bloomies and I had the most fabulous chicken salad! I’m rambling and giving you waaay too much information so buh-bye for now!
Big high fives. Lisa. I’m proud of you. You walked for me, as I just can’t swing the 3-day this year (too much happening.)
YAY FOR YOU!!!
Hot damn! There I was in the parade: “All my blogger buddies.” I have never felt so honored.
Sounds like a great time for a good cause. Those are the best ones.
Well done, Lisa.
You go, girl! I love that it’s the Revlon Walk, because there’s nothing prettier about being a woman than when she’s walking her truth.
Thanks everyone! I really appreciate your kind words and support. MWAH!
Lisa: You are so cool. What a lovely way to Honor your Mom!!! lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kudos to you Lisa B! It’s a great cause and I’m proud of you =) And I’m happy to be a sponsor too.
Way cool
I’m so proud of you–you did a great thing and got some exercise to boot.
And I am with you on the breakfast thing. Very wise move.
Congratulations.
I did that walk once!! It was so fun doing it. Wait, maybe it was a similar women’s walk? It was a Sat morning and I was hung over!
Good for you, LisaB.
Good Girl, Lisa. Sorry I’ve been away so long.
I missed it. I’m way behind.
I’m so proud of you.