I Did It ! She Is Beautiful Race

 In effort to be both a participant and volunteer. I knew I wanted to volunteer for the WalkMS and I knew I couldn't do a triathlon but I would like to help local events. She.Is.Beautiful  is very grassroots starting 16 years ago two women and it has grown to two locations Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara. 

I am a regular walking along West Cliff Drive so you know one day I am just minding my own business and here comes hundreds of women walking along the shore supporting each other and promoting women's issues. 

The event has grown to have over 10K participants with entire families running or walking or pushing strollers along the pathway. Its a real community effort with businesses donating equipment and scholarships for some participants. 

For me I thought I could run the 5k but, after a false start and hurting my left ankle I decided to try a fast walk instead. Here is the reality of participation, you may get anxious and have excess worry to burn so, the night before the race I did all my laundry. 

As I was way in the back with the other walkers and strollers I kinda got to thinking and happy I was not the only one doing the race 'by myself' I met several women whom were walking/ running for their first time and in memory of others. The whole day I actually ended up walking over 7 miles and regardless of the 8:30 am start I was definitely energized. 

#BeYourOwnSuperhero I was really inspired and in awe of so many people that were overcoming some obstacles. 

A lot of us felt like we walked the course a dozen times and were a lot faster than what was happening. 

I know I have walked along West Cliff Drive a dozen times and never felt so exhausted as I did this time around. I really wasn't trying to make a fast time and while I wasn't in last place I was in the back 1/3 of walkers. 

A Huge Thanks to Eugene with Silicon Valley Transit Users who not only donated to my fundraiser but also showed up to cheer me on! 

That was great boost at the end. Admittedly, I was sweaty and kinda exhausted by the walk ( anxiety can really get you but also the 5am wake up does it too ). More than 6000 people participated in the Santa Cruz walk and trust me it showed in the bathroom lines;). 

Me? 

I got ice cream