Closing Ceremonies and thanks

I didn't have much time to write a whole lot yesterday. It was a super hard day, much harder than any other Day 3 I've ever experienced. It was a shame too, because it would have been nice to be able to take our time to enjoy the people and scenery around us. But that didn't take away from the amazing experience of the three days. Yesterday saw my first cheerers in the three years I've done the 3-Day and I was excited to see them. Candice, Tricia, Katie, Kate, and Candice and Tricia's Mom were out at the first cheering station. They had LIANG spelled out on individual pieces of posterboard and each had t-shirts that read Team Liang on them, even Candice's little daughter Kate. Not too far past them was Kristen. She, of course, made an awesome sign that said Go Larry! Three years of three day! It was very sweet and she also met me at Cheering Station 2 at Sunset Hill Park.

From camp to the first stop I walked with this nice woman how was kind of hurting with a giant blister that took over the bottom of her foot. In addition to that she was having knee problems so she was going a little slow with a lot of people passing her. I wanted to make sure she got to Pit 1 okay and with some company. The first few miles can be the hardest because you're stiff and tired and you have so many miles in front of you. We had some great conversations and made it into the first stop without a problem. The rest of the day saw me hurrying to make up time and try to get in and out of pit stops before they closed. There was no way I was being swept. I had never been swept before and there was no way I would be on the third day. I really felt for some of the other walkers. I'm not the fastest but I can move when I need to and I was relatively injury free. I had caught up and passed a lot of walkers that had left camp way before I did and I still just made it. The spirit and resilience of those walkers was amazing though. I heard so many people say, "There is no way they're getting me on that bus. I've walked all the miles this weekend and I'm going to walk all of them today."

I wasn't feeling so great when I got to the holding area and closing ceremonies. I was feeling a little nauseas which isn't a good sign. It's usually a symptom of something more serious like dehydration, hyponutremia, or heat stroke. I made sure to keep drinking liquids (water and sports drink) and to eat because I was hungry too. That's what I get for deciding to skip food and refilling my water bottles at the Gas Works stop because I just didn't have time. The closing ceremonies were amazing as usual. I ran into some walkers that I had walked with in San Diego so we caught up and they introduced me to the survivors they were walking for. We then walked into the ceremonies, cheered on our fellow walkers, crew, and survivors. It was emotional for everyone.

My friends Missy and Jessie picked me up to give me a ride home since Kristen had rehearsal. When I got home I just crashed on my couch, called for some delivery Chinese food, and then fell asleep.

Thanks to all of you who have supported me in this walk. From the people that came out to cheer to those who send messages throughout the weekend to all of you who gave. I'm very grateful to have you with me in supporting this great cause. As the people involved in the 3-Day say, we walk because we believe and we're one step closer to a world without breast cancer.

Day 3 holding area

Today was harder than any other day 3. Lots of miles with less. I made it but i had to hustle.

Day 3

Another cold morning. Left knee and hip are pretty sore. Walking through ballard, fremont, and u district. Breakfast time.

Day 2 camp

We are camping at Shoreline community center and it is not great. Half the tents are on grass half on astroturf. My tent is on the astroturf. The worst part is that it is so far from the rest of camp. Plus i had to go back to get a tent. Not all the pieces were in the tent bag. The day was good but really long. My hips are pretty sore and i got a blister. Time for dinner, a shower, then bed.

Day 2 lunch

Funny how the lunches are the same every year. Sunny and warm today. They even have pb&j at the pitstops.

Day 2

I woke up at 430 this morning and trying to decide what to do. It got pretty cold overnight. I don't feel too bad. A little sore but ok. Today is supposed to be our longest day and the hilliest. Not too excited about that last part. I'd better get my gear together and have some breakfast.

Picture of camp

The punchline of a joke

So i ended up not having one, but two tentmates. If 2 men can't fit in a tent i don't see how 3 would. Luckily meg switched me to my own tent. I've finished dinner and a shower is next. I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow.

In camp

Made it to camp. Hopefully i can find an empty tent because two men can't fit in one.

Lunch

Made it to lunch and my shoes are soaked. It's clear now.

Day 1: opening ceremonies

30 min from exit to park. Now it's raining. Opening ceremonies delayed because of traffic delays.

Thank you for all your support

Hi everyone!

It's Thursday night, just 8 hours until I head over to Lake Sammamish State
Park to start my third Breast Cancer 3-Day. I'm excited and nervous and I
keep feeling like I've forgotten something. My pack is, well, packed and
there's nothing left to do other than grab some sleep. It'll be nice to walk
in Seattle this year, but I will definitely miss San Diego. If you're in the
Seattle area and feel like coming out and cheering on some walkers here's a
list of cheering stations:
http://www.kintera.org/faf/home/ccp.asp?ievent=61814&ccp=45390

I don't know the exact route yet because they don't tell us the route for
each day until that morning. During the walk I'll be posting little updates
to my blog throughout the three days. Don't worry, I won't be blogging while
I walk just while I'm waiting in line for port-a-potties. You can check out
the blog here: http://www.butterheadproductions.com

Since you have been so critical in supporting me in this endeavor I figured
it'd only be right if you were the first ones to hear about a great event
that'll be coming up soon. I'm putting together a benefit concert for the
3-Day in late August. We have 5 artists signed up already and we're working
on a sixth. I'll make sure to keep you posted on all the details.

Well, I best be going to sleep now. Thanks again and I'll be thinking of you
all while I walk.

Take care,
Larry

Blogging from the 3-Day

It's the day before the 3-Day and i'm setting up blogging from my phone. So tune as i blog from the 3-Day.