Last night, I participated in JP Morgan's annual Corporate Challenge. It's a 5k road race that is put on in 12 cities across the world. Boston is one of the lucky cities that gets to participate.
It's not the first time I've walked for charity. Pre-kids, I walked for what felt like a million miles in Project Bread's Walk for Hunger. Now THAT's a walk. It's 20 miles and if you are not a marathoner or an athlete, that's A LOT of steps. Unfortunately, I remember bowing out at about mile 13 due to a vile bout of yet undiagnosed poison ivy that was creeping up my leg steadily throughout the walk.
Last night's walk was awesome. Though it started just after the Boston skies opened up to release a torrential downpour, by the time we parked and our feet hit the starting line on the Boston Common, the sun was back and the temp was about 85 degrees. I walked with my fabulous co-workers from Mom Central, and while we all had different ideas as to how they'd get to finish line (run or walk), everyone seemed to find someone who had the same goals. I walked with Erica, who at eight weeks post-partum, was not into running it. I was fine either way, and it was great way to get to know my colleague. We chit-chatted non-stop for the hour it took us to walk the 3.5 miles.
But the best part of the experience was the feeling of camaraderie, just getting out with 12,000 other people on a gorgeous Summer evening in Boston. The air buzzed with anticipation and everyone was there for the same thing. After years of working alone in my home office, joining a team feels so good and immersing in a sea of other people who are all part of Boston's workforce was exhilarating. Maybe I need to get out more.
This morning I woke up and headed to the gym to log a few more miles before my time is not my own for 48 hours. And while I'm a bit sore (I'm not in the greatest shape of my life right now), I feel strong, confident, and able.
And there's a lot to be said for that.
Moments before starting the race
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