Walking for a Cure - The 3 Day. Part 1: The Bubble

Although I arrived in Washington DC on Thursday afternoon and we saw plenty of other walkers around as we wandered around Dupont Circle on Thursday night--it wasn't until we got off the Metro at National Stadium that we entered "The Bubble". That is how I have come to think of it. News from Home would shatter that bubble twice but only briefly each time... it would not take long before the Bubble that was The 3 Day would reassert itself.

As we left the train and entered the Metro Station at National Stadium we encountered a few other walkers. And slowly it began--we were introducing each other and talking about prep work for the Walk like old friends before we exited the station. By the time we were out on the street we were teasing one of us about thinking to bring a hairdryer camping. Camaraderie was all around. We were about to embark on an adventure together.

And then we encounterd the first of the Crew. The volunteers who make up Crew are the machine that keeps the Walk moving from beginning to end. We turned the corner of the stadium to where Opening Ceremonies were happening and were greeted by the first of many many wonderful Crew members. For the ungodly early morning hour that it was, they were ENTIRELY too cheerful. There were girls taking our bags for us and Greeters just thanking us for walking. We moved closer to the stage that was set up and found someone passing out the Energizer Bunny ears. We took pictures of all the crazy outfits and Team Names that were there. Everyone was smiling and excited. I found the Water Station and got our bottles filled up by a very pleasant but really the only sleepy looking Crew member I saw that morning. And the sun was only just beginning to rise at this point.

This is where it started. The Bubble of camaraderie, encouragement, excitement, community and elation that surrounded us for 3 incredible days. The Bubble where Big Guys on Motorcycles wearing unique and/or funny outfits saw you safely through every major intersection. Where guys and girls on bicycles in pink tu-tus would ride along side you, offering encouragement, checking to make sure you were all right and/or flagging down a Sweep Van if you weren't OK. Where strangers on the side of the road would stop and clap, thank you for walking and cheer you on. Where cars going by would honk in support. Where whenever you had to stop someone would ask, are you OK or did you need help?

It was a very strange thing to leave this Bubble on Sunday evening.