Pics from the Arthritis Walk

Here are some pictures from the Arthritis Walk. You can see how pretty the grounds are where the one kilometre walk took place!

Yes – they are my sisters!!

Arthritis Walk Fun!

The Arthritis Walk was yesterday, and our Frozen Woman team raised over $3,694!!! I'm so thrilled that everyone came out, and that they did such a wonderful job raising money and donating money themselves. I had no idea that we'd do so well.

We were in the top 10 teams in Toronto thanks to our efforts, and my younger sister Jamie (yes, she's a tad competitive) already has big plans for next year, involving raising money with a hot-dog stand, T-shirts, etc. You go, girl, I say! (Me, not quite so competitive, lol!).

It was the perfect day: sunny and clear, and while it was on the hot side, there was a lovely breeze, and we walked the beautiful park route (yes, we walked multiple loops of the 1km route rather than the city-traffic 5km route, which we'd signed up for, because I wasn't sure how I'd do and with the 5km route, there's was no way to get back if you couldn't do it). It was a good thing I decided to do that. My hips were sore-ish, but when we got back to the car after the walk, my legs were actually shaking. Same thing when we got back to my place. I felt fine other than that, and it wasn't dehydration, so I'm not sure what was up with that. They were still kind of shaky for some time.

Anyway, the organizers did a fabulous job. There were muffins and yogurt to snack on and coffee and water to drink before the walk start, water and yummy green tea drinks during, and after there was a barbecue with hamburgers (veggie, too!) and hotdogs and all kinds of fruit. Music was playing and added to the party atmosphere.

I had such a good time with my family and friends (many hugs were exchanged!).

All in all, a fun, fun morning!

Walk with Me

So I've signed up for the Walk To Fight Arthritis, which is taking place in Toronto on May 30. A number of my friends and family are taking part with me, and it's wonderful to have their support.

I was surprised at their reaction to the walk length, though. Participants have the option of walking 1 km or 5 km. I know I can do 1 km, so I thought I'd challenge myself and my sore feet and other joints and sign up for the 5 km.

When I told my sister Jamie, she was a little taken aback. Was she worried about me? No, not at all! She was worried she wouldn't be able to do it and said she might have to grab hold of my belt loops and have me drag her along!

Next, I told Leotard about the length. She joked she'd bring our horse, Lex, along. I said, "Great idea!" Which I thought it was, until she said, "Yeah, so I can jump on him, if I can't finish the walk!" I was like, "What do you mean, if you can't finish???? If anyone is going to have trouble, it's going to be me! It's just a freakin' 5 km! You should be able to do it!"

Next, I was talking to Jane, friend and ex-editor of Style at Home (and present editor of Chatelaine). She'll be doing the walk, too. She said she was going to bring a bike just in case she couldn't finish the walk – um, excuse me, what's with everyone thinking they can't walk 5 km!!!! (OK, I'm sure she was joking, but still!)

Maybe I've just always been a big walker (and, yes, it's true, I love walking – or did before my feet started hurting), but, jeez, I can't believe how freaked out people are by this. Me, yes! Them, no!

P.S. If you'd like to sponsor me, go to this link, enter Frozen Woman under "Team Name," then click on my name (Laurie Grassi) and donate away! Much appreciated!