San Diego 2009

As usual, the San Diego event was amazing, awesome, huge and successful. The group raised over $9,000,000 for breast cancer research in a time when the economy was down, travel was challenging and our healthcare system is revising rules that many of us feel are dangerous and backwards thinking. The walkers, crew and community came out to show support and create a truly wonderful weekend.

I have many great memories of this event, not the least of which is the celebration of my birthday on Sunday -- by 4,000+ close friends! Who could ask for a better birthday party?

I saw friends that I have known for many years and from many cities around our country. I met new friends who promise to be be back next year and become old friends. I returned to a Route Safety Crew who has been together for many, many years.

I look forward to seeing you all again in 2010. I have registered for Seattle, San Francisco, Phoenix and San Diego. Who knows, if I am not working, maybe I will registerer for more.

Arizona 3-Day, Best Weekend EVER

What an awesome experience. While I have done many of these 3-Day events, I have never been on a team before and never been a part of something as special as Team THRIVR. In memory of team founder Jen Hoffmann, we laughed, hugged, cried, hugged, talked, hugged and danced. Then we hugged some more. Thank you Greg Hoffmann and all of the THRIVRs out there.

As always the crew in Phoenix was fantastic. Chuck and Steve kept everyone on task and the crew worked like a well oiled machine.

Ebony & Ivory performed as usual and everyone did their thing to cheer on and protect the walkers.

The walkers in Phoenix are amazing. Cold, hot, rain, shine, they just keep on smiling and dancing. No one (and I mean NO ONE) complained at all. Personally, the route does little for me, but the people here make it all worthwhile.

And sometimes one shirt really says it all.

The Arizona 3-Day is upon us

I am in Phoenix and the bike is ready. Today is crew day, my 23rd time to learn why we are here and how to use a Nextel radio. Seriously guys, I think I get it by now. Oh well, it is a chance to see all my 3-Day friends in Phoenix again.

I had a great dinner with Greg Hoffmann and some of Team THRIVR, my official team in AZ. I have never really been part of a team before, but in honor of our dearly missed Jen, it seemed appropriate. I am honored to wear my Team THRIVR shirt to the crew meeting today. Tonight I will hook back up with some of the team members for another memorable dinner at Nello's before heading to the hotel for a few hours of sleep. Friday mornings come early on the event as we arrive around 4am to help traffic control for the walker drop offs. If you are walking tomorrow, wave as you go by me. I shant be hard to find in my flashing, pink bunny ears.