JDRF 2008 Walk to Cure Diabetes

My good friend at work, Mr. Kent Bob, is one of those brave individuals who pricks their fingers over and over and over, then has to give himself shots just to live. I admire people like Kent Bob because I'm not sure I would have balls enough to continually prick my finger even if I had to.

At work, they sent an email announcing the Juvenile Diabetes walk and I asked Mr. Kent Bob if he planned to participate. He replied that he hadn't, but really should. It was a 5K affair through Wheeler Farm, a place I had previously only driven past. In a brave, perhaps overly enthusiastic and definitely overly optimistic tone, I offered to walk with Kent in this walk if he walked with me during the 10K Utah AIDS Foundation walk in September. He agreed as he had already been thinking about the AIDS walk.

On the appointed day we went, but ended up having to park a very long ways from the event, easily 2K. When we started, we asked the registration booth if we could count the long walk from the car, but they didn't seem to understand what we were saying. We went for the walk, but really don't think the course through the farm was 5K. It was possible that we needed to complete two or three laps, but when asked, no one seemed to even know, so we only did one. But, combined with the great distance to and from our cars, I believe we did far more than 5K that day. Knowing that I didn't cheat the JDRF on distance helps me sleep at night. =)

Those at the registration tent did know that a donation of $100 was required to get a t-shirt (kind of a reward or prize for helping the cause so significantly). I had other ideas. Do you see this face? This is my, "I just completed your grueling walk so hurry up and give me a damn t-shirt before I have a heart attack and die right here" look. It worked. It worked well enough to also get Kent Bob a shirt. Ironically, the shirt is far too small to wear. 2X, my foot.

I took a look at the AIDS Foundation web site. They have a description of the 10K route. I'm thinking the heart attack may be for real next time if I try 10K and maybe volunteering at a water station would be better. To get in shape for the AIDS walk, I have watched people exercise on those infomercials and have thought every time that I should actually get up and follow along. But, just as my motivation hits a peak and I'm ready to get off the couch, the infomercial changes to a magic pasta cooker or hair out of a spray can and I'm hooked. Can't exercise to a spray can ad, now can I? Seriously, both causes are worthy of my honest effort and I'm very pleased to have done more than just thought about getting involved. If you'd like to join me on the AIDS walk, it is September 20th in the morning. Let me know. We can motivate each other.