We never know our exact walking route until the day of the walk - and even then it's usually only that particular day's route. It's kept quiet for security reasons and probably to keep supporters off the random areas of the route and into the Cheering Station.
A Cheering Station is a designated area that is set up for families, friends and supporters of the 3-Day walkers to cheer, visit with and give out treats (yay, tootsie rolls!) to those people who are walking. Unless you have done a walk like this yourself you have no idea how wonderful it is to have so many people cheering you on and providing you with such words of encouragement. When someone you have never met before looks at you with tears in their eyes and thanks you for walking it really makes what you are doing feel special. Especially if that person is a breast cancer survivor or family/friend of someone who was lost to the disease.
The stations are usually full of people, young and old. Some people have treats, some have Popsicle and spray bottles full of cold water and some people just have kind words. The kids are always awesome - I love seeing their handmade signs. It is a wonderful sense of community and caring that really hits home. Oh, and most important... when you really start to feel beat, like you can't walk another mile, seeing all those wonderful supporters gives you the energy and drive you need to finish that day's miles!
This year's route is particularly intriguing to me. We are walking from Framingham to Newton, on through to Lexington and Cambridge and then to our final destination: UMass. I'm especially excited about this route because I grew up in Cambridge, it's my hometown. I am wondering how crowded some of these areas are going to be but I'm still really excited about it! Here are the full schedule of Cheering Stations for the three days:
Friday, July 24:
9:00 am - 11:30 am
Hunnewell Playground
Parking at Stars Market, 448 Washington Street
Wellesley MA 02482
11:15 am - 3:00 pm
Learning Prep School
1507 Washington Street
Newton, MA 02465
Saturday, July 25:
10:15 am - 3:30 pm
YMCA-Greater Boston Area: North Suburban Family Branch
175 Lexington Street
Woburn, MA 01801
11:30 am - 5:45 pm
Friendly’s Restaurant
1111 Waltham Street
Lexington, MA 02421
Sunday, July 26:
8:15 am - 11:15 am
Cambridge City Hall
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
If you have an opportunity to be a part of a cheering station (at any walk/race event) I encourage you to do so. Hopefully I'll see some of your faces along the route!!!
Hey there! My sister is doing the walk too as long as she raises some more funds. I am planning on being at a cheering station if she is there so I'll certainly be looking for you!
GOOD LUCK!
Posted by: Kate | July 07, 2009 at 09:12 AM
oooooo.... cambridge! I'll try for sure!
Posted by: fiona | July 07, 2009 at 07:08 PM