WTVT_Emily's Blog

One down, two to go! We successfully completed day two, even though it was admittedly longer than the first. A little of the adrenaline from day one was gone, but we were still pumped. Unfortunately, the aches and pains were not gone—making it tougher. But, Team Superfox did just great!

Day two started at camp, bright and early at 7:30. Our team has chosen not to camp this year—and we’re certainly not the only ones. You see, you have the option of staying in tents at camp, or checking out. Jenn did the walk last year, and had a terrible camping experience (torrential downpours that soaked EVERYTHING), so we decided that we would play it safe and not camp. We had plenty of company—the first night more than 400 people checked out.

So, we arrived early. The trail doesn’t open until 7:30, but the line to start forms early. We began in the first third of the 1800 walkers—but when we looked behind us, the line to start wound through camp. Before we began, there were plenty of crew members doing their best to entertain us. They dress up in crazy outfits—wigs, bras on the outside of their clothes—anything to get us pumped! They work so hard to make the 3Day what it is, and it doesn’t take long to figure out that they’re the backbone of the whole operation.

When 7:30 rolled around, we were off! Day two took us back over to the beach—first Madeira Beach and John’s Pass, and then further south on Gulf Boulevard. Eventually we found ourselves at Upham Beach (St. Pete Beach), and then we crossed back over into Pasadena. From there we made our way back to camp, which is located really close to Tyrone Square Mall.

The best part of the day? The cheering stations. There were stations at John’s Pass and Upham Beach yesterday—along with the many supporters who followed us on our way. Yesterday’s cheering stations were packed. There were people EVERYWHERE. And as we walked through, they all just clapped and told us what a great job we were doing. At John’s Pass, people came out of their businesses to applaud us. It was very touching—especially the little kids who held up signs supporting us. My favorite of the day was one we saw at Upham Beach that said “U Go Girls”! It’s amazing how many people have come out to support this cause-- from the people at the cheering stations to the ones that roll down their car windows just to wave at us. It's so encouraging!

Speaking of that, we were thrilled to see some friends of ours yesterday afternoon! Our families had been out to see us on Friday, but yesterday three of our girlfriends came out to bring us Gatorade and squirt us with water at Upham Beach! It meant so much that Anni, Angie, and Kristina made the trip… thanks girls.

Today is the third and final day of our journey. It’s gone by so fast that it’s hard to believe it’s almost over. We’ll be walking around the neighborhoods of St. Pete today, and eventually ending at Spa Beach Park in downtown St. Pete, where they’ll hold closing ceremonies. I’m expecting that today will be a very emotional day, and I’m excited to get the chance to meet even more of the walkers. We’ve talked to so many fantastic people so far, and they all have a story.

Much more to come after day three is over… we’re in the home stretch!