The rest of us fell victim to demanding obstacles:
Melissa D, our wonderful motivator, was forced to stop at the 40km line after developing throbbing blisters from walking in the pouring rain for 4 hours.
Then, 80km and 40 hours of hiking later, without sleep, Melissa M and I hit our own personal walls. Mel M, exhausted and hungry decided to stop. And I, psychologically drained, had a moment of confusion, which prevented me from continuing.
Not making it to the 100km line was a bit hard to swallow and I've spent the last week reflecting over the events. But because of you wonderful people (Mel D, Agui, Auntie Girlie, and Rina) I've come to terms with it and can now rejoice in all our accomplishments.
1! I initially agreed to take on this challenge under false pretenses. I was told that i would have to “walk” 100km in 48 hours. I did not know that that 100km “walk” would include 12 very VERY tall mountains. When i finally looked at the trail map and saw what i had gotten myself into, i went for a training hike.
The cold winter in Japan had just passed and i had been inside for the last 3 months gaining 4kg of fatty insulation. So, halfway up my 120m mountain, i was gasping. "There was no way in the world that i would make it," i thought to myself. But, on D-day, i walked EIGHTY km, in the rain, with no sleep, and was running around, jumping for joy, and able to do more. Yay!
2! We reached out, created new bridges, and strengthened some friendships/relationships (especially with my dad). He was such a huge support with his emails and encouragements throughout the hike.
3! As challenging as it was, we overcame differences and worked as a team. Even though we came from different countries, different cultural backgrounds, and had very different personalities, we were all able to accomodate, encourage, and support each other. That was a big part of what this challenge was about.
and .....
4, our biggest and most IMPORTANT accomplishment. Our team raised more than our targetted amount. Because of you wonderful friends and family, and our baking/selling efforts, we raised 150,000\ ($1,500) to help make a difference in the lives of millions of poor people around the world. Your GENEROSITY EXCEEDED any of my EXPECTATIONS and blew me away! For that, i thank you from the very bottom of my heart. <3
In the end, our success came not from crossing the finish line, but from trying, reaching out, overcoming differences, working together, and raising money for those who need it most.
Lastly, i want to send my special thanks to the following people:
* My team, whom, i could not have gone as far and learned as much without
* My brother, the first to support me and the team with a large donation and so much more in encouragement!!!!!
* My dad, for all of his emails and encouragement on the day(s) of the hike
* Taro, who supported, encouraged, and helped me bounce back after the hike
* Tei, who’s a constant support and never loses faith
* Agui, for being a grounding force
* Marcus, for the very long emails and jokes that kept us entertained on the trail
* To all who donated: My brother, Vijay, Corey, Yuri, Agui, Tei, Shinjiro, Bryan, Uncle Efren, Auntie Perla, Prima, Ashley, Andres, and Auntie Girlie
* To those who supported in other ways: Bea, Stacy C, Sarah M, Uncle Oscar, Jooooo D, Liran, Ewen, Chelsea, Rina, my teachers and students, and the Shizuoka Trailbiters..
Thank you!!!! I heart you all!!
