On your mark, get set, WALK! For Multiple Sclerosis that is. This past weekend, I participated in my 10th annual 3 day 50 mile walk for MS.

My oldest and dearest friend, Rita, was diagnosed the same year my daughter was born- 2002. And for the past 10 years, I’ve walked those 50 treacherous, and sometimes really boring, miles alongside my good friend. When you’ve been doing something unchanging like this for as long as we have, you begin to pick up some funny traditions and, well, shortcuts. Day one of the walk starts in Carlsbad CA and heads on down to Del Mar – that’s 20 miles. What do we look forward to every year? Leucadia Donuts. Anything else? yes, this same exact spot every year to take a group photo with some of our favorite once-a-year-friends.

Day 2 brings a new set of challenges. A beautiful view? yes. More walk friends to chat with? yes. Sore feet and muscles? YES! The one thing we REALLY look forward to, is a bar owned by a good friend that is right along the walk route. Free Margaritas anyone? After we wrapped the walking portion of the day, we headed back to our hotel only to be greeted by a giant box of chocolates sent by another fab friend who (because she had done the walk several times in past years) knew we needed the pick me up.

On our last day, and final 10 mile trek, we marched through downtown San Diego – right past the airport, the USS Midway and the marina. Tired, but accomplished. After a quick medal ceremony, some tears, and of course lunch, we said goodbye. If you’ve ever done anything like one of these group walks before, I think you’ll understand that despite the blisters, sunburn and lack of good sleep, I’ve already committed to going back next year.

The just over 200 walkers this year raised more than SEVEN HUNDRED AND FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS. Me? I raised $2870 – due to the most generous family, friends, and complete strangers. Let me know if you want to join me next year… it is the experience of a lifetime.