Throughout the Million Step March, Kathy and Gary are joined by a "guest walker" from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. Jeanne Ridpath, a purchasing specialist at BCBSNC, joined the walk in Garner and gave us this report from the road:
I am just settling in after an amazing three days of walking with a great group of folks. The experience of walking through my "back yard" of North Carolina was one that I will never forget. I will have such fond memories of our days on the road and I am very grateful for the trusted leadership of Kathy Higgins and Gary Marino.
Being a fairly inexperienced hiker (usually I prefer a nice pool or air conditioned gym, with a treadmill with a built-in TV), I followed the lead of the walkers before me. When Kathy or Gary got up on shoulder of the road, I followed suit because they knew tricks of the road. By the time I met up with them, they were halfway through North Carolina. I went on blind faith that by watching their example, I would be able to make it the full duration of our mapped-out route that day. And I am very proud and humbled that I never had to request the assistance of the infamous "rescue van." I was able to walk the entire designated route, from Garner to Wilson in three days while visiting some employer groups a long the way.
You see, I understand the struggle with obesity and unhealthy lifestyle choices. Over three years ago, I was 245 pounds and smoked more than a pack of cigarettes a day. I knew I had to make some lifestyle changes because my health was becoming progressively worse. The rest of the story is a story of people who believed in me when I was having a hard time believing in myself some days.
I consistently needed the affirmation of the scale and those who loved me and cared to see me succeed in my journey. From the cards of encouragement of my family and friends, to my co-worker who gave me $25 for the first 25 pounds I lost so I would treat myself to clothes that fit! Not only did I have to succeed for myself, but for my co-workers too. I needed to show folks that if I can exercise, eat sensibly and quit smoking one day a time, not only would I be helping myself, but I would prove that yes, it can be done. Not easy some days, but success is achievable if you put one foot in front of the other, literally. Today I am 90 pounds lighter and on May 20, it will be three years since my last cigarette.
I feel that my participation in the Million Step March campaign has brought me back to the basics. Sometimes we get busy and complacent and forget where we've come from and lose sight of of our priorities.
I have gained about 10 pounds in the last year and I’m not too thrilled about it, but this walk has excited me enough to start doing better. By working and walking with Kathy and Gary, I am once again focused on what I need to be doing with to get myself back on track. If you haven't had a chance to walk with the team, I encourage you to sign up and log your steps at www.betterhealthnc.com. You will be amazed about how much better you will feel and how much more energy you will have!
Jeanne Ridpath
Shared on May 15, 2008 Share your story