EPISODE 1 - KIM QUITS

I took losing Kim on the chin. What was I thinking coming into this thing 10 foot tall and bullet proof? I had bragged to everyone that if I start with 12… I will finish with 12. Kim was the first to pop that bubble. I honestly thought everyone had the capability to finish this thing. But I assumed that everyone wanted to change their lives so terribly bad that they would be willing to walk almost 600 miles through freezing, wet, and rugged terrain. Was I living in a dream world? Next, enters Anthony. I liked him from the get go. He had such a sweet spirit, and at first a great attitude. He made me feel as though he immediately believed in me to get him to DC. I think I was overwhelmed with that confidence he put in me, and with that gesture of confidence came a debt of responsibility. I need to make sure I don’t let him down. Anthony must make it! The day Kim decided to go back to the campground and not continue walking was the same day Anthony collapsed during the march. It was a very cold day. It was raining off and on and the hills we were traveling over where insane. I was about 5 miles behind the group because I was trying to help Kim, to no avail, catch up with the group. After Kim decided to quit for the day I ran ahead to catch the group. Imagine the feeling I got 4-5 miles ahead when I see a horrid accident scene. Then I realize it is no accident. It is Anthony in the back of an ambulance with oxygen and wires all hooked to his pale limp body. As I ran to the scene the ambulance took off for the hospital and the on-lookers were not able to tell me what happened except that an overweight guy collapsed and they think he is part of a TV show. Guilt grabbed hold of me and wouldn’t turn me lose. I continued walking thinking out loud. I was still upset that I allowed Kim to quit and now I am devastated that Anthony, the one who believes in me to protect him and encourage him to change his life, just got carted off in an ambulance. Let me remind you that about an hour ago I felt like I could get everyone to DC healthier and richer. I guess I blamed Anthony’s predicament on me spending too much time in vein with Kim. Maybe if I would have stayed with someone who was at least pouring every ounce of energy into this experience and not wasting my time on someone who is wanting to quit before they ever really got started, then maybe, just maybe, Anthony would still be on his feet. I finally caught up with the lead group and they were very anxious about Anthony’s situation. How is this group going to be able to let go of all their inhibitions if people are quitting and going to the hospital on the same day. I still feel in my heart like all of these guys can make it. We are going to have to turn up their desire about 10 notches. Back at camp… Kim is avoiding me, as she knows she is in trouble. I have never had anyone quit me. My personality is fairly passive until I am crossed with something that I am passionate about - and I have never been more passionate about anything in my life than getting Kim to Washington DC in 10 weeks. Also, without Anthony, the camp seemed melancholy. Everyone wondering who would fall next. Everyone was scared about Anthony’s prognosis. How serious is it? Was it a case of simple dehydration or was it as serious as a heart problem. I guess none of us will get much sleep tonight. PS: Anthony… I am worried about you. I should have been there.