Walk proved inspirational for some

Published on August 27th, 2009

Published on September 9th, 2009

It was a walk of endurance, inspiration and bonding that not only brought a group of women closer together, but also raised over $126,000 for a great cause.
The Cause for a Walk took 135 women on a 97 kilometre trek from Moose Jaw to Buffalo Pound and back.
However, Liz Craigen said it was much more than a bunch of women taking a walk. It was a group of women working together for one cause and the accomplishment of a united goal.
"As we hit that last stretch before returning to Moose Jaw, everybody seemed to get a burst of energy and the feeling was totally unexpected."
Craigen said the whole process - from the training to the actual walk was an experience she will never forget.
She said when she first signed on it was her understanding the walk was only going to be approximately 32 kilometres.
However, around Christmas she found out it was actually 97 km and she practically fell over.
"When I found out I said 'Oh never; I'll never make that.' But we started training before Christmas . . . and as we went on we realized the more we did the more we could do and by spring I was totally committed and said 'I am doing this.'"
Craigen said after completing the journey she can now say it was the best personal experience she has ever had.
Lorlee Cole said it was a friend who encouraged her to take part in the walk.
She said along with the walk being a personal journey for herself, she also used the experience as a time to bond with her sister.
"We both have three small children, so it was a time where we could just be the two of us."
Cole did her best to follow the training regime put together by the walk's organizer Diane Therrien. However, when it comes to working around three other lives, it wasn't always possible.
In the end, Cole said the walk was a memory and experience she will hold with her forever.
"It was inspiring. We were such a team. We ate together, shared stories and it really seemed to bring us all together.
"So many of us women have lots in common, juggling jobs, relationships, kids and home life. It was nice to be able to have that time to bond with one another."
Cole said although she may take time before embarking on her next big adventure, doing something such as the Cause for a Walk is something she would love to do again in the future.

Lyndsay McCready can be reached at 691-1256.