The Sit up Challenge and Spa Day

                                    

                                          
I felt someone shaking my shoulder.  "Jennifer, it's time to wake up." said Bisho softly.  "What time is it," I mumbled.  "It's 5:00," he replied.  I got out of bed and walked downstairs.  I took a vanilla yogurt from the  fridge and a plate of cut up fruit.  I took them to the table.  Bisho joined me downstairs.  "Are you ready for your big day," he asked.  "I think so.  I've been training really hard and I can't wait to see how much money I raise for the cancer society," I replied.  Bisho and I ate our breakfast.  I washed my face and brushed my teeth.  I changed into a pair of white shorts and a pink tank top.  I brushed my hair and put it in a ponytail.  I walked downstairs.  Bisho grabbed some water bottles, food, and a towel and put them in a cooler.  "Are you ready to go," Bisho asked.  "Yes," I replied.  Bisho took the cooler to the car and we got in the car.  We left for Bondi.  
                          
Within five minutes, we got to Bondi.  Bisho carried the cooler and we walked to the beach.  We were greeted by Sharon, the president of the cancer society.  "Hello Jennifer.  Are you excited for this event," Sharon asked.  "I'm very excited," I replied with a smile.  "This is Ashley, the organizer of this event," said Sharon.  "Nice to meet you Ashley," I told her.  We walked to north Bondi.  "The event is going to take place here.  You will start the challlenge in one hour.  If you finish at or before eleven o'clock, the amount of money you raised will be tripled.  "I'll try my best to finish before then," I replied. 
                          
A crowd had gathered around the large stage that had been set up near the north Bondi.  Sharon and I walked on to the stage.  The crowd cheered.  Sharon took the microphone from its stand.  "Hello everyone and welcome to the 2014 cancer rally.  I'm Sharon and I'm the president of the Australian Cancer Society.  Today Jennifer, the Bondi trainee, will be attempting to do 1,000 sit ups in less than five hours.  If she finishes with time to spare, the amount of money she raises will be tripled.  Five large donation buckets have been placed near this stage so feel free to donate money at any time during this event.  I would like to say thank you to all of you who have taken the time to be here for this event.  Let me hand it over to Jennifer," she said before passing me the microphone.  "Thank you Sharon.  Once again, thank you to everyone who is here to accomplish two common goals:  To find a cure for cancer and to help cancer patients afford their treatments.  Recently, I lost my grandma to spine and breast cancer.  We have seen friends, family members, and other loved ones fight cancer and unfortunately we lost some of the most important people in our lives from it.  We have seen firsthand the devastating effects of cancer.  We have to find a cure.  We need to put an end to the disease that has taken millions of lives.  Today, we truly can make a difference," I said with determination.  I looked into the crowd and saw a few tears being shed.  I saw quite a few off duty lifeguards supporting me. 
                          
Sharon and I walked down the beach to a huge overhead canopy that had been set up for this event.  A towel, a few water bottles, and some food was on a table near the far side of the canopy.  I took a deep breath.  This just became very real.  Bisho, Hoppo, Kerrbox, Harries, Deano, and Bacon came inside.  "Are you nervous," Bacon asked.  "I'm not nervous.  I just hope my stomach muscles will hold up," I answered.  "You will be fine," said Harries as he put his arm around my shoulder.  "Thanks Harries," I replied.  "We'll be supporting you and will check up on you every hour or so," said Hoppo.  I turned to Sharon.  "I just had an idea.  How about we let members of the public do sit ups as well to raise money," I suggested.  "That's a great idea!  Then more money can be raised for the cancer society.  I'll make the announcement," Sharon replied.  She walked back to the stage.
                          
  The boys gave me a few hugs before returning to work.  Bisho stayed with me.  Tom, Jesse, and Gonzo came to watch.  They said a quick hello before taking a seat a few feet from where I would be doing my sit ups.  Sharon brought the donation buckets to the canopy.  "We've already had to empty the buckets.  So far, we've raised $1,000," she exclaimed.  "That's amazing," I replied excitedly.  "We're going to be starting the challenge in two minutes," Sharon informed me.  I took a few sips of water before sitting on my towel.  One minute passed.  I laid down and got ready to begin.  Hundreds of people were standing under the canopy to watch.  "3-2-1 go," said Sharon into the microphone.  I started doing my sit ups.  I was careful about managing my pace.  Two hours passed and I did 400 sit ups.  "Bisho, can you please hand me my towel," I asked tiredly.  Bisho got up and handed me my towel.  I wiped my forehead and face.  My abs felt like they were on fire.  The boys kept encouraging me.  I saw Reidy and Deano doing sit ups near me.  They each did 100 sit ups.  Once I reached 600 sit ups, I decided to take a ten minute break.  Bisho helped me sit up.