Our second event of the season kicks off in Boston on Friday (or Thursday for our magnificent Crew members attending Crew training). If you’ve never participated in the 3-Day before, not knowing what to expect can be nerve-wracking. The 3-Day Facebook page,  message boards, official 3-Day training walks and this blog are all great places to get advice from veteran walkers.

Jennifer Hanskat, breast cancer survivor, 3-Day coach and 11-year 3-Day participant certainly qualifies as an expert! This year she will be on the Crew in Chicago and is reuniting with her former San Diego team, walking in November to celebrate her Aunt Linda’s 60th birthday year and Jennifer’s 5 year cancer-versary! Congratulations Jennifer! I asked her what the “must-do” experiences were for a 3-Day newbie.

• Take your time on the route. “It’s a journey, not a race. Pace yourself and take it all in. Savor the moments – there isn’t a prize if you get back to camp first.”
• Take candy and treats from the little kids. “You don’t have to eat it but they love it when you accept what they are offering you.”
• Take the beads or other fun items from supporters and crew members. “I love to take these items and then hand them to the kids along the route who are going to appreciate them more than I will later on.”
• Talk with others along the route. “I love starting conversations with walkers I meet throughout the day. Ask them why they are walking, how their fundraising went. You will be amazed at the stories and you may form a 3-Day friendship that will last for years.”
• Visit the Remembrance Tent in camp. “This is a quiet area that gives you time to reflect on why you are walking, why you are fundraising. So much about the 3-Day is fun, loud and entertaining and this is a world away from that. It’s a special time to reflect and remember.”
• Take LOTS of pictures. “It is okay to stop along the route and take pictures of the scenery, the supporters, the silliness, and each other! Pictures are a great way to look back on your 3-Day adventure and a great way to motivate others to join you the next year!”
• Invite your family, friends and donors to come out to the Cheering Stations, Opening and/or Closing Ceremonies. “It is incredibly uplifting to have your own supporters there to cheer you on, especially when you are getting tired. Nothing restores your energy more that a hug from a loved one!”
• S-T-R-E-T-C-H. “Make sure that you are stretching at the pit Stops, at stop lights, and anytime you are feeling sore or tight. It is amazing how good a stretch can feel.”
• DANCE! “Yes, dance. You will hear music along the route and it is perfectly acceptable to dance while you are walking. You will hear music in camp and during the Saturday night dance party. Don’t go to sleep early, stay up late (9:00 pm is late on the 3-Day after you’ve walked 20 miles!) and join your fellow walkers and crew for a little boogie oogie oogie.”
• Walk apart from your team/friends for a mile or two. “Reflect on what brought you here. Seeing you walking alone may help someone else who is also walking alone.”

Jennifer loves sharing her 3-Day expertise as an awesome 3-Day participant and coach.

Thank you , Jennifer for sharing your 3-Day must-do’s. I am ready to dance!

Veteran walkers – what’s your advice for our 3-Day newbies? What are your  “must-do’s” on the event? Let us know in the comments below.