Taking the Pink Bubble nationwide in a new way to experience the 3-Day: This is 3-Day Nation.
Why I’m Excited For 3-Day Nation
Elizabeth Olesen has completed eight 3-Days since 2004. She has been blogging her own experience at training walks and the events themselves and has found this to be a great fundraising tool! “By blogging my walks, I also increase my fundraising abilities. Neighbors and friends are engaged and keep me moving with their encouraging posts, texts, and calls. I’m never ‘alone’. I walk with all of those supporters on my shirt and highlight them in my blog. New names and stories are often shared (and added) as I walk my city while training. I’m excited to be part of 3-Day Nation because it’s a whole new way for us to come together and continue the fight. I can’t wait for closing ceremony.”
What are you excited about for 3-Day Nation?
I’m excited about the new 3-Day Nation this year mostly because I won’t have to travel and will be doing my walk where all those in my area can cheer me on. I will miss the excitement of other walkers and crew and new scenery, but also won’t miss the crowds (and Porta potties). Lol.
What made you sign up for 3-Day Nation instead of the San Diego 3-Day?
I actually signed up for San Diego initially. I walked there in 2016 and it was a favorite walk (along with DC and Tampa). However, with all the travel restrictions, I decided I didn’t want to fly to San Diego, so I was glad to have the option to participate as part of 3-Day Nation.
Are you walking alone or with a friend/group?
I walk primarily alone as a solo stroller. I haven’t walked with a partner since my first walk in 2004 when a friend asked me to join her. It was going to be a one and done. I’m still walking! I do some training walks with friends when we can coordinate schedules. While I train and walk alone as a solo stroller, over the years I’ve met and walked with some really wonderful walkers. We are still friends to this day and try to coordinate cities. The circle of friends grows with every walk.
Do you plan on dressing up at all?
Of course I’m going to dress up for my 3-Days! When I walked in Tampa, I was wearing my wings. My neighbor told me he’d be looking for a butterfly (his first walk and didn’t realize all the wings that would be there!). When we connected, along with several other women, they kept forgetting my name and called me Butterfly Maine. It stuck and it’s what I’m known as in fundraising and my outfit. I am Butterfly Maine and wear sparkle skirts and wings and makeup! It will embarrass the heck out of my husband. I love wearing all the sparkles!
Have you prepared for 3-Day Nation any different than you would for any other 3-Day?
This will be my eighth walk since 2004. I’ve learned many lessons for training. This year isn’t any different. I (now) follow the3-Day suggested training plan (lesson learned on my first walk) and usually begin training earlier than the plan requires. I turned 60 this year and have been dealing with some injuries over the past year and a half. Training is critical for success (for me). I plan each walk and route carefully and my pack always includes the necessities (food, water, sunscreen, extra socks, donation forms and a pen). My clothes are bright and sparkly and reflect why I am walking. Since I do out- and -back walks, the pack can be a bit heavy starting out. My husband is my “walker stalker” and always checks in via text or by popping up on my route (he tracks my cellphone ?) and will bring me anything I need. This has included more water and ice, food, new clothes when what I am wearing isn’t comfortable, new inserts or socks or shoes, or just to make sure I’m still moving!
Elizabeth and walkers like her creating their own Pink Bubbles all over the country are what the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® Nation is all about. We’re so excited to see this all come to life and hear about the ways you are bringing 3-Day Nation to your community. Whether you will be walking solo like Elizabeth, walking with your team, or coming to a Pink Bubble Pop-Up, it’s going to be an amazing experience. Are you participating in 3-Day Nation this year? Let us know what you are most excited for in the comments section!