Revamp Your Training: Four Fun Ways to Keep Your 3-Day Preparation Lively and Fresh

Spring has finally sprung, and that can only mean one thing: 3-Day training walk season is in full swing! As the atmosphere shakes off its winter coat and the flowers come into full bloom, your training, while still demanding, is transitioning into a (hopefully) lush and verdant ritual. However, while the days march onward, and your go-to routes lose a bit of their luster, there’s a small chance that monotony is setting in. Well, stop right there! This post is dedicated to four small, but effective methods to reimagine your approach to training and have some fun along the journey.

Spielbergin’ It

Close your eyes and picture this scene: it’s a Monday and it’s time to get your first mile in. You tie your shoes, fill up your water bottle, grab your keys, and head out the door. Imagine yourself summiting those concrete mountains and traipsing through the quiet valleys. You cross through crowded city streets or speed through quiet country intersections. Your gaze is steady, footsteps even, and determination apparent. Now, imagine sharing this footage with those in your circle. An email blast to coworkers who’ve made contributions to your fundraising goal with the video attached. A Facebook post, with all of the potential likes and sharing opportunities, displayed for your pals, and maybe your pals’ pals, near and far on the internet. You shoot a quick text to your family group message, showcasing just where you are on your expedition. It’s one thing to tell previous and potential donors about your training, but it’s another to give them a front row seat. Whether you record over the course of one day, or make a montage across the entire month, harnessing video as a tool can be a powerful visualizer in allowing people to see a boots on the ground perspective. Every step is a story, so allowing people to read a few pages from your book could be a fantastic gesture.

The Buddy System

Walking solo can be an amazing solitary activity. However, there’s much to be gained in finding a buddy or two to train with. If you’re used to lacing up on your own, why not find a walking companion for a change of pace? Perhaps you’re part of a nearby team that could coordinate to meet and train together. Is there a pet you’ve been meaning to take a trot with? Or, as a means of incorporating a fundraising incentive, repurpose your preparation as a tool to engage with donors. (Something along the lines of, “For this week only, make a donation of $X or more for the chance to spend a mile on route with me!”) Whether you walk as a member of a pair, a trio, or a whole crew, take advantage of the community waiting to surround you.

3-Day Your Way

If you’re like many other walkers, odds are, prepping for the 3-Day has made you a bit more appreciative and aware of where you live. Maybe training has landed you in a park that you’d never visited before, or perhaps you’ve rediscovered an oceanfront view that you’d forgotten. Hiking trails, beautiful neighborhoods, whatever it may be, it’s likely that you, in your own way, have found approaches to make training in your hometown both challenging and engaging. So, if you were given the reins, how would you map out a 3-Day in your city? Do you walk through that one museum’s public art installation? Make treks that take you seaside, passing through the harbor? How about exploring your favorite district with all the cute bookstores and coffee shops? Whatever the route, plan to your heart’s content and get moving! Try to balance major highlights with spots that other natives from your neck of the woods might overlook. Keep in mind that although there may be some locals attending your walk, there will be plenty of people migrating from out of town, so try to see things from their perspective and proceed accordingly. (Make sure to dazzle them!) Need inspiration? Read our What Goes into Planning Those 60 Miles blog post!

Links to the Past

The 3-Day Blog has a number of great posts under our training tag. From thematic suggestions and season-specific tips, to music playlist recommendations and advice for new walkers, a whole host of invaluable topics are covered through this online resource. Take a deep dive and explore previous blog entries that might help offer some breaths of inspiration. The information could be brand new to you, or a perfectly timed reminder, but in either case, never forget that you have a diverse toolkit just waiting for you to utilize. Between the blog, your coach, and your fellow walkers, you are not alone! You can always reach out to gain insight on how others are adding some color to their weekly training walks as well.

As communal as the 3-Day is, it’s also an intensely personal undertaking. That said, there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to engage with the Pink Bubble ? and that includes how you train. If you’re a straight shooter who thrives on walking with nothing more than the wind on your face, and the sun at your back, then you do you! If you need something like a costume or consistently changing environments to add a bit of spice, then that’s okay too. Keep pushing yourself, stay focused, and find the motivators that best suit your needs. Whatever you settle on, we’ll be with you every step of the process.

First-Time Walker, Kristi R. Raises Awareness and Finds Support Through the San Diego 3-Day!

Meet Kristi R., a new member of the Pink Bubble who will be participating in her first Susan G. Komen 3-Day walk in San Diego this fall! For Kristi, this is not simply 60 miles, but a journey of strength, courage, and hope. Read on as Kristi shares her story, her passion for this cause, and why she thinks everyone should sign up for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day.

What is your connection to breast cancer?

I was diagnosed with stage four metastatic breast cancer in December 2021. It had spread to my lymph nodes and bones (hip, spine, collarbone, and sternum). I immediately underwent 12 rounds of chemotherapy. In the fall of 2022, they found my cancer had spread to my brain. I underwent radiation last month to target those tumors (four of them) in my brain. I am currently on chemotherapy pills that pass through the blood-brain barrier to target the brain tumors and help prevent new ones from forming, and I also have infusion treatments every three weeks to target the cancer in my bones.?

When did you first get involved in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day?

I had seen posts on Facebook but wasn’t sure how or if I could join. Once I found out my cancer had spread to my brain, I immediately felt like I needed a support group. So, at the beginning of the year, I went ahead and accepted the challenge to be a solo first-time walker for the San Diego 3-Day, not knowing how I was going to raise the money to attend!

Tell us your story!

I’m 39 years old and a single mom to a 9-year-old boy named Jaxon. I live in the Pacific Northwest (Bend, Oregon) and love the outdoors! My son and I paddleboard and kayak in the summer and ski and sled in the winter.

I was raised in Central California and joined the United States Coast Guard right out of high school. I signed up for a 4-year term and was stationed on a ship for my first two years. It was an exhilarating experience for a young 19-year-old girl. After the military, I got my esthetician license and began my career in skin and beauty. I have opened, managed and consulted many resorts and medical spas in California, South Carolina and Oregon.

My cancer diagnosis came as a huge surprise! I was an avid runner and participated in many holistic treatments (due to my connection with the spa industry) and originally thought I had pulled a muscle in my back when I first noticed something was wrong. My primary care physician did an exam and prescribed me antibiotics and DID NOT schedule any type of scan. I luckily was working at a medical spa at the time, where I was around nurses and doctors who immediately connected me with a physician who did an exam, biopsy, and a scan all within a five-day period, then BOOM I was diagnosed.?

It is unbelievably important to be your own advocate! Push the limits, ask the questions, get multiple opinions and keep your spirits high.

Why do you think raising money for this cause is important?

It’s very important to raise money for this cause because more and more younger people are getting diagnosed with breast cancer and we (they) aren’t getting diagnosed early enough. Awareness, early scans and “what to look out for” are immensely important to get out to the public. This cause can do that!?

Why are you so passionate about wanting to put an end to breast cancer?

Both of my grandmothers had breast cancer, one passed from it, the other fought it, then passed from colon cancer. This disease is terrible. No one should have to be put through this. I have a 9-year-old son and want him to never have to worry about being diagnosed (men can get breast cancer too), nor do I want him to have a future family member who gets diagnosed.?

What would you say to someone who is on the fence about registering to walk or crew?

Sign up! I feel completely taken care of with the Pink Bubble. My coach has connected with me, I’ve attended Zoom meetings and met other walkers, and the wonderful social support with fundraising which has helped me tremendously. It was scary at first, to know I’m walking “alone.” However, I will not be alone. I will be with others who are going through the same experience as I am or have a family member/friend who is fighting cancer and can relate. It’s exciting to be involved in such a big event for a wonderful cause! November can’t come fast enough.?

Anything else you’d like to add?

I have spoken publicly on two occasions to bring awareness and fundraising for the American Cancer Society. I feel very blessed to have been asked to share my story. I hope to work more closely with Susan G. Komen and bring awareness for this cause, too!

My high spirits to continue to fight my cancer comes from my 9-year-old son. He is my rock, my love, and my biggest supporter. I must fight this because we both have so much more life to live and experiences to be had! I’m sure he’ll be at the finish line, welcoming me with the biggest smile!

The Soundtrack of Your 3-Day Training Walks

Over the past couple of years, we’ve brought you many different tips and tricks for your 3-Day training. Today, we’re jamming out to some of the great tunes our Pink Bubble listens to while training! Good luck and happy walking!

Maybe you’re tired of your walking playlist, need some refreshing tunes, or looking for your new favorite song. Here are some great updates to add to your music library — including some suggestions from your 3-Day coaches!

Jump into 2023 Training!

3-Day Crew Summer Tunes

Music Monday: Top 3-Day Training Songs

3-Day Coaches’ Favorite Training Tunes and 3-Day Prep

Need more inspiration as you head out to get those steps in? Our 3-Day blog has a ton of great training walk content! From themed walks to seasonal training tips, we’ve got all the information you need!

What do you listen to on your training walks? Do you have any training walk tips you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments so we can share them with the rest of the Pink Bubble!