3-Day Training Walk Leaders Answer the Question: Why Should I Come to a Training Walk?

You’ve started training for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®. Or maybe you haven’t started yet, but you’re definitely thinking about it, right? Some of you may assume you can handle your Komen 3-Day training all on your own, or in the company of one or two companions. But recently, a few of the 3-Day® coaches got to chatting about how walkers, especially new walkers, can benefit from coming to at least one official 3-Day training walk (and the more, the better!). So we reached out to some of our top training walk leaders from coast to coast to get their take on the question, “Why should I come to a 3-Day training walk?” Here’s what they had to say:

Cliff M. (San Diego 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – One of the reasons I have always felt it was important for a walker, especially a new walker, to attend at least one training walk is it gives them a chance to meet some of the repeat walkers and pick their brains for information as to what the walk is going to be like. Learn a little on why others have signed up to walk and why they keep coming back year after year. Gain some experience into how other people manage to fundraise. In all the years I’ve been doing this I have never seen a walker that had all the answers and didn’t learn something new at a training walk, even myself included. Each year presents me with one more reason to keep coming back.

Sherri H. (Philadelphia 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – There is so much knowledge that a new walker can gain from an experienced walker during a training walk. So many tips about training, gear, camp and the event and even fundraising. Probably the single most important thing that a walker could do to prepare for the 3-Day is go to at least one training walk–and while you’re there, ask lots of questions.

Shawn M. (Twin Cities 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – I think it’s important to attend official training events because:

You get information from veteran walkers and crew members.
It’s way more fun to walk with a group than by yourself.
You can find teams to join and meet new friends you will know on event.
You can learn where everyone is buying the cute pink workout clothes this year…
You’ll get tips and tricks for training, on event, and fundraising

Beth N. (Michigan 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – Training walks are not only essential to making sure you enjoy your 3-Day weekend, not just endure it, but when you RSVP to a training walk, it gives you the commitment you might need to get out there and get your mileage in. Sometimes, when left to our own devices, we tend to put it off and those miles don’t always get walked. RSVPing to the training walks puts you in the “someone is waiting for me” mind frame that motivates you to get out there. They’re also a great way to meet more of your 3-Day family; most of the people you will meet on a training walk are veteran walkers and are a wealth of information that they’re always willing to share with those first-time walkers on training, fundraising, the event weekend, etc.

Kat B. (Seattle 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – An official 3-Day training walk is a great way to meet your fellow walkers and make new friends while learning about what to expect on the 3-Day event (for new walkers). It’s also a perfect time for sharing ideas about fundraising, gear, packing, blisters, etc.

Debby R. (Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – Why come to a training walk?

It’s more fun to walk 10 miles with someone else.
You get tips on what to wear (shoes, socks, undergarments, hats with binder clips attached to the bills, etc.)
You get packing advice for the event.
You can brainstorm ideas for fundraisers.
You make new friends who become your “pink” family.

Terri V. (Philadelphia 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – It’s important to come out to at least one training walk because it’s a chance to meet other walkers to get tips and information you may need on the real 3-Day. Also, you can test out your walking gear, shoes, socks, backpacks etc. to make sure everything feels right and doesn’t cause you pain, so you are ready for walking 60 miles.

Dawn K. (Philadelphia 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – I feel it’s important for walkers to come out for training walks for many reasons: to meet fellow walkers, get ideas for fundraising, to get answers to questions from other walkers, but most importantly to get a small glimpse of what it’s like to walk longer distances. No matter if you’re a first-time walker or a repeat walker, your body is going to react differently to different conditions. As training walk leaders, our job is to ensure that we are giving the walkers tips on their training, showing them different terrains to walk, and answering any questions they may have. Training walks are the perfect opportunity for walkers to try out the things they think they’re going to be using on the event. If they can’t do a 10 or 12-mile training walk in this sports bra, or with this backpack or fanny pack, they definitely won’t want to do 20, 40, or 60 miles. Training walks are the time to find these things out. People think “we’re just walking,” which sounds easy. I’m here to say we are doing much more than just walking. Sixty miles in 3 days is HUGE! Without some training, this is very hard on our bodies.

Martin H. (San Diego 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – Here are a few “random thoughts”.

Walking on an organized training walk provides encouragement for first-time walkers.
Walking on an organized training walk offers opportunities to share fundraising ideas.
Walking on an organized training walk gives walkers a chance to try out gear they may want to wear on event.
Walking on an organized training walk affords the opportunity to meet new people.
Walking on an organized training walk introduces a single walker to the experience of walking in a group.
Walking on an organized training walk with others raises the awareness of our goal more than walking alone would.

Kim W. (Twin Cities 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – I feel it’s important to come to a few training walks because you can ask questions about the event/training from previous walkers/crew members, you won’t have to walk alone AND like myself, you may meet someone who turns into a lifelong friend.

Heather P. (Michigan 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – I think training walks are a great way to train, because it is pretty boring on your own and it is also a great way to meet other walkers. If you are a newbie, coming to a training walk gives you an opportunity to ask lots of questions whether they are related to training, fundraising or even the how the event works.

Sheryl C. (Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – Now that you’re signed up for the 3-Day, going to a training walk is THE one step you can take to make sure you accomplish all your goals. Think about how many great things you have done completely one your own, then think about what you have accomplished when others walk alongside you. Meet an army of other women and men with your same goals who will walk beside you to inspire you, motivate you, keep you accountable, and help you every step of the way. Not sure if you can do the fundraising? Share ideas and hook up with people doing fundraisers on a training walk. Not sure what to expect on the first day of your event? Talk to veteran walkers on a training walk. Not sure what to carry, how to train, what shoes to wear, how to pack, how to avoid injury, what to do for a blister or chafing? You’ll get it all on a training walk. The 3-Day community is out in force the entire 24-week training cycle. That means now!

These training walk leaders and many others are holding training walks every week, and you can find them all on the 3-Day website at The3Day.org/trainingwalks. We know that if you don’t leave near a 3-Day city you might not find any training walks in your area. If this is the case for you, contact the 3-Day coaches at 800-996-3DAY to find out how you can become a training walk leader, too!

The Insider’s Peek at the Seattle Route

In February of this year, we treated our readers to The Insider’s Peek at the 3-Day Route, where we gave you a detailed look at the planning, work and execution that goes into creating the routes for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® Series. While that two-part Insider’s Peek was full of tasty details, it didn’t explicitly address the particulars of any specific Komen 3-Day location.

Until now!

It seemed like a natural progression to go from an expansive overview of 3-Day® route-planning in general to a more pinpointed look at each of the seven 3-Day events. So I’ve been picking the brains of the event planning team and local coaches to get the skinny on what walkers can expect. Sharing this information early in the year will help walkers prepare for their events, train for what’s to come and know what exciting high points to look forward to.

We’re publishing one of these location-specific route peeks for every 2015 3-Day event (we’ve already enjoyed peeks at the Michigan and Twin Cities routes) and today, it’s the Seattle 3-Day’s turn to shine. Let’s see what the Event Planning Manager Emily and Local Events Coach Aubrey had to say:

Will there be any major changes to the route from last year? – Emily had this to say: “Nothing major, but there are a couple of changes that past walkers will notice. We have new lunch sites on Day 1 (because of construction) and Day 3 (based on feedback from last year). We’re looking at some stretches that could be longer, gradual hills as opposed to shorter, steeper climbs. Of course, I’m saying that as a local who is used to hills!”
What, if any, geographical challenges does the Seattle route present? (i.e., Are there hills? Sections with no shade? Portions of the route that sweep vans can’t access easily?) – All right, Seattle walkers, let’s get right down to it: Seattle = hills. There’s no escaping it. Aubrey had this to say: “Seattle is extremely hilly, particularly on Day 2. Participants should train on hills that are long and winding. If they are near Kirkland or Redmond, those are great hills to train on, but long switchbacks would also help someone get adequately prepared for our hilly terrain.” Emily adds that it’s not just the Seattle route that’s inclined toward inclines, it’s the whole Pacific Northwest region: “We’ve been asked if we can change the route to make it less hilly, and we take the feedback seriously. We see how we could maybe shorten the hills or find ones that aren’t as steep, but there’s no way to get away from them completely. But remember, what goes up must come down!” Emily also added, “We’re keeping the crew aware of the walkers’ needs and prepping the crew to help. For example, on Day 2, when there’s not much going on at camp during the day, we’ll use some of the camp teams and vehicles as extra sweep support.”
The Day 1 route takes walkers across the I-90 “floating” bridge over Lake Washington (gephyrophobes, be warned) and Emily reminds us, “The bridge is wide open, and if it’s warm out, being over the water will help keep you cool, but there’s no shade and no sweep van access on the bridge.” (Sweep vans will be available before the crossing for anyone who needs them.) Emily continues: “On Day 2 there’s a big hill right as we leave camp. We’re looking at alternate ways to get around the steepness of that hill, but there’s no other way out of camp to go up and over and get to downtown Kirkland and the waterfront.”
Any specific highlights/locations that walkers can look forward to seeing along the way? – Aubrey is quick to gush about what her city has to offer the 3-Day walkers: “Day 1 brings great views of downtown, a walk across the I-90 floating bridge across Lake Washington and the Botanical Gardens. Day 2 offers fantastic views of lakes, beautiful homes and photo ops at the tops of the hills. Day 3 is great for Gas Works Park on Lake Union, a walk through the funky neighborhoods of Fremont and Ballard, the Ballard Locks (where walkers will likely see seals), the gorgeous homes in Magnolia and a stroll through the downtown waterfront section to close off their weekend.” Emily adds, “Walkers get the best features of what makes Seattle so wonderful: Lakes, green forests, the Space Needle, Seattle Center, Pike Place, the Ballard Locks, Mercer Island, Gas Works Park. We hit so many of the cool little neighborhoods of Seattle: Hippie Fremont, the big beautiful homes of Magnolia, the cool little ‘beach town’ of Kirkland on Lake Washington. Over the years, by trial and error, we’ve tried different routes and sites, and we’ve really come up with the best of Seattle, as great as we can make it (and as flat as we can make it!).”
Any other information you can provide about the overall “essence” of the Seattle route? – “What I love most is the beauty of the natural landscape: the water, the mountains, the vibrant colors,” says Emily. “The parks are wonderful, but also the unique aspects of the different neighborhoods of the Seattle area. It’s the Pacific Northwest, it’s hilly, but that’s the Northwest! That’s what makes it so unique. That’s what Seattle was founded on, a series of hills, so in essence, that’s what Seattle is, so the more you can embrace it, the better Seattle experience you’re going to have!”

The Bottom Line: You probably picked up on the major theme from the rest of this post: Seattle has a lot of hills. Our hope is that walkers will look at those climbs as motivating challenges, and reminders that what they’re doing, though difficult, is nothing compared to the uphill battles that too many of them and their loved ones have faced because of breast cancer. Part of the purpose behind these route peeks is to give walkers a heads-up months before their events, so that they can prepare and train the best they can to get themselves ready for their 60-mile journeys, and this is especially true for a challenging route like Seattle. The real bottom line is, if you’re going to be walking in the Emerald City, train on hills. There’s no better way to prepare yourself. Then, when you get there in September, strong and well-conditioned, you’ll be able to really take in the beauty and charm of Seattle, no matter what the elevation is.

The Insider’s Take: If I ever decided to move away from California, I’d head straight for Seattle. The Pacific Northwest is one of the most beautiful corners of these United States, and I feel like the Seattle 3-Day—which I have walked twice and crewed once—has a little bit of everything: forests and lakes, friendly suburban neighborhoods with incredible community support, and a city-centered Day 3 that will pretty much check off every Seattle tourist site you’d want to see on a trip there. Yeah, it has hills. Lots of hills. I happen to not really mind hills, but if you mind hills (or even if you don’t), you’re definitely going to have to make them a focus of your training, including both steep inclines and slow steady climbs. But you can handle it. I know you can. Keep your eyes up and don’t let gravity get the best of you. Plus: Starbucks. Lots of Starbucks.

Great stuff, right? If you still have questions or concerns about the Seattle 3-Day route, pick up the phone and call Paula, your Seattle 3-Day coach, at 800-996-3DAY (select option 7 for Seattle), or email seattlecoaches@the3day.org.

3 Things to Get Excited About in June

Summer is so close, we can almost taste the barbecued burgers and apple pie. And turning the calendar page over to June also means we’re that much closer to the start of the 2015 Susan G. Komen 3-Day® season. Here are a few fun and exciting June announcements from your friends at the Komen 3-Day.

A Delightful Discount to Help You Grow Your Team – The impact, camaraderie and enjoyment of the 3-Day® is so much stronger when you share it with friends. To nurture all those growing teams out there (or inspire new ones to start), we’re giving walkers $20 off their registration fee when they sign up with the discount code TEAM20. This special teambuilding discount expires at 11:55 p.m. CT on June 8th, so you need to act quickly.

Show Us What FRIENDSHIP Means to You – Our monthly Instagram photo challenge theme for June is FRIENDSHIP. To play along, simply post a picture (or two, or ten!) to Instagram, showing what this theme means to you. Be sure to include the hashtag #The3Day_June; you can also search this hashtag to see what others are posting!

See Your Pics on a 3-Day Photo Banner – As long as you’re shooting, posting and hashtagging your fantastic 3-Day-related pictures anyway, don’t forget about our ongoing #DoSomethingHuge photo challenge. Since February, we’ve been collecting every picture posted to Instagram with this hashtag, and we’ll be compiling all of these pictures into a beautiful photo mosaic banner which will be on display at every 3-Day event this year. We want to include photos from as many 3-Dayers as possible, so be sure to post your pics with the hashtag #DoSomethingHuge; the deadline for photos to make it onto the photo banner in June 15.