Earlier this week on Facebook, we asked you to share your mantras – those motivating words, phrases or thoughts that get you through the most physically challenging times on the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®—and boy did you all come through!
On Monday we’ll share a very cool “word cloud” compilation of the shorter mantra phrases, but for today enjoy some of the longer, more detailed responses that our incredible 3-Dayers shared.
Rex H.: “My wife and I have read some very motivating memorials on the backs other people’s t-shirts [while we were walking]. It helps us forget about the hill. The blister. Being tired. All of those things are momentary. But those sisters we followed for I don’t know how many miles have lost their mother forever. That keeps me coming back.”
Meg S.: “I never heard her complain. Not once in the 5 years she fought so hard. So [my mantra was]… ‘I want to be as strong as my sister!’”
Marilyn I.: “Last year was my first 3-Day. Day 1… evening felt like glass in my quads, Day 2..was like razors in my calves, Day 3… I felt like a linebacker hit me about 4 miles before the finish line….I just couldn’t think of a good enough reason to quit! Everyone Deserves a Lifetime – Everyone.”
Tommy P.: “[My mantra was,] ‘If she can I can.’ I soloed my 1st walk in 2010. Did not stretch enough Friday AM and PM. I was in bad shape Saturday AM. I limped around. Rubbed down, took Advil, and stretched. I was going to walk. An hour or so in I was still questioning walking till I saw one walker. She walked with a stiff leg limp. I watched her. She was wearing long walking pants but I could see her ankle. She was wearing a prosthetic leg with locked ankle and knee joints. I determined from that point on ‘if she can I can.’ I have never questioned it since then. I never met her. Have not been able to find out who she is but she is a hero to me.”
Molly D.: “My best friend can’t talk to his Mom. Keep walking.”
Tara Z.: “I can’t do the walk due to severe back problems…but I am a cancer survivor and I have to say that all you walkers should know we (cancer survivors) know what you do and we appreciate it. When you get tired and feel like you can’t make it, just remember that because of what you are doing someone somewhere that is going through chemo or radiation is counting on you, is in pain with you and is more grateful than you will ever know. Your mantra could be ‘I’M A SUPER PERSON, I HELPED SOMONE WITH CANCER TODAY!’”
Frances V.: “I see all those wonderful people that come out cheer us on and then you spot that one very strong person in the crowd. You can tell that they have either just gone through chemo or maybe are still receiving it. They are out there supporting us and I think to myself, “60 miles is nothing compared to what they are struggling with.” Makes the rest if my day go by easier. Thank you for supporting us. You are why we so this and I know one day we will find that cure.”
Sandi S.: “I count my steps on all challenging hills…keeps me focused!”
Sara D.: “We DANCE!! When we’re too tired to walk, we crank up the tunes and dance our way in! Works every time!!”
Jenifer M.: “Our struggles are minor. Our journey has an end in sight. We know how long our journey is. The ones we are representing with our journey have a far longer journey with more pain and not certain how long their journey is. Together we all can make a difference one step at a time!”
Paula P.: “I have 5 daughters, I name one with each step. Kristen, Katie, Kayla, Kourtney, Khendra… Repeat.”
Tammy J.: “Walk through the tired. Tough times never last but tough people do.”
Melissa L.: “I went through surgeries and chemo – this pain feels GREAT because I am choosing it!”
Brendalee H.: “Hearing my nephew’s voice say, ‘You can do it Aunt E!’”
Carla S.: “When I had breast cancer, I never stopped just because I was tired. I can do this!”
Cristina U.: “They did it. They fought a harder battle, climbed a steeper hill, and faced the unimaginable. I can do this.”
Beth M.: “I start reciting the names of the people we’ve lost to breast cancer.”
Mandy B.: “My friend, Alisa, and I have walked three 3-Days and are signed up for the fourth. When a big hill appears we tackle it with little to no words. I don’t think we will ever forget the gigantic hill in Boston (our first walk that got us hooked) where a little girl was standing at the top holding a sign thanking us for walking because her mom died from breast cancer. Having young kids at home, that hit me pretty hard. I walk because I can and I thank everyone who supports me!”
Tamela L.: “When I did the walk in San Diego years ago there was a bald woman at the top of one of the hills we had to climb — she was dressed in pink and holding a sign that said: ‘Thank you for walking for me.’ Best moment of the weekend!”
Sydni L.: “No words…just take a deep breath and look around. The motivation is all around you.”
