Tag Archives: San Diego 3-Day

Veteran-Approved Camping Tips for the San Diego 3-Day

Pink tints near the bay at the San Diego 3-Day.

Camping along Crown Point Shores at the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® is part of the Pink Bubble magic. It’s where stories are shared, friendships are forged and your incredible body finally gets a well-deserved break. The pink tents lining the shore are quite the sight, and after walking up to 20 miles each day, being well prepared can make all the difference. 

To help make camp life a little more comfortable, we gathered advice from some 3-Day veterans who’ve camped here before. Here’s what they recommend: 

  1. Headlamp: Flashlights are helpful, but when you’re navigating your way to the restroom in the middle of the night, juggling a flashlight and toilet paper is no fun. Bring a headlamp to keep your hands free! 
  2. Yoga mat or air mattress: While some veterans prefer a yoga mat to sleep on because it’s simple, lightweight and easy to roll up, others prefer a thin air mattress for a bit more cushion after a long day on your feet. Blanche H. says, “If you bring a battery-operated pump, travel with the batteries separately. They wear out before you use them. I learned the hard way.”? 
  3. Tarps: San Diego nights along the bay can bring damp grass and chilly air. Place a tarp or plastic drop cloth under your tent to keep your gear dry. Shannon S. says, “I usually get a plastic drop cloth at the dollar store or Walmart.” Some walkers even bring a second tarp to cover the tent and prevent condensation from dripping inside.  
  4. Sweatpants with elastic cuffs: After a long day of walking, you want to be warm and comfortable. There’s one small detail veteran walkers know that works well.: Suzie R. says, “Sweatpants with elastic cuffs are great post-walk because they keep them off the porta-potty floor.” 
  5. Ziploc bags: Put each outfit in a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. This will keep you organized and your garments dry. Jacquelyne G. also recommends putting your shoes inside your tent at night, so they don’t get damp. Speaking of shoes, veterans also suggest bringing shower shoes. 
  6. Yes, there are showers! The showers are housed in converted semi-trucks, equipped with private shower rooms that include a bench and hooks for your belongings. There are also large sinks, tables with mirrors and clean towels provided daily. 
  7. All the warm things: Toss a couple of hand warmers into your sleeping bag before bed to help stay cozy and to warm up your hands in the mornings. Veterans also recommend packing layers, fuzzy socks and mylar blankets. “I glamped in SD 2024 and felt so bad for campers because it was so cold in the morning,” Sue S. said.  
  8. Glow sticks or battery-operated lights: When the sun sets, camp gets dark. And with rows of identical pink tents, finding yours could be tricky. Veteran walker Walter H. recommends bringing glow sticks or battery-powered string lights to clip onto your tent. “Clipping glow sticks over the tent helps find yours when it’s dark,” he said. They’re also helpful to add some light inside your tent when you’re getting ready for bed or digging through your gear.”
  9. 1-inch binder clips: Seasoned 3-Day walkers swear by these! They’re perfect to clip around the cross-poles of your tent, and you can use them to secure the rain flaps open or fasten a tarp or plastic sheeting over the tent.  

We hope these tips from our long-time walkers help make camping fun and as enjoyable as possible. Don’t forget there’s also a tent decorating contest, so bring your lights, signs and decorations that showcase your story and help build the amazing 3-Day community spirit.  

We can’t wait to see you at camp in San Diego! 

Friendship, Survivorship and the 3-Day

Lesleigh & Jamie at the San Diego 3-Day camping in their pink tent.

When Lesleigh H. signed up for the Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day® in 2009, she never expected it would lead to a lasting friendship. Looking for training partners, she reached out to fellow walkers in her area and that’s when she met Jamie R. 

“Jamie showed up. Some other people showed up, too,” Lesleigh recalled. “But Jamie and I walked the same pace, we both have long legs, we lived in the same neighborhood. We just hit it off.” 

That first training walk sparked more than just preparation for the 60-mile 3-Day. It marked the beginning of a friendship that would help carry them through some of the hardest moments of their lives. 

Lesleigh and Jamie met at a training walk in 2009 for the Susan G. Komen San Deiego 3-Day.

Lesleigh and Jamie walked together in the 2009 and 2011 San Diego 3-Days, bonding over shared stories, laughter and a mutual drive to support breast cancer awareness and research. But as life got busy, they took a break from the 3-Day, never imagining that one day they’d return, not just as walkers but as having experienced breast cancer up close and personal. 

A Shocking Diagnosis 

In 2017, Lesleigh was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer after discovering a painful lump in her breast. 

“It’s like the ground disappears from underneath you. It’s shocking,” Lesleigh said. “When the doctor told me it was just going to be a bump in the road and I wasn’t going to die, I cried because I was so thankful.”  

Lesleigh underwent a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. In 2019, she returned to the 3-Day, this time walking with Jamie by her side, in her honor.  

Lesleigh and Jamie at the halfway point of the Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day.

But then, in 2022, Jamie received her own diagnosis. 

“Because of COVID, I put off my mammogram for a year,” Jamie explained. “They found a lump that was the size of a Tic Tac, so it was very small. I was very fortunate.” 

Jamie’s treatment included a lumpectomy, radiation therapy and ongoing estrogen blockers to treat her hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative invasive ductal carcinoma.

Return to the 3-Day 

This November, Lesleigh and Jamie are returning to the San Diego 3-Day once again. This time, with even deeper meaning. 

“Lesleigh is turning 60, it’s my third year of survivorship,” Jamie said. “So, we’re walking 60 miles for her 60 years and three days for my three years.” 

Their bond has only grown stronger over time, not just through their breast cancer journeys, but through the unwavering support they’ve given each other.  

“She lifts me up. She challenges me and she shows me the way, not just the fight for cancer but for other things, too,” Lesleigh said, fighting back tears. “She’s just the best person ever.” 

More Than a Walk 

Lesleigh and Jamie walking near the beach at the Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day.

For both Lesleigh and Jamie, the 3-Day is about so much more than walking. 

“It’s challenging, but also so energetic and special,” Lesleigh said. “The Pink Bubble is like a bubble of joy, beauty and camaraderie. It just energizes you. The walking is hard, but the love and support around you keep you going.” 

Outside of training or walking in the 3-Day, Jamie and Lesleigh have shared other special memories together including Bunco nights, voter outreach events and birthday parties. 

“When Lesleigh and I were diagnosed, I was upset,” Jamie admitted. “But I realized this is why we’ve been doing the 3-Day all along. This is what we’ve been training for. I firmly believe that what we’ve helped raise over the years has helped us become survivors.” 

Lesleigh and Jamie crossing the finish line at the Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day.

To learn more about the San Diego 3-Day, visit the3day.org. 

3-Day Packing Essentials

The 2025 Susan G. Komen 3-Day® is almost here, have you started thinking about what to pack? Whether you’re making it a road trip or taking a flight to get to your event, preparation ahead of time will make all the difference. From must-have toiletries to on-route essentials, we’ve put together a handy checklist for hotel and camping to help you roll into the Pink Bubble fully prepped and ready to go.

WHAT TO BRING

Gear: Bring one piece of luggage, 35 pounds or less, that is clearly labeled with your name, participant identification number and cell phone number. Make sure it’s marked with something such as a unique luggage tag to help you pick it out of a crowd (Don’t use a trash bag or bungee cords).

Clothing: (for all types of weather)

  • Two pairs of broken-in shoes
  • T-shirts & shorts
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Underwear & sports bra
  • Two pairs of socks per day
  • Sweat pants, long pants, leggings
  • Warm fleece or sweater
  • Sleepwear
  • Hat or visor
  • Pack a few outfits for each day to change after returning to camp

Toiletries: Event hotels tend to have toiletries available to you, but we strongly recommend packing everything you might need for your hygiene and comfort.

  • Sunscreen
  • Toothpaste/toothbrush
  • moisturizer
  • shampoo, conditioner
  • deodorant, razor
  • hair ties/hairbrush
  • Also, don’t forget any prescription medication that you take regularly

First Aid: On event the Medical Crew will have supplies to tend to any major medical issues, but we recommend bringing your own supplies for treating minor medical and personal problems you might need along the route like band aids, petroleum jelly, antacid and pain relievers.

Miscellaneous: Don’t forget to print and pack your credentials before showing up on event! (2-Day Walkers and 1-Day Walkers will receive your credentials when you arrive at the event). We also suggest bringing anything you may use daily or to document your experience in the Pink Bubble including a phone charger, journal, camera and your Bank of America Pink Ribbon Banking card to secure a special gift in camp!

Camping: For those camping at the San Diego 3-Day, you will spend each night in a 6.5’x 6.5’ tent. For maximum comfort, you’ll want to bring some camping gear such as a sleeping bag and pillow, an air mattress or camping pad, plastic sheets or a tarp to keep your tent and gear dry in case of rain, a headlamp or flashlight and mylar blankets. Make it more festive and throw in some decorations for your tent. You could earn a Tent Flair legacy pin!

On the route: Aside from your main piece of luggage, we recommend bringing a waist pack for use on the route with a few essentials you may want or need along your journey. We suggest packing this ahead of time so you’re sure to have everything you need out on the route. You may want to include in your waist pack a portable charger, sunglasses, sunscreen, money/credit card, identification and a water bottle to refill along the way. Keep it light, but fill it with anything you will possibly need. We serve water and sports drinks from large containers, but you must bring your own water bottle.

WHAT NOT TO BRING

Although fundraising is a core part of the Komen 3-Day, please don’t bring any donations, cash or otherwise, to the event. Be sure to have all your dollars added directly to your personal fundraising page before arriving at the hotel or campsite. To prevent loss or theft of any kind, leave behind any valuables such as fine jewelry, designer goods, or large amounts of cash. For safety reasons, headphones or portable music players are not permissible while walking on event so, although you may use them while traveling, leave them in your hotel room before heading out on the route each morning.

We highly recommend: On Thursday night before the Opening Ceremony, be sure to charge your phone, print your credential and plan for a morning snack/breakfast. Be sure your waist pack is stocked with everything you need (extra socks, lip balm, etc.) and don’t forget your water bottle!

We can’t wait to see you in the Pink Bubble!