Explore the Chicago Route before the 3-Day 

The 3-Day is coming to the Windy City! Known for its stunning architecture, cultural landmarks, and vibrant neighborhoods, Chicago offers an endless array of experiences to explore on foot. Together, we’ll get to explore the city’s iconic attractions, beautiful suburbs, and hidden gems. Lace up your walking shoes and let’s embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Chicago. 

Day 1   

To kick off the 3-Day, we’ll delve into the heart of downtown Chicago and take in its stunning skyline, lakefront trails, and cultural landmarks. From the hotel, we’ll begin at the renowned Shedd Aquarium, where you can immerse yourself in the wonders of the underwater world. Make your way to the picturesque Lakefront Trail which offers breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, for the perfect opportunity to enjoy the refreshing breeze and admire the city skyline. It’s a perfect spot for a selfie! 

Cross the Chicago River and bear witness to the city’s famous bridges and the lively activity on the Riverwalk. Capture stunning photos and embrace the energy of the city as you head north to the Magnificent Mile, a shopper’s paradise featuring upscale boutiques and department stores. Marvel at the architectural splendor as you walk along this bustling stretch of Michigan Avenue.  

Venture north to Lincoln Park, a sprawling urban oasis offering lush greenery, beautiful gardens, and the Lincoln Park Zoo. Take a moment to relax and recharge in this serene environment before continuing onward; this is what it’s all about! End your day at Wrigley Field, the beloved home of the Chicago Cubs. Even if it’s not a game day, soak in the atmosphere and snap a photo in front of this historic ballpark before resting up for Day 2. 

Day 2 

With the 3-Day in full swing, we’ll explore a never-before-seen route on Day 2! Step outside the bustling city center and start your day with a short bus ride to the quaint residential area of Highland Park. Filled with boutiques, restaurants, and local shops, you can browse through the unique offerings and savor the small-town charm. From here, make your way to Glencoe where you’ll see Skokie Lagoon, a hidden gem nestled within the forest preserves. This sanctuary provides an opportunity to reconnect with nature and enjoy the peaceful surroundings despite being just steps outside of the busy city. 

Continue through the picturesque suburb of Winnetka, where you’ll marvel at the historic homes and serene ambiance on the shores of Lake Michigan. In fact, one home in particular may bring a bit of nostalgia to movie fanatics. Standing proudly in this quintessential community is the notable house from the film Home Alone. This is the perfect chance to steep yourself in the magic of the film and capture memorable photos with this beloved cinematic landmark. Be sure that you don’t accidentally leave behind any of your teammates! 

Wrap up your day at the architectural masterpiece that is the Bahai House of Worship in Wilmette. Known as the “Temple of Light,” this spiritual hub boasts stunning gardens and intricate designs. Visitors from all walks of life are welcome at this breathtaking temple, where you can absorb the principles of unity, harmony, and the advancement of social progress. What an enlightening way to finish Day 2!

Day 3 

To wrap up our 3-Day journey in Chicago, we’ll explore some of the Midwest’s most eclectic neighborhoods which offer a blend of history, culture, and vibrant energy. We’ll start in the trendy West Loop neighborhood, known for its culinary delights and artistic flair. Full of art galleries and renowned eateries, these lively streets are sure to inspire you on your final stretch to 60 miles. With motivation in tow, continue your trek to Wicker Park, a hotspot of creativity and hipster culture. This trendy neighborhood offers a diverse mix of independent shops, street art, and cozy cafes. 

Soon, you’ll find yourself back at the Chicago River where you can absorb the picturesque views of Chi-Town once more. Take a final moment to appreciate the city’s architectural marvels, the dynamic atmosphere surrounding the waterway, and reminisce on the incredible journey you’ve partaken in. Finally, no visit to Chicago is complete without a stop at Millennium Park where you can admire the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, affectionately known as “The Bean.” Capture some incredible pictures in front of this landmark and take in all of the charm that this city has to offer before heading to the Finish Line Festival. 

All in all, Chicago is an incredibly captivating city to explore on foot! These 3-Day walking routes allow you to experience the best of downtown Chicago, its beautiful suburbs, and high-spirited neighborhoods, ensuring an unforgettable journey through the Windy City. So put on your walking shoes, embrace the urban charm, and create lasting memories in the dynamic city of Chicago. 

New Year’s Resolutions from the 3-Day Team

As we kick off this new year, and the new decade, there is no time like the present to set your goals and plans for 2020. Whether yours are personal or professional, for this month or more long-term, setting goals help you make the most of your year. If you haven’t yet, it’s also the perfect time to commit 3 days and join our 3-Day family!

Take inspiration from your 3-Day coaches and team as you set your own 2020 resolutions.

Coach Liz

I am starting early, so it’s not really a traditional New Year’s Resolution, but I am going to get back into shape and start working out every day. Wish me luck!

Coach Molly

I will do my part to help spread the pink bubble cheer all year long! I also want to write once a day, either on my blog, in my journal or a letter/card/postcard!

Stephanie from Susan G. Komen

While I don’t make official resolutions, I DO want to make some changes, so I’m going to start small. I will be focusing on one small thing I can change that will make a difference. The first thing I’m going to do is start getting up 30 minutes earlier. This will give me time to plan my day, work out and have breakfast without feeling rushed to jump on the computer and start working! Who is joining me?

Coach Gayla

My 2020 New Year’s Resolution is to utilize my Fitbit and all of its amazing tools, like tracking exercise, steps, water and calorie intake. Here’s to accountability in the biggest way!

Coach Tisho

I want to spend more time riding my new bike. Her name is Ladybug! She’s my first real bike (unless you count the one that I got when I was 9 but that was over 35 years ago! )

Coach Amy

My 2020 resolution is simple: To shine bright.

It’s inspired by this quote that I love…

“A good life is a not a place at which you arrive, it is a lens through which you see and create the world.” — Jonathan Fields

Coach Heather

I will be taking my “I Choose ME” campaign one step further and buying a new home!

Erin from Susan G. Komen

I am going to drink more water and give up soda!

 

Are you committing 3 days in 2020? What are your goals and resolutions for the year?

Tell us in the comments!

Top Ways to Make the Most of Your Next 3-Day Training Walk

The weather is getting warmer. The days are getting longer. It’s training walk season! It’s an exciting time, but training walks are also an important part of your 3-Day experience. They ensure you’re as ready as possible for your 60-mile journey, giving you time to bond with teammates and keeping you moving during these gorgeous spring and summer months. Here are some simple tips to make the most of your next training walk.

  • Make sure you’re prepared: Our blog is chock full of posts on the best ways to plan your training walk, including this highly informative one from Coach Liz. She recommends using the 3-Day training app, Google Maps and more tools to make sure your walk goes smoothly.
  • Do your research: Going for a walk may not seem like a scientific endeavor, but with a little research, you can find ways to optimize your walk. Thanks to our ongoing “Healthy Living” blog series with Amgen and American Bone Health, we have learned about the intricacies of getting your feet and legs ready in the right From improving your stance to increasing your flexibility, little changes can make a big difference.

  • Check the weather: Is it going to rain? How hot is it going to be? Different weather conditions can drastically change how your walk is going to go. Check in advance!
  • Look at the calendar: There are tons of training walks already planned by your coaches and local training walk leaders, so take advantage of those! Join one of the walks that are already happening, to meet people and get tips for your next walk. Check both our training walk calendar at The3Day.org/TrainingWalks and our local gatherings calendar at The3Day.org/Calendar.
  • Get some good tunes going: Nothing fuels a walk like some fun music! And we have the perfect playlist for you. Our Music Monday playlist on Spotify is made from songs that you suggested to get you moving when you need inspiration.
  • Make it themed for extra fun: Who doesn’t love an excuse to dress up and be silly? We have some easy theme ideas to add some flair to your training.
  • Set up a schedule: This is super easy with the 3-Day Training App, but you can also use your own system. Scheduling training in advance will help you stay on track leading up to your 3-Day and makes it more difficult to skip a day.
  • Add teambuilding into your walk: Grow your team while you train! Ask every team member to bring someone who’s not yet signed up for the 3-Day to the training walk and use it as a chance to show people the 3-Day spirit. You can also incorporate a teambuilding activity at the start or end of the walk to really get people excited to walk to together…and maybe add some new members to your 3-Day family!

  • Post about it on social media: Don’t forget to share photos! Use #The3Day and #Commit3Days on all social media so we can see your smiling faces ? Also make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to get more training tips, alerts about training walks and more cool 3-Day info.
  • Always stay safe: You don’t have the awesome Safety Crew with you on your training walks, so it never hurts to add an extra safety reminder!

For tips about healthy living, click here for advice and support to keep you on track for the 3-Day and beyond. Thanks to the support of Amgen and in partnership with American Bone Health, the Healthy Living series was designed to prepare your mind, body and bones for the 3-Day.