The 3-Day Team’s Favorite Memories of 2019

2019 is officially coming to a close…and what a year it was! You can re-live the magic through our photos from the walks, and by sharing your favorite memories with your 3-Day family throughout the holiday season. Our coaches, and the 3-Day team are here to get it started! Here are some of their favorite memories from the amazing 2019 3-Day Series.

Coach Amy

I loved working with my sweet team. I am grateful for these incredible luvbirds that bring so much light and love into my life. ? They remind me of the importance of joyful moments. I am also grateful for the conversations and crew members that bring so much meaning and inspiration to my life!

Erin from Susan G. Komen

I have so many wonderful memories of the 2019 3-Day series, but the one that stands out the most for me was the opportunity to participate in the Philadelphia 3-Day as a first-time walker! The moments of personal reflection, the high-fives and support received on the route and off, seeing the views of the city, the blisters I earned, the mac and cheese that I ate…it took my love and appreciation for this community to levels I couldn’t imagine! Plus, running the ‘Rocky’ stairs was SO. MUCH. FUN! It was affirmation that I am exactly where I am supposed to be!

Coach Liz

Some highlights of this year were having pink ice cream in Twin Cities, the amazing Closing Ceremony in Dallas/Fort Worth, and, on a personal note, taking a vacation in Panama with my husband.

Stephanie from Susan G. Komen

My favorite memory from 2019 is from the Opening Ceremony in San Diego. Harry, the gentleman who was raising the Promise Flag in memory of his wife Sheryl, was supposed to walk across the stage and down the stairs to raise the flag. When he was almost off stage he turned around and walked back to me. I was so surprised because this was not what he was supposed to do! I had no idea what was coming. He held out his hand and in it was a beautiful pink bracelet. He handed it to me and then proceeded across the stage to raise the flag.

At that moment, it wasn’t about the music, the cues, the ceremony or anything other than what was written on that bracelet: “Love life and live it every day!”

Coach Tisho

Looking around at the Closing Ceremony in New England and feeling so much pride and happiness at all we had accomplished to bring this amazing event back to Boston.

Coach Gayla

One of my favorite memories from 2019 is dancing and singing my brains out at the Finish Line Festival at Tostitos Championship Plaza at The Star in Frisco. I know I probably looked ridiculous, but after a year of planning this event, and having the end be so spectacular, I couldn’t contain myself!

Coach Kiki

I will never forget packing up slumber party tents in the Seattle rain with our amazing Super Crew member, Kirstin Black! What a time!

Coach Molly

I have so many amazing memories from this year, but I especially loved the new Honor Ceremony. I’ve been a part of the 3-Day since 2002 and it’s one of the most moving experiences I’ve witnessed on the event.

Plus, I loved watching Coach Jen dance with George Nummer in Michigan, cheering for Coach Tisho as she finished the Twin Cities 3-Day, anything that had to do with the Bingo Boyz and seeing Rene dancing in the rain in Philadelphia. We have a great team!

What are your favorite memories of your coaches from this year? Tell us in the comments to show your love and appreciation for this amazing group!

Winter Training Tips from Training Walk Leaders

Tomorrow marks the official start of winter, and while that means that the holidays are coming closer (yay!), it also means the weather is bound to get colder if it hasn’t already. But how can you keep up with your training, even in the winter? Don’t worry! There are ways to train safely and effectively, even in chilly temps.

We decided to go straight to the experts for the latest and greatest tips for winter walking. Some of our training walk leaders pitched in and shared their knowledge to help you make the most of these next few months. These are their no-fail tips.

Susan C. from Michigan

During winter months when weather is bad, my team (the Hines Pink Pathers) will walk in one of our local malls or at The Henry Ford Museum as a team. Many individuals will also walk on the track or a treadmill at a local gym. I am fortunate to have one in my home so I will walk on the ?Dreadmill” while watching a movie to make the time go by.

Michelle B. from Dallas/Fort Worth

For a fun way to get people involved, every year we have a Christmas walk and invite all the 3-Dayers we know and potential 3-Dayers, too.

Kate P. from New England

Layers, layers, layers. Depending on how cold it is, I recommend a base layer with fleece pants on the bottom and a wicking base layer, fleece jacket of some sort and a windbreaker on top. A hat and mittens/gloves and (something I definitely need) a fleece cuff so I can wipe my runny nose. I don’t mind going out in the cold, but for those who do, we meet at the local mall before the stores open to walk laps and window shop.

Mary T. from Dallas/Fort Worth

I have a 40-degree rule for walking. When we are not in “official” training season, I only walk when the temperature is 40 or above. No need to walk in really cold weather! Of course, in summer the weather also plays a role. The temperature should be less than 90/95 for me to take on a long-distance walk during that season.

Jeryl V. from Michigan

Dress in layers. My go-to is always wool socks! Feet stay nice and toasty in wool socks.

(at left with Coach Gayla)

Coach Liz

I’ve planned plenty of training walks, so I have lots of tips! But an easy one is to dress in layers you can take off. You never know if you might heat up as you walk! And, even though it is cold you still need to HYDRATE. It keeps the blood flowing! Lastly, if it’s really cold or wet, walking in the mall or a local gym is a great option. Safety first!

For more tips on training in cold weather, you can check out our blog post from last year, and get inspiration from our winter walking playlist!

What are your winter walking tips? Tell us in the comments to spread the knowledge and inspiration!

A Holiday Message from the 3-Day

In two thousand and nineteen, the 3-Day gave to me…

Twelve arms raised in celebration of an amazing year

Eleven hugs shared…probably in the first half-mile!

Ten amazing crew members (and all our other kick-butt Crew!)

Nine nice, adorable, awesome, spirited and fantastic Youth Corps kids

Eight arms flexing in triumph for all the hard work done!

Seven amazing 3-Dayers who train, walk, work and fundraise all year round!

Six(ty) miles of commitment

Five teammates smiling

Four halfway walkers…wooooah we’re halfway there!

Three days of hope and joy

Two helping hands…and two walking feet

One Honor Ceremony full of love

And a cause we all believe in ?

Thank you for another year of inspiration, fun, and commitment to our mission…We can’t wait for 2020!