Whether you’re already registered or are thinking about joining your very first Susan G. Komen 3-Day®, welcome to the Pink Bubble!
Signing up is a big commitment, and we’re sure that you have a lot of questions, worries and maybe even second thoughts. Regardless of what’s going through your head, we’re here to support you from the day you register to the memorable moment you step across that finish line. We like to say that the support we offer matches the commitment you’re making!
Remember, everyone who’s ever walked the 3-Day started exactly where you are right now—full of questions and anticipating an event that is unlike anything else you’ve experienced. There’s a reason why so many walkers come back year after year, and we’re excited for you to be a part of it.
To help manage your expectations and quell any lingering anxieties, we’ve debunked some common first-time walker concerns so that you can strut into the Pink Bubble with confidence!
“60 miles is way too far for me to walk.”
We get it, 60 miles is a lot, and it is hard … but, as you’ll hear a lot on the 3-Day, it’s not as hard as breast cancer.
You’ll be surprised by how far you can push yourself when you set your mind to it and are surrounded by like-minded people who encourage you every step of the way. It’s a big challenge, and because of that, it will inspire your donors to give big when they support you.
Participants of all ages and fitness backgrounds have been able to train for and successfully complete all 60 miles. But if you can’t walk all 60 miles, that’s OK, too! There are support vehicles (we call them sweep vans) along the route that will take you to the next stop if you need a break. How ever many miles you complete at the end of the day, you’ve raised the money and are helping end breast cancer!
If you’re still unsure, we offer 1, 2 and 3-Day walker options, allowing you some peace of mind if you want to dip your toe into the Pink Bubble before fully diving in.
“I don’t think I can meet the fundraising requirements.”
Fundraising for the first time may seem overwhelming, but we’re here to help! Your 3-Day coaches are your main point of contact for anything fundraising related and will help you every step of the way.
From goal-setting techniques to tips on reaching out to donors, we have plenty of resources to help you get where you need to be. All coaches have been (or currently are!) 3-Day walkers and can give you first-hand advice from what they’ve heard from the thousands of walkers we’ve supported.
Additionally, our city-specific Facebook groups are another great tool to connect with other walkers for fundraising advice. Get creative, ask everyone and never give up. You’ll hit your goals before you know it!
“I don’t even know how to get started with training.”
Much like fundraising, training may seem daunting at first. Our recommendation? Use our 24 or 16-week training plans and take it one step at a time.
Remember, the 3-Day is not a race, so your training shouldn’t be either. Start slow and follow the plan and you’ll slowly build up until you’re racking up miles you never thought were possible. For more tips on training, reach out to your coach, find a training walk near you and go at your own pace.
“I’m not very athletic.”
That’s OK! You’ll be in great company; at the 3-Day, everyone is welcome and encouraged to join. From avid walkers to those with physical limitations, every participant is given what they need to succeed. Simply show up exactly as you are, and we will do this together.
“Nobody will sign up with me.”
The 3-Day happily welcomes solo walkers, and we promise you’ll never feel alone. The Pink Bubble is a community of people who are all on the same team, walking together to find the cures.
Though you may arrive alone, you’ll leave part of something greater than you ever thought imaginable. Furthermore, your coach can help you find a team to join.
“I’ve never been affected by breast cancer.”
You certainly don’t need to have been directly affected by breast cancer to help find the cures. Whether we realize it or not, we’re all affected by this disease in some way, and the funds we raise at the 3-Day help to advance all forms of cancer research. Everyone is welcome at the 3-Day, and the Pink Bubble is waiting for you with open arms.
Do you have any other questions or concerns? Reach out to your 3-Day coach via Facebook or email and ask away. We look forward to helping you in any way we can.
We hope to see you at the 3-Day soon! Visit the 3-Day to register and learn more.
