Our Top Blog Posts of 2018…and Why You Should Still Read them in 2019!

Just because 2018 is over, doesn’t mean we can’t continue to learn from the year that was. We’ve compiled your favorite blog posts from the past year (and even further back) to help you start preparing for 2019. These are the posts that participants felt were most helpful, so as you decide to commit to the 3-Day this year, you’re going to want to keep these bookmarked…

3 Reasons to Do a Breast Cancer Walk: If you need an extra boost of motivation to commit to the 3-Day in 2019, this is the perfect post for you! It’s short and sweet, but really gets to the heart of just how important the 3-Day is in the fight against breast cancer.

Wet Weather Walking Tips: This is an oldie but a goodie. We don’t let a little liquid sunshine stop us on the 3-Day, so it’s important to train and walk safely in the rain. This is chock full of great advice for staying warm and dry, no matter the weather!

What You Can Expect from a 60-Mile Walk for Breast Cancer: The 3-Day is the furthest you can go in the fight against breast cancer. Walking 60 miles is no joke! If you’re new to the 3-Day, a past 20-Mile walker, or looking to recruit new teammates, this is a great introduction of what you can expect from your 3-Day weekend.

Pick Your Pack: Waist Pack vs. Backpack Debate: Which will you choose? Everyone has a preference and it’s time to take a side! Are you Team Waist Pack? Or Team Backpack?

Every Question You’ve Had About Multi-Day Walks: It’s only natural to have questions about the 3-Day. It’s a life-changing event that’s also a huge commitment! Even if you’ve been walking for years, there are bound to be questions that come up along the way. We hope this post answers all of them! If not, comment on the post so we can keep the conversation going.

Then, if you need more inspiration…we have some extra ideas!

Our Inspiration Page is updated throughout the year with awesome photos, informational graphics, holiday announcements, and motivational phrases. It’s a great resource to use for content at team meetings, or to share on your social media pages.

The Photos Page is (unsurprisingly) always one of our most-visited pages on the blog. It is the best spot to go if you want to re-live the 3-Day magic, find your favorite photo of you and your breast pals or just need a smile on a hectic day.

What blog posts or pages did you find most helpful this year? Link to them below to spread knowledge and inspiration!

And, don’t forget to commit to the 3-Day in 2019! If you register by February 4th, you’ll automatically get $20 off. No code required! There is no better time to commit to end breast cancer.

Cold Weather Training Ideas

Winter officially starts next week, but that doesn’t mean cold weather hasn’t hit much of the country already. That means if you’re already training for 2019, or just want to get a head start on your New Year’s Resolutions, the cold can put a damper on your work out goals. But don’t let the weather hold you back! Here are some ideas for ways to make the most of cold weather training this month and into the new year…

Layer Up

You can always remove layers as you walk, so add more layers than you think you’ll need. Always be sure to add a hat and gloves because you lose heat fast through your hands and the top of your head. Then layer on thin shirts, sweatshirts and coats or whatever you feel most comfortable with. Better to be a warm walker than a cold one!

Never forget to hydrate

This is KEY. Just because you’re cold, does NOT mean you don’t need water or other hydration during your training. Drink as you walk and try to stay away from dehydrating drinks like coffee or tea for a bit after your work-out.

Limit your mileage

Tackle your mileage goal throughout the day in smaller amounts. It will make the steps go quicker and let you conquer the other parts of your day with ease. Plus, you don’t want to be out in the cold that long! So, instead of trying to walk 15 miles in a row, break it up throughout the day. Do an early morning gym visit and walk half of your goal, then do a quick outside walk after work. You’ll get the same number of steps, but in a more manageable fashion.

Choose your route carefully

If you are walking outside, be certain that you’re walking someplace familiar and pay close attention to the terrain with each step. If the sidewalks have not been cleared of ice and snow, walk in the street. Also, be on the lookout for black ice! Always tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back. If you get lost in a snow drift, they’ll want to know where to start looking!

Get your groove on

Did you know we have a cold weather Spotify playlist especially made to motivate you during the winter? Add it to your phone and let it fuel your steps! A good song from your favorite artist is just what you need for motivation.

Stay indoors (if you must)

Just because its nasty outside, doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for training! Find someplace indoors to get moving. While we don’t recommend that you do all your 3-Day training on a treadmill, it’s a perfectly good alternative to outdoor walking if you need it. No treadmill? Throw on your shoes and walk on an indoor track, through a shopping mall, or up and down the stairs in your office building.

Get your cardio in different ways

If you don’t like walking inside, don’t worry, you can get your cardio some other way! From spin class to group cardio and barre work outs, there are plenty of ways to get your heart pumping inside this season. Make the most of winter!

What are your favorite winter training ideas? Share them with us in the comments!

Tips for 3-Day First Timers from 3-Day Past Participants

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Whether it’s your first 3-Day or your thirtieth, there’s a bunch of small ways that you can greatly enhance experience on the 3-Day. We polled our Facebook community to find out their top tips before our Philadelphia 3-Day this weekend, and we think new 3-Dayers will find these especially helpful. Let’s hear what they have to say!

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“Change socks at lunch every day! Enjoy the walk and meet new people while listening to their inspiring stories.” – Laura Miehls

“Walk at the same pace you train. If you are on the route all day – awesome! And if you are back to camp by 1:00, awesome! You do you!” – Melissa Polma Loder (*Note below*)

“Take the leap and meet three people every day. The stories will be humbling and some friendships life-long.” – Chris Lynn Reed

“Moleskin is your friend! And don’t be afraid to visit the Medical Tent. There are amazing people working there!” – Micki Mathiesen

Day 1 of the Susan G. Komen 3day walk in Novi, Michigan on August 4, 2017.

“It’s not a race, it’s a walk… enjoy the time with your fellow walkers, everyone has a story. Remember, even if you are a solo walker, you are never alone in the pink bubble.” -Tiffany Thomas

“Have a blast! Journal. It will be fun to look back. Be ready for amazing memories to be made and your heart to grow!” -Tara Anne Hart

“Listen to your body and do what’s best for you. There is no right or wrong (well, within reason and as long as you are observing the three Rs); so don’t hesitate to make the event everything you’d like it to be.”  -Anne Moss

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“Your Route Safety crew loves to dance while we wait with you for traffic lights to change! Oh and we love hugs and high-fives too!

“But, listen to them as well. We know where the bad intersections are and are there to keep you safe. We step out into the streets before you do. Help us keep safe as well.

“And above all have a good time. Laugh, cry, hug, dance, reflect, remember.” – Kristian Kauker

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“Talk to strangers and take candy from strangers. Do what your mother told you NOT to do!” -Joanne Gregory

“Don’t be in rush. Go slow and enjoy all the love and support.” – Pam Ater

NOW – if you’re a 3-Day veteran what would you add? 3-Day first timers; any questions for us? We can’t wait to see you in Dallas/Fort Worth or San Diego this year, or next year!

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Note: All pit stops have designated opening and closing hours, timed to keep you moving along the route at a safe pace and to ensure that you complete your walking while it is still light out. If you reach a pit stop before it opens, you will be asked to stop and wait. If you reach a pit stop after it closes, you will be transported to the lunch stop (or camp, if you have already passed the lunch stop). A “caboose” will be following the last walker on the route. If you are falling behind schedule, you will be given the option to take a sweep van to the next pit stop if you cannot increase your pace. Read more about cabooses, sweeps and route hours on our blog.