Tag Archives: training

3-Day Training Walk Leaders Answer the Question: Why Should I Come to a Training Walk?

You’ve started training for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®. Or maybe you haven’t started yet, but you’re definitely thinking about it, right? Some of you may assume you can handle your Komen 3-Day training all on your own, or in the company of one or two companions. But recently, a few of the 3-Day® coaches got to chatting about how walkers, especially new walkers, can benefit from coming to at least one official 3-Day training walk (and the more, the better!). Komen_3Day_Twin Cities 16 Week Training walk kick off_group walkingSo we reached out to some of our top training walk leaders from coast to coast to get their take on the question, “Why should I come to a 3-Day training walk?” Here’s what they had to say:

Cliff M. (San Diego 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – One of the reasons I have always felt it was important for a walker, especially a new walker, to attend at least one training walk is it gives them a chance to meet some of the repeat walkers and pick their brains for information as to what the walk is going to be like. Learn a little on why others have signed up to walk and why they keep coming back year after year. Gain some experience into how other people manage to fundraise. In all the years I’ve been doing this I have never seen a walker that had all the answers and didn’t learn something new at a training walk, even myself included. Each year presents me with one more reason to keep coming back.

Sherri H. (Philadelphia 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – There is so much knowledge that a new walker can gain from an experienced walker during a training walk. So many tips about training, gear, camp and the event and even fundraising. Probably the single most important thing that a walker could do to prepare for the 3-Day is go to at least one training walk–and while you’re there, ask lots of questions.Komen_3Day_june_michigan_training walk

Shawn M. (Twin Cities 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – I think it’s important to attend official training events because:

  • You get information from veteran walkers and crew members.
  • It’s way more fun to walk with a group than by yourself.
  • You can find teams to join and meet new friends you will know on event.
  • You can learn where everyone is buying the cute pink workout clothes this year…
  • You’ll get tips and tricks for training, on event, and fundraising

Beth N. (Michigan 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – Training walks are not only essential to making sure you enjoy your 3-Day weekend, not just endure it, but when you RSVP to a training walk, it gives you the commitment you might need to get out there and get your mileage in. Sometimes, when left to our own devices, we tend to put it off and those miles don’t always get walked. RSVPing to the training walks puts you in the “someone is waiting for me” mind frame that motivates you to get out there. They’re also a great way to meet more of your 3-Day family; most of the people you will meet on a training walk are veteran walkers and are a wealth of information that they’re always willing to share with those first-time walkers on training, fundraising, the event weekend, etc. komen_3day_tampa_team 211_walk and talk

Kat B. (Seattle 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – An official 3-Day training walk is a great way to meet your fellow walkers and make new friends while learning about what to expect on the 3-Day event (for new walkers). It’s also a perfect time for sharing ideas about fundraising, gear, packing, blisters, etc.

Debby R. (Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – Why come to a training walk?

  • It’s more fun to walk 10 miles with someone else.
  • You get tips on what to wear (shoes, socks, undergarments, hats with binder clips attached to the bills, etc.)
  • You get packing advice for the event.
  • You can brainstorm ideas for fundraisers.
  • You make new friends who become your “pink” family.

Terri V. (Philadelphia 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – It’s important to come out to at least one training walk because it’s a chance to meet other walkers to get tips and information you may need on the real 3-Day. Also, you can test out your walking gear, shoes, socks, backpacks etc. to make sure everything feels right and doesn’t cause you pain, so you are ready for walking 60 miles.

Dawn K. (Philadelphia 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – I feel it’s important for walkers to come out for training walks for many reasons: to meet fellow walkers, get ideas for fundraising, to get answers to questions from other walkers, but most importantly to get a small glimpse of what it’s like to walk longer distances. No matter if you’re a first-time walker or a repeat walker, your body is going to react differently to different conditions. As training walk leaders, our job is to ensure that we are giving the walkers tips on their training, showing them different terrains to walk, and answering any questions they may have. Training walks are the perfect opportunity for walkers to try out the things they think they’re going to be using on the event. If they can’t do a 10 or 12-mile training walk in this sports bra, or with this backpack or fanny pack, they definitely won’t want to do 20, 40, or 60 miles. Training walks are the time to find these things out. People think “we’re just walking,” which sounds easy. I’m here to say we are doing much more than just walking. Sixty miles in 3 days is HUGE! Without some training, this is very hard on our bodies.komen_3day_san diego training kick of tiki

Martin H. (San Diego 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – Here are a few “random thoughts”.

  • Walking on an organized training walk provides encouragement for first-time walkers.
  • Walking on an organized training walk offers opportunities to share fundraising ideas.
  • Walking on an organized training walk gives walkers a chance to try out gear they may want to wear on event.
  • Walking on an organized training walk affords the opportunity to meet new people.
  • Walking on an organized training walk introduces a single walker to the experience of walking in a group.
  • Walking on an organized training walk with others raises the awareness of our goal more than walking alone would.

Kim W. (Twin Cities 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – I feel it’s important to come to a few training walks because you can ask questions about the event/training from previous walkers/crew members, you won’t have to walk alone AND like myself, you may meet someone who turns into a lifelong friend.

Heather P. (Michigan 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – I think training walks are a great way to train, because it is pretty boring on your own and it is also a great way to meet other walkers. If you are a newbie, coming to a training walk gives you an opportunity to ask lots of questions whether they are related to training, fundraising or even the how the event works.Komen_3day_dallas fort worth_rainy training walk_team independence

Sheryl C. (Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – Now that you’re signed up for the 3-Day, going to a training walk is THE one step you can take to make sure you accomplish all your goals. Think about how many great things you have done completely one your own, then think about what you have accomplished when others walk alongside you. Meet an army of other women and men with your same goals who will walk beside you to inspire you, motivate you, keep you accountable, and help you every step of the way. Not sure if you can do the fundraising? Share ideas and hook up with people doing fundraisers on a training walk. Not sure what to expect on the first day of your event? Talk to veteran walkers on a training walk. Not sure what to carry, how to train, what shoes to wear, how to pack, how to avoid injury, what to do for a blister or chafing? You’ll get it all on a training walk. The 3-Day community is out in force the entire 24-week training cycle. That means now!

 

These training walk leaders and many others are holding training walks every week, and you can find them all on the 3-Day website at The3Day.org/trainingwalks. We know that if you don’t leave near a 3-Day city you might not find any training walks in your area. If this is the case for you, contact the 3-Day coaches at 800-996-3DAY to find out how you can become a training walk leader, too!

My Walking Must Haves

susan g. komen 3-Day breast cancer walk blog dr sheri productsAs the 2015 Susan G. Komen 3-Day® Series draws closer, I hope each of you have been following the suggested training schedule to get you ready for what will be one of the most memorable and enjoyable experiences of your life. During my long training walks, I carry all of my essentials that I will use during my 60-mile journey. These are my absolute must haves:

  • Reusable water bottle so that I can hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
  • Sunscreen so that I don’t finish the day the same color as my bright pink shirt.
  • Vaseline® or BodyGlide® to avoid those nasty blisters.
  • 2 pairs of broken in walking or running shoes and an extra pair of socks.
  • Kleenex tissues for my nose during those brisk cool mornings and because, well, I’m a cry baby.
  • Ibuprofen (400 mg every 8 hours as needed) because baby, at the end of 20 miles this nearly 50 year-old body hurts!

While you’re pulling together your “must haves” list keep in mind that the 3-Day can be a time to relax, slow down, take in nature’s beauty, socialize with friends and generally just enjoy being alive. Enjoy the peace of blocking out the world during those moments when you walk alone. Lastly, seize the opportunity to enjoy feeling your body in motion, observe your environment, and to see that the world is much more than the details of your life.

4 Secrets to Successful Stretching

susan g komen 3-day breast cancer 60 miles walk blog secrets to successful stretchingJon L. is the Crew/Volunteer Coordinator for the Seattle 3-Day, but when he’s not working to support Seattle crew members, he’s also a long-distance runner with years of experience hitting the pavement. Jon agreed to be our guest blogger this week, to talk about the importance of stretching.

susan g. komen 3-day breast cancer 60 mile walk blog training stretching

Coach Jon

You can safely assume that walking for three days, let alone three days that carry you 60 miles, will take a toll on one’s body. While it may seem like “just walking” to some, those who have done the 3-Day can certainly tell you it’s much more. There is a lot of time spent on your feet, which the majority of the general population is not used to. The pounding you get from walking on mostly hard surfaces, like sidewalks, can be tough on your muscles and joints. Throw in a couple of hills, and it could be a recipe for leg soreness. One of the most elegant and efficient ways to combat this stress on your body is by stretching.susan g. komen 3-day breast cancer 60 mile walk blog training stretching

Here are some basic tips to help you get the most out of your next batch of stretching:

  • Ease into your stretching routine – One of the biggest mistakes in developing a stretching routine for yourself, especially early on, is stretching too much, too soon. Your muscles have a baseline level of flexibility, which is determined based on how much the muscles are used and how much they have been cared for. If you overstretch—by stretching for too long or by pulling your muscles beyond their capacity—you can end up doing more harm than good.
  • No BOUNCING! – When stretching any muscle, you want to make sure you make unrushed, smooth and deliberate transitions. This allows your muscles to adapt slowly to the new sensation of being stretched. If you bounce, it adds quick and intense stress to your muscles, which could lead to pulls and strains. Remember, we’re trying to help your muscles, not add to their misery.
  • Find your breath – An important but often overlooked aspect of stretching is breathing. One of the best ways to help your muscles recover is by getting them nice clean oxygen. So make sure you remember to breathe, slowly and deeply, while you stretch to keep the fresh oxygen flowing.
  • Focus – Pay attention to the muscle that you are trying to stretch. This will help prevent overstretching, while allowing you to focus on helping that specific muscle to feel a little less sore. It also gives you time to remember that all-important breathing.susan g. komen 3-day breast cancer 60 mile walk blog training stretching

Remember, stretching is not a cure-all for muscle soreness. It is just one stepping stone in injury prevention. It does not replace consistent training and recovery, it simply allows you to get back to training with muscles that are looser and more responsive. If you feel like you are injured, or that you are developing an injury, please see you doctor right away.

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PLEASE NOTE: THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND TRAINING INFORMATION PROVIDED TO YOU IN CONNECTION WITH YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THE SUSAN G. KOMEN 3-DAY IS NOT INTENDED TO REPLACE OR BE CONSTRUED AS MEDICAL ADVICE AND ANY SUCH INFORMATION IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR SEEKING MEDICAL ADVICE OR TREATMENT FROM YOUR MEDICAL PROVIDER. BEFORE STARTING ANY EXERCISE PROGRAM OR FOLLOWING ANY RECOMMENDATIONS, ADVICE OR OTHER INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING TRAINING FOR THE KOMEN 3-DAY OR ANY ATHLETIC EVENT, YOU SHOULD FIRST CONSULT A PHYSICIAN AND HAVE A PHYSICAL EXAMINATION.