Cold Weather Training Tips

January may still be a little bit early in the year to start your official 3-Day training, but if you’re eager to get started training your body to be able to walk 60 miles this summer, let’s chat about walking when the weather is not so pleasant. You may be wondering, “How can I get my 3-Day training walks in when it’s minus freezing degrees outside?”

All about those waterproof layers!

Here are some tips for walking in a winter wonderland:

Dress for the occasion – Before stepping outside, you’ll probably be inclined to bundle up in your down parka, but if you’re taking a walk, it may be better to dress in lighter, thinner layers, and shed as you go if you need to. Moisture-wicking fabric is best for the layer closest to your skin. You may be cold, but if you’re moving, you’re sweating, and the only thing worse than being really cold is being really cold and wet. Also, don’t forget hats and gloves, and whenever possible, wear bright colors and/or reflective materials so you stand out against your white-grey environment.

Look at how happy some of our 3-Dayers look in their gloves!

Warm your digits – One 3-Day coach loves those chemical-activated hand and foot warmers (available in the camping section of any sporting goods store). They are a quick, inexpensive way to keep your fingers and toes toasty. They fit snugly inside your gloves and your shoes and will ease the shock of the freezing temps on your extremities.

Take care of your skin – Cold air and wind can really do a number on exposed skin, so don’t forget to put on moisturizer before heading out. Sunscreen, too, is a must have for training any day of the week, any time of the year.

One of our coaches, Amy Schwager, stayed bundled in 2016

Hydrate – Drinking water when it’s hot out is a no brainer. You crave the cool water to quench the heat. It can be harder to remember to hydrate in the cold, but it’s no less essential when you’re exercising. If you normally carry your water in a fanny pack while you walk, think about holding it in your hand while walking in the cold, as an ever-present reminder to sip as you step.

Cool it on the mileage – There are many reasons why the 3-Day events take place in the late summer and fall, and it’s not just about walking those 60 miles in nicer weather; it’s also because we know that many of you superstar walkers can’t even really start training until the ground beneath you thaws out. But if you’re the type of go-getter who just can’t wait until the mercury rises, you can at least be comforted knowing that it’s okay to keep your walks short and sweet at this point. Once spring comes around and mother nature is a more agreeable training partner, then you can start upping the distance of your training walks.

Fun AND functional hats and scarfs

Choose your route carefully – Be certain that you’re walking someplace familiar, and be ready to pay close attention to the terrain with every step. If the sidewalks have not been cleared of ice and snow, walk in the street. (And on that note, make sure you’re wearing good shoes that have a little bit of traction on the sole.) 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 digging!

Stay indoors – Wait, you’re not off the hook for training! But if it’s just too nasty outside, find someplace indoors to get moving. While we don’t recommend that you do all of 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. One of our coaches also suggested college campuses as places that often have large and/or interconnected buildings, and lovely grounds you can walk through.

Tell us your favorite cold weather walking tips!

Remember to always keep your socks dry!

REMINDER: The health, safety and training information contained in this blog post, or otherwise provided to you in connection with your participation in the 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 3-Day or any athletic event, you should first consult a physician and have a physical examination.

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!). So 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

June 2014 Meet-up Round-up!

It’s hard to believe that 2014 is halfway over! Here in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® world, this means that we’re even closer to the start of the event season, and Komen 3-Day walkers and crew members are busy preparing with training walks, meet-ups and clinics. The 3-Day® will be here before we know it! Take a look at some of our local events from June.

Michigan

Members of two of Michigan’s largest teams, The BC Babes and the Hines Pink Pathers, joined forces to get to know each other a little better on a beautiful June training walk.

Twin Cities

Twin Cities walkers came out on June 28th to attend a Packing Workshop held at TC Running Co. in Eden Prairie. They learned some tips to make their 3-Day camping experience easy, comfortable and fun! New friendships were made, tenting partners were found and all enjoyed some delightful discounts off clothing and gear. They are ready to go!

Seattle

The Komen Puget Sound Race for the Cure took place on Sunday, June 1 at Seattle Center. There were over 7,000 participants this year, and 3-Day coaches Aubrey and Jon saw lots of 3-Day faces there. The weather held out and we had a beautiful event with lots of sunshine and plenty of friends.

Atlanta

Stone Mountain Park – the site of the Atlanta 3-Day Opening Ceremony – was the setting for a beautiful morning training walk. Coach Tara enjoyed some company with a great group of motivated ladies who walk there almost every weekend.

We discovered a new Walk & Talk path and some wonderful new walkers to join us. It was a very humid night, but we all made it and even enjoyed getting some training in on the hills.

Dallas/Fort Worth

Coach Gayla rocks her signature selfie at this Walk & Talk in Richardson.

Eight walkers showed up for a Get Prepped Clinic in Rockwell, hosted by our friends at New Balance.

Nothing could dampen the spirits of Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day team Pink Soles in Motion, who trained right through the North Texas flooding rains on June 22^nd. On their walk, they met a young woman who was holding a rummage sale to raise money for her friend who was recently diagnosed. It was a poignant reminder of why they walk.

We had a great casual meet-up with new and veteran walkers at The Londoner in Frisco.

San Diego

Thirty-five wonderful walkers attended a Walk & Talk with Cliff’s Crew and friends in Fullerton.

San Diego 3-Day coach Kim hopped in on a training walk in Daley Ranch. As Kim put it, “Sometimes we just want some dirt under our feet!”

We had a great Walk & Talk in Encinitas – gorgeous day, 6 amazing miles and 15 fabulous people.

Bonus Meet-ups!

Chicagoland – As a special thank you for their dedication to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day, coaches Jennifer and Eileen hosted a Chicagoland 3-Day gathering on Thursday, June 5th in Park Ridge, IL. It was a night of fun, friendship and laughs. We had a wonderful time celebrating with our Chicagoland 3-Day community.

Tampa – Atlanta coach Tara ventured further south to the Sunshine State for a Walk & Talk with some Tampa Bay walkers, including members of Team 211. It was a morning walk along the Bayshore with 20 amazing women, and the morning included a beautiful sunrise, muffins, stingray sightings and a surprise birthday party for Team 211’s captain Sylvia—cake included, of course! Tara shared, “This team really is family, and I was so honored to be welcomed in and even invited back. They are working hard to keep the Tampa walkers engaged and excited to make their travels to other 3-Day cities.”