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!

Fundraising Friday: Winter Tips to Heat Up Your Fundraising

Winter is here! There has been quite a bit of snowy and chilly weather across the country of late, and we understand that this can make it difficult to get out of the house for training or fundraising. Don’t worry though, we have you covered! Here are some fun ways to jump start your fundraising…and you don’t even have to leave the cozy indoors to get started!

FROM WORK

Corporate Matching: This one is super simple! Ask your company if they have Corporate Matching Program and take advantage of that if you can. Many of your donors may also work for companies that have a program like this, so their donation could double simply by filling out a form from their Human Resources department and following the steps to submit a matching gift. Remind them to check with their company as well!

Email Chain: Email your department (or whole company!) and ask everyone to forward your fundraising email to 10 more people!

Candy Jar: Put out a jar of candy at your desk at work and ask for a 3-Day donation each time someone takes a piece.

FROM HOME

Adopt a Mile: Cozy up on the couch and send some fundraising emails! Ask donors to adopt a specific mile of your walk at a suggested price. For example, a donor could adopt mile 52 in memory of her mom who lost her battle with breast cancer at 52. Every mile makes a difference after all!

Donation for Days: You’ve made a commitment to the 3-Day. Now, ask friends and family to donate an amount per each day of that 3-Day commitment. Instead of one $25 donation, encourage them to make three $20 donations! Remember, they can pay and donate over the course of multiple months. Having of the option to donate over time is a great way to increase the size of donations (just keep in mind that donations can only be paid over the course of 4 months max).

Take Advantage of Tax Season: Tax season is coming up, so while you’re checking numbers and (hopefully) getting that return…remind your attorney that they can donate to the 3-Day, too. Also, after tax filing, send out a fundraising letter asking people to donate their return money to the 3-day!

Profile Photos: Change your Facebook profile or cover photo to a 3-Day image. Get one at The3Day.org/Logos or pull it from our 3-Day Facebook page. Then ask for donations in your status updates!

TV Show Party: Host a party in celebration of the premiere of your favorite TV show or even the Academy Awards! Serve donated hors d’oeuvres and drinks and make the event as festive as you can. Then, ask for a suggested donation at the door.

Play Tickets: Ask your local playhouse to donate tickets and then auction them off. Better yet, ask them to donate season passes!

FROM THE GYM

Spinning Class: Hit up your spinning class instructor and classmates. Set a goal at the beginning of the class, and if it’s met, everyone donates $1 per mile—or $1 per minute. Or see if you can host a sponsored class, where everyone who comes to ride commits to donating a certain amount to the 3-Day in order to come and ride!

Ask Your Trainer: Ask your yoga instructor, class teacher, or personal trainer for a donation. Or ask if you can post information about the 3-Day at the front of the gym or at check-in so that you can also get potential donations from other class members.

If you want more fundraising ideas, for winter or otherwise, check out our list of 101 Fundraising Ideas perfect for the 3-Day!

Fundraising Friday: 3-Day Winter Fundraising Crafts

Happy first day of winter! Though it may have felt like that snowy season for a while, now winter is officially here. It is the perfect time to cozy up and stay home, spending time with your family or taking a relaxing night for yourself. While you’re staying in, get a kick start on your 3-Day fundraising for 2019 with some fun winter crafting! These ideas can be used to thank your donors, celebrate your accomplishment from 2018, and get more donors lined up for the next year.

Make 3-Day-themed holiday cards

If you haven’t sent out your holiday cards yet, don’t worry! There’s still time to print them at home or at your local pharmacy and get them out before the end of the year. But, instead of doing the usual family photo or posed picture, mix it up with a 3-Day photo! It is a huge accomplishment that you can use to highlight your year, and let people know that you’re committing to 60 miles again next year. This is the perfect way to round out your 3-Day year with a celebration you can share with everyone. Whether you make your own cards or go with store-bought, print a 3-Day holiday card insert at The3Day.org/Holiday so you can include a fundraising request along with your holiday greetings.

Pink Winter Window Decor

This is a perfect craft to get the whole family involved in! Create your own 3-Day themed window décor that will cast a festive hue on your holiday season. Follow these simple steps to make your own version of a stained-glass craft.

Start by peeling a sheet of clear contact paper for each person and place the paper sticky-side up on the table. Cut a black frame to the size you want each creation to be and lay it on the contact paper so that it sticks. Then, cut away excess contact paper so that it’s just the frame.

Once the setup is complete, start by placing a paper snowflake, star or other holiday symbol on the frame. You can even do a breast cancer pink ribbon!

Cut out one-inch strips of tissue paper in your favorite shades of pink, white, silver and gold. Then, place the tissue paper on the contact paper one at a time to fill the inside of the frame. It’s okay to cover up the snowflake and the frame edge! The work side is actually the back of the project. Fill it in with all the colors you love then peel a second piece of contact paper and place this sticky-side down on top of the tissue paper pieces. This seals all those little papers firmly in place, so they can’t escape. Flip it over to admire your work!

You can include these with your holiday fundraising letters and/or send them out with your donor thank you letters. Hang one in your window too, so people can see that you’re committed to the 3-Day.

Host a gingerbread house night…

…but with all pink décor! Swap out the normal red and green décor and find as much pink frosting, sprinkles and fun add-ons that you can. Keep any white or more neutral colored decorations that come with the standard gingerbread house kit to round out your options.

Then, invite everyone over! Ask that people pitch in to pay for their gingerbread house kit and let them know that anything extra they want to add in will go towards your 3-Day fundraising. Or, if you’re really in the giving spirit, you can cover the cost of the gingerbread yourself, and have all the proceeds go straight to your 3-Day fundraising.

You can also make it a holiday movie night instead! Ask people for donations to attend and play a winter classic. Just make sure to include a crafts table where your guests can make holiday cards, gift tags and more!

Sparkly pine cone ornaments

These can be left up all winter long! They might start as an ornament for your Christmas tree, but you can also hang them from doorknobs or in your window to add a bit of winter sparkle to your day.

All you need are some pine cones from your yard or local craft store, craft glue like Mod Podge, a paint brush, ribbon and pink glitter! Much of these items are probably already in your house, so this is a great, low cost idea.

Use the paint brush to paint the craft glue onto the pine cone, except at the bottom. Then, place your pine cone on a plate or in a bowl and sprinkle varying shades of pink glitter all over the ornament. Shake the excess glitter off and let it dry. Then, tie a bow on and add your personalized fundraising note. Keep the note short and sweet so you can attach it to the ribbon. This is also a great thank you gift for donors.

What are your favorite crafts for those winter nights? Do you have special holiday crafts that you love? Share them with us in the comments!