This is a site dedicated to the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure and Orlando, FL area training and support. There are 15 walks around the country starting in July through November.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Fabulous Cyber Shopping Opportunity!!!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
LAST DAY FOR THE DISCOUNT!!
ps.... Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Now's the time to think of the FUTURE...
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Hey Tampa.... 2 DAYS!!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Only 14 days....
Now's the time to get your bag (which weighs under 35 pounds!) packed, your opening ceremonies clothes ready and get those final words of encouragement in the mail!
Remember, time flies when you're having fun! ;)
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Only 17 days! What to Pack for the 3-Day
Since I am unable to have an actual "What to Pack" session this year, here is a blog version! ;)
First of all, soft sided duffle bags work best. Leave the suitcase for your next vacation. Be creative with your bag. You will see lots of pink bags and finding yours in a sea of pink is not fun! Also black is another popular color. Buy a cheap bag and decorate it! Make sure your name, participant number and tent address are on your bag as well!
Once you have the bag, get another….garbage bag that is! Line the inside of your duffle bag with a garbage bag. Trucks get unloaded even in the rain, so be prepared. There’s nothing worse than rain while you walk but then add wet clothes to change in to…yucky!
I suggest packing all your stuff into 2.5 gallon Hefty zipper bags. Why you ask? 1. You can keep each day’s clothes together so there is no digging in the bottom of your bag for stuff. 2. Dryness …again! 3. They work great to put the stinky walking clothes back into after your shower. You have no idea what used walking clothes that have been fermenting for two days smell like! Why risk it before putting them in the washing machine on Monday?
As far as sleeping accommodations, pool floats work great. This time of year they are usually on clearance so keep your eyes peeled. Plus a hand pump works fine to inflate them. But a battery powered pump would be easier. Just remember…it adds weight to your bag and stress to our Gear and Tent Crew. Please be kind…35 pounds per bag. A couple pounds over is fine….double the weight limit…nope!!
Also remember, everything must be in your duffle bag. You can not attach anything to your bag…ie sleeping bags, etc. This has happened before where folks have attached their sleeping bags to their duffles with bungee cords. Please avoid doing this. The hard working crew handles every piece of luggage and 9 times out of 10 the bungee cord comes undone and hurts someone.
The other great debate is sleeping bag vs. sheet and blanket. You need to talk to the weather man on this one. If it's looking like warmer weather, I would go for the sheet and blanket. However, if you are seeing lower temperatures on the forecast map, consider a sleeping bag. Just make sure the either choice is able to fit INSIDE your gear bag!!
Other things to think about - flash light for those late night bathroom visits (headlamps seem to work best - hands free and no risk of falling in the portapotty!), bug spray for early mornings, flip flops for the showers and maybe, just maybe a sweatshirt... so when the cooler weather arrives you will be ready! ;)
Also the $12 towel service is a MUST! You could take 4 showers a day and always have a clean, dry towel! :)
Use the check list on the 3-Day event info page for reference. They have a really great list.
Remember, the 3-Day is not a beauty pageant. Leave the blowdry at home - besides, there are no electrical outlets. Also remember, no using cell phones or ipod while walking on the route. We are looking out for your safety!
Also make sure that you print your credentials before you arrive at Opening Ceremonies. You can get a lanyard and holder when you arrive!
If you have any questions, feel free to ask! :)
Walk Smart, Walk Safe, Walk Strong. :)
Friday, September 17, 2010
Wanna walk this weekend?
I am out of town but the Hot Pink Olives are walking this weekend!
Here's their schedule:
Saturday, September 18
Mileage: 13 miles
Start Time: 6:30am
Location: Panera Bread Lake Eola - 227 N. Eola Drive, Orlando, FL 32806
Bring money for lunch (location TBD)
Sunday, September 19
Mileage: 17 miles
Start Time: 6:30am
Location: White Wolf Cafe - 829 North Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32804
Bring money for lunch at Panera at mile 12.
Remember to bring hydration and sunscreen!
Happy and Safe Walking! ;)
Monday, September 13, 2010
OMG... When did it become September?
We are less than 7 weeks away from the Tampa Bay 3-Day! SEVEN!
Time to buckle down on training, get those bags pack and finalize that fundraising!
Check back for the training schedule and let me know if you have walks planned for this week. I will be your publicist! :)
Let's lace the sneakers and walk!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Drink.... for PINK!
Oh my... I almost forgot.... tomorrow, yes, tomorrow is Drink for Pink. A fundraiser in the Dr. Phillips area at Urban Flats.... Click this link for more details! ;)
Monday, July 12, 2010
Training Schedule - Week of July 12
Thursday, July 08, 2010
I cried today...
A 3-Day friend was diagnosed last Friday with BC!
I am saddened by this horrible news and to know another woman must endure the battle. I am shocked to hear this 36 year young woman must put on the pink gloves. I am enraged that we haven't found the cure yet! I am pissed... plain and simple!
This news has reignited a fire within me. Today, we plan. Tomorrow, we fight. And then we conquer! Let's fight the fight!
Monday, June 14, 2010
Training Schedule - Week of June 14
Monday, June 07, 2010
Belly up to the Bar and DRINK up!!!
Yes, you need to drink! I think they covered that pretty well at the Getting Started Meetings or any Training Walk you may have attended. But let’s break this down. You walk, you sweat (yes, women sweat!), you lose fluids, you need to replace them. Plain and simple.
Water and Gatorade are a must for every 3-Day walker and crew member! You should be drinking a bottle of water and a bottle of Gatorade every two to three miles when walking or for every hour of cardiovascular activity. The water keeps your muscles from cramping and the Gatorade helps keep your electrolytes in balance. With this balance, your 3-Day will be a great experience.
So start drinking up! A hydrated body is a happy body. As fabulous as the medical team is, you don’t want to have to meet them on event, unless it’s as you cross the finish line and they are cheering you on! Remember, Drink + Pee = No IV.
Walk and talk with you soon.
Amy :)
Training Schedule - Week of June 7
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Let's talk about fannys....
This is my old fanny pack (Anthony is now the proud owner… minus the frog! He’s mine!). You’ll notice… it’s not flashy, but very practical. It has TWO water bottle holders… a must! It helps balance your stride as you walk… I know, sounds silly but very true! Plus a center section for other necessities. Walmart and Target have great options in their sporting goods sections. Try them on! MUST DO!!! It needs to be comfortable since you will be spending lots of time wearing it! Walmart’s is about $11 and Target’s is about $21. I have had them both. The Walmart one wore a little too quickly and Anthony is now using my Target one! Enough said! My advice--- try them both! Other sources to consider are bike shops, Bass Pro Shop or Dick’s Sporting Goods.
First, let’s start with the TWO water bottle holders...You need TWO!
bottles, most of the bottles that come with fanny packs have very narrow openings and are made of hard plastic. You will want to replace these with soft sided sports bottles. These bottles should have a wide opening so it’s easy to add ice and liquid to. On event, water and Gatorade are in gallon jugs and pouring them into narrow openings is messy. Plus ice does not fit easily!
There is another option, if the fanny purse is not your “thing.” You can use a Camelbak hydration system. It’s like a backpack with a watertight bladder to fill with water. They come in several sizes. Just remember, you will need somewhere to put your other walk essentials plus you will need a water bottle for Gatorade. I have used both fanny packs and camelbaks…they both work well. It’s just a matter of finding what works for you. Now is the time to try them out!
This type of distance walking causes skin to rub. Rubbing is BAD! Body glide comes in a deodorant type stick container so no messy hands or gooey feeling like with Vaseline. It’s great for feet, toes, heels, upper arms, thighs, knees …and even a few other areas! Wink, wink! I would highly recommend getting your own because you will not want to share… especially if you know where other people may be putting it! ;) This is available at Sports Authority or at a bike shop. Just beware of the Body Glide with the RED cap. This is the Ben Gay version. Great for after the walk but may cause some issues on the walk itself. It can heat up really fast!!!
If you need Ben Gay, try Bio-Freeze. This comes in a roll on and it great for tired muscles and minor aches and pains. The Medical Staff uses this. It is not available in stores, but is online. Great stuff! There is a new kind of Ben Gay with a massage cap...helps massage those sore muscles without smelly hands!
So, these are the basics that I would recommend. Yes, it will all fit in a fanny pack…. HONEST!
As you continue your training, you will find other things that work for you. My miscellaneous things include a yoga strap for stretching at stops, Destin baby ointment for road rash (it helps with the sting and make the burning go away!) and a dri-wick towel to help me keep my hands and face dry plus it keeps my hands busy to help keep “sausage” fingers under control. A golf towel will also work.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Top Ten Walking FAQs...
FAQs
Pay attention to numbers 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Happy Monday.... and start of Training for Tampa!
And so starts the 24 week training program for Tampa. Yes, 24 short weeks from now you will be embarking on a great journey... but now we have to get in training mode.
Anyone who is participating in any of the earlier SGK 3-Day for the Cure events has started their training... right? ;)
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Every girl (and 3-Day walker) loves their shoes....
(ok…disclaimer time: I will give lots of advice in the blog, but by no means is this the gospel. This is just advice…take it or leave it! This are just helpful tips I have learned along the way)
First, let’s talk shoes. The proper fit is key. TrackShack (1104 N. Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803) and New Balance Winter Park (460 N. Orlando Ave, Suite 110, Winter Park, FL 32789)are two of the best places to start. New Balance is a sponsor of the 3-Day and will offer a discount. TrackShack is great because they will measure and fit you to exactly the activity you are doing. Make sure to tell them you are doing a 60 mile walk. You want to make sure the shoe has a wide toe box and plenty of wiggle room. The more room, the less likely you will have rubbing…. KEY! You will want shoes one size BIGGER! Don’t believe me – at the next training walk, ask me about 2005 and the wrong size shoes! YIKES! Also, if you go the TrackShack and they fit you to a New Balance shoe, you can go to New Balance and purchase them with the discount. Save money when you can! Also, you are going to need two pairs of shoes to get you through training and the event. If you can afford to buy two pairs now and alternate them during training, do so. The event is not the time or place to break in new shoes.
Ok…moving on. The next time of defense, socks. I know, most people think, socks are socks… NOT TRUE! The right sock and do a lot for you. I have tried at least 6 different brands before I found the “perfect” sock for me. Dri-wick is great. It helps keep feet dry. But another consideration is padding. Walkers need different areas of support then runners. Look for socks geared toward walkers with additional padding on the top of the foot and the heel. I like Thorlos (5632 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819). There are several places in Orlando that sell these socks but the Thorlos Factory Outlet may be worth the drive. They sell “seconds” which have really no flaws for ½ price. They have several “levels” of socks for every activity imaginable. Plus if you bring your shoes in with you, they will let you try on socks with your shoes to find the right fit. I suffered with plantar fascitis after my first year of training and then found these socks. THEY ARE FABULOUS! My feet are fine now thanks to the extra cushioning of these socks. My advice – try a couple different brands. The most expensive are not necessarily the best for you.
I know, I have given you lots to think about and consider. Now is the time to experiment with shoes and socks, NOT SEPTEMBER! Take care of your feet and your feet will take care of you. :)
Monday, May 10, 2010
Central Florida Training Walk Kick Off
Let's get together this Saturday to kick of the 24 training season!
When: Saturday, May 15th - 8 AM
Where: Too Jay's parking lot at the Marketplace in Dr. Phillips
Mapquest/Google Address: 7600 Dr. Phillips Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
Mileage: 3 miles - easy pace
We will be walking an easy 3 mile loop in beautiful Dr. Phillips. Let's make it a PINK shirt walk by wearing your favorite pink shirt to show support and raise awareness for the 3-Day.
Here's a preview of the loop...
Please make sure to have hydration (i.e. Water & Gatorade), your id and a smile. This is a great opportunity to meet other 3-Dayers.
Restrooms available at Too Jay's and Starbucks. Remember, no cell phones, iPods or strollers allowed.
Please RSVP to this link or by emailing amyw3daywalk@yahoo.com or by calling 407.376.1213.
See you on Saturday! :)
Happy Monday.... AND $20 off Registration!
And even happier Monday with $20 off Registration for the 3-Day! It's a great opportunity to start or grow your team... the more the merrier!!!
Here's the link!
HURRY... it ends today!!! ;)
Friday, April 23, 2010
Got Questions.... Send them my way...
Having experienced just about everything the 3-Day can offer (the good, the bad and the ugly), I'd love to share my advice.
Amy :)
WOW... it just hit me.... again!
Ok, not earth shattering news for anyone who knows me, but this year has felt different. This is my 6th year and 10th, 11th (and maybe 12th) event. It was starting to feel like Groundhog's Day. I know it shouldn't become routine... but it was starting to feel that way. And then, there it was, on my Facebook wall.... (thanks Mary!) A fellow crewmember posting that her good friend is going through chemo and she is sporting pink hair to support her! WOW!!! This disease is just not going down without a fight! And maybe we all need to "sport the PINK" to show the world we will kick it's A$$.
That's the kick I needed! Fundraising and training are starting soon. Yes, crew members can do these too! ;P But once a walker, always a walker!
Every step and every cent gets us one step closer to a cure!
Sport the PINK and let's find a cure!
Amy :)
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Who wants to save some money.... and save the Tatas!
It's a great way to build your team and encourage friends and family to join us on the journey to A World Without Breast Cancer! :)
HUGS!
Amy :)
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Why should you attend a Getting Started Meeting?
Ahhh... how time flies! Since then I have been to several Getting Started Meeting... yes, several! I know what you are thinking... aren't Getting Started Meetings for new walkers? NO! Getting Started Meetings are for anyone who wanted more information about the 3-Day.... walkers, crew members, volunteers... anyone! AND... it's not just for New Walkers or Crew.
I highly recommend for everyone to go to Getting Started Meetings... newbies and veterans! Here are a few reasons: 1) Information - the Getting Started Meetings are a great source of information on the event, training and fundraising. 2) Meeting fellow participants - It's a great place to meet other people who are taking the same journey as you. 3) Answers and Support - GSMs offer the chance to meet a Field Coordinator and Training Walk Leaders and even Crew Captains to help answer questions and offer support and guidance along the way.
Check out the 3-Day Calendar to find the next Getting Started Meeting in your area including this Thursday (2/11) here in Orlando.
Amy :)
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Getting Started...
Let's get together and Getting Started on our 3-Day Journey.
We are having a Getting Started Meeting here in Orlando on February 11 from 6:00-7:30pm. It will be held at Darden Restaurants Corporate Office.
Please RSVP at the link below.
Orlando GSM RSVP
Remember this meeting is not just for previous walkers. It's for newbies, walkers, crew, supporters, walker stalkers... anyone interested in make a BOLD statement in the fight against Breast Cancer.
The only real question is... HOW BOLD ARE YOU? :)
We look forward to seeing you there!
Amy :)
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Happy 2010!
We are now into 2010 and time to start thinking about the Susan G. Komen 3 Day for a Cure. I know, name change but it is still the same event! Time to make plans and act.
Check out this year's event locations and dates on the 3-Day page. Also keep check out the Getting Started Meetings calendar. It's a great opportunity to invite your friends and family to see what the 3-Day is all about and get them to join you! The more, the merrier! ;)
Talk to you soon!
Amy :)