First 3-Day City - BOSTON

The Boston walkers started off this morning, with their first day of the 3-day... AND they are also the first city of this current 3-day season to kick everything off! :)

However, the heatwave in the East Coast did not help with the walk, and since safety is the priority. The temperatures soared to 97°F / 36°C !! The organizers made a decision to close the route down just before 1pm. Approximately 1500 walkers were transported back to camp! "The Day 1 route of the Boston 3-Day has been closed due to extreme heat. We are mobilizing those at Pits 2 and 3 to Pit 4, which will serve as lunch. From Pit 4 we will be transporting walkers back to camp."  As a walker wrote:

"It is not walking 60 miles that gets us closer to saving someone's life from breast cancer, it is your dedication to the cause, your education that you give others, the money that you raise to go to research, education and treatments. Just because you cannot walk the full amount, your safety comes first. You should be proud of your accomplishments already as others are thankful for what you have done already."

I heard that the celebrations continued into the night at camp! :)  I'm soooo looking forward to the SF Walk! I'be been searching YouTube and found videos of the opening ceremony. It's in 2 parts, totally to less than 10 minutes. I cried, I celebrated, I watched again... enjoy!

And the Countdown Begins! 60 Days Left for the 3-Day 60-Mile Walk!

Gosh! Has it really been 4 weeks since I last made a post? Well, I've not forgotten about you!  And so here I am!  Training has been going well. One of the last training sessions I had on June 26th, I drove 35 miles to Crissy Field, and during the first mile, I felt sick and unwell, and the pains in my legs were, well to say the least - painful!  So I ended up walking back to the car, and sat for about 30 minutes contemplating whether to wait for the group to come back at 10:30 and join them for the second 9-mile loop, or drive home.  I went home. And slept for the rest of the day, and weekend.  I think all the heat, late nights, and early Saturday morning just got to me.  Well, that was that weekend!

The following weekend was the long Jul 4th weekend, and I was out of town. Plus, there was no group training.  This weekend is the Avon 2-day walk, so no training either.... So, I've been training all by myself during the week.  A little boring, but also therapeutic, because when one has a lot on their mind, it helps to walk (or be on a gym machine) in solitude and think.

I also attended an Event Prep meeting a few days ago on 7 July. There, I learned the art of packing, blister care and how to set up and take down a tent! Very informative. There really is a technique to packing for the event! :)

In terms of fundraising, I've reached a total of $3436, which is 69% of my total fundraising goal of $5k.  I only have another $1564 to raise! I know I can do it! :)

Time to send out another email blast! :)

Mosaic Steps and the (Ugly) Step Sister Steps

Yesterday, since I bypassed the streets leading up to the Mosaic steps, and the second stairway - which I have since found to be called "The (Ugly) Sister Steps", I drove to Moraga and 15th Street, and climbed up the stairs. It took me 90 minutes to drive into the city. Noon traffic! I won't be doing that again! Next time, I'll make sure I'll leave earlier!

And I'm so glad I did! Not only were the mosaic designs beautiful, but the view breathtaking too! I've no idea how many miles it was, maybe 1, on a steep hill with the steps? I forgot to turn my GPS tracker on the cell phone on! :(  I think I shall make it a point, that if I don't go to an official training walk on a Sunday, I'll go elsewhere in San Francisco and be a tourist, and get some miles in! :)

One thing is for sure, the steps weren't that bad to climb up, although I did need to stop a couple of times. It was the coming downhill that I had to be careful! I had that "wobbly-leg-feeling" one gets when they come of a bike machine!

Mosaic Steps - View from Top 

Mosaic Steps - Going Up

Me - Right at the top! :)

The (Ugly) Step Sisters

Another 12 miles with the Hotties!

I had to drag myself out of bed this morning. I was just sooooo tired! My alarm went off at 4:15am, and I just kept snoozing it and snoozing it and snoozing it. And at 5:45am, I gave myself a pep-talk: "Dipa - if don't go today,you're going to have to go on Sunday! And if you go today, you have the option of going on Sunday!"  So, 15 minutes later, I jumped out of bed, took one of the quickest showers I have ever taken, and left my place at 6:20am. :) AND I am so glad that I did! It's just that initial push one needs.  We started the walk through the Presidio woods, and walked around San Francisco today. I will try and put a map of the route up! It was a beautiful day. I got to see parts of San Francisco I would never have seen on foot. Namely, those hills, which is one of the reasons why I don't like driving in SF!!

There was one street leading up to the Mosaic steps, which was deadly. I'm sure streets like that have some type  of gravity issue! So, another walker and I took a short cut bypassed the steps, but still made the daily goal of 12 miles, so I'm happy with that!

All in all, another beautiful day, and I'm a little stiff, but not as stiff as I am have been in the past. Lets see what Sunday holds. :))

Another Pin for $3k

Today, I reached over $3k in donations. $3,019 to be precise.  I did a little bit of FB status updates and sent another email out to a selection of friends. That generated 4 donations!

My focus is based around Fathers Day coming up this Sunday, with the message that men can get breast cancer too.

Did you know that men can get breast cancer too? Richard Roundtree who played John Shaft in the iconic 1971 film "Shaft" was diagnosed, and is a survivor! There are many more out there, even if the statistics are much less than women getting the disease. Don't you want a a better future for ourselves, our future generations, and those around us too? http://bit.ly/dipa3Day11

$3000
Milestone
Button!

And so, the trickles are coming in... Thank you all.  Oh, and heres my pin:

Opening and Closing Ceremonies!

I'm excited! And a little nervous at the same time! The "Spectator Information" for the San Francisco event have been posted up! The addresses for the opening and closing ceremonies have been posted up! And that's exciting! I'm a little nervous because, well, I need to get to the event between 5am-6am. Lets say 5:30am! Because I'm sure there'll be the need to sign in and things like that! YIKES! I'm sure time will fly, and soon, I'll be saying it's less than 8 1/2 days! Woohoo!

And below is my usual cut+paste way of keeping you posted! LOL

Before the Event
Getting ready for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure^® is a big job. Here are some ways to support your participant before the big day arrives.

• Write a letter expressing your love and support to your walker, which we’ll deliver to her/him on the event.
  Send letters to:
  3-Day for the Cure 
  ATTN: DIPA V (5905919)
  P.O.Box 78294
  San Francisco, CA 94107
  
  Envelopes only, please. No boxes or large packages. Mail must be postmarked no later than August 30th in order to ensure delivery at the 3-Day Camp Post Office. Please note: This address is not the actual location of camp, but a PO Box for mail delivery only. Any mail that is not received by the 3-Day by the date above or retrieved by the participant by September 25th will be destroyed.
• Organize a group to host your very own private cheering station. (Contact coaches@the3day.org for more information.)
• Organize a group of Camp Angels to assist participants with setting up and striking tents and unloading gear. (Contact coaches@the3day.org for more information.)
• Help raise money. Ask your participant how you can get involved in her/his fundraising plan.
• Join your participant on a training walk.

Opening Ceremony
The 3-Day for the Cure begins early Friday morning with the Opening Ceremony. When you arrive, take a moment to write the names of the people in your life who have lost their lives to breast cancer on the white ribbons we will provide. Those ribbons will be used to create a special memorial flag that will be raised during the ceremony.

This celebration is not just for participants. Friends and family are highly encouraged to attend, though please note that seating will not be available, so if you are unable to stand for 30-60 minutes, you may want to bring a folding chair. Please allow extra travel time due to expected traffic congestion at the site.

After the Opening Ceremony is over, participants will begin walking the 60-mile route and start a journey of a lifetime. It will be even more special if you are there to help send them off with smiles and encouragement.

Friday, September 9
Cow Palace
2600 Geneva Avenue
Daly City, CA 94014

Schedule for the Day:
4:00 a.m. - Crew members should arrive.
5:00 a.m. - 6:00 a.m. - Walkers should arrive.
6:30 a.m. - Opening Ceremony begins with community stretching.

Spectator Parking
Follow the signs and volunteer direction for spectator parking after dropping off your participant.

Public TransportationTake the San Francisco/Milbrae BART line to Balboa Park station. From Balboa Park station take the S.F. Muni Bus #9ax/9x Bayshore Express to the Cow Palace bus stop at the corner of Geneva Avenue and Santos Street. Other routes to the Cow Palace are available from the Transit Destinations website.

Cheering Stations
Cheering stations will be posted approximately 2 weeks prior for the event.

On some portions of the route you may find areas that are deemed “quiet zones” which will be indicated by signage on the route. Please assist us in respecting our neighborhoods and communities during this time.

Camp
Our campsite is meant to be a special place for your participants to relax, reflect and bond with the 3-Day community. To help us maintain a safe, secure and organized campsite for your loved ones, we ask that you respect our “no visitors” policy. Also, if you wish to call your walker or crew member on their cell phone, please do not call after 9:00 p.m. “lights out,” when camp is a quiet zone.

While at Home
Capture the 3-Day in the news: While walkers are taking steps to end breast cancer, save any media coverage of the 3-Day. Aside from being a nice addition to your participant's 3-Day memorabilia, it will show her/his impact on the community.

Engage the kids in the cause: Since holding down the fort may include taking care of the kids, you can make this time meaningful by connecting them with the breast cancer cause.

• Have them create signs or decorations if they are able to go to a cheering station.
• Have them create a welcome home banner.
• Give them journals so they can write or draw what they’ve been doing for three days.
• Have them plan a welcome home meal or put together a care package with goodies, movies, comfy slippers, etc.
• Use this as an opportunity to talk to your kids about community, helping others and making a difference in the world.

Closing Ceremony
After three days and 60 miles, participants will take a final and incredibly emotional victory walk into the Closing Ceremony. Friends, family and supporters should arrive at the Closing Ceremony site at least one hour early to get the best view of the program. We encourage you to carpool or take public transportation. Not only is it better for the planet, but it will help lessen traffic congestion for everyone.

All walkers and crew members should remain in the Participant Holding Area where they will receive a victory shirt, cheer on fellow walkers and crew members and celebrate one last time together before their dramatic victory walk. The Participant Holding Area is CLOSED to spectators. If you wish to meet with a participant before the Ceremony begins, please have them meet you at the Closing Ceremony site. All participants must return to the Holding Area no later than 4:30 p.m. in order to join the victory walk.

Don't forget to continue the spirit of kindness we'll be building on the 3-Day throughout and beyond the Closing Ceremony!

Sunday, September 11
5:00 p.m.

Marina Green
Marina Boulevard & Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA 94123

Parking
Parking is limited. Please car pool or take public transportation. Public parking is available at lots east of Marina Green near Fort Mason and on surrounding streets.

Public Transportation
Muni Lines Near Marina Green: 10 Townsend, 22 Fillmore, 28 - 19th Avenue, 30 Stockton, 47 Van Ness, 49 Van Ness/Mission. Call MUNI for details (see below).

Bay Area-Wide Transit Information: http://www.transit.511.org/ or dial 511 (or 817-1717) from any area code in the Bay Area counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano and Sonoma.

Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) - http://www.bart.gov/ or 510-465-2278

Golden Gate Transit - http://www.goldengate.org/ or 415-455-2000

SamTrans/CalTrain - http://www.caltrain.com/ or 800-660-4287

Municipal Railway (MUNI) - http://www.sfmuni.com/ or 415-673-6864


After the Event
Your participant has participated in two emotional celebrations, a challenging 60-mile journey and a life-changing experience in just three days. Now, it’s time to go back home. Here are some tips on how to help your walker make a smooth transition back to their daily routine.

• Have a welcome home meal prepared and make it an evening of rest and relaxation.
• Encourage your participant to share the 3-Day experience.
• If you can’t attend the Closing Ceremony, be sure to ask how much money was raised!
• Unpack, clean and put away gear.
• Share the newspaper articles or news footage that you’ve collected over the weekend.
• The following day, give your participant a massage or schedule a day of pampering at a spa.
• In the days to come, help your participant write thank you notes.
• Print pictures and assemble a scrapbook.
• Help your participant plan a reunion party to keep in touch with other walkers.
• Get ready to do it all over again! Maybe you’ll be joining the 3-Day in 2012!

Park Central Fitness Center and then a Dip

Yes, it really was a dip in the pool and the hot tub...  And I will tell you about it... So, I went to the fitness center with my iPad... And it was fun, just being on the eliptical and being able to flip the pages. Then I went onto the bike. Yes, I do feel as if I took it a little easy today, but I was exhausted! :(

Anyway, the dip... I wanted to see how warm the hot tub and pool were, so just dipped my fingers! And the hot-tun was lovely, as was the pool.  So, I think on Saturday after coming back from the training walk, I'll be taking a dip! :)