You Know You Are A 3 Day Walker If...

One of the message board polls is You Know You Are A 3 Day Walker If... (fill in the blank).

I thought these responses were cute:

- Everything in your closet is pink
- Every street you drive down you say I've walked there
- When someone beeps their horn and you cheer
- When you know exactly how far it is from your house to the gas station and how many times you have to walk back and forth to meet your training goal for the day
- You dye your hear pink and wear silly costumes, to raise awareness
- You stare at your odometer in your car and are amazed at how far 16, 20, or even 60 miles is!! and then are proud at how far you've walked!!
- You can say ONLY 12 miles today!!!
- You're the only one to notice the NFL referees have pink ribbons on their shirts in October.
- You look forward to the Port - A - Potties
- When you wear out new shoes in just 6 weeks!
- You caution a complete stranger dressed in business attire who is walking down the hall while talking on a cell phone to "please step off the route"
- When men are wearing bras (& they are on the outside of their clothing)
- You think that a pink feather boa is an acceptable head-dress and why are those people looking at me like I'm crazy.
- You know who has the cleanest restrooms in town
- You know at least 5 different routes to log 15 miles
- You know the exact mileage between the park and Starbucks
- You have named every duck in the park and all of their babies
- You plan your vacations around the 3 Day training schedule
- You take off your sneaker and sock and say, "ahhhhhhh"
- You could qualify as a "Neighborhood Watch" person, since you've been by everyone's house over and over again.
- You're willing to sleep in a tent, shower in a truck, eat supper in your pj's with thousands of strangers, have some kid hoist your leg over your head (p-t medic) and then go home and tell everyone how TOTALLY AWESOME your weekend was!
-When you tell someone "I only lost 2 toenails this year" and wonder why they look at you weird.
- You are passionate about putting an end to breast cancer!!!

Legacy Pins

Legacy Pins are a big deal for the 3 Day. I previously blogged about my Training Walk Leader Legacy Pin. Here are the other Legacy Pins available.

	Team Captain Will be mailed along with a Team Captain Handbook approximately four weeks after registering as a team captain.
	Crew Captain Will be available from your Crew & Volunteer Coordinator when you attend your next Crew Captain Meeting.
	Crew Coach Will be available from your Crew & Volunteer Coordinator when you attend your next Crew Captain Meeting.
	Training Walk Leader Will be mailed to you approximately two weeks after you are trained as a training walk leader and have posted your first training walk.
	Top Individual Fundraiser Awarded on-event to the top individual fundraiser (walker and crew member) in each 3-Day location. Note: Fundraising totals are calculated one week prior to your event.
	Multi-Event Participant Awarded on-event to those who participate (walk or crew) in more than six different 3-Days in 2008.
	Largest Team Awarded on-event to the members of the largest team in each 3-Day location.
	Top Team (Fundraising) Awarded on-event to the team who raises the most money overall, as well as the team who raises the most money per member, in each 3-Day location. Note: Fundraising totals are calculated one week prior to your event.
	Power Team Awarded on-event to each walker of any team that averages $3,200 raised per walker. Your team must meet this fundraising goal 30 days before your 3-Day in order to qualify for this pin.
	$3,000 Fundraiser Awarded on-event to any participant who has raised between $3,000 - $4,999 for that 3-Day location. Note: Fundraising totals are calculated one week prior to your event.
	$5,000 Fundraiser Awarded on-event to any participant who has raised between $5,000 - $9,999 for that 3-Day location. Note: Fundraising totals are calculated one week prior to your event.
	$10,000 Fundraiser Awarded on-event to any participant who has raised between $10,000 - $14,999 for that 3-Day location. Note: Fundraising totals are calculated one week prior to your event.
	$15,000 Fundraiser Awarded on-event to any participant who has raised $15,000 or more for that 3-Day location. Note: Fundraising totals are calculated one week prior to your event.
	3-Peat in ’09 Awarded on-event in the 3-Day Café to any participant who registers for a 2009 3-Day.
	Sagged and proud There’s no shame in having to take the bus to camp! This pin is awarded on-event to those participants who have been transported to camp via SAG bus.
	I survived a relocation Sometimes Mother Nature doesn't cooperate. This pin will be awarded to all 3-Day participants who continue to smile and enjoy the 3-Day experience even when they have to relocate camp indoors due to weather.
	Tent Decorating Awarded on-event to the best decorated tent in each tent section (as determined by the Gear & Tent Crew).
	Rock Star Awarded on-event to the three finalists in the “3-Day Rock Star” karaoke contest.
	Last Walker Awarded on-event to the last walker arriving into camp each day.
	Ceremonies Awarded on-event to those who participate as flag-bearers in the Opening or Closing Ceremonies.
	Survivor Circle Awarded on-event to those who participate in the Survivor Circle during Opening or Closing Ceremonies.

Tick Tick Tick

I finally got around to updating my mileage ticker. Now I've finished 374 miles. I think this is about the distance from Phoenix to Los Angeles. I need to keep this updated. It is very motivating to see how far I've gone. I have raised over 62% of the fundraising goal. I love logging on to my 3 Day fundraising page and watching the thermometer climb. That is also very motivating.

Inspirational Poem

Lately I've been so wrapped up in planning fundraising events, begging for donations, and walking my butt off. It is easy to get frustrated and forget why I am really doing this. I read this poem today and it made me realize that there is hope and my efforts will pay off.


If it will Save a Sister
Give me a Blister

If it will Save a Mother
Give me Another

If for a Cure to Unveil
I must lose a Toenail

Then Take all Ten
And LET THE CURE BEGIN!!!!

Wake Up Call

This article is kind of scary and definitely a wake up call. Yet another reason to train for the 3 day walk or get out and exercise in general.


The Facts on Weight Management and Cancer

--By The American Institute of Cancer Research

Many pressing reasons exist to avoid being overweight or obese and, unfortunately, cancer is one of them. It has long been known that excess weight increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and type-2 diabetes. But, fewer people know about the frightening link between cancer and obesity. In a recent survey conducted by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), only 25 percent were aware of the cancer-obesity association.

Yet science clearly demonstrates that obesity increases cancer risk. A recent report by the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer estimates that being overweight and inactive accounts for one-fifth to one-third of all breast, colon, endometrial, kidney and esophageal cancers. In the U.S. alone, that estimate represents between 102,000 and 135,000 cases each year. Strong evidence also associates obesity with higher risk of cancers of the pancreas, uterus, prostate and ovary.

The Cancer-Obesity Link
Researchers predict that the epidemic growth in rates of obesity and overweight will cause cancer rates to soar 50 percent worldwide by 2020.

Why? Cancer is a complex disease, and many factors probably explain the increased cancer risk caused by excess weight. New findings suggest that fat cells constantly secrete a variety of hormones and other growth factors into the bloodstream. In obese and overweight individuals, greater amounts of these hormones and growth factors are continually pumped into the bloodstream. Cells are urged to grow and divide at an accelerated rate. Thus, according to this theory, the random mutations that can lead to cancer are more likely.

Are You at Risk?
How should you determine if you're at risk? Most of us know when we gain weight. Clothes no longer fit. The mirror becomes an irritating reminder, and the scale is permanently hidden under the bed.

Many of us, however, learn to overlook these signs. Fortunately, science currently offers two methods of assessing body weight. Neither is perfect, but they both tell you whether you need to take steps to control your weight and, consequently, lower your risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.

1. Body Mass Index (BMI) is one common method used to measure overweight and obesity levels. This BMI chart shows the range of healthy and unhealthy weights for different heights. (BMI may not be an accurate indicator for athletes, the elderly, children or people less than 5 feet tall.)
2. Waist Circumference is a second, complementary means of assessing possible risk due to excess body fat. Place a tape measure around your waist immediately above the tip of your hipbone. Measure right after exhaling. For women, a waist measurement of 35 inches or more indicates high risk. For men, the significant figure is 40 inches or more.

In most cases, the BMI and waist measurements will confirm each other. But some people with a BMI of 30 or below whose waist measurement indicates high risk should consider themselves at high risk.

Practice Precaution
Even if both of your measurements show that you're in a healthy range, don't become complacent. In our modern society, eating temptations abound. Remember that the easiest way to manage overweight is to never let it happen. After reviewing the existing research on the subject, a panel of scientists assembled by AICR concluded that everyone should avoid being overweight. They suggest limiting weight gain during adulthood to 11 pounds in order to reduce the risk of cancer.

If your BMI or waist measurement indicates excess weight, it's time to take steps to lower your risk for cancer and other chronic diseases. Forget about previous, unsuccessful attempts. Aim for a modest reduction. Even the loss of a few pounds will reduce the risk of disease.

A Healthy, Longer Life
If you're concerned about lowering your cancer risk and avoiding other chronic diseases associated with excess body fat, you should be concerned about your weight. All adults who have a BMI above 24.9 are considered at risk for premature death and disability.

By gradually incorporating AICR's recommendations into your daily habits, you should be able to reach and maintain a healthier weight. That will mean reduced risk for chronic diseases, a greater sense of well being and the pleasure that comes from regular exercise and varied, healthy eating.

AICR Diet and Health Guidelines for Cancer Prevention

1. Choose a diet rich in a variety of plant-based foods.
2. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits.
3. Maintain a healthy weight and be physically active.
4. Drink alcohol only in moderation, if at all.
5. Select foods low in fat and salt
6. Prepare and store foods safely.

Inpiring Recap of the 2007 Walk

I keep hearing that the Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk "will change your life" but what does that mean?

Well I was curious and I stumbled across this FABULOUS recap from Debs who walked last year in Arizona. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it got me really excited about participating this year. Here is a very touching paragraph from Deb's blog:

"These people waited out in the heat for everyone of us just to thank US for walking. When in fact it was them we were trying to thank. Families of breast cancer survivors thanking us for walking and making a difference. They came with a hope that due to the funds we raised and the miles we were putting in that there was a cure coming. They had hope. I had a child come and thank me for helping make their mommy get better. It was impossible to go through a cheer station and not be changed forever."

While reading Deb's synopsis I almost felt like I was there. The biker and safety crew pics are hilarious. It is wonderful that so many people in this world are willing to give so much for people they have never met before. Thanks Debs for inspiring me to walk this year!

My Top 10 Reasons for Walking in the Breast Cancer 3 Day

Some are silly and some are serious but these are my top 10 personal reasons for signing up for the 2008 Arizona Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk.

10. I pink puffy heart Reese Witherspoon and she supports the Breast Cancer Walks. Some of my favorite movies are Legally Blonde, Sweet Home Alabama, and Walk the Line. I could watch these movies over and over again. If Reese supports it I will support it.

9. I want a haute body like Mary and Lynda who walked in prior 3 Day Walks. These ladies are an inspiration to me. I inspire to be as kind, giving, and self-less as these women as well as be in top physical shape like they are. Anyone who can complete the 3 Day Walk during an Arizona summer like Lynda or not get a single blister after 60 miles like Mary deserve some respect. Thanks ladies for inspiring me to take on this challenge.

8. 10 million women around the world could die from breast cancer in the next 25
years without the cure, Susan G. Komen for the Cure is fighting every minute of every day
to save every life.

7. Pink is my second favorite color after purple.

6. Every woman is at risk for breast cancer – a disease that strikes at random and for which the causes and cures are still unknown – we know that every moment counts.

5. I've heard that it is an experience of a lifetime and I want to experience it for my self.

4. The people on the 3 Day website and in the brochures always look like they are having tons of fun!

3. Without a cure, 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will continue to be diagnosed with breast cancer – a devastating disease with physical, emotional, psychological and financial pain that can last a lifetime.

2. I want to walk for those who cannot be here to walk themselves like my grandmothers Luciana Lieber, a.k.a "Nona", who died from cancer in 1994, and Nina Erminger, a.k.a "Grandnina", who died from cancer in 2008.

1. I WANT TO DO SOMETHING BOLD. I WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!