It's Never to early to start training!

(Taken from the 3-Day Walker Handbook)

The Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure®  is an endurance-type athletic event. The more prepared you are, the better experience you will have. This training program was designed for someone who can already walk 3 miles at a 3 mph pace without difficulty. It is only a guideline. If you cannot currently walk 3 miles then start with 1 mile, build up over the next 2 weeks to a 3-mile walk and then join the program. If you can walk much further than 3 miles then you can skip down the program or wait until the program catches up with you. The key is to listen to your body. If you feel pain during or after a training session then you have done too much and should stop training and rest for a week. If things do not improve seek medical advice from your primary care provider.

This training program is geared to increase cardiovascular fitness and muscular endurance over 24 weeks. Remember: this schedule is offered as a guideline. If you can’t fit the entire walking schedule into your week, try to do as much as you can. The important thing is to increase your mileage safely. Good luck and have fun!

The 24 Weeks starts on Monday, April 23, 2012!!

3-Day COMMITMENT CLUB

Today I received an email from the 3-Day with this message! I must say, I am very proud to be inducted into the "COMMITMENT CLUB" because I am most definitely 100% committed to the cause!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Deborah,

Congratulations! You are now part of a very elite group of walkers who go the extra mile for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day™. Welcome to the 3-Day Commitment Club, and thank you for going above and beyond in your commitment to the 3-Day.

You are one of the shining stars of the 3-Day®, carrying on the promise that Nancy G. Brinker made to her sister more than 30 years ago, to find the cures to help bring an end to breast cancer.

The Commitment Club recognizes those 3-Day participants like you who have raised far more than their share for the 2012 3-Day season, or walkers who keep coming back year after year.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So... now I bet you are wondering what you can do to become a member of the COMMITMENT CLUB? Well, I got this because I have participated as a walker who raises $2,300 or more each year for three or more years, including the 2012 3-Day season.
For me it was 2008, 2010, & 2011! and for 2012 my personal goal is $6,900! I may even shoot for the COMMITMENT CLUB+ and raise over $10,000 for 2012! Always have to "REACH FOR THE STARS!"

It's Only 60 Miles... Want to go for a walk?

It's done and I am very proud of the outcome! Take a look and please leave comments. If you really LIKE please order a copy! All proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure!

It's Only 60 Miles... by Deborah J. Smith | Make Your Own Book

COMING SOON... "It's Only 60 Miles... "

I sat down in front of my computer one day, having just finished working on a gymnastics book for my daughter and her best friend (Gymnast Don't Break) and it hit me... I want to do a 3-Day book!

This year I did my third Komen 3-Day and I wanted to do something that would commemorate my journey and experience.  I had such a great and easy time working on the book previous books that I had done.. I thought that maybe I should try one for the 3-Day and this time -- add words!  I'm not the best writer in the world (but you kinda already figured that out right?) but I can put a story together with photos, so my new book (coming real soon) will be a combination of both.  I'm going to take a look inside me and pull out (as best I can) my thoughts, feelings, and memories of three very special women -- the reasons why I walk.  This is most definitely a labor of love, but it is also totally rewarding. I am putting on the finishing touches and hope to have it done by the end of the month.  So stay tuned and check back here often for the release date!

All proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure through my participation in the 2012 3-Day for the Cure walk -- Washington, DC!

Stay tuned!

Waiting for 2012...

Well, it's over and I think I am going through withdrawal!  The buildup to the 3-Day is always so exciting and full of joy & anticipation.. then the event happens and it is pure happiness.. but then it done.. closing ceremony is over, the bag is picked up and we are in the car headed home.  Now What?

I always feel such a "low" after being on such a "high" for so long.  I really really miss the 3-Day.  So the question is now that it's been 2 weeks since the walk.. what do I do now.... hmmm?

Well, I've already registered to work CREW in ARIZONA for 2012 and I am so freaking excited!  This will be my first crew and I can't wait.  I know its gonna be hard, but I am so up for and looking forward to the challenge.  I've done the 3-Day three times already but never from the "other" side.  I can't wait!

I am the featured TRAINING WALK LEADER in the 3-Day August Newsletter!

Meet a Training Walk Leader
Deborah from Clinton, MD

I made the decision to walk in my first 3-Day (Washington, D.C. - 2008) after losing my best friend (June 2007) and aunt (Aug 2007). I knew my grandmother had died from breast cancer when I was younger and I had participated in many Race for the Cure® events in her memory, but when I lost Tania and Aunt LaJuan so close together something inside of me snapped and I knew I needed/wanted to do something more.

I decided to become a training walk leader this year because I wanted to share my 3-Day experience with others and help to motivate and educate as many as possible. I walk with many friends and family members and have started a small walking group with some of the moms at my daughter's gymnastics center. I thought, "Why not take it a step further and help other 3-Day walkers train, too?"
Fundraising Tip: Ask, ask, and ask again! You will find that more people want to/will donate, but they just want to be asked. Ask anyone and everyone. Never make an assumption about what a person can or can't do. The one that you think can't may be the one who can!
Training Tip: Start early and don't stop. Plan walking into everything you do. Park further away at the mall or restaurant or train station. Get up from your desk and go for a 30-minute walk at lunch. Walk to the store if possible. Just walk. Purchase your walking shoes early and wear them while training. Don't forget to buy more than one pair (just in case), and break them BOTH in.
Training Walk: Saturday, August 13, 8.95 miles at White Plains Golf Course http://www.the3day.org/site/GetTogether?cal_event_id=269343&gettogether=event_main&page=event_main&cal_invitee_id=&cal_activity_id=1162

8.5 Mile Training Walk - Saturday June 25, 2011

White Plains Golf Course to La Plata

This is an 8.5 Mile training walk. We will be starting at the White Plains Golf Course (White Plains, MD), and following the bike/jog/walking trail (asphalt) to the Giant in LaPlata, MD. There are moderate hills throughout the walk.
We will take a "pit stop" at the Giant in LaPlata (4.25mile) for a bathroom break, rehydrating, and stretching before heading back. 

We will be meeting in the top parking lot of the White Plains Golf Course (in front of the clubhouse) and will do a 10 min stretch session, review safety tips, answer any questions before starting out on the walk.  Each walker will be required to complete the Training Walk Waiver prior to the walk. 

It's summertime and will be warm -- (high for the day is expected to be around 87). Remember to bring your water/gatorade and a light snack. Hydration and "energy" are super important when doing distance walking. Be sure to always have your ID with you and you may want to bring a small amount of money if you are going to need to purchase drinks/snacks at the Giant.

For a map of the walk... go to WALK MAP

Komen Maryland Volunteer Training!

I am so excited!  Tomorrow I will be at Komen Maryland for my training to be a Volunteer!  I know you are wondering what training do you need to volunteer, but oh there is so much to learn.

(from the Komen Website)

"Komen Maryland relies heavily on many irreplaceable volunteers to carry out our mission in Maryland. Volunteers not only assist in planning and organizing the Race for the Cure®, but they also serve on various committees, plan educational events, and help our staff on special projects around our office. Through countless hours of tireless work and dedication, Komen Maryland’s volunteers are the ambassadors that carry the Komen Vision of “A World Without Breast Cancer” into our communities. "

As you can see there is a lot to be done and that means there is a lot to learn!
I also will be having "Ambassador" training.  As an Ambassador for Komen...

"Komen Ambassadors will help spread the message of the important work of Komen Maryland and how it is directly affecting their communities. Ambassadors represent Komen Maryland at a variety of community events by verbally presenting facts about Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Maryland Affiliate. Publicly thank supporters and donors while explaining how their support is helping to end breast cancer and affect their local community. Maintain understanding of history, mission, and impact of Komen Maryland, and be able to explain to others."

so, yeah, there is a lot to learn and I am ready to learn it all! 

TRAINING TIP...

BOWLING FOR BOOBS!

Saturday, May 28, 2011

4:00pm - 7:00pm (bowling)

AMF Waldorf Lane

11920 Acton Lane

Waldorf, MD 

TICKETS:  $20 (includes shoes)

(must be purchased by Friday, May 20th!)

Join me for an afternoon of fun & bowling!

This is a fundraiser to help me raise money for the 3-Day!

I walk 60 miles, Sleep in Tents, Shower in Trucks & use PortaPotties for 3Days...

all to help raise awareness and funds so that we can one day

FIND A CURE FOR BREAST CANCER!

Fundraising Challenge... April 20 - May 4!

Yesterday I received an email from the lovely folks from Susan G. Komen 3 Day for the Cure. They are starting a fundraising challenge...it runs for two weeks, till May 4th.
     The first 50 people to raise $585.00 will receive a pink ribbon iPod touch, specially made for 3 Day Walkers. The $585.00 is in addition to money already raised up until this point. The reason they chose $585.00, is because the average 3 Day Walker will walk 585 miles between training and the actual event! Isn't that AMAZING??? So far I am up to about $120 today.
     If you have been thinking about supporting me in the 3 DAY, this would be a great time to donate. Click HERE to check out my donation page. And if you need a little inspiration - or wonder why we walk...watch this video...and THANK YOU!!!! This will be my 3rd Walk in 4 years. You are making a difference!!!

24 Week Training Program... Ready, Set.. Walk!

(Taken from the 3-Day Walker Handbook)

The Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure®  is an endurance-type athletic event. The more prepared you are, the better experience you will have. This training program was designed for someone who can already walk 3 miles at a 3 mph pace without difficulty. It is only a guideline. If you cannot currently walk 3 miles then start with 1 mile, build up over the next 2 weeks to a 3-mile walk and then join the program. If you can walk much further than 3 miles then you can skip down the program or wait until the program catches up with you. The key is to listen to your body. If you feel pain during or after a training session then you have done too much and should stop training and rest for a week. If things do not improve seek medical advice from your primary care provider.

This training program is geared to increase cardiovascular fitness and muscular endurance over 24 weeks. Remember: this schedule is offered as a guideline. If you can’t fit the entire walking schedule into your week, try to do as much as you can. The important thing is to increase your mileage safely. Good luck and have fun!

The 24 Weeks started on Monday, April 11!

1st Official Training Walk ===> HUGE SUCCESS!!

OMG!!!  I am sooo excited!  Today was FANTASTIC!
I hosted my first official training walk and it was a HUGE SUCCESS!!! 

      When I registered to become a training walk leader, I just wanted to "help others get ready for the 3day".  I enjoy walking so much, and I thought it would be great to share my excitement and experiences with others that are walking or may be planning on walking in the 3day.  So, I registered, got my training and became a training walk leader.

      Well.. I knew I had to post at least one walk a month (that's part of the requirements to stay an active leader) and my schedule is sooo crazy busy.. I was a little worried about getting in my first walk.  When I realized that this weekend was going to be "free" I thought.. well.. if I'm gonna walk anyway...might as well post it and make it a training walk.. and I did.

      I went on "MapMyWalk" and found the trail that we (me, Candice, & LeeAnne) walked the previous weekend and "extended" it a bit.  When we did it, we only went out 2.5 and turned back.  I wanted this to be a bit more challenging so I made it 4.25 miles out planning on looping back to our starting point.  Once I got everything planned out, I went to my my 3Day training page and posted my first official walk.. AND PRAYED!  I didn't know if I would get anyone to register.  I mean it was 7 days away and that isn't a lot of notice.  AND I PRAYED.... Then I when to the "share" list on the 3Day site, did a search for participants in the "area" and sent them (100) invitations to join my walk.. AND PRAYED!  What if nobody RSVP'd?  Oh man, there would be nothing worse than posting a walk and having no one show up.... AND I PRAYED!  Then I thought.. got to get the word out so I posted a link to the walk on my FaceBook page and Tweeted it... I was going to make sure someone knew I was doing this and wanted/needed walkers to join me... AND I PRAYED!

      Then... it happened... I got my first RSVP!  YEAH BABY!!!  I was sooo excited and what made it even better.. it was my girlfriend Rhonda!  How cool is that?  My first walk and my first RSVP is a friend!  COOL!  Then came another, and another, and another, and before I knew it.. 9 people (7 strangers & 2 friends) had registered for my walk!  I DID IT!!!  I was going to be hosting my first walk and there were going to be people there!  I knew LeeAnne & Candice were going to be walking with me, but now I had a GROUP!

       So this morning.. I drop off Alexis at practice, pick up LeeAnne and Tonya, Wanda and Annette join us too!  My group just got bigger!  YEAH!!  We get to the meeting spot (golf course) and there are some of the walkers there already... YEAH!!  I introduce everyone, pass out the "waiver" and we all "mix & mingle" as we are stretching.  I go over the safety and security guidelines of the walk.. tell them a little about me.. and we are ready!  It's 8:50 am and I have 14 people (more than what originally registered) ready to walk with me!  Oh wait... here comes one more!

      So.. at 9:00am we were walking!  Perfect walking weather.. not to hot, a little chilly, not raining, with a light breeze!  Couldn't have asked for anything better!  Everyone was happy & upbeat and I was ecstatic!  This is just what I hoped for and wanted and it was happening!     When we got to our "turnaround" spot (Giant in LaPlata) my husband was there with "snacks" and "drinks" (banana's, granola bars, and Gatorade)!  FANTASTIC!  The ladies were happy to see him I think and it was a nice "break"... time to "pee" and "refuel" and KEEP IT MOVING!  We were back on the road headed back to the golf course around 10:35 -- but wait... got to take a group picture!

My first training walk group!

Now we are on our way!  4.25 miles back to the beginning!  Everyone was doing fantastic and we were walking at a great pace.  I was the only "experienced" 3Day walker in the group.  For everyone else.. this was going to be their first time.  That was great... I tried to answer as many questions as I could about the 3Day and what it was like.  Gave some of my ideas and suggestions on fundraising and how to meet your goals, and just tried to make everyone feel comfortable, relaxed and happy. 

      When we made it back to the golf course it was 11:35 and we were done!  2hours and 35 min (including the pit stop) and we walked 8.5 miles!  AWESOME!!!!!  I was super happy and very proud of everyone!

      The "icing on the cake" so to speak was when we got back and one of the ladies asked me, "So are you going to do this again next weekend?"  WOW!!!  They liked it so much they want to come back and do it again!  YES!!!!

So, with this first one done and a success... it's official...

I AM A SUSAN G. KOMEN 3-DAY FOR THE CURE

 TRAINING WALK LEADER....

let the walking continue!

1st Official Training Walk -

It's official... I've created and posted my first official training walk!  I'm super excited and hope I get a good turnout!  Check out my training walk page, and register to join me on this walk.  It's gonna be a lot of fun!

8.5 Mile Training Walk - White Plains Golf Course to La Plata (out and back) - Sat, April 9, 2011

This is an 8.5 Mile training walk. We will be starting at the White Plains Golf Course (White Plains, MD), and following the bike/jog/walking trail (asphalt) to the Giant in LaPlata, MD. There are moderate hills throughout the walk. We will take a "pit stop" at the Giant in La Plata (4.25mile) for bathroom break, rehydrating, and stretching before heading back. 

Can I be a Volunteer?

     Sometimes I do things and don't think about them until after I do them.  (Yes, I really did say that out loud and admitted to it!)  Well, I did it again, but this time, there are no regrets, second thoughts, or wondering.  This time.. this was right!
     I woke up one morning, a few weeks ago, and there was something heavy on my heart.  I don't know if I can explain it, but it was something that had been in my head and heart for a long time (a really really long time).  You know that feeling that is inside of you that you just can't get rid of.  You try to ignore it, reason through it, rationalize it.. but it doesn't go anywhere.  Yeah, that's what this was.  I had this feeling in my heart that I needed to do more. I needed to try to make a difference.  I needed to VOLUNTEER.
    OK.. so it's no secret that I am passionate about Breast Cancer and the need to educate, inform, and hopefully one day find a cure!  Ummmm... that's what this blog is all about right?  Well, I've done things over the years (you may have even gotten an email or 2 from me).. but on this particular morning I had the feeling that I needed to do more!
     So on this particular day, I made a decision.  A decision that I think in the long run will change me and my life.  I went online to the Susan G. Komen website and looked for an affiliate office in Maryland.  I knew there was one, but I wasn't sure if there was one close to me.  You know you do it too.. you want to "volunteer" for something, but it needs to be "convenient" to your house or work. Heaven forbid you have to "travel" to volunteer right?  :)  Anyway... so I went online and searched the Komen website for the "closest" affiliate to me.  Well, at first I thought it would be in DC.  OK.. not to far right?  I mean I work in the city and could get there right after work.  Perfect!  Uuuuuhhhhmmmm... NO!  The affiliate for Maryland is in Towson, MD.  OK... so if you are not from the area you may not know where that is... near Baltimore!  Yup, it's about 1hour away from me (on a good day with no traffic!)  WOW... hmmmm OK.. so this means if I am going to volunteer, I would be driving on average 2 hours each time (to get there and back).  Did I really want to do this?  I mean, I've been "talking" about volunteering for a while, but never have... so if I change my mind now .. who will know?  I WOULD!
    So.. I clicked on the link for the Komen Maryland affiliate office, went to the "Volunteer Center" and clicked on "Volunteer Application".  I printed it, looked at it, put it down, picked it up, put it down again, and then picked up my pen and started writing!  DONE!  I made a copy (just in case) and took it home.  OK.. so now I just had to mail it (if you know me.. I am not very good at putting things in the mail). So, if I was really going to do this.. I had to give it to the one person that I knew would make sure it would get mailed.. my husband!  DONE!
    And the waiting begins.  Will they read my "application" and feel that I am "qualified" to be a Komen Volunteer?  I mean, yeah, I've done the walks and races, but is that enough?  What were they looking for?  And I wait.  Are they going to send me a message?  Will I get a call?  And I wait.  And then it happens... I GOT AN EMAIL!!  YEAH!!!!  They want me, they want me!!  OK.. so next steps.. reply to the message, schedule the phone call... and get this process started!
    Well, yesterday (Thur 3/31) I had my "phone interview" with Komen Maryland.  It was great!  She was so supportive and encouraging.. and "WANTED" to hear my story.  I think she was just as excited as I was to talk about being a volunteer.  The call went great, and now I'm getting ready to take the official "training workshop" in May.  After that ... I will be an official Komen Maryland Volunteer!
   So.. that feeling that I had in my heart.. that feeling of needing to do something... yeah it's still there. but now it's a little different feeling.  Now it's a feeling of.. .DOING!  Yup,  I've decided to step up my game and put my body where my mouth was... I'm going all in... I am making a commitment to do all I can do to help spread the word, educate, inform, and support ....
I AM VOLUNTEERING!!

Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure Ambassador & Training Walk Leader 

Komen Maryland Volunteer

  

 

Evening

Now I lay me down to sleep

between this dance of dusk and dawn

The heavens rejoice as souls do speak

 of an angel that did not belong

She denounced her wings to be born on earth,

to endure the suffering of life;

She blessed this world then had to return, 

to her home in the evening sky.

I dreamt of her the night she left

and sought the face of God;

He simply smiled and wiped my tears, 

As he spoke these words out loud

"There will be questions that remain unanswered,

with little reasons why

If you should seek solace and understanding

just look toward the evening sky."

Written by Christie Mack  for Tania's funeral

Let the Training begin...

     I've said it before, and I'll say it again.. the best way to train for a 60 mile walk (or any distance walking event) is to just WALK!
     OK.. so now that I've said it again (and will keep saying so get used to it)... that is just what I did this weekend.  Yeah, it was supposed to snow (and it did a bit) but you know what... you never know what the weather is going to be like on the 3-Day so you have to be prepared for anything.  
     Saturday (3/26/11) started off great and I woke up in a fantastic mood.  Maybe it's because I got to sleep until 8:30 (yeah that's late for me even on the weekends) and felt totally rested and revived!  I decided that it was the perfect day to go for a walk so I got up, dressed and headed out.  Oh yeah, I was so right!  It was beautiful!  Perfect walking weather... a little chill in the air, bright sun & clear skies!  PERFECT!!  Wanna know what made it even better... my son walked with me!  Yup, even at 15 (and 1/2) he WANTED to go for a walk with me.  Just us!  It was great.  I don't think he realized how far we were going to walk at first, but once we got started and started talking... it was all good!  Check out some of the pictures from our walk... isn't it just beautiful!
     Sunday (3/27/11) started off great too!  Woke up to some snow on the ground (yeah.. .snow in the end of March!) and bright sun.  I got my early morning blessings (best way to start the day) and then got my day started.  Of course there was housework to do (isn't there always), but I was determined to get out and get walking... so that's just what I did.  Always in search of a new and exciting place to walk, today I decided to stay "close to home" and combine my walk with "errands".  So... my husband dropped me off at the start of my walk (near Cosca Regional Park), I started my "pedometer" program on the I-Phone, turned on the I-Pod (hooked into the speakers ... never walk with headphones in your ears!!) and got to walking!  My husband drove ahead and marked the walk route I was going to do (mileage checks) and send me text messages for landmarks and mileage checkpoints).  Again..it was another beautiful walking day!  Crisp chill in the air (OK, actually it was a little on the cold side), bright sun (had my shades on) and bright skies!  Just like on Sat (but without my guy) I enjoyed the outdoors and fresh air.  Got some great pics of the signs of spring -- flowers and more -- and had some great "me" time.  I walked a total of 4 miles and felt fantastic!
     So... logged a total of 7.5 miles this weekend.  Not a bad way to start my training I think.  It felt good to get out there and get moving again.  The warmer it gets the more walking I get to do... and I am ready!
Let the TRAINING BEGIN......

Happy Saturday...
I just finished my first training walk ... 3.5 miles and it felt GREAT!!
Beautiful way to start the day. I'm so happy the weather is changing and I'll be able to get out more and do more walking. Time to start mapping out some training walks to post to the 3-Day website.
Check back soon...

I Lost My Best Friend to Cancer

My dear friend, will you ever understand

All the love I had for you

You always gave so much compassion

To everyone you knew.

Your heart was full of kindness

Your soul was filled with peace

Your faith could not be shaken

Your light will never cease.

Your joy flowed like a fountain

So refreshing everyday

So clean, so pure, so simple

Like the rain that falls in May

Your smile was like the sunshine

As fresh as any flower

You had a heart as big as Texas

And yeah.. strong as any tower.

You praised GOD for each and every hour

For each and every day

You lived your life to its fullness

And always took the time to pray.

There were so many acts of kindness

You spread throughout the years

A hug was always waiting

For everyone you held dear.

You had such a love for basketball

And of course your MaryKay business too

Unending love for your family

And those special friendships too

A husband, son, daughter and identical twin

Really.. That's just naming a few

So many other people

Now miss you like I do.

Now I don't get your emails

On my screen each day

Through all those years of writing

Yeah... we always found a way.

You traveled through the valleys

Your eyes fixed on the sky

Like Job found in the Bible

You never questioned why.

GOD took you to His mansion

WOW... what rejoicing there must be

When HE took away your cancer

HE set your spirit free!

  

I Love & Miss you T!

It's official... I am a Training Walk Leader for the Washington DC 3-Day!!! Just finished my training and signed my agreement...now just a couple of things left and I can start planning and posting walks!!

"Thank you for stepping up to lead official training walks for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure"

Cold, Rain, Heat, Humidity, or a perfect weather day... Doesn't matter... It's time to walk!

Team Captain

Training  Walk Leader

Strong and Content....

"Henceforth I Wimper No More,
Postpone No More,
Need Nothing...

Strong and Content
I Travel
The Open Road"

-Walt Whitman

And now we are 4...

Welcome to the newest member of TJs Angels... Elizabeth Meeker Heuvelman! Elizabeth registered today for the WDC 3-Day and is now an official member of our team. It's so much fun when you get to walk with friends.

I haven't met Elizabeth yet (bet you would have never know that huh?) but she is a friend of Kelly's and I just love Kelly to death. Wait.. you haven't met Kelly yet have you?

Sorry, Kelly Imhof is an "ANGEL" and will be walking in her 2nd 3-Day with me this year. Last year (2010) Kelly joined me for her first walk and (I think I can safely say) she was as much in love with the walk as I was. We met through (what else) our daughters. They did gymnastics together and over the years Kelly and I became friends. She is such a joy to be around.. even when she is "not happy with the world" she has the most pleasantness about her. We "tented" together last year and you know when you sleep in a 6x6 tent with someone outside in a park, you kinda get to know them pretty well. I mean there is all of about 2ft between you (if you are lucky) so... yeah you get "close"! :)

Well, let me tell you how happy I was when we got back from the walk and Kelly told me (I think it was within the 1st month) that she had already registered for the 2011 walk! BEFORE ME!!! WOW!!! So of course you know I went and registered the next day!

You will be seeing/reading a lot about Kelly over the coming months as we gear up for fundraising, planning and training walks.. and I know you will grow to love her as much as I do.

So... Kelly thanks for bringing Elizabeth along for the walk... can't wait to meet her!

Looking forward to 2012...

I know I haven't even done the 2011 walk yet, but yeah, I'm already thinking about registering and walking in 2012! Why? hmmmm.... why not? After my first experience with the 3-Day (back in 2008) I knew that I would be participating in this event... one way or another. Whether it was as a walker or as a crew member... I instantly knew that I needed to be a part of this event every year as long as I was able.

So I'm looking ahead to 2012, while still working on 2011. What happens in between.. I have no idea, but I bet it will be fabulous and life changing. Being part of this event does that to you (well it did it to me).

First an Ambassador... Now a Training Walk Leader!

When I was chosen to be a 3-Day for the Cure official Ambassador.. I was so excited!! I so love the 3-Day, what it does and what it stands for... and being chosen to be an Ambassador was very special to me! I don't know if they will ever need me to "do" anything.. but if they do... I'm there. You all know I talk about and wear my 3-Day gear with pride! I try and tell everyone that will listen to me about the 3-Day and what it means not only to me but to the community as a whole. 

Now.. I've registered to be an official 3-Day Training Walk Leader and I've been accepted! YEAH!!! So what does that mean you ask... (I know you are thinking it...) Well, as an "official" Training Walk Leader, I can/will create different training walks of different lenghts (from a short 3 mile to a nice long 15+mile) and post them to the official 3-Day training walk site. Walkers that are in the area can "sign-up" to join my walk and we will all "train" together. As the walk leader, I will be responsible for guiding and instructing the walkers on 3-Day walk "etiquette" and the "rules of the road". You would be surprised.. we don't just "get out there an walk" ... there are guidelines in place for our safety and as a Walk Leader, it will be my job to make sure the walkers know what they are and train properly. 

So to be an official walk leader, I just have to attend my official meeting to make get all of my information and instructions and to be sure that I am clear on all that I am responsible for as a walk leader. 

The weather is getting warmer and I am so ready to get outside I can taste it! I'm looking forward to now not only get to train with Kelly (one of my teammates), but to meet and walk/train with others in the DC/MD/VA area! How cool is that? PRETTY COOL I THINK!!

So... stay tuned.. there will be lots of "training walk" post coming! If you are on Facebook... please be sure to check out my page (http://www.facebook.com/deborahjean.smith) for constant updates and information about the walk.  Of course I'll be posting training walk information here on my blog too!

If you haven't already donated and would like to support my walk this year.. you can click on the link at the bottom of this message.

Thank you for your continued support of my journey. I know that one day with all of this walking.. we will find a cure.. I just believe!

Now... Let's get walking!!!!!

I've been picked....

along with a group of others..to be an official Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure AMBASSADOR! I am so happy and proud!
Wait..So.. what does that mean you ask? Well...
"As an Ambassador, you've committed to help raise awareness of the 3-Day for the Cure."
And raise awareness I will... with pride!

I Registered... now it's countdown time...

When you register almost 1 year before the walk, it seems like such a long time, but really.. when you think about it... it's just around the corner. 

• November 2010 - REGISTRATION!!!  I went to the 3-Day website (www.the3day.org) and registered for the 2011 Washington, DC 3-Day!
• December 2010 - The whole month is dedicated to Christmas, shopping, giving, sharing, spending time with loved ones and remembering those that are no longer here.
• January 2011 - ONLY 8 MONTHS TO GO....240 DAYS! 
• February 2011 - Valentines day. Wow can you believe the kids have been in school for 6 months already?
• March/April 2011 -- SPRING BREAK! Yup you heard me SPRING BREAK!! Dang, weren't we just doing Christmas shopping?
• May 2011 --- it's getting warm outside and time to move the training to the streets! Let's get outside and get walking... we've only go 5 months left!
• June 2011 --- END OF SCHOOL AND START OF SUMMER BREAK! (reminder... summer vacation is only 8 weeks long! -- sorry)
• July/August 2011 -- Enjoy the summer break while you can.
• End of August/September 2010 -- BACK TO SCHOOL! Oh yeah and only about 45 days until the walk!
• September 2011 --- it's almost time....
• September 16, 2011 - 7 days; 1 week; 168 hours until the start of the walk!

September 23, 24, 25 --- 
3 days
60 miles
100's of banannas
1000's of smiles
10,000's hot sweaty sore feet
1,000,000's of dollars raised 
1 cause & 1 cure = PRICELESS!!
Are you ready?