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!
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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.

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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