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!
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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!