Photos Are Up!

Joanne and Margie in Holding, about to participate in the Victory Walk to Closing Ceremonies

I have survived my first 3-Day for the Cure!  I am still sore, and I'm still a bit drained emotionally.  At the moment, I'm not sure if I will be doing it again next year, but I'm willing to bet that as my emotional tank re-fills, there is a good likelyhood that this will not be the last 3-Day Walk I do.

I am working on a write up of the entire event, which I will post here once I get it done.  In the meantime, you can enjoy the photos I took on the event that I put up on my Facebook page.

One Day To Go!

Short and sweet as I'm madly packing. Tonight I drive down to San Diego and tomorrow morning I will join many, many others to walk 60-miles over three days. I'm humbled and honored to have the support of so many awesome family and friends! Just wanted to get one last huge shout out to all of you who have supported me with your kind words, your donations, your willingness to listen. A super special thank you to my Hubby, without whom none of this would have been possible. Since the forcast is calling for almost definite rain most of the weekend in San Diego, I leave you with the following inspirational quote: "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain!"

(11/17/10)
Fundraising: $25.00, Total: $4,525.
Training: 1 hour of water aerobics

(11/16/10)
Fundraising: $28.00, Total: $4,500.00

1 Week To Go! - Thank YOU!!!

It's almost here! I can hardly believe it! I just yesterday printed my official credentials that I will use on the event. I laminated it and have it tucked away safely with my gear that I'm starting to put together to take with me.

Here's the amazing thing about all of this. YOU have helped me raise $4,472.00 to battle breast cancer. I was worried when I signed up for this that I fundraising would be hard. My friends and family made it painless and I feel so blessed to have such giving caring people in my life. That $4,472.00 will make a difference in the fight against breast cancer, especially when it gets combined with the millions that all of the other 3-day events this year have raised.

I am excited and nervous as this last week begins. I couldn't do this without all the support, both financial and emotional, that I've gotten from all of you. So a huge Thank you and giant round of applause for those of you who have taken this journey with me. We're almost there and I can't wait to report on the experience to all of you!

2 Weeks Out!

Wow! I've only got 14 days until this amazing event is actually here. I can hardly wait. And at the same time, I definitely need that time to get myself ready. I've come down with a terrible cold which has put my training on hold for right now, but better now than two weeks from now. I also need to pack. Anyone who knows me well, knows I obsess when I'm getting ready for a trip. There's so much more going on than a regular trip for this one that I really need to get that packing list finalized and put things together well in advance.

I did something a little impulsive back on October 25. I signed up to walk again next year! I was sort of waiting until after this year's event to make sure it was something I wanted to attempt again, but here I've gone and done it. It was prompted by the fact that a good friend of mine mentioned to me last night that she is definitely planning to walk with me next year. They have a promotion that if you sign up for the 2011 walk using the promotion code CURE2011, the registration fee is only $55 instead of $90 (a savings of $35) and they guarantee that is the best discount they will offer for the 2011 season. This promotion code is good for anyone who signs up between now and December 6th. So I'm all signed up and you can even join my team for next year if you are so inclined. The temporary URL for my 2011 page is http://www.the3day.org/goto/margie_dowens_2011 From there, click on "Register to Join Margie's Team" and use the promotion code to join me.

Here's a couple photos of my hat with the ribbon chain on it. There are still two more ribbons to be added before I go --- one of the many things I still need to do before the next two weeks are up. Thank you all so much for going with me on this journey.

Me in the hat 

My son modeling it for an overhead shot

(10/27/10)
Training: 2.5 miles in 42 minutes on treadmill, total miles: 284.5

(10/26/10)
Training: 4.0 miles on bike in 26 minutes and
1.5 miles in 27 minutes on treadmill, Total miles: 282.0

(10/24/10)
Training: 4.1 in 1 hour 27 minutes, Total miles: 280.5

(10/16/10)
Fundraising: $40.00, Total: $4,472.00
Training: 10.2 miles in 3 hours and 56 minutes, Total miles: 276.4

(10/15/10)
Training: 30 minutes on the stationary bike

(10/14/10)
Training: 42 minutes on the stationary bike
3.2 miles on the treadmill in 1 hour, Total miles: 266.2

2 1/2 Weeks to Go - Spectator Information

All of the following information for spectators came from: http://www.the3day.org/site/PageServer?pagename=SD_Spectator

Go there for the latest information! 
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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 him/her on the event.

Send letters to:
3-Day for the Cure
ATTN: INSERT NAME OF PARTICIPANT
P.O. Box 721237
San Diego, CA 92172

Envelopes only, please. No boxes or large packages. Mail must be postmarked no later than November 9 in order to ensure delivery at the 3-Day for the Cure 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 postmarked by the date above or retrieved by the participant by December 5 will be destroyed.

Organize a group to host your very own private cheering station. (Contact sroos@event360.com for more information.)

Organize a group of Camp Angels to assist participants with setting up and striking tents and unloading gear. (Contact aschwager@event360.com for more information.)

Send your participant sweet dreams with a personal note and a sweet treat delivered to their tent at camp. For a $10 donation, the staff of the Komen San Diego 3-Day for the Cure will hand-deliver a personal message from you (along with a small tin of mints) to a participant’s tent on the Saturday of the event, before bedtime. Follow this link for more information and to send a “Sweet Dreams” treat. This is only available for a limited time, so please make your “Sweet Dreams” treat donation by November 5th.

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, November 19

Del Mar Fairgrounds
2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
Del Mar, CA 92104

Schedule for the Day:

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

Directions:

From Interstate 5, take the Via de la Valle exit and head west (a left turn from the freeway exit if you are northbound; a right turn if you are southbound). Take Via de la Valle to Jimmy Durante Boulevard and turn left. The Fairgrounds will be on your right. Please enter the main gate. Please enter main gate to drop off bags and park. Long Term Parking please proceed on Via de la Valle and enter West Entrance via Solana Gate.

Cheering Stations

Public cheering stations are a great way to show your support along the route to encourage walkers and let them know that you are with them every step of the way. Seeing familiar faces cheering them on can provide that extra burst of energy that gets them to take that next step or go the next mile. Create banners, hold up signs, bring some music and make some noise - anything to make them smile, get energized and keep walking.

Please note that only registered participants with a valid event credential should be walking on the 3-Day route and utilizing the 3-Day pit stops. We ask that all supporters and spectators gather at cheering stations in order to show their support, and do not walk the route or drive along the route.

Friday, November 19

10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
UCSD Scripps Institute of Oceanography
8580 La Jolla Shores Drive
San Diego, CA 92037

12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Taylor Library 4275 Cass Street
San Diego, CA 92109

Saturday, November 20

7:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Robb Field - South
2525 Bacon Street
San Diego, CA 92107

9:30 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.
Robb Field - North
2525 Bacon Street
San Diego, CA 92107

10:45 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
South Mission
2600 Mission Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92109

Sunday, November 21

8:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
San Diego Visitor Information
2688 E Mission Bay Dr.
San Diego, CA 92109

11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater
2150 Park Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92101

On some portions of the route you may find some 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 his/her 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 4:00 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-Daythroughout and beyond the Closing Ceremony!

Sunday, November 21
4:30 p.m.
Petco Park
100 Park Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92101

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.

Directions:
From the North - Take 5 South, exit Imperial Ave. OR exit 10th Ave. (both lead directly to the stadium).
From the North - Take 163 South, exit 10th Ave.
From the East - Take 94 West to F St. Turn left onto 14th Ave.
From the South - Take 5 North to B St. Turn left on 10th Ave. OR 5 North, exit J St.

Parking - Suggested parking lots are at 10th and J, Imperial and 14th (Ace and 5 Star) and J and 13th.

Ride the Trolley - The Metropolitan Transit System Trolley network is an attractive option for those traveling from the north, east or south. The Gaslamp Quarter (5th Avenue & Harbor Drive) and 12th & Imperial Trolley Stations are located within two blocks of PETCO Park.

Take the COASTER - The COASTER train is a convenient way to travel from North County. Santa Fe Depot is the nearest station, about 20 minutes to the ballpark. Exit train station heading east on Market to 10th Ave, Right on 10th Ave. Check out schedules online at GoNCTD.com or call 511 and say "COASTER" for information.

MTS Buses - MTS provides limited service on routes 3, 4, 5, 11 & 901.

For additional Trolley, bus (Breeze & MTS), COASTER train information, please visit www.sdmts.com.

Taxi Services:
Orange Cab: 619-223-5555
Yellow Cab: 619-444-4444

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 2011!