Training & Then Some

Preparing for the Susan G Komen 3-Day for the Cure takes lots and lots of training. How do you get that training? Well, you can RSVP to training walks through the Participation Center under Train/Training Walks. There are several to choose from, all over the place and new ones are added daily.

I did that very thing to attend a training walk with my team captain. While we were on this walk, a woman stopped us and asked if we were walking the 3 Day. We said we were and she handed us $20!! She is a breast cancer survivor. She also walked a few years back, but can't walk anymore, so she took our information so she pass the word around so her friends can donate to our team!!

So, not only did we get almost 5 miles in training completed, but we got donations as well!! It really does pay to wear very PINK clothes, walk in groups, and not be afraid to talk people on the street. Spreading the word about what we are doing and why is one of the most important things we can do!!!

Thanks for reading! ~ Deanna

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Gaining Mileage

I read somewhere that an average walker in a Susan G. Komen 3-Day Event will walk somewhere in the neighborhood of 585 miles (or somewhere there about) while training and on event. Don't quote me on that though, because I don't remember where I read it, all I know is that I think it can be true. I haven't even really begun the "official" training yet, and I have already logged 11 miles or so, not including the LONG walks I have been taking with my dog (he can walk about a mile before he lays down).

I have another 181 days to go, so if I keep up this pace, I should be somewhere in the neighborhood of 500 miles. Pretty daunting when you think of it in big chunks, but when I look at what I've walked, it doesn't seem all that far.... especially if I have the right company!

This walk was taken with my husband, who would have pushed me to go further if dinner time didn't get in the way!

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Thanks for reading! ~ Deanna

My First Donation!

So yesterday, I finally sent out my first group of fundraising letters.

I was so worried about the reactions at first, but decided that this is too important to get hung up on what "might" happen and just worry about what "does" happen. IF (see, it is a very big IF...) I get anyone complaining about my journey, I will just explain to them what is in my heart and go from there. Nothing can compete with love, so I think I am all good there!

And this morning I woke up to find DONATIONS!!! I am so very blessed and grateful!!! (Thanks Aunt Sarah!)

With this new found confidence, I have also decided to write a press release and send it to the local paper, in the hopes that my community will also support me in my journey! Here's hoping! :)

Thanks for reading! ~ Deanna

Another Walk Under My Belt!

Yesterday, my husband decided to help me with my training, and took me for a wonderful walk through the park.

Our walk wasn't an official training - like the ones you can find on the3day.org website, but I did walk over a mile with some changes in elevation.... all good in my book!

Thanks for reading! ~ Deanna

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The Fundraising Letter

Here I am struggling to write my fundraising letter.

I have two obstacles:

1. Asking people for money is something I don't do easily. As an accountant, I know how money works, and how the lack of it affects others. Yet, as part of my journey, I also know that money raised is used to support research, breast cancer patients, screenings, and education that the Susan G. Komen foundation is known for.

2. As a Catholic involved with the Church, I find myself in the midst of controversy. The Catholic Church had to pull their support of Susan G. Komen due to their involvement with Planned Parenthood. In my dealings with the Susan G. Komen 3-Day, I have learned that the INTENTION of their involvement with Planned Parenthood is to screen women who are at a greater risk for breast cancer due to lack of medical insurance and abortion. Now, while I agree with the church in that abortion is wrong, I will not ask another woman to carry my beliefs, as I am not in their shoes. But, I also agree with the Susan G. Komen Foundation's support of screening women in a place where they are receiving medical care - even though that medical care caused their higher risk.

What do I say to my family who agree with the Catholic Church? How to do I ask people who don't have a lot of money to help me reach my goal of raising $2,300?

I am working on it, but it is slow going.... so slow!

Thanks for reading! ~ Deanna