The time has come.  All these weeks of fund raising, preparing, walking, walking and more walking will culminate in a three day journey of a lifetime beginning this Friday.  I feel both unprepared and ready as I’ll ever be.  I mean, it seems I’ve done nothing but train and prepare for the past six months, but injuries have prevented me from really training as much as I should have.  This worries me.  But, talking with other walkers along the way have reassured me.  They tell me the most important part is done.  We’ve raised funds and we’ve raised awareness for breast cancer research.  The 60 mile walk is just icing on the cake and there will be no shame in taking a few sweep vans.

San Diego 3 Day For The Cure Cheering Stations

I will forever love anyone who comes out to cheer on the walkers!  This is such a life-changing event for the walkers.  Don’t think for one moment that this is easy for anyone.  We need your support, San Diego!  Come out and CHEER!

Opening 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 GOING!

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

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.

While at Home

Something to think about if you have a family member walking:

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.

I Am A Pink Warrior!

I am going to leave you today with The 3-Day For The Cure anthem, Pink Warrior by Candy Coburn.  I dare you not to get goosebumps or even get a little teary eyed listening to it.  It sums up nicely what we are all here doing.