Kristen Walks: You're Invited to the Breast Cancer 3 Day Preview Expo!

It appears that the dates and locations for the Preview Expos have been set for five of the first six Susan G. Komen 3 Day for the Cure events!

For those who are new to the Breast Cancer 3 Day, the Preview Expo is a half-day long event that takes place a few months prior to the actual 3 Day event. At the Preview, you will come together with all of the 3 Day walkers, crew and volunteers in your area to learn pretty much everything you need to know to survive the whole 3 Day experience. There are a series of helpful mini-clinics that take place throughout the day, covering everything from "What to Expect On the Event" to what to pack to nutrition, training, fundraising and team building. There are also exhibitors booths where you can visit 3 Day outfitters to ask any questions that you might have and to purchase any gear you might still need. Finally, you can talk to official representatives from the 3 Day about any concerns you might have, meet up with teammates, organize training walks and send mail to your teammates that they will receive on the event. As the 3 Day folks put it on their webiste, the Preview Expo is designed to get you inspired, informed and ready to hit the ground walking.

The dates and locations for all Preview Expo events can be found on the Calendar in your Participant Center by searching for "Preview Expo" events. There is one Preview Expo per 3 Day event and they are usually held in or around the city where the 3 Day event will take place. As of right now, it appears that the Expos for the Boston, Cleveland, Chicago, Denver and Michigan 3 Day events have been scheduled. Be sure to check back later for the Expo dates if you are taking part in one of the later events.

A special note: The Preview Expo is not limited to those people walking or crewing in that particular city. If you don't live close enough to the city where you will be participating, definitely check and see if there is a closer Expo that you can attend instead. I personally won't be able to attend the Boston Expo because I live in Atlanta. I'm hoping to attend the Atlanta event instead, provided that it's held before the Boston event kicks off. In addition, the Preview Expo is also open to friends and family members of 3 Day participants. This is a great opportunity to show your husband, parents, friends, etc. what this crazy 3 Day thing is all about!

Because I am a Boston walker, I wanted to specifically mention that the Boston Preview Expo will be held on Sunday, May 2nd from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Bentley University Conference Center in Waltham, Massachusetts. Directions can be found online through your Participant Center. According to the 3 Day website, the Boston Expo will feature:

ACTIVITIES

Win Prizes - Practice Tent Set-Up - Find a Tentmate - Make a Sign for the Route - Purchase 3 Day for the Cure Gear - Meet the Crew - Attend a Workshop - Join a Team - Meet 3-Day for the Cure Alumni - Write a Letter of Support (to another participant or yourself!) - Find a Training Walk - Meet Your Local Komen Affiliate

EXHIBITS

Outfitters - Tent Decorating Ideas - Packing Tips - 3-Day for the Cure in the News - Photos from 2009 - Education and Inspiration - Camping and Packing Tips

WORKSHOPS

Life on the 3-Day for the Cure - Attack the Pack - Injury Prevention - Blister Care - Crew 101

I highly recommend that all 3 Day walkers try to attend a Preview Expo prior to their 3 Day event. I went to the Atlanta Expo my first year and found myself newly motivated to attack both my training and fundraising with aplomb. I also found myself using many of the tips that I learned throughout my training and especially on the event. Oh, and I bought three different kinds of socks so that I could figure out which ones I liked the best! It is definitely a great way to prepare yourself and to re-energize your 3 Day spirit!