What's the difference between a half marathon and the 3 day?

Ok, other than the actual milegae involved overall (13.1 miles compared to 60), what is the difference between walking (with a small amount of running) a half marathon and walking 1 day in the Breast Cancer 3 day walk?

In reality...a LOT. In the 3 day, we take frequent breaks (oh how I love the Pit Stops). We also have as much time as we need (as long as the sun is out) to finish. Ok so there are small considerations but there is AMPLE time to get to each stop and lunch.

I recently walked/ran the PF Chang's 1/2 marathon. It was my first. I will say it was a lot harder than the 3 day. We were given 4 hours from when the first group started to finish. That is not a lot of time. I have a tiny bladder (seriously, when pregnant they need to relocate my desk into the restroom-ugh) and if I'm drinking I need to stop. There were much less places to stop which created long lines and a serious delay. I was a bit frustrated that I felt so rushed to complete the event. As it ends up, I had to get bussed to the end (I'm slow what can I say). By having to get bussed, I was not going to be able to complete the ocurse and walk through the finish line. Well, this was unacceptable to me. I walked around and moved a baricade to get back on the course so I could finish. I ended up walking about 9 miles of the 13.1. Not too shabby for a first timer. However, had there not been such a rush, I know I could have finished all 13.1 miles.

There were similarities to the events however. The half marathon had its share of supporters. Mainly local cheerleaders but they were wonderful. There were also people is funny costumes. I don't know about you but I don't want to run (or walk) 13.1 miles with a tutu on! I give credit to those that do. I don't envy them their port-a-potty breaks though. :-)

I did enjoy both events and came across quite a few 3 day alumni walking in the half marathon. As one told me as we were crossing that finish line "This is a good training walk". Indeed it was.

I would love to do the half marathon again, and I guess to finish on time I need to either walk faster or run more, or drink less so I have to pee less. I did suggest to the organizers that they give a tad bit more time. I think more people would be able to finish and that is one heck of an accomplishment. I think more people would come back if they were not "rushed through" as I along with others felt.

Until then, I'll continue to walk the Susan G Komen for the Cure 3 day walk!