Countdown: 17 Weeks

Susan G. Komen 3-Day^® would like to thank New Balance, the official training partner of the Komen 3-Day, for sponsoring the Virtual Personal Trainer.

Your 24-Week Training Schedule for This Week

Skip to Your Fundraising Step of the Week: Teams and Power Teams

Training Tip of the Week: Rash
Rashes are difficult to interpret without actually seeing them. If you have a persistent rash or any other symptoms associated with a rash, see your doctor for evaluation. A discussion of all possible rashes is beyond the scope of this training tip, however, a common rash seen among walkers is a condition called “Capillaritis.” Many walkers develop a rash on their legs without any complaint of injury or trauma.

This rash may be slightly itchy but NOT associated with any lower leg swelling, shortness of breath, fever, chills, red streaks or pain. Capillaritis is a harmless skin condition in which there are small reddish-brown patches caused by leaky capillaries (very tiny blood vessels), primarily on the legs. The capillaries become inflamed, causing tiny red dots that look like cayenne pepper to appear on the skin.

The cause is unknown but this rash develops with prolonged impact activities such as walking. Blood thinning medications such as aspirin, non-steroidal medications such as Ibuprofen, and birth control pills may increase its occurrence. There is no known cure for most causes of Capillaritis. It usually disappears within a few weeks, but may recur. Legs with Capillaritis should be kept cool and protected from UV light. Reapply sunscreen to your legs every 2-3 miles or at each pit stop.

Repeated rubbing of clothing against the skin may cause a contact irritant rash. It usually is blotchy and red and can be itchy and burn. There usually are no other associated symptoms. Sweating can cause clothing that was previously OK to become an irritant. Use absorbent socks and clothing that remove moisture from your skin and remove damp sweaty clothing as soon as possible after exercise.

Check your walking outfits for seams that might cause a friction rub. Use petroleum jelly, body glide-like products or zinc oxide (Desitin) to prevent chafing in friction areas. Avoid perfumed lotions, deodorants or soaps that may increase your skin's sensitivity. Test your sunscreen on a training walk to see if it is irritating to your skin or your eyes.

Visit one of our 3-Day outfitters for discounts on shoes and apparel.

Your Fundraising Step of the Week: Teams and Power Teams
Form a team for support. Fundraising and training will be easier when you have a support system working with you. We’ve also found a direct connection between participants who join a team and fundraising success.

Ask your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers to register for the 3-Day as a team with you. Then submit the Team Request Form with your team name. Or search the 3-Day Friend Finder to find an already existing team you can join. A special Power Team legacy pin is given to each walker of any team that averages $3,300 or more raised per member.

P.S. Click here to add a daily training reminder to your Outlook calendar.

NOTE: Each 3-Day^® participant is solely responsible for all fundraising efforts in connection with his or her participation in the 3-Day, including compliance with all applicable laws. Before fundraising, be sure that your fundraising idea or event complies with all applicable rules and laws.

NOTE: The health, safety and training information provided to you in connection with your participation in the 3-Day is not intended to replace or be construed as medical advice and any such information is not a substitute for seeking medical advice or treatment from your medical provider. Before starting any exercise program or following any recommendations, advice or other instructions regarding training for the 3-Day, you should first consult a physician and have a physical examination.