Countdown: 15 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: Ask 10 Local Businesses for a Donation

Training Tip of the Week: For Those Who Are Pregnant
Walking is a great exercise for you to continue with during pregnancy. Studies have shown that continuing to exercise during all three trimesters of pregnancy can improve your sense of well-being, decrease your risk of postpartum obesity, and decrease your recovery time after delivery. Some studies have shown shorter labor times, lower caesarean rates and children with higher neuro-developmental scores at 1 and 5 years of age in mothers who exercised during their pregnancy.

Having said all of this, you should speak with your obstetrician prior to participating in the 3-Day^® during your pregnancy. Most normal, uncomplicated pregnancies will have no contraindication to walking. If you have never exercised, or are not a walker, now is not the time to train for a long walk.

There are several changes that occur to your body during pregnancy and a few tips to remember. Pregnancy increases your metabolic rate and you will burn an extra 300 kcal/day. This means that you will fatigue quicker than you did previously. It also is easier for your body to overheat. Be sure to walk early in the morning or late afternoon. If you are feeling hot, stop and rest in a cool place. Heat exhaustion and dehydration can stimulate premature labor. Listen to your body and don’t push yourself to the point of fatigue.

In addition, as you progress through your pregnancy there is an increase in the hormone relaxin. This hormone increases your flexibility to help your pelvis during labor. However, you can also overextend your joints while stretching or overstriding. Be sure to shorten your stride during walking and be careful not to overstretch.

Discuss your walking plan with your obstetrician. Have realistic goals of your participation in the 3-Day. A successful event does not have to include walking all 60 miles.

Your Fundraising Step of the Week: Ask 10 Local Businesses for a Donation
This week, carry a stack of 3-Day donation forms with you wherever you go. At every local business you frequent, ask for a donation. You probably visit more places than you realize - coffee shop, dry cleaners, dentist, doctor, hair dresser, ice cream shop, mechanic, school, restaurants, bookstore, etc. In exchange for the donation, offer to write the business’ name on a T-shirt you’ll wear on the event.

Print out your donation form from your Participant Center right now, then hit the streets. Just going about your normal schedule of errands for the day could bring you new donations.

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.