Countdown: 14 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: Throw a Pink Party

Training Tip of the Week: Medications
Exercise can potentiate the effects of medications and increase possible side effects. Discuss your current prescription and over-the-counter medications with your primary care physician, even if you take them only as needed. The following medications can be especially affected by a 60-mile walk. Blood Pressure Medications: Diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide, lasix, furosemide) may cause electrolyte imbalances, dehydration and potentiate the risk for heat illness. Discuss stopping your diuretic, decreasing the dosage or changing the medication during the 3-Day^®.

Anti-inflammatory Medications: May cause gastrointestinal irritation such as heartburn, diarrhea or even stomach bleeds. They also can cause kidney injury and lower leg swelling. The stress of exercise can increase these side effects. Do not exceed the recommended dosage of 2 tablets of ibuprofen (400 mg. every 8 hours) or 1 tablet of Naprosyn (225 mg. every 12 hours).

Diabetic Medications: Insulin and sulfonylureas, which increase insulin in the body, can increase the risk of lower blood sugars during and after exercise. Know the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar (shakiness, blurred vision, difficulty walking or problems concentrating). Be prepared for low blood sugar by carrying 15 grams of carbohydrate with you when you exercise (2 glucose tablets, 1 small box of raisins or 5 lifesavers). Test your blood sugar before and after exercise. If it is less than 100 mg/dl before exercising you may need to eat 15 grams of carbohydrate. Estimate an expenditure of 100 cal/mile and plan your medications and food accordingly. If you experience low blood sugar, talk to your doctor about changing your medication or food needs.

Diet pills or Energy pills: Most diet medications are stimulants that contain pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine and/or caffeine. Even “herbal” products may contain Ma Huang, ephedra or derivatives of caffeine such as guarana. These drugs will increase your heart rate, heart palpitations and dehydration. None of these medications have shown any long-term weight loss effect. Avoid taking these drugs while training for the 3-Day.

Antibiotics: Certain antibiotics (Doxycycline, Minocycline, Tetracycline, Accutane) may increase your risk of sun sensitivity. Be sure to use extra sun block that has zinc oxide or titanium oxide as its active ingredient and also wear a wide brimmed hat.

Your Fundraising Step of the Week: Throw a Pink Party
Many past 3-Day walkers have had great success with a simple fundraising event that brings together friends for a good time and can result in big bucks. The idea is simple - pick your favorite activity, and add a breast cancer awareness theme. Ask for a suggested donation at the door, or per game or round, depending on the activity. Some past hits:

• Bowling for Boobs
• Dance Party
• Pretty in Pink Pageant
• Pink Poker
• Crop for the 3-Day (scrapbooking)
• Bunco for Breast Cancer
• Karaoke Contest

Visit the Fundraising Ideas Library today to read about these ideas and many more. Then pick your favorite activity and your favorite party guests, and plan your party today.

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.