Countdown: 8 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: Advertise While You Walk

Training Tip of the Week: Asthma/Allergies
Allergic Rhinitis: An immunologic response that occurs after environmental exposure to an allergen. Most common symptoms include runny nose with clear discharge, postnasal drip, sneezing, itching of the nose and palate and coughing. Nasal congestion may occur as well as headache and fatigue. Training walks and the event course expose walkers to varied types of grass, trees, pollen and dust which can cause an allergic response. Sleeping in tents on grass fields may also stimulate allergies.

If you have experienced seasonal or situational allergic rhinitis, be sure to bring your allergy medications. Antihistamines (oral or topical, such as Benadryl or Actifed) are most commonly used. Second generation antihistamines such as Claritin or loratidine are less sedating. Nasal corticosteroids are effective but usually take 3 days to begin to work. The best treatment is to anticipate exposures and pre-treat before symptoms begin.

Exercise-Induced Asthma: Bronchospasm presenting with wheezing, coughing and/or chest tightness occurring during or after exercise is called exercise induced asthma. It can be seen in 40% of those with allergic rhinitis. Rapid breathing and mouth breathing decrease the body’s ability to warm and humidify air in the nose, throat and lungs. In some people this can cause constriction and inflammation of the lung passages. Beta agonist inhalers such as Albuterol or Proventil can decrease these spasms. 2 puffs, 15 minutes before exercise, should help you for 3 to 4 hours. However, for longer exercise periods such as the 3-Day^® or a long training walk, which could be 8 hours, a longer acting medication such as Salmeterol or an inhaled corticosteroid should be used. If you are experiencing asthma symptoms during or after exercise, consult your doctor for evaluation. If you normally use an Albuterol inhaler with exercise, be sure to carry it with you on your training walks or discuss changing your medication to the longer acting Salmeterol. Do not put your rescue inhaler in your luggage.

Allergic Reactions: If you have allergic reactions to bee stings, mosquitoes, insects or foods, rapid treatment with antihistamines or epinephrine is best. Be sure to carry your own epinephrine pen on your training walks and the event.

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

Your Fundraising Step of the Week: Advertise While You Walk
While out on a training walk, wear a 3-Day T-shirt and stop in every business along your route. Ask local companies to sponsor your efforts and in return you offer them logo or name representation on a T-shirt you will wear on the event.

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.