FitSugar

Sanya Richards Goes For Gold, Again!

FitSugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 03:30:00 PDT

If you don't already know the name Sanya Richards, then it's about time you learned about this 23-year-old amazing athlete.

Sanya Richards already achieved Olympic gold in Athens in 2004, but things have changed since then. In 2006 Richards was diagnosed with Behcet's Syndrome - a rare disease resulting from inflammation of the blood vessels, which causes pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joints (among other things). Despite her painful illness, Richards finished first in the 400-meter race during the US trials, and she's expected to medal in this Olympics.

I'm always thoroughly impressed with athletes just from their stamina and strength, but when they overcome hurdles that would make most of us throw the towel in, I'm in awe. Cheer on Sanya at the Olympics in Beijing that begin Aug. 8 - yay!

Source

Beginner's 5K Training Schedule

Susi May — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 11:13:49 PST

Running your first 5K race is a magical thing! You train, you run, and you realize you like the adrenalin of the race and crossing the finish line is a unique high. Many consider the 5K distance a gateway race; meaning completing this distance leads to other races. If you can run 3.1 miles why not try for 6.2 and compete in a 10K? Why not tackle a triathlon?

Since many of you listed running a 5K as one of your fitness goals for the 2011, I thought it best if you trained with a plan. Physical therapist and running specialist Julie Ann Dougery of the CMPC Running Clinic created this 5K training schedule just for FitSugar. Her goal is to help you run a 10-minute mile race and train injury free. Before starting this 11-week schedule, which starts on a Wednesday so you could start tomorrow, you should be able to run 20 to 30 minutes continuously without pain. The plan has you running three days a week, supplemented with cross training - but be sure to rest at least one day a week.

Check out the training plan.

How to Start: Work Up to Swimming a Mile

FitSugar — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 01:00:43 PST

If trying a triathlon is one of your fitness goal for 2011 don't be intimidated by the swim. I know many experienced runners and cyclist who harbor deep fears of the swimming. While getting your heart rate up in the water is completely different than sweating it out on land, running/biking and swimming complement each other nicely. Running and biking work the legs, swimming works the upper body, and all three build your cardio endurance. If you're ready to make friends with the pool, I have found a great beginner program to get you swimming a mile in six weeks.

Ruth Kazez's endurance building program, Zero – 1650: A Mile in Six Weeks, is to swimming what the Couch to 5K program is to running - I love fitness workout analogies.

Swimming, like running, takes some time to build up the endurance needed for lengthy workouts. With running the first benchmark is the 5k, and with swimming it's a mile, which I learned from Kazes is 1650 yards (1500 meters), not 1760 yards. Curious to see what the first workout looks like? Then

read more. Here's an example of the workout for the first week, which you should complete three times in seven days. 4 x 100 yards – rest for 12 breaths (total = 400 yards, or 16 laps* in a 25 yard length pool) 4 x 50 yards – rest for 8 breaths (total = 200 yards, or 8 laps) 4 x 25 yards – rest for 4 breaths (total = 100 yards, or 4 laps) Total: 700 yards *A swim coach at Equinox schooled me that a lap is the length of a pool in swimmer speak. I had previously thought it was there and back, but no. A lap is a length. I feel that twenty-eight laps are totally doable, right? Remember, that you take breaks between to catch your breath, which is similar to taking walking breaks when starting a running program. After swimming 100 yards, you take a rest to take 12 breaths. Then you repeat swimming 100 yards three more times, with breaks, until you complete the set. Each week you add 50 to 200 yards to your workout to slowly build up endurance and conquer the mile! Who's ready to take the plunge?

Clean H20 With Eye-Catching Water Filters

Heather Dale — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 11:05:02 PDT

Embracing Spring by adding some fresh fun colors into your everyday routine doesn't only apply to your workout wear, you can also extend it to your kitchen accessories! I just upgraded my standard white water filter to a bright royal blue pitcher, and I love the change - a little color goes a long way! Here are some stylish, high-rated water filters worth paying attention to.

Culligan Level 3 Faucet Filter ($18): Want to keep your water free from lead and chlorine, but find water filter pitchers a nuisance? This sleek, white tap filter from Culligan has a filter life of 200 gallons; improves odor and taste; and reduces lead, chlorine taste and odor, cryptosporidium, and giardia cysts.

Check out the rest of the list!

Race It! 10K Race Training Plan

FitSugar — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 03:05:37 PST

I hope you haven't already forgotten your health and fitness goals for 2011. Many of you stated that you wanted to run a 10K and to help, we had physical therapist and running specialist Julie Ann Dougery of the CPMC Running Clinic create this 10K training schedule just for FitSugar. Her goal is to help you run a 10-minute mile race and train injury free. If you start this plan today, you will be ready to race on May 1 - pretty inspiring, no?

If you are comfortable running three to five miles continuously without any pain, this plan is for you. This program includes both tempo and speedwork. But don't be intimidated by these new types of workouts; Julie swears they will "pay off huge come race day."

Ready to check out the plan?