FitSugar

On Your Mark, Get Set, Win New Sneakers!

FitSugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:19:09 -0700

Enter to win, if you haven't already since this contest ends today at 1 p.m. PDT! Log in and take the quiz. Good luck.

If the Olympics inspired you to get in shape, then you're in luck! We're giving away two $150 gift cards to Road Runner Sports, so you can snag a new pair of running shoes and get your fitness aspirations off the ground.

To enter to win one of the two gift cards, just take the Olympic-themed quiz below by 1 p.m. PDT on Thursday, Aug. 28. Your eligibility is not based on getting the answers correct but simply on taking the quiz after you are logged in.

You do, however, need to be a TeamSugar member to enter. So if you're not already one, just register here for an account. One quiz entry per person; all repeat quizzes will be ignored. Prizes can be shipped to US destinations only. Remember: You must be logged in to TeamSugar for your quiz to count. For the complete rules, click here. Good luck!

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Where to Buy Sneakers Online: RoadRunner Sports

FitSugar — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 11:00:00 -0700

I have given you all many tips on how and why to buy good running shoes. Take care of your feet and they will take care of you. It seem like the good deals are often online, but when it comes to sneakers finding the right fit through the Internet can seem risky, but not with RoadRunner Sports.

They guarantee a perfect fit! Seriously. Here's how they explain their policy:

And now, with our unrivaled PERFECT FIT GUARANTEE, you can hit the road in your new running shoes. If they're not just right for you, simply exchange them within 60 days, no questions asked.

How cool is that?

They also have Fit Experts available for consultation via email or telephone (which seems charmingly "old school"). You can even sort the shoes by foot type and most shoe descriptions are accompanied by helpful reviews and rankings.

RoadRunner Sports sells other gear too: hydration systems, clothing, watches, scales, and heart rate monitors. If you prefer to shop at a retail store they have "brick and mortar" operations, mostly out west, so check their site for store locations.

Natalie Coughlin: From the Olympics to DWTS

FitSugar — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 05:50:41 -0700

Last season on Dancing With the Stars, we saw gold medal gymnast Shawn Johnson win gold, and this year we're watching Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin compete on land.

She made it through the first week, dancing a salsa with Alec Mazo and wowed us last night with her quick step. Although busy dancing and rehearsing, Natalie took time out of her day to answer a few questions on topics ranging from Pilates to her opinion on the ban on high-tech swimsuits.

To learn what Natalie has to say, just read more.

FitSugar: I have read that you do Pilates. How does this method of exercise help your swimming? Since it is somewhat dance-based, do you think it will help you on DWTS?
Natalie Coughlin: Pilates is an awesome cross-training exercise for any sport because it focuses on functional movement. It relies on strength along with flexibility, which is perfect for both swimming and dance. My two favorite pieces of equipment are the Balanced Body Exo Chair and Pilates Arc. I personally own both, and they make a nice addition to my home gym.

FS: I loved your "I'm a runner" piece in Runner's World. Do you still run regularly? Do you ever participate in road races? Were you able to run before your wedding ceremony?
NC: My first and only road race was the H2O Audio Surf Monkey last month, which was a 5K run on a mixture of sand, cobbled rock, and pier. It was so much fun, although I had no idea how to run on sand or cobbled rock! A few days before my wedding, I got a little overzealous with my running and ended up straining my right obliques, which forced me to take a bit of a break. Oops! I still love running, but I'm currently spending five to six-plus hours dancing every day, so I'm taking a break. I don't think it would be a good idea to add any unnecessary stress to my feet or legs.

FS:Your swimming career has spanned two Olympics, and you're planning to compete in 2012 - how do you maintain focus in training over those four-year periods?
NC: My focus is constantly evolving. I took three months off immediately following the Athens Games and returned to competition with a series of two-day meets throughout the world. The short format of the meets along with the world travel kept me motivated and interested in swimming. After Beijing, I needed a much longer break both mentally and physically because I have been competing for 21 years now! Dancing With the Stars is providing me with an amazing competitive outlet in something so different than my sport.

FSWhat's your favorite core exercise?
NC: I use the TRX suspension system for strength training and I absolutely love the atomic push-up because it's a killer exercise that works your entire core and upper body.

FS: Is your running playlist different from your swimming playlist? If so, how?
NC: Nope! They're usually the same, but it changes depending on my mood. It can be anything from pop, rock, alternative, to hip-hop . . . and H2O Audio's new Interval lets me listen to multiple playlists in the water or while I'm out on a run.

FS: Swimming can be hard on the skin and hair. What are your go-to beauty products postswim?
NC: Oh dear! I love products . . . Pureology for my hair, Kinesys sunscreen for my face/body preswimming, Palmer's Cocoa Butter for my body post-swimming, and Oil of Olay SPF 15 for my face.

FS: How do you feel about the ban on high-tech swimsuits?
NC: I think it's a good idea because our sport can now get back to the swimming and eliminate the distraction of "who are you wearing?" Eliminating zippers and legs is strange because both have been a part of many of the suits for over a decade. Either way, I'm happy.

Spring Running Essential: Arm Warmers

FitSugar — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 03:30:00 -0700

Spring weather is unpredictable, which means layering is important. When headed out for a long run, you can wear a tank but keep your arms covered with arm warmers. No longer just for the legs, or the dancers, arm warmers are a great accessory for runners and cyclists alike. Marathoner Kara Goucher sported a pair while running Boston yesterday.

Arm warmers range from $18 to $40 depending on the material used. You can opt for classic black like Kara, or go for some conspicuous stripes to make you more visible on the road. Check out some options below, from classic black to tattoo sleeves.

Sugoi MidZero Arm Warmer ($26)	SockGuy Acrylic Arm Warmers ($20)
Sock Guy Hottie Arm Warmer ($20)	Pearl Izumi Woolie Seamless Arm Warmers ($15)	Primal Wear Tatto Arm Warmer ($23)

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Get in Gear: Nike Zoom Victory+

FitSugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 03:30:00 -0700

It seems that everyone has Olympic fever these days, and I am loving it because people are motivated to get moving more than ever.

What better motivation than a brand new pair of Olympic-inspired sneakers? This Nike Zoom Victory+ ($103) shoe is inspired by the 2008 Olympic track running spike, but it's made for running on any surface. It treats your feet to a hefty amount of cushioning while still being lightweight. The shoes make achieving your goal, be it a gold medal or a 5K, that much more attainable.

Want them for free? Well, I am giving away two $150 gift cards to Road Runner Sports (where these kicks are sold). Entering to win one is super easy, just take the Olympic-themed quiz and voila, you're in. Good luck and happy running!

Get In Gear: New Balance 1010 Running Shoe

FitSugar — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Are you prone to pronation? This is when you run, stand or walk with too much weight on the insides of your feet. Pronation is problematic because the gait pattern established in your feet affects your body all the way up the kinetic chain (The foot bone's connected to the shin bone...) and what happens at your feet, does not just stay at your feet. More simply put: Pronation can cause overuse injuries in other parts of your body other than just your feet.

So, if you run and you pronate, you need to wear a stable shoe. One that keeps your foot aligned and helps inhibit your tendency towards pronation, and I am happy to say I have found a shoe that does the trick splendidly: The New Balance 1010.

This shoe is designed with "Roll Bar" that prevents you from pronating. Plus, they are roomy in the foot box, so they're great if you have wide feet or bunions. The sole is designed to provide optimal shock absorption and you can really feel it with each step. While it might not be the lightest running shoe because it's made for runners with larger frames, it is only 11.9 ounces. What's more? The shoe also breathes well, which means you can put in those long runs and your feet should still stay cool. Buy them from Road Runner Sports for ~~$109.99~~ $98.99. Your feet can thank me later.

Fit's Tip: For the best fit, it is recommended that you buy these sneaks at least half a size up.

Get Your Butt in Gear: Nike Core Warmer

FitSugar — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 02:30:00 -0700

It is cooler out there now and the time the sun is out is condensing too. Running at dawn means starting almost a full hour later than it did 6 weeks ago. One way to transition your outdoor workout into fall is with a great long sleeved shirt, but you are going to want one that breathes in all the right spots. That is why I love this Core Warmer by Nike. It hugs your body but its seamless design causes no friction. Plus it vents in all the key spots while keeping your core warm. I'd say this is one great way to heat up a run! Available it white, black, burgundy and light blue. Me? I am loving the Core Warmer in flamingo (pictured left).

You can find the core warmer at Road Runner Sports for $44.99.