FitSugar

Runner's World Shoe Finder

FitSugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Looking for a new pair of sneakers can be overwhelming. There are so many different brands and styles, so how do you know which one is the best? Check out the Runner's World Shoe Finder for some help.

If you want to know how a specific sneaker rates, just type in the name. If you want to know which shoes they recommend for your type of foot, they'll give you a whole list of sneaks with a review of each one so you know what you're getting for your money. Speaking of money, if you don't want to spend more that $60 on your new sneaks, you can also get a list of shoes in your price range. Or maybe you're loyal to one brand of sneaker, so you can also check out how the different styles compare. I love this shoe finder - it's a great place to do some sneaker research.

5k's with 6 Kids: Ceci St. Geme Is One Fast Mother

FitSugar — Sun, 13 May 2007 02:00:00 -0700

I am always looking for inspiration and I found it recently in one fit and fast mom - Ceci St. Geme. Here's some interesting numbers on St. Geme:

17:30 - Her average 5k time, these days
6 - Number of kids she has - ages range from 8 to 19
44 - Her age
6 - Number of times she has appeared on the cover of Runner's World

Impressive, right?

Here's what she had to say in a recent interview with the folks at Runner's World:

"I run a 5-K, and I'm home by 10 a.m. A marathon and its training takes so much more time and energy."

"There's always the guilt factor when you take time for yourself, whether it's for running or photography or whatever. I definitely worry about dropping the ball with one of the kids, but I'd worry about that even if I didn't run. I'm more prone to think, I run, which makes me happy--and a happy mom equals happy kids."

"Cross-training doesn't really work for me. Running is really the only thing that prepares me for racing."

(on having had au pairs, baby-sitters, and housekeepers at various times)
"I realize I'm extremely lucky to be in the position I am," she says. "With six kids, I'd be doing laundry and cleaning all day if I didn't have some help."

So, my treat to myself this Mother's Day is going to be a nice long run. Just me, my iPod and the road. After I have digested my breakfast eaten in bed, of course!

Source

Run, Sugar Run: Join the RunningSugar Community

FitSugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:30:08 -0800

For me, running is not a love it or hate it issue. Like most relationships, my feelings about this form of fitness are more complicated. I like to think of it as an ongoing conversation. Sometimes runs bring me joy, and other times they feel like work. Regardless, when I'm done I am more at peace with the world.

If you run for pleasure, exercise, or some other reason, come join the ongoing conversation about the sport at RunningSugar. It's a section of the FitSugar Community dedicated to runners. Whether you consider yourself a runner or not, if you lace up your running shoes regularly, or even just semi-regularly, the group is rather inspirational. From the NYC Marathon to the best way to wear your hair when logging miles, RunningSugar covers a lot of ground.

Prevent Shin Splints With Toe Lifts

FitSugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:30:05 -0800

Since the weather is getting chillier, many of you might be moving your runs indoors. From my experience, switching running surfaces always takes some time to get used to, and shin splint pain has often been a symptom of adjustment. To prevent soreness in the front of your lower leg, here's an exercise recommended by Runner's World you can do any time you're sitting to strengthen your shins and increase flexibility.

The photo just demonstrates one exercise so to see a variation of the toe lift read more.

Sit tall in a chair with knees bent 90 degrees, and your feet flat on the floor.
Keep your right heel on the ground, and gently raise your right forefoot up. Lift it back toward your shin as far as you can, and then lower it back to the ground. Repeat 10 times with each foot.
Here's another variation. From the same position, lift your right forefoot up and trace the letter "J" in the air with your foot. Return it back to the ground. Complete 10 lifts with each foot.

Run Before Your Feast: Turkey Trot

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:00:31 -0800

My new Thanksgiving motto is, "Burn your pie to earn your pie." And that's burn as in calories. According to Runner's World, the amount of calories burned running a 5k is quite similar to the calories found in a slice of pumpkin pie. I thought that little comparison might inspire you to sign up for a Thanksgiving Day race, aka a Turkey Trot.

Many running clubs host these events in neighborhoods and suburbs not considered typical race venues. High school cross country teams also sponsor these fun runs as fundraising events. And let me tell you, not only are they fun, but they're a great way to start your day.

You can find an event near you at Active.com. If you're lucky, you might even get a cool race t-shirt like these from my last two fun runs on T-day. And don't forget to join the RunningSugar Group, where hard-core runners and newbies dish about the delights of running. Tell me, are you racing on T-day?

Runner's World Beginner Program

FitSugar — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 10:15:00 -0800

If there is more than one way up the mountain, there is definitely more than one way to begin a running program. I am a fan of the Couch to 5k plan that Cool Running created that prepares you for a 5k in eight weeks, but what if you want a plan that gets you to the 5k mark a few weeks earlier? Runner's World has a plan that will get you up and running a 5k in as many weeks. The Beginner 5k Plan is a little more flexible and a little less structured. You start with 20 minutes of walking or cross training, so if you want to add a little running your first day out it is up to you to motivate yourself to pick up your pace. The plan does have you moving in some way, shape, or form six days a week and this consistency will definitely keep you on track.

Check out the plan here and get running! Don't let those lame Pearl Izumi ads keep you from hitting the streets.

Source

Runner's World Bra Finder

FitSugar — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:15:00 -0800

Shopping online is a time saver, but sizing some purchases can be a little confusing. Shopping online for a sports bra is one such challenge and it is nice to have a little advice on how to get a good fit.

Well over at Runner's World, you can find a handy Bra Tool. Enter measurements of your rib cage and bust and the tool will determine what size you should buy.

Fit's Tip: Although it seems like a good idea, do not buy a smaller size thinking you will get more support. A bra that is too tight can negatively affect your ability to breathe and compromise your running potential. Plus, tight bras can cause painful chafing.

Source

5 Things About the NYC Marathon

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:00:10 -0700

On Nov. 1, the New York City Marathon celebrates not only the fastest endurance runners in the world but its 40th anniversary as well. Runner's World was chock-full of information about the race, and it got me all fired up. Here are five things about the marathon I think you will want to know.

Back in 1970 there were 127 participants running in the first NYC Marathon, all of them American, and the entry fee was only a buck.
This year there will be 40,000 runners participating, and they won their places at the starting line through a lottery. However, 5,000 spots are held for charity programs. Christopher Reeves's son Matthew will be running 26.2 miles to honor his father, the actor who played Superman, as well as to raise money for his father's foundation.

For three more facts, keep reading.

On Our Radar: Nike 2010 Running Collection

FitSugar — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:00:01 -0700

The fitness world may not have a fashion week, but this weekend I previewed some of Nike's 2010 Spring running line, shoes and jackets, at the Nike Running Summit here in San Francisco. At the event, held the day before the 6th annual Nike Women's Marathon, designers explained their two inspiration behind their latest sneakers and running gear: runners and lightweight.

The first concept is fairly self explanatory - they design their gear to complement the motion of running and what runners need. Secondly, they pared everything down to shave off weight leaving the running feeling free and unencumbered.

To learn more about the shoes coming out early next year, keep reading.

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.