FitSugar

David Beckham Is the Fittest of Them All

FitSugar — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 03:30:00 -0800

Up against some fierce competitors, David Beckham took the title of fittest male celebrity in 2008 with a generous lead, for the second year in a row! He was the only professional athlete included among the choices, but I felt his undeniable celebrity status and gig as a hot underwear model earned him a place in the poll.

Marathon runner Ryan Reynolds and triathlete Matthew McConaughey tied for second place, while buff 007 star Daniel Craig followed closely in third. It's always a pleasure to see these fit men getting active, and reassuring to know they, too, work hard for their defined abs and arms.

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Mommy Marathoner Wins NYC Marathon Again!

FitSugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 02:00:00 -0800

British mommy marathoner Paula Radcliffe did it again! She won the NYC Marathon for the third time. Radcliffe, whose daughter will be two years old in January, finished the race in 2:23:56 with the second place winner crossing the finish line almost two minutes later. That is what I call an impressive lead! Congrats Paula!

Paula wasn't the only runner we were rooting for here at FitSugar. To see how newlywed Ryan Reynolds fared in the race, just read more.

Ryan finished the marathon in under four hours with the respectable time of 3:50:22. Not bad for a first timer at all! Speaking of first timers, one of my favorite runners, Olympic middle distance runner Kara Goucher, made her marathon debut and came in third place! Her finishing time of 2:25:53 is the fastest finishing time for an American woman in the history of the New York City Marathon. Goucher is definitely a runner to watch.

Reading about other people running always makes me want to hit the asphalt, but I am not sure I want to run 26.2 miles like these folks. Tell me, how do you feel about running a marathon?

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ACTivism: Ryan Reynolds Runs For His Father's Life

FitSugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:30:00 -0700

One of the ways we motivate ourselves to get involved in races is by adding a bit of philanthropy to it. Apparently, celebrities need the same sort of motivation. Recently, Ryan Reynolds declared that he is going to run the New York City Marathon to raise money for Parkinson's disease (his father has been diagnosed with the disease). He wants it to be known that he is not a runner, but is willing to run for the greater good. Nonetheless, it's inspiring to everyone and anyone who has ever contemplated running a race for charity. Here are highlights:

By some tragic backwards prophecy, I find myself signed up to run in the New York City Marathon. Every other day I train. I run like a bastard all morning. Not since the discovery of Junior High School has a torture been so effective. Why on earth would I willfully do this? On behalf of my Father, Jim Reynolds, who's spent the last 15 years in a life or death struggle with Parkinson's disease.

To find out why he chose running and to see how you can help out Ryan just read more.

One of the reasons I chose running specifically, was because (as Murakami so eloquently put it) my competition is the most formidable foe of all; me. The person I have to beat is the guy I was last week. The person I was yesterday. Indescribably worse, those affected by Parkinson's wage a similar war in their own bodies every single day. Unlike a marathon, their struggle won't end in a shallow pool of vomit just outside Tavern on the Green while waiting for an ambulance. They continue day in and day out, silently battling away in the most personal of struggles.

Sorry ladies, this adorable charmer is officially off the market, but you can read his full story on the Huffington Post. And, if your budget allows, you can donate a little money to help his cause. Better yet, why not join a race and a cause that you believe in and raise money so that you can do all the running? A great way to get started is with Team in Training.

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Get Motivated: Marathoning With Cystic Fibrosis

FitSugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:00:00 -0800

Ryan Reynolds ran the NYC Marathon for quite a noble cause. He wanted to raise awareness of the Parkinson's Disease. I found that truly motivating, but what got me off the couch today was the story of 37-year-old Cris Dopher.

Dopher was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) when he was only four. Classified as a a genetic disease, cystic fibrosis causes a steady decline in lung function where mucus builds up in the lungs. CF generally leads to a shortened life span. Exercise has been part of his a major part of his treatment, but due to the disease, Cris's lungs work 30 percent less than normal lungs. Even with his diminished lung capacity, he ran 26.2 miles in five hours, fifty minutes and 12 seconds. From someone who has only stood on the sidelines of marathons, I am beyond impressed.

On his decision to run the marathon, Dopher said, "Maybe my body isn't built for marathon distance. But to me, I need a goal." Motivated by the memories of his friends that have lost their battle with CF, he was able to keep moving through the duration of the race. He hopes to do more marathons and to just keep breathing.