FitSugar

Snow Chains For Your Shoes: STABILicers and YakTrax

FitSugar — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 05:00:33 PST

If you bundle up in the right gear, running in the cold can be fun and invigorating. There is the minor issue of all that snow and ice on the running path though. If you don't want to ruin a pair of sneakers by adding screws to the soles, try something less permanent like YakTrax Pros ($30) or STABILicers ($40). Think of them like snow chains for your shoes: the rubber grippers slip easily onto your existing shoes and help provide stability and traction so you won't slip while running in snow and ice. And, unlike screws, they can be taken off easily. We've tested them in Vermont, and our friends, who live in Omaha, Lake Tahoe, and Virginia, swear by them.

YakTrax have rubberized bands that allow for more flexibility in your foot, which offer more comfort and control, and they're also cheaper than STABILicers. But, YakTrax may not stay on your sneakers as well as STABILicers do. STABILicers are more like a semi-permanent cleat that fits snugly over the sole of your shoe. Just remember: whichever kind you choose, they're only meant for running on lightly snowy surfaces or where there's visible ice - these will not work on black ice. If you prefer the extra workout of running in deeper snow, attach them to waterproof trail runners or running boots instead.

Winterize Your Running: Aqua Jogger

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 10:00:00 PST

Winter often means moving your workouts indoors, but if you run, that doesn't mean you need to be on a treadmill. You can run in deep water and take a load off your joints while burning up calories. Wearing an aqua jogger belt around your waist keeps you buoyant so your head and chest remain above water while you run in the deep end. Although running in water is a bit slower, you still burn about the same amount of calories as running on terra firma while strengthening your muscles, too. Like most workouts, running in water is most effective if you do intervals, mixing walking, jogging, and sprinting. Aqua Joggers are not cheap - they cost between $40 and $50 - but many pools and health clubs have them on hand for folks to borrow.

For a great workout and tips on running in water, check out A Cool New Way to Run.

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Winterize Your Running: Pre-Heat Your Sneakers

FitSugar — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 03:30:00 PST

Running in cold weather can be extremely invigorating. As long as you plan ahead for icy terrain and frigid temps, you can avoid falling or getting frostbite. Your extremities are the first things to get cold, so for your hands, windproof running gloves are essential. To keep your feet warm, try this little tip.

Use your blow dryer to heat your sneakers with some hot air. Heat each shoe for 15 to 20 seconds, and immediately slip them on your feet. If you start your run with warm tootsies, they'll be more likely to stay that way once you're in cold temps. You can do this with your mittens or gloves too. Remember to use a blow dryer and not your own hot breath since it contains moisture. Once the moisture gets cold, it will freeze and so will your hands and feet.

Winterize Your Running: Studded Sneakers

FitSugar — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:30:00 PST

Icy roads and sidewalks are the Winter runner's nemesis. Slick surfaces translate into slips and falls, which can lead to injuries, so you need sneakers with added traction for slippery situations. Runner's World has created a cool and cheap solution: Screw Shoes. The concept is similar to studded tires for your car; the screws create little ice picks on the bottom of your running shoes. Check out the January issue of the mag, flip to page 50, and marathoner Matt Carpenter will explain how you can transform your favorite trail runners into studded sneakers in minutes with a few sheet metal screws.

Would any of you ever try making these studded sneaks?

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You Asked: My First Winter Running Outdoors

FitSugar — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 05:30:00 PST

Dear Fit,
I've been running consistently, at least three times a week for a couple years now. I live where the Winters are cold and snowy, and last year I moved all my workouts and runs into a gym, but I really didn't love it. I decided that this year, I wouldn't let the cold stop me from continuing my outdoor runs. Can you give me some advice for dealing with the cold, snow, and ice?
- Not Afraid of the Cold Carla

First of all, good for you for staying motivated to run outside, even when Winter is in full force. I'm sure many readers can relate to feeling disgruntled about ending their runs outside. To hear some tips on how to deal with the cold conditions

Wearing wicking clothes is a must, and be sure your gear blocks the wind. Avoid overdressing because you'll end up sweating, which will make you freeze.
Prevent frostbite by wearing gloves and slightly thicker socks. You'll also want to wear one of those face and neck masks to protect your cheeks and nose. You may look a little weird, but people already think you're crazy for running in the Winter, so who cares, right?
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun's reflection on the snow.
If you prefer running in a few inches of snow (or don't have the option not to), spring for a pair of sporty waterproof boots, or racing snowshoes. Wear a pair of gaitors to keep your lower legs dry.
If you want to wear your sneakers, and there's only an inch of snow on the ground, you can attach a pair of YakTrax to the soles of your shoes to add traction. Get a set of the Yaktrax Pro ($30), since these are made for running.
After your run, get out of your wet clothes immediately. Staying in them can put you at risk for hypothermia (dangerously low body temperature).
Another important thing to keep in mind is that sometimes the conditions won't allow for a Winter run. If the temps drop in the single digits or below zero, or the ground is covered in ice or black ice, remember that it's OK to choose the treadmill. You don't want to risk injuring or overexerting yourself.

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Winterize Your Running: Warm Up Before Heading Out

FitSugar — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 10:00:00 PST

In some places across the US, snow has fallen and temps are below the 30s. If you're still gung-ho about running outside, staying warm is a big concern. So before you head out the door, after you're all dressed, warm up inside for a few minutes. Don't do anything that will get you sweaty since that moisture will make you cold once you're outside. Just get your body temp to rise a little. Do some push-ups, jumping jacks, jog around your living room, or charge up and down the stairs. If you need some other ideas, check out this dynamic warmup that includes high-knee marching and heel walking. If you head outside and you're a little warm to begin with, your body will remain warm once it hits the cold air. Not only will you feel more like running, but warm muscles are less likely to tear.

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Winterize Your Running: Wicking Clothes Are a Must

FitSugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:00:00 PST

Don't let the cold weather keep you from running. You just need the right gear to stay warm. And that gear should be made of wicking fabrics that pull sweat away from your skin. They help keep you dry and warm. Start the slideshow to see some of my faves.

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In Season: Cardoons

Camilla Salem — Mon, 14 May 2012 05:34:04 PDT

I grew up eating cardoons, or cardoni, every Spring; my grandmother would braise them, and I was always so fond of their artichokelike flavor. Because of this, I'm always surprised when people aren't familiar with the classically Italian vegetable. If you've ever come across them at the market and walked on by because you weren't sure what to do with them, think again: when cooked properly, cardoons are tender, earthy, and satisfying.

A cardoon, which is essentially a giant thistle, looks like a bunch of oversized, beat-up celery stalks. The stalks happen to be a naturally occurring form from the same species as the globe artichoke. Cardoons are typically more of a Winter vegetable, but they also grow well through May, June, and July. The Mediterranean vegetable is hard to find in grocery stores, but can be located at farmers markets.

If you're new to cooking cardoons, know that they require a bit of special care to prepare for cooking. Long fibers run down the stalks that must be removed, which can be done with a vegetable peeler. Like artichokes, cardoons turn brown when exposed to air, so you must dunk them in lemon water while you wait to cook them.

Growing up, I typically enjoyed them braised as a side dish, and they can also be cooked and pureed into a spread, breaded and fried, or even baked with béchamel sauce. Have you ever tried cardoons?

A Cancer Survivor's Goal: 50 Triathlons by Her 50th Birthday

espnW — Fri, 04 May 2012 04:26:06 PDT

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from espnW here on FitSugar!

By Julia Savacool

It's a good thing Jenn Sommermann discovered triathlons when she did. "I was turning 40 years old, and my friend and I were looking for a way to commemorate the occasion," Sommermann said. "We decided to train for a triathlon." Because Sommermann was on the East Coast and her friend was on the West, the two trained together virtually, exchanging workout notes and messages of encouragement. Several months later, they competed in the Danskin Women's Tri in Seattle.

"That was it, I was in love with triathlons," Sommermann said. Little did she know, two years later the fitness she gained through the sport would help her win a battle against ovarian cancer.

It was December 2006 when Sommermann received her diagnosis. She'd been feeling out of sorts for months, but had been reluctant to see her doctor.

The symptoms for ovarian cancer are subtle: Bloating, weight gain, fatigue and indigestion are all indicators for the disease, but they are also common symptoms for many women during their monthly cycle. The main difference with ovarian cancer, explained Sommermann, is the symptoms don't go away.

It was by chance she discovered the cancer - she was pressing on her stomach one night and came across a hard lump. "I called my husband over, and he felt it, too," she said. "I knew this wasn't good." She went to see her physician immediately, and an ultrasound revealed a tumor about the size of an eggplant. "I had Stage 3 ovarian cancer," said Sommermann. "I was in shock. The disease is 94 percent curable if you catch it by Stage 2. But after that, the numbers are not in your favor."

Surfing gets Anastasia Ashley through tough times

Read more about Jen's inspiring story after the break.

Off the Court With Beach Volleyball Olympian Misty May-Treanor

Susi May — Tue, 01 May 2012 02:15:18 PDT

The daughter of an Olympian and wife of a Major League Baseball player, professional beach volleyball player Misty May-Treanor knows a thing or two about competing. She even tangoed her way across the stage in Dancing With the Stars a few seasons ago. After winning back-to-back Olympic gold with teammate Kerri Walsh in Athens and Bejing, the duo is hoping for top honors again this Summer in London. While on the Nike campus in Beaverton, OR, I caught up with Misty, where she let me in on a few pregame rituals and what the scene is really like at the Olympic Village.

Misty, 34, is looking forward to competing and isn't letting her nerves get the best of her - the mark of a seasoned athlete. "I know when things are going to get me a little nervous, because nervous to me feels good." Asked about pregame rituals, Misty says she and Kerri make a habit of jumping over the sideline to enter the court together, which is followed by a complicated handshake. She'll also turn to music; to psych up before a match, she listens to anything from hip-hop to Euro. And, of course, the fans: Misty looks "at the stands and gets energy."

Find out what Misty says about the Olympic Village and her pregame meal after the break!