FitSugar

ACTivism: Become a Running Buddy

FitSugar — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:45:00 -0700

I'm always telling you to get a workout partner so you have another reason to be motivated to stick to your goals. One way to take it the next step further is by becoming a running buddy with Girls on the Run - a program for girls age eight to thirteen years old that combines training for a 3.1 mile running event with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting workouts.

The goal of Girls on the Run is to encourage positive emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical development. As a running buddy you are paired with a girl to run by her side, encouraging her to do her best during a one-mile or 5K run/power walk. Not only will you be helping a girl achieve her own goal, but you'll be helping yourself to get moving. What's more motivating than that? I'm doing it here in the Bay Area and I can't wait. Find a Girls on the Run branch near you to inquire about becoming a running buddy today.

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Speak Up: 8 Year Old Girl Runs Marathon

FitSugar — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 11:45:00 -0700

I recently read that an 8 year old Chinese girl has just completed an astonishing 55 day, 3,558 km (2,211 mi.) marathon from her hometown of Hainan to Beijing.

At first I was thoroughly impressed with the abilities of this little girl to finish such an impressive feat. However, then I started thinking about it more... This could not have been good for her little body. Word has it that it was her idea to run, but an 8 year old does not necessarily understand the rigorous training that would have to go into preparing for such an event. Her father (pictured above on the bike) apparently got major criticism due to his pushing her along in her training program. Especially since the main reason most marathons have an age limit is because it's not a good idea to make any child do large amounts of strenuous exercise.

However, she completed the run, she's fine and I'm sure she's more than thrilled with having achieved her goal -- Something that is great for any child's self esteem.

What do you guys think about this? Is it OK for such a young child to run in (and train for) such an event? Should the father have pushed her because he knew she wanted to achieve her goal? I know you've got some good thoughts, so speak up and share them in the comments section below.

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Healthy Dose Link Time

FitSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:00:15 -0800

Biggest Loser Ali Vincent's memoir will motivate and entertain - That's Fit
Start your day with a quick and healthy breakfast - Shape
Chocolate pumped up with antioxidants to fight acne? - Vital Juice
Kristen Stewart joins the fight against diabetes - FitCeleb
Plus-sized dance clubs: cool or not? - Vitamin G
Countdown to the Olympics: 95 until the opening ceremonies - Fresh Fitness Tips
Run in the woods to change the meaning of "happy trails" - Fit Bottomed Girls
Skip these fast-food sammies when traveling for T-day - Daily Spark

Reality Check: Victoria Beckham Now Works Out Daily

FitSugar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:05:32 -0800

When Victoria Beckham came out as a gym addict earlier this year, people were more than a bit incredulous. Well Posh's fitness routine is once again in the news. It seems she didn't feel her old regimen of running eight miles six times a week was enough to prepare her body for her recent Emporio Armani ads with hubby soccer-stud David, so she implemented daily workouts. The 35-year old said, "I wanted to look at those pictures in 20 years' time and say 'Wow, look - after three kids - I didn't look bad.'" Mrs. Beckham didn't want to rely on retouching either.

One would think posing in gorgeous undergarments would give a gal a boost of confidence, but friends close to the former Spice Girl revealed that their gal pal's "not the most confident of girls." Sources close to Victoria told Us Magazine that she has had three breast surgeries, two enhancements followed by a reduction done earlier this year. Considering her fame and hot hubbie, does her lack of self-confidence surprise you?

Healthy Dose Link Time

FitSugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:02:48 -0700

Lighten up your fettuccine alfredo - That's Fit
Learn a thing from Lance Armstrong's coach - Fit Bottomed Girls
Arm warmers make Fall runs cozy - Fresh Fitness Tips
Don't fear symmetry, muscular imbalances lead to injury - Marks' Daily Apple
How's your gluten? It's Celiac Disease Awareness Month - FitCeleb
Skip the online swine flu drugs', they're phony - The Daily WD
Eight powerful ladies who thrive on a vegetarian diet - Lunch Box Bunch
Heat up your workout with the sexy S factor - Shape
Algae shot for your health? - Vital Juice

Handling a Loved One's Breast Cancer

FitSugar — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 10:00:30 -0700

When someone in your life tells you that they have been diagnosed with breast cancer, it's difficult to know how to respond or the best way to help. Glamour and Bright Pink, a nonprofit support group for women with breast and ovarian cancer, offered these helpful tips on how to make the conversation easier:

Don't try to guess what she wants - ask how can you help. Some women may want a special girls' night in, while others may need a friend to go with her to doctor's appointments.
Don't burden her with your sadness. She's carrying the weight of her own fear and grief, try not to give her yours as well - she needs all the strength you can offer.

There are more tips, so keep reading.

Fittingly Mad: Can't a Girl Go For a Run? Geez

FitSugar — Sat, 02 Dec 2006 08:30:00 -0800

Here's the deal. This actually happened. No joke. I was out running the other day and some guy yelled from his porch, "Hey baby. Why are you running away? Why don't you run over here?" I wanted to run a mac truck over him.

It was as if my baggy sweatshirt, said "Rude comments welcome?" Why do guys feel like they can hoot and holler at anyone with boobs? Do they think they are being funny? Sexy? Motivating? My response was run even faster to get away from the idiot.

Now I'm not saying all guys are to blame. But it's that one sleazy guy who can ruin a run and running alone in general. Don't let him ruin it for you though.

Fit's Tip: If you run alone keep the volume low on your iPod so you can still hear what's going on around you. If you run in the dark, use well lit streets. Or call up your best friend and run together in a girl pack.

P.L.O.W. - Girls Just Wanna Have Fun While Running

FitSugar — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Why yes, Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" is on one of my favorite songs for running mixes. I know it's old school, but it always reminds me of my wild youth and revs me up. Songs like this motivate me to move and help me enjoy the process of getting my heart rate up.

Want to know what else is on my fun running mix? Then read more.

Fun!

Total Time: 41:35

Source

Healthy Dose Link Time

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:00:52 -0700

Three moves to slim your thighs - Shape
More on posted calorie counts and unchanging eating habits - That's Fit
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes getting it on to get skinny - FitCeleb
What's your yogurt personality? - Fit Bottomed Girls
Running fashion dilemma: running shorts with built in underwear - Fresh Fitness Tips
Slim down your recipes with tips from celebrity chefs - Health
The skinny on exercising when sick - Daily Spark

Madonna Calls It Quits With Trainer Tracy Anderson

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:26:03 -0700

These days Madonna has been making big proclamations, but recent changes for the material girl aren't limited to her love life. Madge has dropped her trainer Tracy Anderson.

It seems Madonna has grown "tired of the baggage that Tracy always seemed to be carrying with her." Anderson had insisted that her trainees abstain from any other form of exercise - no yoga, no running, etc. But it looks like the ~~devotion~~ narrow focus Tracy demanded has become worn out and no longer a two way street. A source told Page Six that "Tracy had grown to be more of a distraction than anything else." It is rumored that Madonna was upset that Tracy didn't accompany her on the last leg of her European tour.

For Tracy's response, continue reading.