FitSugar

5 Things: Choosing New Running Sneaks

FitSugar — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 14:30:00 PDT

Finding the right sneaker is kind of like finding a good boyfriend. Running shoes should be comfortable, practical, and not too flashy. Here are some tips on finding the right shoe for you.

Figure out what type of foot you have (narrow, wide, low arches, no arches, etc.) and choose a sneaker to fit your foot. Don't look at color, brand, style, or price to gauge quality or superiority. You should base your decision on how they feel (chances are you'll find a few to choose from, not just the $175 pair). Also remember not to skimp on new sneakers either. There's a reason crappy sneakers are so cheap.
Think about where you'll be running and check out the material the shoe is made with. Many shoes are made with this airy mesh material so your feet don't overheat, but if you are going to be running near water, you'll want a waterproof sneak instead. Also, you may like the look of trail runners, but if you are strictly a pavement girl, you'll need a shoe that offers more cushion and support, and not such a rubbery sole.
Wear your old running shoes to the store. You'll probably be buying them at an athletic shop that's staffed with fellow runners, so have them look at your old kicks so they can gain some insight into what type of shoe may suit you best. Also wear the socks you'll be running in when trying on new sneakers.

Want to hear the rest? Then

Pick out shoes at the end of the day. Your feet are slightly larger then, since we spend so much time on our feet. If you pick out shoes at the end of the day, you'll ensure a more comfortable fit. It's better that they feel slightly loose than way too tight.
Break them in. Just because your new sneakers feel great in the store after wearing them for 5 minutes, doesn't mean they'll feel great after a 5 mile run. If the store has a treadmill or track you can run on, take them up on their offer. If they still feel good after a test run, buy them, and go on some shorter runs before zooming right into a 10k race.

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Running: Treat Your Feet Right With Quality Sneakers

FitSugar — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 10:15:00 PDT

One of the reasons I love running is that it really requires no special gear. You just need a body and a desire to run. Then again, you might not need a racquet or clubs to go for a good jog, but I would suggest quality running shoes.

If you are taking up running, good quality running shoes can seriously make this habit stick. Old shoes, tennis shoes, cheap shoes often don't provide enough cushion to protect your feet, ankles, and knees which can lead to injuries and prevent you from learning to love running. Since shoes are really the only important gear needed for running, I wouldn't skimp on them. You don't need to pay out the nose for some newfangled shoe, but generally what you pay for is what you get. Expect to pay around $100. Which may sound like a lot, but can you really put a price on your knees? Plus, maybe the guilt of an expensive gear purchase will motivate you to run.

Look for a well cushioned shoe that fits your foot, matches your foot type and gait pattern. The best place to start this endeavor is a running store since they tend to employ people obsessed with running. Therefore they should be able to help you figure out your gait and point you toward the shoe for you. The American Council on Exercise recommends shoes with greater shock absorption for runners with high arches, which may make you more prone to ankle sprains. On the other hand (or foot I could say), if you have low arches look for a shoe with greater support and heel control. Here is a list of running shoes rated by the The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. It should help you figure out what brands could be good for your needs.

Fit's Tip: Buy a shoe that’s as wide as possible across the forefoot without slipping in the heel.

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How to Keep Your Run Pain-Free

Leta Shy — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:54:30 PST

Sometimes, you start your run with the best intentions, only to be thwarted by recurring cramps and a headache that zaps all your energy. If you've experienced these nagging annoyances when you run, here are some tips for preventing pain and coping with it when it happens during your workout.

Headache: Often, a pounding headache that comes on during a run is due to inadequate water intake. Your body loses a lot of fluids while you're sweating it out on the treadmill, so before you even begin, make sure that you've had enough water throughout the day. During your run, sip water slowly, about five to 12 ounces every 20 minutes (or sip a sports drink with electrolytes if you are running for more than an hour), but don't drink so much that you feel all of it sloshing around in your stomach - that can lead to cramps or nausea.

More tips for pain-free running after the break.

Check Yourself: Running Form To-Do List

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:59:26 PST

Whether you're new to running since Jan. 1 or just trying to find your fitness groove, running can be difficult to love 24/7. When my affection for running wanes, one thing that helps bring back the love is technique. When out for a run, I go through this simple list to check my form. It makes me a mindful runner, which helps not only avoid injury but also helps me find my stride once again.

Before you head out to put this checklist to work, be sure to enter to win a year supply of running shoes from Asics. Nothing motivates more than a new pair of sneaks!

Here's my form checklist, starting with the feet.

Land midfoot, not on the heel. Striking the pavement with your heel naturally puts on the brakes, which slows you down and leaves you prone to injury since it's jarring. Not convinced? Read more about heel striking here.
Keep your ankles relaxed and pick your feet up. Bringing the heel toward the bum to activate the hamstrings - a good thing - while pushing the ground away causes muscles to fatigue more quickly, especially the calf.
Shorten your stride. It's nicer for your knees. Really, it is.
Lean slightly forward. The lean should start at your ankles, not your waist, since bending in the middle can hurt your back and it's also inefficient.

To see what you should be doing with your upper body while running, just keep reading.

From Beginner to Expert: 4 Ways to Become a Better Runner

Leta Shy — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:42:26 PST

Have you got the running bug? If you've recently committed to a running program, it may seem like there's not much prep involved, except downloading your favorite playlist. Running is a popular pastime because it doesn't require much know-how to start - just pick out your shoes and go. But that doesn't mean that there isn't technique. Whether you're starting out or never thought twice about your regular runs, read on for tips on how to become a better runner.

Learn the basics: The barriers to entry may be low, but that doesn't mean running isn't a skill. If you are a beginner runner, pay attention to how you run. Listen to your gait - you shouldn't be running unevenly or hitting the ground hard. Read more tips on analyzing your running style here. And remember that mid- or forefoot-striking is best (as opposed to heel striking) for helping prevent injuries.

Read more tips on proper running after the break.

3 Must-Have Items For New Year Fitness Goals

Michele Foley — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:39:35 PST

For a lot of us, the New Year equals a fresh start, and getting healthy and fit seems to be on everyone's mind. Regardless of what your fitness goals might be, it's never too early to start the journey. Here are a few items to get now, which will help ensure that 2012 is your fittest year ever!

Planner or calendar: There's something about scheduling a fitness date that keeps people committed. Before the New Year, go old school and treat yourself to a brand-new planner or calendar. When planning out your week, pencil in workouts the same way you do meetings, happy hours, and other engagements; doing this will keep you from double-booking and help you better organize your workouts. I'm partial to one of these handmade planners from Etsy.
New shoes or gear: There's no motivation to hit the gym or running trail than a new pair of shoes! In the same way that you can't wait to wear a brand-new dress, you'll be dying to break in your new shoes. If your shoes don't need to be replaced yet, treat yourself to a pair of high-quality capris or a couple of cute fitness tanks. Check out these picks of cute and fashionable fitness finds.
Personal training session: The beginning of a new year is a perfect time to assess your fitness level and set new goals. What better way to do that than to meet with a personal trainer? It might seem like a waste of money, but a trainer can assess where you're at, know which areas you need improvement in, and challenge you where you most need to be pushed. If you can only spring for one session, make sure to maximize your time with the trainer: ask a lot of questions and let him or her know what your expecting to get out of the session. Hopefully you'll walk away with a new workout or a plan that pushes you to the next level.

Hayden Christensen Is All Smiles as He Picks Rachel Bilson Up From the Airport

Lindsay Miller — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:26:42 PST

Hayden Christensen looked holiday ready in a red plaid scarf last night as he picked up Rachel Bilson at the airport in Toronto. Rachel stopped to snap a photo with a fan as she made her way through the terminal. Outside, a gentlemanly Hayden helped load Rachel's luggage before the two drove off together. Hayden grew up just outside Toronto, so it seems Rachel may be in town to spend the holidays with him and his family. The trip north will be a well-deserved break for Rachel after a busy 2011. This year, she made her return to TV with a starring role on CW's Hart of Dixie and also launched a fun and affordable footwear line, ShoeMint. Rachel brings her signature style to the new collection, and her fashion sense has her in the running for best celebrity street style of 2011!

Shoe Review: Nike LunarEclipse+ Shield

Susi May — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:48:10 PST

When you pick up a stability shoe, you expect it to have some weight to it, keeping with the notion that it takes a lot of extra shoe to keep an overpronating foot on track. But the times they are a changin', and running shoes have gone minimalist, across all categories. When I picked up the LunarEclipse+ Shield ($140) that Nike sent me to test out, I was pleasantly surprised by its lack of heft. One of my size eight shoes clocks in at around 9.8 ounces - light for a stability shoe.

The LunarEclipse has a bouncy feel. It's got cushion and spring. The sole is not overbuilt like previous generations of stability shoes, so I can feel the road under my feet, especially at push-off - I feel my big toe adding to my propulsion forward and I like it. The sole is flexible, which adds to the shoe's responsiveness. The stability of this shoe comes from what Nike calls dynamic support, a technology it developed for the Lunar series the company introduced a few years ago. Using strategically placed dense foam, the shoe limits excessive pronation without making the shoe too stiff.

Keep reading for more deets on these kicks.

Shoe Review: Mizuno Wave Rider 15

Leta Shy — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:14:21 PST

I'm a Mizuno fan - the company's roster of running shoes has something for every serious runner (or any type of runner who's serious about getting the right gear). So I was happy to test out the Wave Rider 15 ($115), the newest model in a line of shoes that has proven to be one of Mizuno's most popular since it was introduced 15 years ago.

I was a little wary about trying the Wave Riders, however, since the shoes are built for neutral runners and not those who over- or underpronate (I usually buy shoes for overpronators). And while the Wave Rider has enjoyed immense popularity, the Wave Rider 15s were my first encounter with the style, so I wasn't sure what to expect.

As soon as I unboxed the ruby red sneakers, though, my reservations started disappearing. My first thoughts were that even though they look substantial, they felt incredibly lightweight. The sole is relatively thick, but it doesn't interfere with the responsiveness of the shoe as you run. In fact, as I ran I felt more connected with the ground than I thought I would.

Read more about the Mizuno Waver Rider 15s after the break.

Vacations: The Best Time to Try New Fitness Classes

Heather Dale — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 01:11:50 PST

Some may leave their gym shorts and running shoes at home when they jet off for a vacation, but FitSugar readers make it a point to sneak fitness into their schedules while traveling. And I commend you for doing so, because when you've got a mai tai in one hand and a gripping novel in the other, it can take a lot of willpower to head to the gym.

Working out while on vacation can actually be an exhilarating and rewarding experience - especially if you try a new class. Here's why trips afar are the best time to switch up your fitness routine