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Race Day Tips

FitSugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 05:30:00 PDT

I competed in my first triathlon on Saturday, and I had a blast. The experience was similar to being in a really physical dance or theater piece. You rehearse really hard for months and then have one chance to perform your best in the three act show with two very quick costume changes. As with live theater, there are many unpredictable elements to the race and you have to be prepared to roll with the punches.

There are a few things I learned from my race day and I'm going to share them with you.

Don't wear anything new on race day. Race day is not the time to break in new sneakers or bike shorts. Stick to what you know and what works. Familiar is always better.
Similarly, don't try a new nutrition system. Race day is not the time to experiment with a new sports drink or to try a Clif bar rather than a Gu Energy Gel.
If the course allows, stand up for the last 100 yards of biking before transitioning into running. Standing provides a nice stretch for the front of your hips and makes running much easier.
If it is sunny and hot, wear a hat that breathes. Of course, it should be a hat you have worn before.
Don't wear flip-flops to the beach before your swim. Chances are high you will forget to retrieve them after the race is over and losing flip-flops is always a bummer.
If you are hot at the end of the race, cool yourself by jumping back in the water. Swimming for pleasure post race is one of the best rewards.

If you have any race day tips, share them in the comments section below.

Uh Oh! Watch Out For These 12 IRS Audit Red Flags

Kiplinger — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:06:09 PST

We're thrilled to present this smart Kiplinger story here on Savvy!

The IRS audits only slightly more than 1% of all individual tax returns annually. The agency doesn't have enough personnel and resources to examine each and every tax return filed during a year. So the odds are pretty low that your return will be picked for review. And, of course, the only reason filers should worry about an audit is if they are fudging on their taxes.

However, the chances of being audited or otherwise hearing from the IRS increase depending upon various factors, including your income level, whether you omitted income, the types of deductions or losses you claimed, the business in which you're engaged and whether you own foreign assets. Math errors may draw IRS inquiry, but they'll rarely lead to a full-blown exam. Although there's no sure way to avoid an IRS audit, you should be aware of red flags that could increase your chances of drawing unwanted attention from the IRS.

1. Making too much money

Although the overall individual audit rate is about 1.11%, the odds increase dramatically for higher-income filers. IRS statistics show that people with incomes of $200,000 or higher had an audit rate of 3.93%, or one out of slightly more than every 25 returns. Report $1 million or more of income? There's a one-in-eight chance your return will be audited. The audit rate drops significantly for filers making less than $200,000: Only 1.02% of such returns were audited during 2011, and the vast majority of these exams were conducted by mail. We're not saying you should try to make less money - everyone wants to be a millionaire. Just understand that the more income shown on your return, the more likely it is that you'll be hearing from the IRS.

Read on for more red flags.

Cross-Country Skiing Tips For Newbies

Jenny Sugar — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 22:51:18 PST

Downhill skiing is a blast, but if you're not in the mood to race against frigid winds or deal with crazy crowded lift lines, try cross-country skiing this Winter. It may not be speedy, but cross-country skiing will tone your upper and lower body, give you a great cardio workout, and burn almost 500 calories in one hour!

Like snowshoeing, cross-country is more social than downhill skiing since conversations aren't limited to just time riding the lift. You get to slush along snow-covered trails and gab while taking in the breathtaking scenery. Plus, there is no expensive lift ticket needed. Some find cross-country more comfortable than downhill skiing because the boots are more flexible and the skis lightweight. Ready to get started? Here are some tips for newbies.

First, find some cross-country trails. Some downhill-ski resorts have groomed trails, but also check out nature centers or parks where you hike in the Summer. You might have to pay a fee (around $15 to $30) to use the grounds. Don't be shy about asking the staff to point you toward the easier trails.
Rent boots, skis, and poles at the place where you're skiing, but if this isn't possible, rent equipment the day before from a gear store; rentals are about $15 a day.
Definitely head out with someone who has some cross-country skiing experience or take a lesson to learn the basic techniques for moving, slowing down, stopping, and getting up hills.

Keep reading for more beginner cross-country ski tips.

So Many Races, So Many Training Plans

Susi May — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 03:07:30 PST

We may be in the thick of holiday madness, but the New Year is right around the corner and I, for one, am already planning out my race schedule for 2012. Take a little this holiday weekend, and give yourself the gift of fitness by heading into resolution season with a plan. Here are training schedules for many race lengths to help you cross the finish line!

The Beginning: 5K
Running and racing 3.1 miles might seem like a daunting feat, but with a plan in hand, the training process becomes so much easier. A word of caution: the 5K is considered a gateway race, and once you complete it, you will want to take on longer distances. Here are three posts to help you finish the race:

Here's a beginner 5K training schedule to get you started - just put one foot in front of the other.
Don't forget to read these tips for running your first 5K to help you cross the finish line with a smile on your face.
Once you finish one race, try another and go for a personal record using the How to Run a Faster 5K plan, created by coach Andrew Kastor.

Doubling Up: The 10K
Once you have a 5K under your belt, it's time to tackle a 10K. The 6.2-mile race means adding to your weekly mileage to build up your endurance.

Get started with this 10K training plan - it's at 12-week schedule.

Going Halfsies: Half Marathon
When you're ready for the challenge of running 13.1 miles, the half marathon begins to call you name. Upping your mileage to cover this much ground requires planning!

This half-marathon training schedule starts with weekly mileage just under 10, and builds up to 25 miles in seven days, before tapering before the race.
Not sure if you're ready to meet the challenge of a half, get inspired by this tale of a first timer's race.

Trying It All: Sprint Triathlon
If pounding the pavement day in and day out isn't your thing, mix it up a little and train for a sprint triathlon. The blend of swimming, biking, and running build cross training into your schedule.

Take two and a half months to train for a sprint distance triathlon: swim a half mile, bike 13 miles, and run a 5K. Be sure to practice those transitions!

Life as a Stuntwoman: A Sneak Peek Into Luci Romberg's Fit Career

Fitness Magazine — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 04:01:27 PST

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Fitness Magazine here on FitSugar!

Whenever the latest blockbuster hits theaters, we rush to our seats to watch stars pounce from vehicle to vehicle, race through a collapsing building or barrel under a semi-truck. With all this action, we often forget that someone other than the superstar is actually performing these stunts. Sometimes celebs, like Tom Cruise, are fit enough to do their own moves, but most often a professional is called in for the job. Enter Luci "Steel" Romberg, a professional stuntwoman and freerunner, who has been in top films like Green Lantern, Zombieland and Terminator. We caught up with the super-fit daredevil to find out how you get into a less-than-mainstream career and what keeps her always coming back for more.

Most people don't think of "stuntwoman" when plotting out future careers. What made you pursue this path?

I was a gymnast all through college, and a national champion my senior year at Texas Woman's University. I was a kinesiology major, but there just wasn't really anything else I wanted to do. I could have been a professor, a physical therapist, a coach or a handful of other things with my degree, but none of them appealed to me. One day one of my teammates came back from acting in LA, and she just convinced me to give it a shot. When I first got there, I had no idea what being a stuntwoman actually entailed. I was just so pumped on the idea of it that I knew I had to at least give it a try. I've been lucky enough to stick around.

What's a typical day like when you're hired for a film?

There is no typical day. Sometimes it's really exciting and you're working right away, doing anything from falling down a flight of stairs to rolling under a semi-truck, and other days you spend the day waiting around to see if they're going to get to your segments. It's definitely exciting though, I love that I don't know what to expect when I go into work.

More about Luci after the break.

How to Buy the Right Running Shoe

Leta Shy — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 09:43:06 PST

Buying the right running shoe takes time. Finding a shoe that works with your running style and foot usually means an in-store visit to a running specialty store for expert advice.

A good running shoe store will look at your foot type, normal running distance, past or current injuries, pronation, foot length, and instep height, along with other parameters, says Lori Shannon, owner of women's running shoe store See Jane Run. And while there are several things you can ignore when shopping for a running shoe, there are still many things that matter for keeping your runs safe and injury-free. Nothing beats a personal consultation for finding the perfect fit, but we asked Lori for guidance anyone can use when looking for a running shoe. Here are more of her tips to consider.

Pay attention to fit: Every shoe (and foot) is different, but there are a few specifics that you should look for before the cashier rings up your pair. "The overall feel and fit is often overlooked but is extremely important. Some companies will insist that you are in a certain category - [like] stability, motion control, or cushioning - but those shoes may not feel good to you," Lori says. "This is an art, not a science. If you don’t like how they feel, then they are wrong for you."

One way to help ensure a good fit? Pick the right time to visit a shoe store. "If you run in the morning, get fitted in the morning," Lori says. And try to go to the store after your normal daily run. "Your feet change size during the day and how long your run, [so] if you do long runs, you should try on shoes after a long run. This will give you a better fit and help you keep your toenails."

Read on for more tips on buying the right running shoe.

How to Run a Faster 5K

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:23:54 PST

You've been running regularly for some time and have completed a few 5K fun runs. But now it's time to step it up and take this distance seriously. Here are some tips to help you beat your personal record when running 3.1 miles.

During Training

Add speedwork: If you want to run a faster 5K, you have to practice running faster. Coach Andrew Kastor recommends adding 80-meter sprints into your training schedule, and here's his plan for running a faster 5K in four weeks. Remember: sprinting can be hard on the body, so make sure to start off with shorter sprints and build up to the full 80 meters, especially if you're new to speed work.
Add short uphills: Hills require strength and endurance, so if you practice them during your training, you'll develop speed and muscle power, and just as with plyometrics (jump exercises), hill sprints will increase flexibility in your muscles and tendons, which reduces your risk of injury. In your training, tackle shorter steep hills (about six to 10 percent incline). Sprint up for 10 seconds, then walk downhill backwards to avoid pressure on the knees. Repeat, eventually building up to eight 10-second sprints. It's a surefire way to stronger, faster legs.
Incorporate strength training moves that target your shins, calves, quads, glutes, and core: Running alone won't increase your speed. You need to strengthen the muscles that make you move so your actions will be more powerful and more efficient. Incorporate variations of squats, lunges, step-ups, calf raises, bent over rows, and these three booty moves from celebrity trainer David Kirsch.
Become familiar with the route: Obtain a map of the 5K course, and if the route is open (like in a neighborhood or wooded trail), practice running it to familiarize yourself with the hills, curves, and mile markers. Knowing the course in advance will give you confidence and an added advantage over runners who are running it for the first time.

Keep reading to find out what to do on race day to run a faster 5K.

Mistakes Runners Make on Race Day

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 11:38:43 PDT

Whether you're signed up for your town's Turkey Trot 5K or a much longer distance (like this weekend's NYC Marathon!), you don't want to do anything on the big day that might cause discomfort while running - or worse, an injury. To ensure your best race, here are mistakes to avoid on race day.

Wearing Something New
Train in your race-day outfit during the weeks leading up to the race. I'm talking everything from your undies to your sports bra and your wicking socks to your hat. You want to make sure that what you're wearing is comfortable, breathable, and won't cause any irritation. Be sure to practice longer training runs in this outfit; sneakers that feel great after three miles might cause painful blisters by mile 12.

Eating Too Much or Not Enough
Your nerves might have your stomach in knots, but don't skip out on your prerace fuel. A few hours before the race, eat a meal of familiar foods that are easily digestible. Avoid a meal that is laden in fat and sugar - it won't give you sustained energy and may also cause stomach cramps. Like your outfit, food is something you can play around with during training. Find a meal that works for you by testing it out before going on a big training run. Hydration is key too. Drink 14 to 20 ounces of fluid two to three hours before you run rather than chugging an entire Nalgene 10 minutes before. Make sure you stay hydrated throughout the race, too.

Continue reading for more tips on what not to do on race day.

13 Signs You’re Too Busy

LearnVest — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:15:38 PDT

We're thrilled to present this smart LearnVest story here on Savvy!

There’s busy.

Then there’s too busy.

Busy is running from one appointment to the next. Too busy is running over someone on your way to the next appointment (physically, vehicularly, whatever). Busy is leaving your cell phone behind at the grocery store. Too busy is leaving your kid behind at the grocery store.

And then there’s the biggest of all ironies-we want to cut back, but frankly, we just don’t have the time to figure out how to do it.

Sound familiar? Well, we’re here to do an intervention-a time intervention. Today, we’ll help you figure out if your life is starting to burst at the seams when it comes to your time. If it is, you need a wake-up call to reset priorities, because there is no shakier foundation for healthy, balanced living (and healthy, balanced money management) than not having the space and breathing room that time provides in our lives.

If you’ve crossed over the line into too busy, you’ll need to reset your foundation: Maybe it means taking a day off from work to reassess your life priorities. Maybe it means evaluating what your time is worth and outsourcing chores like housekeeping or laundry. Maybe it means taking a break from social engagements for a little while to focus on building the right foundation.

Here are 13 signs that you might need a time overhaul in your life-and easy tips on how to get started, today.

You Spend a Good Amount of Time Worrying About Your Time

If your time is preoccupied with, well, your time, you might be: endlessly cycling through your to-do list in your head, spending a lot of time arranging and rearranging your schedule, or wishing throughout the day that you had more time.

If you've worried about your schedule or wished you had more time more than three times a day, you need a break from time itself as a stressor in your life.

Try this: Take a mental break. Remove one thing from your schedule for today that is the least important-it might be putting off doing the laundry or postponing a work call. Spend that time instead totally luxuriating in something in the present moment (like eating a macaron or listening to your favorite song) and not thinking about your schedule, or future plans, at all.

Read on for more.

6 Reasons to Work Out With Your Furry Friend

Health — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:22:18 PDT

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Health.com here on our site.

By Tina Haupert

On the days when I am dragging, my dog, Murphy, reminds me that exercise should be fun. Murphy’s energy is contagious, so it makes me look forward to our time together. He gets so excited before we go outside for a walk. Imagine if we all felt that excited before exercise! Here are six reasons why you should work out with your fury friend.

Health.com: Fun Ways to Get Fit Without a Gym

It’s Fun
Dogs love to run and play, so it’s no surprise how much Murphy and I enjoy being active together. On the days when I’m just not in the mood to exercise, the thought of playing outside with my favorite pug always gets me out of the house. A game of fetch or an “adventure walk” in the woods always leaves us both with smiles on our faces - and it burns calories!

You Can’t Make Excuses
When Murphy is itching to get outside, it’s hard to say no to that adorable pug face. He doesn’t accept my excuses for missing a workout, so there’s rarely a day that I don’t do some sort of activity.

Health.com: 9 Easy Ways to Sneak in More Exercise

The Stats Aren’t Important
During my workouts, I used to worry about how many calories I burned or the distance I ran. But the calories and miles mean nothing to Murphy. He focuses only on the fun stuff - the sights, sounds, and smells of our exercise. Murphy reminds me that the best workouts are the ones during which we don’t worry about the stats.

Keep reading for more reasons to get fit with Fido.