PopSugar

"ACT"ivism: NikeTown 5K

FitSugar — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 08:45:00 -0800

You may have noticed that I am always trying to convince you guys to do a 5K or a fun run and it turns out that NikeTown has the same motive in mind.

The NikeTown 5K (or the NikeGo 1 Mile) is dedicated to youth physical fitness and 100% of all entry fees will be donated to the local Physical Fitness, play and athletic program of your choice! The cost is only $20 (great for a race) and that includes $15 Entry Fee and $5 T-shirt Fee. The best part? Parents and kids are encouraged to do the race together! For more information and to find a NikeTown 5K near you, visit NikeTown5k.com.

You Asked: Burning Lungs From Running in the Cold

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:50:49 -0800

Hi Fit,
I recently started running outdoors and am really enjoying it. It's started to cool off, and breathing in the cold air really burns my throat and lungs when I jog. Is there anything that can be done to prevent this?
- Winter Runner

Ahhh, the cold weather is moving in, and I give you credit for continuing your outdoor runs even though the temps have dropped. Running in the crisp air can be so exhilarating to your body and your mind, but your lungs are another story. I have some ideas about how to make your respiratory system happier, though, so continue reading

Run, Sugar Run: Join the RunningSugar Community

FitSugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:30:08 -0800

For me, running is not a love it or hate it issue. Like most relationships, my feelings about this form of fitness are more complicated. I like to think of it as an ongoing conversation. Sometimes runs bring me joy, and other times they feel like work. Regardless, when I'm done I am more at peace with the world.

If you run for pleasure, exercise, or some other reason, come join the ongoing conversation about the sport at RunningSugar. It's a section of the FitSugar Community dedicated to runners. Whether you consider yourself a runner or not, if you lace up your running shoes regularly, or even just semi-regularly, the group is rather inspirational. From the NYC Marathon to the best way to wear your hair when logging miles, RunningSugar covers a lot of ground.

Running 101: Recovery Run

FitSugar — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:00:48 -0700

When you start to go deep with running, you slowly begin to encounter the jargon of the sport. One such term you might skim over is recovery run. Though the terms might seem simple, the concept is important. A recovery run follows a hard workout day of intervals or speed work or a tempo run, and you run slowly at conversational pace. Think of a recovery run as an active recovery to get the blood flowing into your muscles to ease stiffness. Some people refer to these runs as junk miles, especially when a running is working to meet weekly or monthly mileage goals. When training for endurance events, these long slow runs help folks build a solid base of fitness.

Do you take recovery runs? Do you think of them as junk miles?

Flickr User yourdon

How Do You Re-Fuel When Long-Distance Running?

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:00:04 -0800

FitSugar reader AZDaisy posted this question in the RunningSugar community group.

Hey everyone! So I've been running off and on for years now, but I just started getting serious, and I'm running my first half marathon this February! The longest I've run before was 7 miles . . . so replenishing my energy mid-run has never been an issue thus far. But I've read that for every hour you work out, you need to eat something, and that's where the gels, gummies, and bars come in. However, I've also read that you need to drink water when you eat these things, and where I run there's typically no water source, nor do I like the idea of carrying a water bottle with me on my long runs. I'm just curious . . . what do you long distance runners do when it's time to boost your energy mid-run?

If you love chatting about running or have a question, then post your thoughts to the RunningSugar community group. Not a runner? Then take a look at our other community groups - there's something for everyone. If you want to see your health or fitness post featured on FitSugar, then private message me here to pitch your ideas.

Safety Steps: Running in the Dark

FitSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:30:53 -0800

The end of daylight saving time means that many of us will be running in the dark. For safety reasons, try going on a morning run instead. Wake up at the same time you did during DST and use that "extra" hour for an outdoor run.

If running at night is unavoidable, make sure to follow these tips to protect yourself in the dark:

Make sure others can see you. Make yourself visible to drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and other runners by wearing bright colors and reflective gear. For extra caution, wear a headlamp or attach blinking bike lights to your clothing.
Run in familiar, well-lit areas. Running a familiar route may protect you from unseen bumps or potholes. To ensure a clear running path, find an area that is lit by streetlamps or hit up an outdoor track.
Be aware. Because running at night cuts down on your line of sight, you want to make sure you can hear clearly - run without an iPod, MP3 player, or Walkman. Make eye contact to alert those around you of your presence. This is especially important to do with drivers when you're crossing the street.

For more safety tips, read more.

Carry a cell phone and ID. Keep a cell phone with you in the event of an emergency, and always carry identification in case you sustain an injury.
Run with a buddy. There's safety in numbers, so always try and run with a buddy. You'll be more visible and can rely on one another if something goes wrong. If you do run alone, make sure to tell someone the route you're running and around what time you'll be back.
Run against traffic. You have a better chance of seeing cars and drivers have a better chance of seeing you.
Change up your routine. Run a few different routes and at different times through the week. Potential attackers may catch on to routines.

Do you have any running tips to share? Join our RunningSugar community and be part of the conversation.

Running Gal Gift Guide

FitSugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:00:54 -0800

One of the major appeals of running is that you can just lace your sneakers and go. Although it is not a gear heavy sport, I have found a few tempting and helpful pieces that make perfect gifts. Treat the running gal in your life to some sweet holiday presents from this gift guide. You might even find a few pieces to put on your own wish list this year.
Source: Getty

View Slideshow ›

Operation Jack

Fit Community — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:00:26 -0800

This bit of training inspiration comes from jennsteria, part of RunningSugar.

Operation Jack

I remember one of my friends calling me crazy for my whopping 3 marathon (so far) schedule for next year. How about 60 marathons in 2010? Well, that's not something I think I am anywhere close to being able to do, but Sam Felsenfeld sure is. He'll be ending 2009 with four Boston qualifying marathons under his belt while ramping up for next year - crazy right?! His 60 marathons in 2010 plan (with seven marathons in January) is an attempt to raise awareness for a great cause, Train 4 Autism. This is a cause that is near and dear to Sam and his family. The plan is simple: they are basically looking for people to sign up for any of the races that Sam will be running under the running team "Operation Jack." That's it. You can fundraise if you want, but what they're really aiming for is participation. I've already joined the Operation Jack team for three races next year (looking to add at least three more). If you want, I suggest taking a look at Sam's schedule and joining too. Who doesn't love running for a great cause?

What inspires you to run? Join the conversation at RunningSugar. Have a post you want to see featured on FitSugar? Private message me here to pitch your ideas. I can't wait to hear them.

Hill-acious Running Tip

FitSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:27:35 -0800

I can tout the benefits of running hills until I am blue in the face, but it won't make running those ascents any easier. One thing that does, though, is focusing on your arms. As you're trudging up a hill, don't focus on your feet, but on the steady rhythm of your arms. Your feet will follow the pace set by your arms. I learned this little trick from the shoe expert at my local running store - yet another reason to shop for shoes with the experts.

Have any tips about running hills you're burning to share? Join RunningSugar, where the conversation is all about running.

Run Barefoot and Avoid Running Injuries?

FitSugar — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:00:04 -0700

The idea of running barefoot seems like some new age, hippie movement to get people to be free in their bare skin. Or some eco-friendly push to persuade people to forgo sneakers so they don't end up in landfills. Although the freedom and environmental arguments for barefoot running are valid, Christopher McDougall, author of the best-selling book Born to Run, believes running without sneakers could be the answer to preventing shin splints, knee pain, and other running injuries.

After suffering many an injury himself, he set out with the question, "Why does my foot hurt?" In his journey to answer that question, he discovered the Tarahumara Indians of Mexico’s Copper Canyons. They run hundreds of miles at a time with only thin, homemade sandals on their feet, and don't suffer any of the injuries that the rest of us runners do. After running with them, he realized the secret was ditching his sneaks, and since then, he's been injury-free. McDougall believes today's high-tech sneakers "warp our natural stride, encourage bad form, and lead to injuries."

To hear more about barefoot running, keep reading