Of course, we all know how to run. But for those contemplating their first 5K or 10K race this year, or even those who want to take their fitness walking up to the next level, there are a few good tidbits to keep in mind. (Click here for our post on best marathons for beginners.)
With all the white stuff piling up in the eastern third of the country, this weekend is a prime time to try snowshoeing. Rentals are easy to find and are inexpensive. Best of all, the snowshoe learning curve is basically non-existant--clumsy folks need not worry. No wonder the activity tops the "Fastest Growing Sports" lists.
According to Snowsports Industries America, snowshoeing burns an average of more than 600 calories per hour. Even more impressive for those looking to maximize their workout, snowshoeing burns 45% more calories than walking or running at the same speed.
Finding a computerized bike in a hotel gym without pedal straps is a pet peeve. Any bike provider--health club, hotel, community center, etc.--should offer working straps attached to both pedals.
BUT, if you ride a stationary bike often and want to spice up your pedaling a bit, try removing the plastic straps and go through your entire workout strapless. You will notice that your toes, ankles and calves, must work a little harder on the upsweep and your quads must push a little more on the down.
Our good friend, Carolyn Day, recently sent a concerned email regarding her marathon training. She was due to compete in the New York Marathon in 5 weeks, had gone on "only one 20-mile training run", and had a significant amount of business travel upcoming that would make a second 20-miler difficult to accomplish. Apparently, the training plan she was following (a popular training schedule used by many runners) prescribed and highly recommended two, 20-mile training runs prior to race day.
My wife is an every day Bikram Yoga junkie. I prefer other forms of exercise and sweat, but after attending a half-dozen or so Bikram classes over the past 5 years, I feel qualified to pass along a beginner's perspective of what to expect, what to do, and what not to do at your first Bikram Yoga class: (*Click HERE to view all the cities we cover)
1) What to Bring and What Not?
I'm always amazed at the number of local San Diegan runners who have never heard of or experienced some of San Diego's best run routes. For example, my good friend David Smotrich, M.D., logs hundreds of miles each year in prep for the New York Marathon and yet he still hasn't trained once on the Lake Hodges Trail--San Diego County's best jogging trail in my opinion. I like variety in my training and have run throughout the county.
I was immediately uneasy today when I caught site of a man wearing a very thin WHITE yoga "costume." (In Bikram Yoga, the instructors often refer to one's yoga attire as a costume.) This 30-something, buff guy was positioned two rows behind me and a little to the right. But once the sweat started running, I could fully view his other "position!"
Seriously, what on earth could someone be thinking to wear an unlined, spandex like material in white?
As I mentioned in my last blog, the tiny town of Sisters, Oregon (pop. 3,000) is a semi-annual destination for my wife, daughter and me. In-laws live just outside the quaint and friendly "Old West" town (and for a sports connection, Sisters is the present home of Hall of Fame Quarterback Dan Fouts too). Until a few years ago, the town of Sisters had no health club, making frigid winter workouts a bit more challenging--the area is blessed with unbelievable trails, mountains and roads that are wonderful to explore on foot, bike, etc.
This morning I set out on the Saturday morning Swami's ride --a 40-mile loop that heads east into rural San Diego County. Thanks to the Swamis Cycling Club team members and the customer-friendly new ownership at Nytro bike shop, this ride has become one of the most popular for local two-wheelers.
During the warm-up (first 10 miles), I struck up a conversation with a guy I had never met before. A typical conversation ensued--his name is Anthony, he works for SAP, a San Diegan for 20 years after moving from NJ, etc.
Marriott Hotels is partnering with Leisure Sports Inc. (a northern California health club operator and development firm) in the roll-out of a new hotel concept branded Renaissance ClubSport.
