Are You Running in a Race This Year?

Marathon season is officially under way, woo-hoo! I have to admit I love hearing that so many of you are in training or have completed a race . It motivates me to lace up and hit the pavement even more. Heck, even some of my own friends  have finished running in their first long-distance races this year. Kudos! Since so many of you wrote that running in longer races was one of your fitness goals in our Get Fit For 2010 community group and contest , I’m wondering how many of you signed up to compete. I’m hoping that you’re all taking the leap and that your training is going well. I especially hope that you’re staying injury-free. If this is your first race and your nerves are starting to set in, don’t worry - you will be able to tackle your first marathon with ease, I know it. If you’re still looking for a race, head on over to Active.com ; they have a complete listing of all kinds of events. Tell me . . . Are You Running in a Race This Year? Yes - I’m running a marathon. Yes - I’m running a half-marathon. Yes - I’m running a 10K. Yes - I’m running a 5K. No long races for me this season.

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Are You Running in a Race This Year?

How Much Time Do You Spend at the Gym?

Fitting in a lunchtime workout is always nice, but honestly, I like a longer workout. An hour just isn’t enough. I prefer to do at least 45 minutes of cardio, and follow it up with 30 minutes or more of strength training mixed with stretching. Then I like to treat myself to a little sauna time. What about you? How Much Time Do You Spend at the Gym? Less than 30 minutes. 30 to 60 minutes. 60 to 90 minutes. Two hours. Over two hours. I don’t go to the gym.

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How Much Time Do You Spend at the Gym?

Have You Had Trouble Sleeping in the Last 30 Days?

A recent health survey took a snapshot of our national health and found that in the past month, 30 percent of Americans have had difficulty sleeping. I am not sure if the figure seems high or low to me. So I thought I would do some independent research and post the question to you. Me? I’ve had my bouts with insomnia, but nothing has kept me from sleeping in the last month. Have You Had Trouble Sleeping in the Last 30 Days? Yes I have. No I haven’t.

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Have You Had Trouble Sleeping in the Last 30 Days?

Get Your Food Minus the Chemicals

Last year I told you about a Consumer Reports study , which detected bisphenol A (BPA) in the inner lining of most canned goods. And while the FDA has yet to ban the use of BPA in food packaging, it did announce earlier this year that the industrial chemical may pose some concern . As a result, the government agency is investing $30 million into a more comprehensive study on the effects BPA has on infants and adults. In the meantime, those of you who are worried about your exposure should make sure your to-go containers and water bottles are BPA-free. Unfortunately, most canned goods are still made using BPA. In these instances it might be best to seek out foods packaged in glass, paper, or freezer bags. As I said earlier, most canned goods are made with BPA, but not all of them! The eco-conscious folks at Treehugger were kind enough to round up a list of seven companies making BPA-free canned goods. Eden Organic canned beans, grains, and chilis Vital Choice Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) cerified salmon, albacore tuna, sardines, and mackerel Oregon’s Choice MSC certified albacore Eco Fish albacore tuna Wild Planet skipjack and albacore tunas Trader Joe’s canned corn, canned beans, canned fish, canned poultry, and canned beef Edward & Sons Native Forest and Nature Factor goods of fruits, vegetables, chutneys, and coconut milk

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Get Your Food Minus the Chemicals

Smoker’s Dying Wish Granted: Morbid or Heroic?

Albert “Dick” Whittamore started smoking when he was young, and before he died from battling cigarette-induced emphysema at age 85, he had one dying wish . He asked that the words “Smoking Killed Me” be placed on his grave and his hearse. This was his last-ditch effort to warn others of the dangers of cigarettes, so they could avoid the unnecessary suffering he went through from the illness that was caused by this unhealthy habit. I was a little shocked to read about this at first, so tell me what do you think? Is Albert’s request morbid or heroic? Smoker's Dying Wish Granted: Morbid or Heroic? Morbid. It’s sad to think about why he died. Heroic. It’s great that he wants to help other people. Neither. I’ll tell you what I think below.

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Smoker’s Dying Wish Granted: Morbid or Heroic?

Gear Review: Perfect Core Tank by Lucy

The Pilates instructor in me knows that we can all use a little help remembering to keep our abs engaged. I was intrigued by the technology behind the new Perfect Core Racerback ($64) by Lucy, so I asked them to send me one to test out. First off, I know that $64 is a bit steep for a workout shirt. However, this is the only top with a built in bra that I have tried in recent history that actually provided enough support for all my cardio action minus running. I like a lot of support for those long runs. The built in bra is made with separate molded cups, adding a little extra oomph to the chest and keeping all things nipple from showing. The front of the shirt is lined with supportive mesh material Lucy calls xBAR technology (eXtreme Body Reforming & Alignment). It is certainly flattering; it pulls the tummy in just a bit. It’s also supportive, partially because it is tight in an oddly pleasant compressive way, and it did remind me to keep core engaged. I was worried it might feel a bit like a corset when working out, but it didn’t. Although the Perfect Core Tank will definitely make it into my rotation of fave fitness wear, I do have a couple of problems with the top. To learn them, read more. One problem I have with the top is that although the shirt fit well in my ribs, the cut didn’t accommodate the curve of my hips. Meaning I had to pull it down often. However, this happened more when I was sitting around in the shirt (I put on my workout clothes as a means of motivation - I am dressed for working out, so I might as well go to the gym). The shirt works better in action and during my 45 minute cardio / strength training sessions, I only had to pull it down once. The second problem is taking the shirt off. It is fitted and snug, which is great support, but this shirt is difficult to take off especially when sweaty. Possibly, I need a larger size, but in Lucy gear I tend to wear a small, although in most workout gear I consider myself a classic size medium. The tank comes in a cobalt blue. Check out photos below for images of the inside of the shirt, since the internal construction is where the support comes from. View 3 Photos ›

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Gear Review: Perfect Core Tank by Lucy

What’s Your Favorite Feature in Healthy Living Magazines?

I have at least five subscriptions to different health and fitness magazines. They’re chock full of so many great features: fitness tips, reviews of gear, nutritional info about food, and healthy recipes. My favorite feature, though, has to be all the strength training exercises and workout routines. It’s great to be able to try out new moves the next time I work out, which not only makes me stronger, but also keeps me motivated to exercise. What about you? What's Your Favorite Feature in Healthy Living Magazines? Healthy recipes. Health and fitness tips. Strength training exercises and workout routines. Real-life stores about people trying to lose weight. Reviews of gear. Nutritional info about food. Latest studies on health and fitness. Interviews with celebs about how they stay in shape. Other - I’ll tell you below.

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What’s Your Favorite Feature in Healthy Living Magazines?

What’s the Worst Part About Going to the Dentist?

For many of us, going to the dentist can be an absolute nightmare. I don’t know anyone who likes to go, except my girls - they think the cleaning tickles and they have yet to need a filling. The worst part for me is finding out I have a cavity, because that means I’ll have to deal with the painful poking novocaine shot. I guess I’d rather deal with the dentist, though, than lose my teeth. Sometimes talking about our fears and what we hate can make us feel better, so tell me . . . What's the Worst Part About Going to the Dentist? Sitting in the waiting room - the suspense is agonizing. The novocaine shot - ouch! The sound of the drilling and scraping. Keeping my mouth open for so long - my jaw is sore the next day. Worrying about getting bad news - not another cavity! My dentist is so rough - I’m scared of him or her. Something worse - tell me below.

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What’s the Worst Part About Going to the Dentist?

Are You Going to Watch the Super Bowl?

Football is not one of my favorite sports to watch - mostly because I’d rather play a sport than watch it on TV. I also didn’t grow up in a football-watching household, which means I am clueless on the rules. A red flag means what? I have friends who are super excited for it, though, so chances are I will be at a Super Bowl party this weekend. Get-togethers are always fun and a great excuse to try out some new healthy recipes . Will you be watching? And if so, who are you rooting for - the Colts or the Saints? Are You Going to Watch the Super Bowl? Yes, and I’m rooting for the Indianapolis Colts. Of course. I’m cheering for the New Orleans Saints. Sure, I’ll watch a little. No way. I’m not a fan of football. I’ll be at a Super Bowl party but I won’t be watching.

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Are You Going to Watch the Super Bowl?

What’s Your Ideal Time of Day to Exercise?

If I had it my way, I’d exercise in the late morning every day. That means I could wake up, eat a healthy breakfast, and have enough time to digest and move around a little so my muscles didn’t feel tight. I love to get in my exercise before lunch, because the longer I wait, the less likely it’s going to happen. What about you? If you didn’t have work, school, or family commitments, what time of day would be the best time to sweat? Be sure to write a blog post of your fitness journal in the Get Fit For 2010 community to enter to win our weekly prize - a $100 gift card from Nike - as well as our fabulous grand prize . What's Your Ideal Time of Day to Exercise? Early in the morning. Late morning. Lunchtime. Early afternoon. Late afternoon/early evening. Dinnertime. After dinner/before bedtime. It depends on the day of the week.

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What’s Your Ideal Time of Day to Exercise?

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