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The way I'm built, my thighs will always rub together. That being said, I've always had the slight annoyance of the creeping shorts...
Three days ago that changed! I bought a pair of running tights and it has been the best investment EVER! No more chafage, no more jiggly thighs, just smooth sailing!
Just hit my personal record on a 5K by 4 minutes! Must be the tights...
Just thought I would share. Have a Good Evening Everyone!
I've used calorie count to lose 20 pounds over the past couple years (slow but steady!) and am generally happy with my weight. Now I'm just trying to find my way to better fitness. I've really started to enjoy running but am having trouble increasing my distance. I seem to max out at 3 miles and just can't go further. I've experimented with eating different things at different times before running assuming it's an energy thing....but no luck. I tried slowing down to see if that would help but it really didn't make much of a difference, still pooping out at around 3 miles. Any tips on how to break through? Thanks!
It's New Year's resolutions time! Is there anything more inspiring to bring out the runner in you? But before you lace up your shoes and start ticking off the miles, plan to kick things off slowly if you haven't been running lately. The road does not come without risks.
"Men tend to get injuries from overdoing it," says former Olympic runner Jeff Galloway, a columnist for Runner's World magazine and author of Women's Complete Guide to Running, which he co-wrote with his wife, Barbara. "Women don't push the envelope as much when they are starting out, but because they have lower bone density, they're more prone to stress fractures."
Anna Brickhouse, 42, has been running since she was a teenager. But the English professor and mother of two boys in Charlottesville, Va., effectively became a new runner after returning from a three-month trip in 2007. "Transitioning back into running with my group, I found it hard to keep up at first. Getting back into it was a process," she says.
How to get back into the race? Start with your diet. To fuel a run, Galloway recommends keeping well hydrated by drinking at least 8 ounces of nonalcoholic liquid eight times a day and eating a small, sugar-boosting snack 30 minutes before you head out. He suggests half of an energy bar or a sports drink.
These days, Brickhouse logs anywhere from 18 to 23 miles a week. For her, running is the ideal way to stay in shape and keep connected with friends. "Women tend to respond better to running in groups," Galloway says. "It's very powerful for women; it helps keep them motivated."
Men, however, often run on their own. Galloway cautions them not to get overly enthusiastic early on. "Men who have not done any real exercise in 20 years and suddenly decide to run like they did in high school -- that's a formula for disaster."
Galloway, who works with runners at all ages and levels, teaches a technique that lets the body ease into its new type of motion. Beginning runners, he says, should run for 5 to 10 seconds out of every minute, walking the rest of each minute. Gradually, the walk/run ratio will shift as your muscles strengthen and your joints adjust.
Even in the beginning, when the bulk of your run time is spent walking, you are still getting a good workout. "Walking is the best cross-training," Galloway says. "And a lot of people progress to marathons in just six months."
Here are a few of runner Jeff Galloway's tips to keep you on the run and off the injured list.
Go for gain, not pain. "Follow the huff and puff rule: If you are huffing and puffing at the end of a run, you have overdone it," says Galloway, who advises a slow and easy approach to running. "The bottom line: You need to monitor your aches and pains."
Avoid runner's lows. Done incorrectly, running can cause a lot of discomfort and even injury, says Galloway. "People get discouraged and feel they are not designed for running. Really, they just need to correct their walk/run ratio [until it feels right]."
Run through it. Galloway and his wife have written two running books for women. "We went through a list of concerns with physicians and ob-gyns, such as menopause, PMS, and pregnancy," says Galloway. "Women can run through all of these things, though they will likely have to make individual adjustments to their routine."
Are you a spring allergy sufferer? Find out how your hometown stacks up against other U.S. cities based on factors like pollen levels and the number of board-certified allergists in the area. [CNN]
Are organic foods always better? A new study suggests the "organic" label can bias consumers for what's been dubbed the 'Health Halo Effect.' [Science Daily]
Three months after the Newtown shooting, the state of Connecticut is poised to pass what could be the nation's strictest gun control package. [The Daily Beast]
You may be about to learn a lot more about your noggin: Today, President Obama is expect to unveil an initiative to map the human brain in 2014. [NYTimes]
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We've got a lot of runners on staff at SELF, from Running Virgins to Ironwomen. So it's no wonder we flipped when we heard about Stridebox, in a sign-me-up, why-didn't-I-think-of-this, where-have-you-been-all-my-life kinda way. I mean, what endurance athlete (or mere running slash gear enthusiast) wouldn't want cute lil' boxes of fitness-related goodies delivered to her door on the cheap? It's like getting a really loaded race-day goodie bag every month, without having to sign up for the race. Score.
Stridebox works similarly to the wildly successful beauty sample service Birchbox. (Sidenote: Have you seen our #NailArt Pinterest board we collaborated with 'em now?) Every month you're billed $15, and in return you get a curated box of individual-sized treats: In this case, it's sports nutrition gels and gummies, accessories like socks and wrist wallets, and coupons for bigger-ticket items, like shoes and apparel.
We love it for several reasons: One, it's always fun to test out new flavors and textures of running fuel, especially if you don't have to pay full price or commit to buying a whole pack. Two, it's already helped us discover some cool new products -- like Win laundry detergent (specially formulated for your technical workout gear) and Click espresso protein drink, both in Stridebox's March package, pictured above. Plus, it's like giving yourself a surprise present every month. And it's GOOD. FOR. YOU.
Stridebox just launched in February and it's picking up steam fast; its full-size April boxes are already sold out, but you can sign up now for May and still get a mini-box next month for $5. And you know what's going to be in that box? A kick in the pants. Because, really, you're not gonna eat those Gu's while just sitting on the couch ... are you?
Love Stridebox as much as we do? Let us know! Tweet us at @amandaemac and @SELFmagazine.
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We're pumped to present our favorite story of the week from our pals at POPSUGAR Fitness!
Even with the best intentions, it is sometimes impossible to avoid running well after sunset. If running at night is unavoidable, protect yourself in the dark by following these tips.
Run in familiar, well-lit areas: To ensure a clear running path, find an area that's lit by streetlamps, or hit up an outdoor track. If you want to experiment with a new trail, do it during daylight hours; sticking to your usual route will help avoid unseen bumps or potholes.Make sure others can see you: It's important to be visible to drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and other runners on the road. Wear bright colors and reflective gear, and for extra caution, wear a headlamp or attach a blinking bike light to your clothing. Get started with our picks for reflective running gear.Be aware (and ditch the playlist): Because running at night cuts down on your line of sight, make sure you can hear and see clearly. Go running without an iPod or MP3 player, and make eye contact to alert others of your presence. This is especially important to do with drivers when you're crossing the street. Carry safety essentials: Keep a cell phone with you in the event of an emergency, and always carry identification and an insurance card in case you sustain an injury.Run with a buddy: There's safety in numbers, so try to run with a friend. You'll both 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: It may seem counterintuitive, but you have a better chance of seeing cars and drivers have a better chance of seeing you. Ideally, try to run on a designated trail to avoid mixing with traffic. Change up your routine: Run a few different routes and at different times through the week. Potential attackers pick up on consistency. For extra protection, consider keeping pepper spray on you.More from POPSUGAR Fitness:Follow POPSUGAR Fitness on Twitter
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Hi everyone! I need some advice as I just started running.
I started with the c25k app but felt ok running longer than one minute, so I ended up running 15 min straight for day 1, then 25 min yesterday for day 2 (although I wanted to stop so bad at 20 min). I average 11:20 min/mile which is reaaaally slow, but I'm not too concerned about it.
I don't really know if I should keep up with that 25 min or try and reach 30 or even 45 min. I don't want to set myself up for failure by having unrealistic goals. My main problem with keeping up with an exercise routine is when I feel overwhelmed/demotivated. My legs are fine/aren't sore at all today.
I want to run 5x times a week, for weight loss mostly, as I am 35 lbs overweight (10 lbs overweight BMI-wise).
I guess my question is, what are realistic goals for someone who starts running? Should I work on running for a longer period of time? Faster? At what frequency should I increase my goals and by how much?
Also, I'm currently eating anywhere between 1200-1600 calories a day (BMR is 1630). Is that enough for running 5x a week? I'm aiming for a 1.5 lbs-2 lbs loss a week.
tia :)
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Fitness & Exercise Center Fitness & Exercise Feature Stories Email a Friend Print Article if (pf_param == "true") {printElements();} Fitness & Exercise Fitness 411Exercise Myths Your Exercise Personality Best Teen Workout Shoes Exercises for Sore Knees Cheap Home Gym 5-Minute Desk Workout webmd.m.share.init(); Font Size A A A webmd.m.fontSizer.init(); Interval Training: How to Get Started ByAnnabelle RobertsonLooking for a way to drop extra pounds and get in shape ASAP? Then it may be time for you to start interval training.
Interval training combines short bursts of intense activity, called intervals, with periods of lower intensity, or rest periods. Switching between the two makes your body work harder, burning more calories faster than it would at a steady, moderate pace.
"You’ve got to be disciplined with it, but you don’t have to do it much, or for too long," says Doug Katona, a strength and conditioning coach who trains world-class athletes at his CrossFit Endurance gym in Newport Beach, Calif.
"Instead of 45 minutes on a recumbent bike, reading a magazine, give me 15 minutes of interval work," Katona says. "It will be more challenging, but the workout will go by a lot faster and you’ll really like what your body starts to look like. After a few sessions, you’ll actually enjoy the workouts."
How to Start Interval TrainingIn some sports, including swimming, you’ll stop between intervals. In others, such as running, you may keep running, only at a more relaxed pace. Or you may walk. It depends on your level of conditioning and what you hope to accomplish.
It's not just about how fast your heart is beating.
"The important thing about interval training is not the rate of activity; it’s the rate of recovery," Scott Nohejl, a champion rowing coach and founder of the Chatham Area Rowing Association in Savannah, Ga.
If you're not active now, talk to your doctor before you start an intense exercise program.
Walking or running: Warm up first, then mix short bursts of speed of varying lengths, or sprints, into your walk, run, or jog. Those bursts of speed may last 30 seconds to a minute. After each interval, slow down and let your heart rate come back down. Swimming: Swim a length, rest for 30 seconds, swim another length, and repeat until you've swum six lengths, suggests Guy Edson, technical director of the American Swimming Coaches Association. Two days later, aim for seven lengths with 30 seconds of rest, and so on. Then begin shortening your rest. Eventually, you'll do 10 lengths with 15 seconds of rest between lengths. Rowing: Row hard for two minutes, then rest for one minute, and repeat that cycle 10 times, Nohejl suggests. After two weeks, move up to three-minute intervals with one minute of rest.You can also do intervals on a stationary bike or with a jump rope.
View Article Sources
SOURCES:
Doug Katona, certified personal trainer and founder and co-owner, CrossFit Endurance, Newport Beach, Calif.
Michael Banks, certified personal trainer and founder/owner, Body by Banks Corporation, Salt Lake City.
American College of Sports Medicine.
Guy Edson, technical director, American Swimming Coaches Association, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Scott Nohejl, founder/president, Chatham Area Rowing Association, Savannah, Ga.
Reviewed on February 28, 2013 © 2010 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. #url_reference {display: none};#url_reference { display: block; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 10px; }#logo_rdr img { visibility: visible; }.titleBar_rdr .titleBarMiddle_fmt { padding-top: 1.5em !important;} Top Picks From Fit: How Celebrities Work Out Exercises to Keep Bones Strong Foods That Will Help You Bulk Up Exercising With Diabetes: Top Tips How The Avengers Stars Stay in Shape Is Exercise Part of Your Depression Treatment? Further Reading:Slideshow: 7 Risky Exercises and Better BetsWhat is a kettlebell workout?Weight Lifting and Strength Training Tips for TeensGym Smarts: Upper Body (Chest)Gym Smarts: Obliques and Lower AbsTurn Flab Abs Into Fab Abs OvernightTips For Setting Up a Home GymSee All Gym Workouts Topics Related to Nutrition & Fitness Exercises for Arthritis Could You Be Lactose Intolerant? Free Weight Loss & Fitness Tool Managing Sore Muscles Hydration: How Much Do You Know? Pilates for Beginners Gym Workouts Home Medical Reference Features Video Slideshows & Images WebMD Answers Quizzes Health Tools Expert Commentary News Archive Fitness & Exercise Exercise Benefits Tips for Success Get Lean Get Strong Fuel Your Body Expert Help Weight Loss & Diet Plans Weight Loss Basics Popular Diet Plans Weight Loss Strategies Tools and Calculators Diet Support Food & Recipes Nutrition Cooking Tips Recipes Special Diets Food Resources Healthy Eating Guides Gluten Free High Protein Low Sodium Omega-3s Vegetarian See what others are asking about Related To Fitness BMI Calculator Calories Burned Calculator Exercise Questions and Answers Sports Injuries A to Z Workouts A to Z More Living Healthy Healthy Living Tools See All Tools Ditch Those InchesSet goals, tally calorie intake, track workouts and more, all via WebMD’s free Food & Fitness Planner.
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Drugs & SupplementsGet information and reviews on prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements. Search by name or medical condition.
Find or Review a Drug Find or Review a Vitamin or Supplement Find Drug Coupons Drug Basics & Safety Commonly Abused Drugs What's Your Medication IQ? Food, Medical Product & Cosmetic Safety WebMD Pill Identifier Having trouble identifying your pills?Enter the shape, color, or imprint of your prescription or OTC drug. Our pill identification tool will display pictures that you can compare to your pill.
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Fitness & Exercise Center Fitness & Exercise Feature Stories Email a FriendPrint Article Fitness & Exercise Fitness 411Exercise Myths Your Exercise Personality Best Teen Workout Shoes Exercises for Sore Knees Cheap Home Gym 5-Minute Desk Workout Font Size A A A 5 Biggest Mistakes When Choosing Workout Shoes Maybe you shouldn't reach for those comfy old sneakers after all. ByGina ShawWhat’s the one piece of workout gear you can’t live without? Your iPod? A good water bottle? A truly supportive sports bra?
Wrong, wrong, and wrong. The single most important piece of equipment to virtually any kind of exercise program -- running, aerobics, hiking, tennis, basketball -- is the right pair of shoes.
A good pair of shoes can make or break your workout, and it’s easy to go wrong. Here are the five biggest shoe mistakes people make.
1. Grabbing Whatever’s Handy"The biggest mistake people make when they start running, jogging, or some other exercise program is just reaching into the closet and pulling out an old pair of sneakers," says Tracie Rodgers, PhD, spokeswoman for the American Council on Exercise. An old pair of shoes may no longer have the support you need. And even more problematic, that pair of shoes might be inappropriate for the activity you choose.
2. Choosing the Right Shoe -- for the Wrong WorkoutYou need to choose the right type of shoe for the kind of workout you’ll be doing. And yes, it does matter.
A shoe made for running is very different in a number of ways from a shoe made for basketball or tennis.
Joe Puleo, the author of Running Anatomy, says, "Running shoes have no lateral stability built into them because you don’t move your feet laterally when you run. You’re only going forward. A running shoe is built to give you support and stability as you move your foot through the running gait cycle."
Puleo says basketball and tennis shoes both need to be stabilized laterally. That's because you move your feet side to side a lot when playing these sports. "You can’t build a running shoe that has lateral stability" he says, "and you can’t build a shoe for basketball or tennis that doesn’t have it."
Even walking shoes differ from running shoes.
Catherine Cheung, DPM, a podiatrist and foot surgeon with the Post Street Surgery Center in San Francisco, says runners land more on their forefoot while walkers have a heavier heel strike. "So for running," she says, "you want a shoe that has more cushioning on the forefoot, while walking shoes should have stiffer rubber to support the heel."
Can’t you just get a good cross-trainer and use it for everything? Maybe, maybe not.
"Cross-trainer" shoes never existed before Bo Jackson, who played professional baseball and football (remember the "Bo Knows" ad campaign?).
"Before Jackson, we just called them sneakers," Puleo says. "Then, Nike came up with an ad campaign, and now we have cross-trainers. But there’s no specificity to them -- you can’t do any one thing well. They have some lateral stability, so you can play a game of basketball with your kids occasionally. You can run a mile or two. But most of them are not very good shoes for any particular activity."
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Get Started Today in Fitness & Exercise
Slideshow Infections Lurking in the Locker Room 
Slideshow Get Flatter Abs 
Slideshow Build a Better Butt 
Quiz Test Your Sports Injury Savvy 
Article Tips for Exercising With Diabetes 
Interactive How to Do Basic Stretches 
Slideshow The 30-Minute Workout Routine 
Video Belly Fat and Your Heart: The Connection 
Slideshow 15 Pilates Moves That Get Results 
Video Exercise Well Even With Allergies 
Article 6 Exercise Traps Teens Should Avoid 
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