If you’ve read my previous posts, you would know that I am a pretty active person. I started playing tennis at a young age and about a year ago, I received my Turbo Kickboxing certification. As much as I love working out and pumping iron in the weight room (you can’t blame me – that’s where all the ripped guys hang out!), one thing I’ve always hated is running.

At the gym, running on the treadmill gave me a headache as soon as I stepped off the conveyor belt. Outside, the bugs just enjoyed flying into my face….and my teeth.  It just wasn’t working for me. I was not a runner and I was a-OK with that.

That is, until I realized the many health benefits of running. Obviously, it keeps you in great shape, but, more than that, it relieves stress. I’ve mentioned before that stress is bad on the body and that exercise helps you through it, but running specifically gives you a natural high. Running long distances allows your breathing pattern to stabilize and gives a similar effect as meditation. The perk? You’re burning a few more calories when you run! Read More »

New year, new you. That’s the whole idea behind new year’s resolutions, right?

Except most resolutions get tossed out the window by February, leaving the resolutioner in the same exact place they were one year before. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are lots of ways to ensure you stick to your goals, one of them being accountability. Simply sharing your resolution with others so you have someone there watching you along the journey will help keep you strong.

So that’s what we’re gonna do. Three CollegeCandy writers have agreed to share their big resolutions for 2010 and document their quest to success. Every month we’re going to check in on them to see how they’re doing and keep them motivated to complete the goals they set for themselves.

Did you make a resolution? Do you want help keeping it? Come along for the ride each month and share your ups and downs in the comments section below. If we all work together we can be happier, thinner, stronger, smarter, richer, whatever-you-want-er come 2011. Read More »

I know what you’re thinking: between class, work, boyfriends/girlfriends, and going out, there’s not really any time in your schedule for training to run a 5k or some other race. And hey, you may be right—you know yourself way better than I know you. But if you think you can find a spare 30 minutes on most days and you have a hankering to rid yourself of that muffin top or boost your health in general, read on.

I ran a half marathon a couple of weeks ago. Before you judge and call me a hardcore athlete, consider these facts: I wear Coke-bottle glasses and have the grace of a newborn ostrich. I like to sit inside all day and sip coffee and write articles. The idea of walking across town for take-out tacos makes me seriously doubt whether the walking part is worth the tacos part.

So if I can run a half marathon (13.1 miles), you can definitely run a 5k (3.1 miles).

There are so many great reasons to challenge yourself to a 5k race (or any run, for that matter). Obviously, it’s a great way to get back into shape. It’s also a fantastic way to bond with friends, make new friends, feel accomplished and give back to people who really need it. Lots of 5ks are organized for charity, so you can feel good about your soul and your body if you run one. They also happen to be really fun. For real!

I urge everyone to try a 5k run at least once and you’ll see what I’m talking about.
If you don’t think you have what it takes, you’re wrong. Just follow some basic training tips and you’ll be crossing that finish line in no time. Read More »

Staying on any kind of workout schedule (or just schedule, for that matter) is close to impossible in college. With each day comes different classes, meetings, part time jobs, social engagements and perhaps most importantly, happy hours. Trying to adhere to the same gym or running time is an unlikely feat for most of us, not to mention the fact that when I’m presented with the choice between a sweat session or a sipping session, more often than not, the cocktails win. Wah wah.

But, a great way to stay motivated and keep your activity levels up is to train for a race! I know this sounds a bit intimidating at first, but let me tell you from personal experience (I ran my first half-marathon last year), it’s totally doable and well-worth it. Knowing that I was going to be sweating out 13.1 miles at a specific date gave me the extra boost to get out of bed in the morning or squeeze in a run whenever I could. I was able to drop a few lbs, improve my overall fitness, raise money for a charity and still go out with my friends at night all at the same time!

Read More »