Do you ever wonder how much you’re really improving every time you head out for a run or go to the gym? Or maybe you’re trying to make fitness a bigger priority, but have trouble designing workouts and keeping track of your progress? Luckily, in our time of internet and smartphones, there’s an app for that.

Check out this list of fitness websites and apps that will help you keep track of workouts and nutrition, and inject a little social media flavor into your exercise routine.

1. Fitocracy

The idea behind this brand new website is to turn fitness into a game. Using Fitocracy, you can record workouts, including everything from running to weightlifting to classes like yoga and Pilates. You earn points for each workout, and advance through different levels. Every so often, reaching a new level unlocks a challenge, which could earn you major bonus points. And it’s a competition – you’ll be able to see how you measure up to all Fitocracy users, or people of your gender, age or area. You can also connect with friends, to compete against them and form groups. Visit the Fitocracy website to request an invite.

2. Nike+

This running-focused website will help you analyze your runs like you never have before. You will need to buy some Nike+ gear to record data as you run, but you can also make use of some gadgets that you may already have, like an iPhone, iPod touch or iPod nano. You can use these devices to run Nike+ apps that will give you GPS coordinates and details such as how fast you’re going and how long you’ve been running. Once your run is over, you can download all this information onto Nike+ and compare runs, set goals and choose training programs. You can also connect with Facebook, so your friends can cheer you on as you run.

3. DailyBurn

This website and its wide range of accompanying apps will help you keep detailed records of your workouts and nutrition. DailyBurn will also give you thorough progress reports, and help you set up training programs. You can download apps that will make it easy to record your meals and workouts on the go – there’s even an app that will record all the nutritional data of the food you’re eating, and all you have to do is scan the bar code. Constant fitness advice from professionals is available on the DailyBurn blog, and you can encourage and challenge your friends to get fit together.

4. ZOMBIES, RUN!

This game doesn’t quite exist yet, but having earned $72,627 of its $12,500 goal on Kickstarter, it’s safe to say that this is a fun idea that’s going places – literally. Like Fitocracy, ZOMBIES, RUN! aims to turn fitness into a game, but think more Angry Birds than King of the Gym. ZOMBIES, RUN! will immerse you in an audio zombie apocalypse environment, and when you go out on a run in the real world, you will be collecting ammo, medicine, and other tools to help you survive. The game will also record stats such as calories burned, time, pace, and distance, to help you track your real world runs while you destroy zombies.

If you take a stroll around my city, you’ll see girls and guys alike donning short shorts and track jackets, music a-blastin’ from their iPods. They’re only participating in the latest craze we like to call running. If you haven’t joined the club, now is the best time to do so! Why?

1. Nothing feels better than setting a goal of 5K, 10K, half or even a full marathon…and actually finishing it. Talk about extreme motivation.

2. Trying to get that 6-pack to peek through? Running has amazing cardio benefits that’ll shed an extra layer of fat.

3. You don’t need equipment. Just your fave pair of running shoes and you’re good to go.

4. The running community is extremely supportive. There are fun runs almost everywhere! Check out places like Sports Basement, Lululemon Athletica or Nike.

5. Runner’s high! It exists, trust me.

Need some realistic motivation to actually get up and run? Think of signing up for San Francisco’s very own Bay to Breakers. ESPN named it one of its “101 Things Sport Fans Must Do Before They Die” so you know this has got to be good. Every year in May, you’ll see people dressing up for Halloween 5 months early and raging on the streets of San Francisco. In any other town it may be a little odd, but in SF this is only expected. And it’s just the element of fun new runners and old runners need to get their bodies in motion.

Some months ago, I ran my very first half marathon and I have been inspired ever since. You don’t have to be a frequent runner to do these races. All it takes is determination and you’ll be crossing that finish line in no time. This race, however, with its realistic distance, fun costumes and great views, is probably one of the best ones to start with.

This race began in 1912, marking this year’s May 15th race as the 100th anniversary. Bay to Breakers started because the citizens of the city needed an event to distract them from the recent 1906 earthquake. And now, 10 decades later, with our own economic issues, it’s just as important of a distraction as ever. The 7.46 mile race starts at the Embarcadero, goes straight through our luscious Golden Gate Park and ends up right at the Pacific Ocean. Uh, you ready to sign up yet?

A lot of you may be wondering, “I’m a poor college student. Why would I pay to run?” First of all, it gives you Facebook picture uploading rights. Second of all, you get to sound really fit and awesome by telling everyone you’re running a 12K race. Lastly, you get to attend the Greater Body Expo pre-race, own the official B2B t-shirt, commemorative medal and score tons of goodies post-race. Trust me, you are lavished with lots of swag as a runner.

And, duh, you get to spend a weekend in San Francisco (and stop by the Full House house!), one of the most beautiful cities in the country.

I encourage you to sign up for this race. The new year rush has faded and it’s time to continue your awesome fitness/health high. The best part? I’ll be running this race right along side you (well, not literally) to give you support and tips on how to complete your first 12K race. Join me in running one of America’s most exciting races! You can even wear a tutu when you run. Not that it would be too comfortable, but it would be awesome.

Angela Fang, general manager of the race says it best: “Bay to Breakers is an all encompassing event that unites best-in-class athletes with enthusiastic fans and creates the spirit that is San Francisco.”

What are you waiting for?

Sign up for Bay to Breakers! Need a little push? Follow me @jackelynho and I’ll get you right on track.

Wait, they’re getting married!?

Do those Fit Flops really work?

Nike does rainboots. But did they do them right?

This is a little TMI, Snooks.

Is Kim Kardashian cougaring it up??

Is grad school worth the investment?

As summer solstice just passed, there is only one more indication that it’s summer: it’s time to put on a bikini and head to the beach/pool.

There’s usually anxiety surrounding your first time each year in a bikini, meaning it’s time to hit the gym (if you haven’t already started.)  While you may dread going to the gym even more than putting on a swimsuit, there are so many fun ways to get into shape now that it’s warm out.  There’s hooping, tennis (with the best clothes EVER!), soccer, jogging, rollerblading and much, much more.

And what better way to encourage yourself to get active then with a set of new gym clothes!

Workout clothes have gotten a serious face-lift these past few years giving you a million sexy/cute/functional items to choose from. So toss out your uninspiring, oversized sweats and the t-shirt you stole from a one-night stand and pick up some clothes that are both cute and made for exercise. There are different styles for every activity, as well as special styles to soak up your sweat and keep you as comfortable as possible during your ball-busting workout. So choose your activity and dress the part as you prepare to bare your favorite bikini this year.

Conan O’Brien’s comin’ back. But wait a second….

Do Justin and Cameron have chemistry?

4 signs you’re more than friends.

Jesse James sent emails. What a moron.

Old and fat are so in right now.

Colleges start breaking ties from Nike.

I was really confused until the next day when I was catching up on my reading (PopEater, CollegeCandy, actual News, Newsfeed) and came across an article boasting the benefits of running barefoot. Which, I deduced, was what those guys were mimicing, without having to actually touch their bare feet to the nasty gym floor.

Yes, according to researchers at Harvard, the best (most beneficial and safest on your body) way to run is SANS SHOES. Though it doesn’t seem to make sense to most of us, runners who say no to their Nikes hold their feet differently, thereby making themselves less prone to injury. The study went on to find that when running without shoes, runners hit the ground with the balls of their feet first, rather than with their heels. Which is a good thing.

The conductor of the study, Daniel Lieberman, said that runners who run barefoot have an “astonishingly different strike” and that “by landing on the middle or front of the foot, barefoot runners have almost no impact collision, much less than most shoe runners generate when they heel-strike.”

That’s all fine and good but, um, but what about that whole pavement, dirt, sand, BROKEN JAGER BOTTLES, aspect of running barefoot???

Liberman claims that “Most people today think barefoot running is dangerous and hurts, but actually you can run barefoot on the world’s hardest surfaces without the slightest discomfort and pain. All you need is a few calluses to avoid roughing up the skin of the foot.”

A few calluses? Okay, I’ll be sure to tell my pedicurist to not remove them next time.

The upsides to running barefoot include a springier step and more engagement of your calf and foot muscles, stated the study. Another upside is a slightly improved level of control. “When you run barefoot, your body precisely engages your vision, your brain, the soles of your feet, and all the muscles, bones, tendons, and supporting structures of your feet and legs. They leap to red alert, and give you a high degree of protection from the varied pressures and forces of running.”

Downsides? Jager glass.

But seriously, people have been running barefoot since…the beginning of time? It can’t be that bad. If you do decide to shun your Shox, start by running on a slightly softer surface, such as sand or dirt trial. Otherwise, not to be outdone but running au natural, Nike has their own line of “barefoot” running shoes called Nike Free. They give you the feeling of running barefoot without the calluses. Or weird looking gorilla shoes.

Welcome back to The Rival Rundown! If you’ve always wanted to give props to your school on CC, now’s your chance! Shoot us an email explaining what’s awesome and unique about your school (or what stinks about Rival U) at

Pac-10 fans will rejoice as we detail this storied rivalry from The Beaver State. Oregonians are well-versed in what they call The Civil War between Oregon State University and the University of Oregon. If our analysis still leaves you skeptical, you can catch the 2009 matchup between these schools tomorrow night, as the Ducks and the Beavers duke it out for a Pac-10 title and a berth to the Rose Bowl!

Quick Facts
Oregon State: Public research university with nearly 17,000 undergraduates in Corvallis, Oregon. Mascot is the Beaver.
University of Oregon: Public research university with nearly 18,000 undergraduates in Eugene, Oregon. Mascot is the Duck.

1. Civil War Record

Oregon State: 46-56-10
University of Oregon: 56-46-10

Three credits to: University of Oregon, by the numbers.

2. Memorable Moments

Oregon State: In 1998, the Civil War game was nearing the end of its first-ever overtime with the Beavers winning. After a last minute pass-interference call was made against the Beavers, the Ducks scored forcing a second overtime. Oregon State pulled off the victory in the end of an epic nail-biter!
University of Oregon: Oregon comes back from a 13-0 score deficit and an injured offense to charge to victory in 1994, earning the Ducks a Rose Bowl berth against Penn State.

Three credits to: Oregon State, with a victory in arguably the best contest between these two teams

3. Fun Facts

Oregon State: One of only two universities in the nation to hold the titles of Land-, Sea-, Sun-, and Space-Grant research institution. Interested in taking over the universe? Oregon State is the place to be!
University of Oregon: If you consider yourself a child at heart, come to UO. Their mascot is actually Donald Duck, BFF of Mickey Mouse, with the blessing of Walt Disney himself.

Three credits to: University of Oregon, since you won’t be spotting any Disney-character mascots elsewhere!

4. Ass-Kicking Alumni

Oregon State: Chad OchoCinco, Linus Pauling, George Oppen (Pulitzer Prize-winning poet)
University of Oregon: Steve Prefontaine, Bill Bowerman (founder of Nike), Ann Curry

Three credits to: University of Oregon, which boasts two of the all-time greatest legends in running (and sports) history.

5. Acceptance Rate Agony

Oregon State: 84.1%
University of Oregon: 85.3%

Three credits to:  Oregon State squeaks by!

And the diploma goes to: University of Oregon! With Walt Disney, Nike, and a winning record on their side, the Ducks cruise to victory in this Civil War. Then again, tune in tomorrow night to watch the Beavers make their case!

And maybe a restraining order or two.

But it’s worth it to highlight fresh, unique wardrobe choices that show personality and the courage to wear what you believe in.

Meet my childhood friend, Alex! He’s one of the best dancers I know, and represents the new era of fashion that incorporates a street style mixed with urban chic. Every time I see him he’s always dancing; whether it be popping and locking while talking, or doing the finger tut. And all the while in Nike Dunks and a sick graphic tee.

He may be a dude, but his fashion inspires me. If only I could look that cool in a pair of shiny gold kicks.

Name: Alex
Year: 2011
Major: Business and Economics
Alex in 3 words: Loud. Passionate. Dance(r).

1) Describe your personal style.
My personal style is a mixture of different influences. I really love the colorful shirts and sneakers of the west coast but I also love graphic tees and crazy fitted hats. Essentially, I try to ensure that whenever I go out, no one else looks like me.

2) You can’t leave your house without your ________.
59fifty hat.

3) What is your favorite store to shop at?
DLTR, or any specialty shoe store. I don’t do much shopping at malls, I actually prefer to buy most of my stuff online.

4) What/who is the biggest influence on your style?
It would have to be hip-hop dance in general. Not rap; I’m not a baggy jeans and Tims kinda guy. I wear clothes that I can dance in. West coast style!

5) What’s your favorite trend, past or present?
I’ve recently become a fan of skinny jeans. Not Fall-Out skinny, but enough so that you can tuck your jeans into your kicks.

And you gotta fit the gym in there somewhere.

I know, it’s always the first thing to go when things start getting busy, but it shouldn’t be! Working out regularly will keep you fit (obvi), and also help ease the stress and give you that much needed energy to get through those 16 credits, rush meetings, group projects and everything else you need to get through before Friday.

If that’s not enough to motivate you, perhaps some cute clothes will do? It’s obviously not easy to pull yourself out of bed and trek to the gym when you look (and therefore feel) like crap. Those baggy sweats and dirty t-shirts aren’t doing anyone any favors, especially you. And with all the super cute workout-wear that’s out there right now (in every. single. price point), there’s no reason to look drab for the gym. If you’re super busy, you can pile this stuff on before class and sneak in a workout during lunch; the clothes are so cute, no one would ever know. And if you’re just lazy, having cute and trendy pieces around will make you feel better and motivate you to get your butt moving. (It really works!)

If you need a kick in the (yoga) pants to get back to the gym, I’ve got 16 right here for ya. Enjoy.

In my mind, the second best part of going back to school as a kid was buying new school supplies (second, only to buying new clothes). While you might have swapped your Lisa Frank bright-colored-animal-covered notebooks for a laptop, it doesn’t mean that you can’t still have fun with your school stuff. If you have any distance to walk to class, chances are you have to haul your books. This year, why not buy yourself a new schoo lbag to make this trek more enjoyable?

There’s the perfect bag for everyone (or bags for your every mood). For the sporty gal there’s the ever useful backpack that will be easy to carry even if you’re ten minutes late and need to haul ass. For the fashionista there’s the less practical, but ever fashionable satchel. If you take your laptop to class, there tons of solutions with laptop compartments. No matter what your style, your price range, or your needs for a school bag, there’s something out there for you.