Beach Parks & Rec Chipotle Fundraiser

Just letting you all know that the Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Foundation is hosting a fundraiser at Chipotle Mexican Grill. Here's the invitation they sent out:

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Ouch! Easing stiff, sore muscles

You know those few days after an intense workout when one particular group of muscles decides to help you remember how much you've worked it?

You're tight, tender and just feel like plopping down for a few hours of stretching.

I am still recovering from a blistering leg workout Monday night that has left my upper calves and lower hamstrings in a bring-me-to-my-knees state of soreness. Standing up straight is currently a two minute ordeal that involves slowly unbending my knees while wearing a wincing expression on my face. I probably look like a moron walking around the office today like I'm practicing some hybrid of a waddle and the moonwalk.

In light of my current state, I've decided to share with you some sore muscle trivia and things you can do to help yourself.

Why do muscles get sore?
If you get sore muscles after some sort of physical activity like weight lifting, running or moving heavy objects, you have actually created very small tears in your muscles. Don't freak out, it's normal and for the most part a good thing. As your body repairs these tears, your muscles grow back stronger than they were before. But, until then the small tears in your muscles give you a sore sensation.

Can I make it stop?
No, not really. But you can do some of these things to make yourself more comfortable and speed up the process.

1. USE ICE - 20 minutes on the spot that hurts once and hour until pain goes away.

2. USE HEAT - You'd think opposites would have different results, huh? According to my sources -- not really.

3. STRETCH - Gently, and hold it for at least 25 seconds. As you loosen up stretch farther until you reach your normal range of motion.

4. BE ACTIVE - Engaging in mild activity, like walking or swimming can increase blood flow to your muscles and help speed the repair process along.

5. REST - Though light activity is good, don't push yourself too hard until your muscles have recovered.

6. TAKE DRUGS - Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can help reduce your discomfort and speed the healing process. But some doctors believe that it prevents from muscles growing back as strongly.

6. MASSAGE - Now is the time to call in favors with your significant other, or spring for a professional. Gentle massage will stimulate blood flow and speed the healing process.

What should I do in the future?
Always cool down after you work out. A 5 minute brisk walk or jog usually does the trick. (This is also good because it slows your heart down gradually, but that's another blog entry.) After you cool down stretch your muscles out. You may not believe it, but it's really more important to stretch after your workout than before.

Do you have any special remedies for soreness that you use?
Comment and let us know!

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Pool etiquette for lap swimmers

Swimming can be an intimidating sport.

First, you show up to the pool in one of your most vulnerable states -- nearly naked. Then, you're expected to glide effortlessly through the pool. But unless you've had stoke lessons lately, you might look more like a cat fighting through that water than Michael Phelps. And finally, there's the pressure to keep up with the 75-year-old in the lane next to you, who just keeps going and going and going.

It's certainly not the most approachable situation.

But, what you can be prepared for is the nuances of swimming pool etiquette. At least if you swim like a newbie, you don't have to act like one. Here's a quick rundown that should help you approach the water's edge with confidence (well, at least a little, Mr. Speedo.)

Choosing the right lane

• First, look for an open lane. If they're all open, ask the lifeguard where the "fast" or "slow" swimmers tend to congregate. This will ensure that you don't get in the way of any swimmers who may come after you. If the lifeguard has no advice, just pick the lane that you're more comfortable in. Some people prefer to be near the wall, while others like to be away from it.

• If all the lanes are taken, look for the swimmers who most closely match your pace. If only one person is in the lane, get their attention by crouching near the edge of the pool, or sticking your hand just below the water line. Ask if it's alright if you join them. Most swimmers will be fine with sharing the lane, but it's always nice to ask just to be sure. Also ask if they'd prefer to split the lane (one swimmer stays on the right side of the lane and the other on the left) or circle swim (all swimmers travel in a counter-clockwise rotation through the pool.) If there are already two swimmers in the pool, just assume you will circle swim.

If you're sharing a lane

• Don't stop in the middle of the pool. If you need to rest, wait until you get to the wall. Position yourself in the corner of the lane so that other swimmers can still flip turn.
• If you feel a hand touch your foot that means someone wants to pass you. Either stop briefly let them do so at the wall, or be prepared for them to swim around your left side. Do not speed up so that they cannot pass you.

• If you find that you are continually getting passed by someone in your lane, consider moving to a slower lane.
• Stick to the freestyle or other space-saving strokes. If you try to butterfly or breaststroke with someone else in the lane, you're likely to hit your lane partner. Not a good way to make friends. If you want to swim with a different stroke, try to hit the pool at odd hours when there is less of a crowd.

Outside the pool

• If you have a legitimate question, ask the lifeguard. Otherwise leave him or her alone. You don't want to distract the lifeguard from doing his or her job.
• It's OK to talk with other swimmers around the edge of the pool, but don't be too noisy and loud since the noise will be magnified. You don't want to disturb other swimmers or the lifeguard.
• Avoid talking to swimmers while they're in the pool. You may be disrupting their workout.

Did I forget anything?

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Upcoming fitness events in Hampton Roads

Yuengling 38th Shamrock Marathon (Half-marathon, 8K and Children's races)
Find some motivation to get in bathing suit shape by signing up for this annual race! The best part (for adults at least) is the party at the end. Last year they went through 210 kegs of beer and 7,000 cups of Murphy's Irish stew. Mmmm!

Marathon/Marathon Walk (26.2 miles) - $110
Half Marathon/Half Marathon Walk (13.1 miles) - $90
8K Run (4.97 miles) - $50
8K Middle School Challenge (For middle school students, contact kristyn@jandaracigin.com for details) - $40
Operation Smile Final Mile (Elementary school aged) - $25
Children's Marathon (26.2 Yards, for 5 and under) - $25

Before the race, organizers will hold a Sports & Fitness Expo at the Virginia Beach Convention Center which will bring in more than 100 different vendors.

Schedule of Events

FRIDAY MARCH 19
1-9 p.m. - Packet Pick Up and Registration at Virginia Beach Convention Center
1-9 p.m. - Sports and Fitness Expo at Virginia Beach Convention Center

SATURDAY MARCH 20
8 a.m. - 8K Start
9-noon - Finish line Celebration
10 a.m. - Children's Marathon Start
11 a.m. - Operation Final Mile Start
10 a.m.-5 p.m. - Packet Pick-Up & Registration at Virginia Beach Convention Center
10 a.m.-5 p.m. - Sports and Fitness Expo at Virginia Beach Convention Center

SUNDAY MARCH 21
7 a.m. - Half Marathon Start
8 a.m. - Marathon Start
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Finish Line Celebration

For more details and to sign up visit shamrockmarathon.com

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Step Up for The Up Center
25 or 50 Flights - 580 or 1160 Steps - You Chose

Step Up is a stair climbing event that will challenge both competitors and non-competitors to walk or run up the 25 flights of steps in Norfolk's Dominion Tower on Waterside Drive. Competitors can chose to run up the 580 steps once or double up and run twice for a total of 50 flights or 1160 steps. Prizes will be awarded in a number of categories, including best individual and team times in the competitive categories, as well as the most money raised by an individual and a team. Everyone attending also will have an opportunity to enjoy various festivities taking place during the event.

When: April 25, 2010
Where: Dominion Tower in Downton Norfolk (Norfolk's tallest tower)
Why: To raise money for The Up Center, which provides services that give a hand up to people in the Hampton Roads community.
Who: 500-1000 participants expected
Fundraising goal for event: $100,000 net proceeds

For more details and to sign up visit theupcenter.org

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The art of writing New Year's resolutions that stick

It happens every year around the first of January.

The gyms fill up with new faces. You'll see newcomers slaving away at the treadmill, grunting under the free weights and whispering soft numbers as they pull their torso's up for another abdominal crunch. It's an inspiring time of year because there are so many new people with a new resolve for fitness and health. Some are propelled by New Year's resolutions, others by the upcoming swimsuit season ... but no matter what the motivation, there are a LOT of people working out.

But, then comes February. And March. And April. Slowly, the numbers of gym-goers dwindle until it's down to the usual cast of regulars. Kind of like in Cheers only with gym towels and no booze.

But, let's ensure that the readers of this blog are able to belly up to the bar and join that cast of regulars. Here are a few tips for making a resolution.

1. Focus on a few. Don't bombard yourself with a laundry list of goals you'd like to accomplish. Select a few of the most important ones and focus on those. Studies have shown that people can't focus on more than 5-7 things at one time. So select a few and devote yourself to accomplishing them.

2. Make them realistic. Sure, a lot of us would like to look like a swimsuit model by the end of 2010 but it isn't going to happen. If you've been a couch potato for the past 10 years, it might be hard to resolve to hit the gym 5 times a week. Make sure your goals are attainable or you'll quickly get disillusioned and abandon ship.

3. Make them measurable. Vague goals like, "I want to lose weight," "I want to be more active," and "I want to be a runner," will never get accomplished. Make your goals specific, and when possible, set a measure for them. Instead try, "I'd like eat at least 3 servings of vegetables a day and limiting my sugar intake," or "I want to run a 5K in 22 minutes in October."

4. Set benchmarks. If you've got a big goal that will take you the entire year to accomplish, set benchmarks for yourself that you can hit along the way. They will help you stay on target and give you a confidence boost when you meet them.

5. Stay inspired. Whether you stick a post-it note of your goals on your bathroom mirror, start a blog, or just chat weekly with a close friend -- find what will inspire you to keep at it. We all needed a little encouragement and prodding now and them, so build that into your routine from the start.

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Is Santa fit or fat?

A video just released by UNC Hospitals addresses some fitness and health concerns that Santa's doctors might have. They dare to question if Santa is fit or fat. Check it out!

I'd venture to guess that flying around the world and delivering gifts to every girl and boy probably burns enough calories for the whole year.

Though I might leave some low-fat cookies and skim milk out at my house this year. Gotta keep the old man in shape.

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Calling all Boy Scouts

Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Jimmy Buffett, Walter Cronkite, and Mark Spitz may appear to have few things in common. But one thing that unites this elite bunch, is time spent in those iconic tan uniforms earning merit badges. They, along with a long list of other famous people, were Boy Scouts.

This February marks the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.

In honor of the milestone, I'd like to talk to some local Hampton Roads Boy Scouts (current and past) about their experiences with the organization. I'm eager to hear from scouts of all ages, backgrounds and rankings (If you were just a Cub Scout, that counts too!) Just respond to this blog or e-mail me at olivia.hubert.allen@gmail.com.

Until then, test your Boy Scout knowledge with this AP Interactive quiz.

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Gift guide for your fitness or outdoors nut

Buying gifts for your athlete or outdoors(wo)man can be a tricky task. We can all be pretty finickey about the products we use, especially if comfort and quality is of high importance. But fear not! Here is a quick list of five safe bets for the active person on your holiday shopping list.

Road ID - $20

Safety while working out should be a top priority, so consider buying your fitness or outdoor guru an identification wristband called Road ID. These attractive ID tags come laser engraved with your emergency contact information, should anything happen to you while you're out there alone. Get the original made for your wrist, a tag to tie onto your shoe or wear a band around your ankle. Either way, you and your family members will feel a welcomed sense of security.
Get it here

ThinkSport Water Bottle - $20

ThinkSport bottles are an alternative to bottles with Bisphenol-A (BPA). They do not sweat and can keep contents hot and cold for hours. The double-wall design of the bottle also helps regulate the exterior temperature of the bottle - making it comfortable to hold no matter how hot or cold the contents may be. One of the best features is a removable mesh filter that can keep ice or tealeaves from reaching the spout while you drink.
Get it here

H2O Audio Interval Waterproof Headphone System - $99

If you've got a swimmer to buy for, consider buying any of the waterproof mp3 player options from h2o Audio. One of the newest is a neat case built for the 3rd and 4th generation iPod shuffle. Just clip the device to the back of your swim goggles, put in the waterproof headphones and hop in the pool. Easily accessible controls allow swimmers to alter volume and switch songs.
Get it here

Garmin Forerunner 310XT - $350

This is the Cadillac of sports watches. It's loaded with fancy features, the highlight of which is the GPS technology to help you accurately track your run and keep your pace. Other goodies in store include a heart rate monitor, storage space so you can compete against previous workouts and automatic sync which transfers data from your run to your computer. It's a splurge, but your runner will love it.
Get it here

REI Quarter Done T2 Tent - $269

This super-light and transportable tent weights only 3 lbs. 12 oz. It comfortably sleeps two and has numerous features to keep the inside nice and dry, even if its windy and wet outside. Dual sided entrances also ensure you won't wake up your tent mate with a bathroom trip in the middle of the night!
Get it here

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What to wear on your run or walk

Do you ever get part way out on your run only to find yourself too hot in the layers you piled on, or too cold in your flimsy shorts and t-shirt?

Well the folks over at Runner's World are on top of it. They've built and interactive tool to help you decide how to dress for your workout. The tool considers temperature ranges from -35 to 125 degrees fahrenheit, wind speed, precipitation conditions and your preferred comfort preferences.

I tried out the tool  last night. The weather was a cool 45 degrees with a bit of mist coming from the sky. I prefer to be a "cool" runner. When I filled out their short form, they recommended I wear a long sleeve short, vest, hat with visor and shorts.

I had been planning on wearing long pants, but followed their advice and opted for shorts.

I was pleased to find myself comfortable during the entire run. So it certainly passes my first test! Give it a try yourself and let me know how it worked for you and your run.

- Olivia Hubert-Allen

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Victoria's butt makeup Secret

Last week's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show inspired women everywhere to get to work.

Lunges and squats have been done, miles pounded out on the treadmill ... heck, some of you have even skipped dessert.

You may be going through the motions, but that picture perfect derrière (or as my little brother used to say, "Dairy Air") is still elusive.

Well last week, one Victoria's Secret model let a few of those well kept runway secrets slip.

"It's all about creating the illusion of this amazing body on the runway,”  VS model Selita Ebanks told the New York Daily News. “People don't realize that there are about 20 layers of makeup on my butt alone."

Butt makeup?

Yes. Butt makeup.

Apparently models spend about an hour getting body makeup applied, on top of another 2 or 3 hours for hair and face makeup. Roughly five people work on each of the 38 VS Models who appear in the show.

Oh, and that nice glistening glow of their skin? Collectively, all the models wear 100 pounds of body glitter. Can I just say, holy smokes?

So ladies, enjoy the reality check, and treat yourself to a cookie tonight.

And gentlemen ... I'm sorry there are no makeup applicator job openings at this time.

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