Articles about Fitness

Naked Man Goes for an Afternoon Run on Lamar

Dang, but my old partying buddy Christopher Wynn tweeted that a naked man was running down Lamar at Ross earlier this afternoon. CW even had  a G-rated photo of the in-the-flesh fellow in front of Wine & Spirits.

Cyclists Versus Joggers

Last night, a jogger on Katy Trail, who was wearing her headphones, made an abrupt left turn just as a cyclist was trying to pass her. Both were taken to the hospital. The jogger is in ICU this morning. This story is aggravating. And from the comments, it looks like it’s pitting cyclists against joggers. Since I’m more of a jogger than a cyclist, and I’ve had some close encounters with cyclists on the trail, I want to side with the jogger. (Though I do understand it’s extremely important to always look behind you before you make a change in direction.) But why was the cyclist going so fast? Katy Trail is a fantastic place for walkers, runners, cyclists, skateboarders, rollerbladers, whoever to go out and enjoy what they do. Everyone’s welcome. But you have to look out for one another. I’m just not sure it’s the place for avid cyclists to train. Obviously there aren’t many trails out there to really do this training, though some people are trying to change that. But until then, what are cyclists to do? And what are joggers to do?

A Race That Happens This Weekend. (I Promise.)

Remember how excited I was for the Jailbreak? Yeah, wrong weekend. As you kindly pointed out it’s the 18th and 19th. Apologies. As far as this weekend, how about signing up for the City Chase? Billed as “the world’s largest urban adventure series,” it’s basically a lot like the  Amazing Race (without the travel). You and a partner will be tested physically, mentally, and emotionally as you complete 10 ChasePoint challenges all over town. And since Blackberry is a major sponsor, use of your smartphone isn’t considered cheating—it’s encouraged. The race starts and ends at Gilley’s, which is perfect! You can stop and shop at The Dallas Flea before heading home.

Sign Up for a little Jailbreak 2010 on Sunday

What are you doing Sunday? Here’s what you should be doing: running 3. 8 miles and overcoming some 14 odd obstacles at DFW Adventure Park in Roanoke, Texas. When it’s all over, we can drink beer, dance to live music, and watch college football. (You’ll do the last one on your own. I don’t like that show.) Who’s with me? There are spots still available in several waves on Sunday. Sign up here.

What to Do in Dallas This Weekend: Sept. 3-6

Well, what do you know? It’s roughly noon on Friday. Too bad you’re at work, eh? Put aside your spreadsheet for a moment, please. We need to discuss your weekend.

Today

First of all, AnimeFest begins today. About 0.5% of you now have a quickened pulse and dilated pupils, and you’ll have no use for the rest of this post. Have a great weekend. The remainder of you, take heed:
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Avoid Germs at the Gym

Just got a press release about local inventor Dawn Meifert. It seems she has invented a little something called PhitGrip, which is described as “a palm-size , tube-shaped, cushioned rubber grip with antimicrobial agents printed onto it.” Apparently, these grips prevent you from having to touch the handles on treadmills and dumbbells. And later, after all the goodness you’ve accomplished at the gym, you can use them on the grocery cart as you load up on treats. Speaking of germs and just generally bad things, myfoxdfw.com has the most awful, most ghastly, germiest story ever in the world.

What to Do in Dallas Tonight: Aug. 23

Happy Monday, Web log readers. I hope that you got tons of shopping done this weekend. Today, you’re going for a boat ride.

For the first time in 15 years, ye lovers of fun can rent kayaks and canoes at White Rock Lake. For $15 (or less if you buy a package deal), patrons of White Rock Paddle Co. can reserve a boat for an hour. Feeling more adventurous? Rent one for three hours, or even all day. I’m told that if you can beg off work a little early and get there around 5 p.m. before the evening rush, you’ll largely have the place to yourself. However, if you’re feeling particularly romantic, wait until an hour before sundown and watch the sunset in all its glory. And if you’re worried about the heat, don’t be: one of the women who run the stand swears the lake has a noticeable cooling effect.

Why tonight? A) The service has been up and running for less than two weeks, so you’ll be among the first to do it. B) It’s a healthy start to your week, and a healthy reader is a happy reader. C) Because I said so.

You’ll no doubt have worked up an appetite with all that rowing, so order carry-out from Big Shucks on your way home, and enjoy some fried fish and hush puppies—I cannot stress enough the importance of the latter.

Not inclined to leave dry ground? We’ve got the details on Heart’s concert and other great things to do in Dallas.

What to Do in Dallas Tonight: Aug. 16

It’s possible you woke up this morning thinking, “You know, it really isn’t fair that Monday comes directly after Sunday.” And, you would be right. However, it’s worth noting that no matter how beleaguered you might feel right now, you’re probably having a better day than Dustin Johnson, the hapless man-child who lost his chance at the PGA title because he grounded his club in what he did not know at the time was a bunker. Man, what a bummer.

If young Dustin lived in Dallas, I’d tell him to turn that frown upside down with Laugh Yoga at Cosmic Café. And while I’m at it, I’d suggest you do the same, because we could probably all stand to breathe deeply, think about our place in the universe, and laugh a little. After class, lighten up a little more with a tasty vegetarian something-or-other. Your innards will thank you.

You could call it a night after supper, but that would be boring. Reward your health-consciousness with a nearly guilt-free dessert at Natsumi. Or, if you want to be really saintly, order a lovely cup of green tea.

Looking for something else? Find other great things to do in Dallas.

Today’s Classic Cartoon Quote of the Day

First in a non-repeating series: the four-year-old at home stumbled upon this Foghorn Leghorn video (also after the jump), and the choice quotes comes at around the 0:42 mark: “That gal reminds me of the highway between Fort Worth and Dallas: no curves.”

They don’t make ‘em like they used to folks.

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Dr. Clyde Yancy did not Have a Good Morning America

Dr. Clyde Yancy is recognized as one of the leading heart specialists in the country. Not only is he medical director of the Baylor Heart and Vascular Institute at Baylor University Medical Center, he’s also president of the American Heart Association.

His interview on Good Morning America this morning made him sound like the paid spokesperson for Wii.

Don’t think Clyde will have Dr. Richard Besser on his Christmas card list this year.

Katy Trail 5K Recap

Last night was perfect for a little run on Katy Trail, albeit a bit on the muggy side. Of course, I think only a few people were there for the 3.1 miles of running. (Logan Sherman, we are not friends. I can’t be a friend to anyone who runs a 15:15 5K.) The rest of us 4,470 people were there for the after party. The party included about 40 vendors who were giving away all sorts of free food and drinks. Ben E. Keith reported that it gave out 6,800 services of Michelob Ultra from 48 kegs. I think it’s safe to say a good time was had by all.

And for a random fun fact on this Friday: to sponsor a bench along Katy, it’ll cost you $10,000. It’ll cost you $125,000 to sponsor one of those little mile markers I so desperately search for when running.

Scenes From the Warrior Dash

Forney was busy this weekend as costumed runners of every shape and size descended for the Warrior Dash. (To the man in the Kiss speedo, you are perhaps the bravest person I’ve seen.) I was a bit concerned how the event would be pulled off due to all the issues the organizers had this week. But it was perfect. If you like running and mud at all, you have to do this event next year. I heard multiple stories of broken bones, but I was able to escape with only a few scratches. Here are a few pics I was able to snap.

bananajump

Even a gorilla and a few bananas were able to jump across the fire. The fire was surprisingly large.

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Warrior Dash Update

UPDATE: It’s on!

Just hung up with attorney Michael Cramer. He said the hearing about Warrior Dash will start again at 5:30 (but we already knew this). He’s hoping they’ll have a decision by 7 or 7:30. He said it’ll be posted on the group’s website, Facebook, and Twitter. I asked him what happens after the decision’s made. “If it’s back on, great,” he says. “If not, then we have to see if we can go to the Court of Appeals in Dallas fast enough for this event to take place.” He said he assumed someone was working on whether or not the event could be moved to another county by this weekend.

When asked about worst case scenario and what happens to participants’ registration fees, he says, “I don’t know. I haven’t talked to my clients about that issue yet.”

Fingers crossed.

Dallas Saves You Time, Kinda

This month, Real Simple did a list of the top 21 time-saving cities. The magazine ranked cities based on how easy and fast they are to get around; how long it takes to see a doctor or the response of emergency services; availability of wireless and broadband and resources such as 311 hotlines; bike friendliness and recycling; and on the number of personal trainers and takeout restaurants per capita. Dallas came in at number 16, in a tie with Cleveland. We scored a 14 on the time-saving scale (getting around: 2; health and safety: 3.5; information and technology: 3; green time-savers: 3; lifestyle: 2.5). I think Dallas should have had a higher score in lifestyle, but I’m biased.

Also in the same issue, I learned I could use a ketchup bottle as a pancake dispenser. So there’s that.

BNSF Velocity’s Employees Are Faster Than You

The results of the SMU Cox Corporate Relay Challenged, which raised $30,000 for Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, were announced today (although, if you go to the winner’s website, you’ll see they knew the results just a few days after the race). Anywho, the winning team, coming in at two hours, 43 minutes, and 52 seconds (that’s a pace of 6:14 per mile), was BNSF Velocity. Second place goes to Barrel Makers. Third was Sewell 1. Also, the oldest Corporate Team was Sewell 13, with an average age of 57.2. The youngest corporate team winner was Sewell 9, with an average age of 21.6. I wonder if there’s a running portion during the interview process with Sewell.

All the results are posted after the jump. (more…)