Photo: Getty Images

Did you just train for -- and compete in -- your first 5K, 10K, marathon, triathlon or other fitness feat? We want to share your story with the world! Let us know why you decided to train, how you did it and what it felt like to cross that (mental or physical) finish line. Send us an e-mail at successstories [AT] thatsfit [DOT] com.

If you're looking for a beginner- to intermediate-level treadmill that is fairly inexpensive and fit for running or walking, a Proform treadmill might be a good choice. They are one of the most popular and best-selling brands, and they offer a comprehensive range of models for buyers to choose from.

Most Proform treadmills come with QuickSpeed and QuickIncline control, which allows the walker or runner to adjust the speed and incline with the touch of one button. They also offer different levels of cushioning beneath the running surface to help absorb some of the shock to protect your knees and other joints.

Many of the treadmills feature built-in pulse monitors, fans and an interactive workout disc that controls the speed and incline while a person's voice encourages you.

Because Proform treadmills are low-priced, they don't offer all of the benefits found in more expensive models. Some drawbacks include a smaller running surface than in other machines and a louder motor. Additionally, Proform treadmills come with a 90-day warranty whereas other exercise equipment might have a lifetime warranty.

Prices for Proform treadmills range from $599 to $1,699, and they are available through the Internet or most major sporting goods stores.

Once you have your machine, try some of these fat-burning treadmill workouts.

Traditionally, pedometers are small recording devices that you attach to your waist -- or even your shoes -- to track the number of steps you've taken, the calories you've burned walking and the distance (in kilometers or miles) you've traveled. Now, thanks to Google, you can monitor your workout online, without wearing -- or buying -- a physical pedometer. Similar to the virtual pedometer Map My Run, with Gmap pedometers, you map out your exercise routine on a Google map.

That's right, using Gmap pedometers means you don't actually need to wear a pedometer to know how long you've walked or how many steps you've taken.

A marathon runner created the Gmap pedometer to assist with training, which might be why the tool is so easy to use. Runners, walkers or cyclists can enter their zip code and zoom into street level. Next, they can plot their workout route -- whether they want to travel in a big, looping circle or a simple out-and-back course.

Unlike other online tools, Gmap pedometer can report your distance traveled, calories burned and elevation differences.

If you find a route that you love, you can save it to use again or you can print your map and take it with you. Those who might be on long runs can leave printouts for their family members so that they know where to find them if they're not back by an appointed time.

If you're not feeling the high-tech Gmap pedometers, you can stick to the basic waist or shoe pedometer that are slipped on your waist (or shoe) and track each step. Shoe pedometers are a little more accurate than traditional pedometers and can track basketball jumps or jumping rope.

Of course Gmap pedometers are not the first online health calculators; but, if you choose to use one, the key is finding the right one you'll use regularly.

Do you want to amp up your exercise routine and monitor your progress? Studies have shown that pedometers are effective in increasing your workout productivity.

More than 40,000 people will run the ING New York City Marathon this Sunday. Among them will be working mothers chosen to represent all five of New York City's boroughs in the 2009 Foot Locker Five Borough Challenge Team. The women, some running the marathon for the first time, all have unique stories, but share the bonds of being fit, working mothers balancing all the demands that come with those roles. The team of five was also joined recently by another woman, Beth Segaloff, who recently lost her fiancé, Captain Ben Sklarver, just three weeks ago when he was deployed in Afghanistan. The women will run together for the first 13 miles, and then anyone can break away for the second half. The woman with the best time will win a trophy, and bragging rights. But none of these women are part of this team to brag. Instead, they find peace, motivation and solace in their commitment to running. That's Fit recently met the team, along with mom and marathon Olympian, Magdalena Lewy Boulet, to find out how, and why, they have made running such a critical part of their lives.

It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and folks everywhere are signing up to walk and run for the cure. Maybe you're one who's signed up with your office buddies to wear pink and take on a race -- but are you physically ready to log the miles? That's Fit.ca offers last-minute tips for getting to the finish line.

Training: Choose a combo of walking, running or both, with a pace that allows you to carry on a conversation.

Stretching: Stretch for 30 seconds to two minutes post-training to prevent cramping and soreness and increase flexibility.

Eating: Eat fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, essential fats and protein. Avoid sugar, processed foods, alcohol and caffeine.

Hydrating: Start with water first thing in the morning, and keep drinking throughout the day.

Resting: Got to bed no later than 10 p.m., and get at least seven to nine hours of sleep. Consider allowing for 24 hours of rest after a day of training.

And on race day? Keep drinking water, eat healthy, and if you can't do without an electrolyte drink, That's Fit.ca shares a recipe for a thirst quencher you can make at home. Just beware of commercial sports and energy drinks, they contain lots of empty calories and sugar.

The world is a blur when you run this fast. Photo: Kako, Flickr

Fartlek means "speed play" in Swedish and yes, it's pronounced just the way you think it is. Go ahead! Get your giggles out, then consider the serious boost you can give your training by adding fartleks into your regular running routine.

Developed in the 1930s, fartleks are an excellent way for both beginners and advanced runners to improve speed and stamina. Unlike traditional speed workouts, fartleks add short bursts of speed into your "normal" run. When the burst is over, you return to your normal cruising speed until you're recovered and start the cycle over again.

"This kind of training is a great way to keep your body guessing," says Lisa Bender, a trainer at CrossFit Central. "Fartleks push you outside of your comfort zone and help you become more efficient."

Eddie Izzard photographs himself running with an English flag. Photo: eddieizzard, twitter.com

We all run for our own reasons, but lately, more and more people are running to support a cause. Plenty of celebs have gotten in on the act, and currently, actor, comedian and (warning: following link has video with graphic language) executive transvestite Eddie Izzard is running around the entire United Kingdom to raise money for Comic Relief.

Comic Relief is a charity that envisions "a just world free from poverty," and works toward that goal using those in the entertainment industry to encourage folks who otherwise might not volunteer and work and give for charity. Izzard is harnessing the power of social media to get people to donate to his cause -- if you follow him on Twitter, you'll get constant updates, comments and pictures (like the one to the right).

Of course, regular people take on incredible challenges for charity, too. Katie Visco's run across the United States is an effort to raise funds for Girls on the Run, and Nick Irons swam the Mississippi and biked 10,000 miles for his father, who has multiple sclerosis.

Ideally, hearing stories like these will motivate you to reach in your wallet and help out the charity of your choice. But, does it make you want to lace up your shoes and challenge yourself physically, too? Are you inspired to do an event for charity yourself?

CamelBak Annadel Hydration Pack Photo: CamelBak.com

If you're not a member at the gym or just really like the outdoors, chances are good that, now and again, you go for a run/walk/hike/bike ride that requires you to bring more water than just a little bottle. Or, you might just want to keep your hands free -- I know I have a really hard time reaching for a water bottle while on a bike without eating dirt.

There's a simple (and affordable) solution to all of these -- a hydration pack. CamelBak has been making a wide range of hydration packs over the years to suit a variety of needs. They have options for an expanding array of sports and sizes. The latest women's design is the Annadel, which I just tried out.

The Annadel ($45) is fairly compact, holding one to two hours of hydration (50 oz) and not a whole lot else. There's a pocket for keys, phone and a few other basics. My husband went with the Rogue ($55), which is also fairly streamlined but holds over two hours of hydration (70 oz) and a little more cargo than mine.

Source

Photo: Courtesy of Wellness Central

This ultraendurance athlete has earned accolades from everywhere, from Time magazine naming him one of the "Top 100 Most Influential People in the World," and Men's Fitness saying he just "might be the fittest man on the planet." And for good reason too. Following up feats such as swimming across the San Francisco Bay and running 350 miles without stopping, Dean Karnazes decided to run 50 marathons in 50 days -- and did it in 2006. His follow-up book to "Ultramarathon Man" is "50/50: Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathons in 50 Days -- and How You Too Can Achieve Super Endurance!," which chronicles lessons he learned from the road. Some lessons we learned in an interview with Karnazes? He believes in the power of taking "baby steps" instead of getting caught up in "mileage markers and distance still left to cover," and doesn't believe stretching can help him prevent injuries, but does believe cross-training can. Read on to find out what he thinks makes someone an ultraendurance athlete and what fitness challenge he's rising to next.

That's Fit: Is doing an ultramarathon or other utlraendurance event a matter of training? If you can run a 10K or a marathon, do you just need to train longer and harder to do an ultramarathon?

Dean Karnazes: Physical training is only part of it. You also have to be mentally prepared. There is a race called the Western States One Day 100-Mile Endurance Run -- [which is] essentially 100 miles of wilderness trail running through the Sierra Nevada mountain range where they say that you run the first 50 miles with your legs, and the next 50 miles with your mind.

Photo: JY7929/Flickr

You probably already know that, around these parts, we highly recommend triathlons. After all, regardless of your athletic ability, there's a race that will suit you -- and when a great workout is as much fun as an event like this, what's stopping you?

Oh, right, the training. No worries -- Aflac Iron Girl has lots of tips for triathlon training. Whether you're hoping for a faster swim, bike or run, these suggestions will help you cross the finish line well before your goal time.

Swim
Fix foggy goggles by leaving a bit of water in them. And, drink up! Many swimmers get dehydrated because they don't think to drink water while they're in the water. Get your fluids both before and while you swim.

Photo: mikebaird/Flickr

Walking is such a great activity; it's easy to do, convenient, costs nothing (except for a good pair of shoes), and it can do wonders for your overall health. What's more, a walk around your neighborhood or on a trail gives you time to sort through your thoughts and release stress. But sometimes, a walk just seems a little too slow.

If you walk for exercise, why not try picking up the pace a bit? You don't have to do away with your walking routine altogether, but you can slowly create a running habit as well. After all, variety is the spice of life, and you could also say it's the spice in your workout.

Fitness Magazine has some great tips for turning your walk into a run. To start out, time your walking pace. See if you can walk a 15-minute mile. Yes? Now try for two 15-minute miles. Once you're walking fitness is at that level, you can start adding intervals of running into your two-mile route. Start out with a five-minute walk for a warm up and then:

Source

Wendy Alexander

That's Fit Club is our feature devoted to you, the reader. We have all learned so much on our paths to becoming more fit, and now it's time to learn from and inspire each other. That's Fit Club members are constantly working to better themselves. Some are perfect; some are not. But all have health on the mind.

Besides showing you off, we want to reward you for all of your hard work! Adidas is giving gorgeous gym bags to each featured member. To join, please send Fitz your answers to these questions, with a photo of yourself. Time for you to be the motivator!

Name: Wendy Alexander

Age: 45

Occupation: Occupational Therapist

How often do you exercise? Four times a week.

What type of exercise do you do? Running and working out at the gym.

What gets you to work out, even when you're feeling lazy? Signing up for 5K races keeps me motivated to stay in shape.

Source

Scared of marathons? I don't blame you -- the thought of running for 26.2 miles straight is pretty freakin' daunting. Heck, even the thought of running 10 miles non-stop seems like some sort of cruel masochistic punishment to many of us. Sure, maybe you're not a natural-born runner, but have no fear -- according to The New York Times, the Walk-Run Method is a way for regular Joes to get into long-distance running.

Most of us probably already do a version of this whenever we attempt to go for a jog -- as in, we run until we feel like we're going to die and then stop and stagger down the sidewalk, red-faced and gasping for air. But the Walk-Run Method is different -- you stop to walk at regular intervals, whether you're tired or not. If you're just starting, this might mean running for a minute, then walking for a minute -- as you get more experienced and increase your fitness level, though, the walk-to-run ratio will increase.

Intrigued? Click here for more information, and consider working this method into your fitness routine.

That's Fit Club is our feature devoted to you, the reader. We have all learned so much on our paths to becoming more fit, and now it's time to learn from and inspire each other. That's Fit Club members are constantly working to better themselves. Some are perfect; some are not. But all have health on the mind.

Besides showing you off, we want to reward you for all of your hard work! Adidas is giving gorgeous gym bags to each featured member. To join, please send Fitz your answers to these questions, with a photo of yourself. Time for you to be the motivator!

Name: Emily Wisely

Age: 20

Occupation: Student

How often do you exercise? Not often enough, but I'm determined to improve.

What type of exercise do you do? I lift weights a couple times a week. I ran throughout high school on my cross country team, but I've slacked since I've been in college. Determined to change that, though!

What gets you to work out, even when you're feeling lazy? I go online and look at health websites! The articles and tips charge me up with energy!

Source

The summer season is just around the corner, which means that the calendar of events in your community is quickly filling up with fundraising runs, walks and sporting events. Last summer, Reese Witherspoon walked for breast cancer -- maybe you should consider putting your name down for something too.

Thing is, it's a win-win situation. You're doing something good for your community, and you're doing something good for yourself. You'll need to start training soonish, which means you'll be getting a regular workout from now until the event.

Make sure to challenge yourself, but within reason -- if you regularly run 5Ks, sign up for a 10K run, for instance. If you're used to walking a few miles at a time, maybe you want to pick up the pace and start training for a 5K run? Or maybe an easy fundraising walk is more your pace -- whatever the case, just give it your best.