Photo: Josiah Mackenzie/Flickr

If running makes your knees hurt, you might have a little something called, well, runner's knee. Characterized by pain around the kneecap after running, this condition is usually caused by muscular imbalance of the legs and feet, says Sarah Brown at That's Fit.ca. How's it fixed? With R.I.C.E. -- rest, ice, compression and elevation -- plus some strength training, backward running, maybe even some orthotics and a good pair of running shoes.

Simon Cowell once quipped that a bigger stage was in order when she stepped on it, but former "American Idol" contestant Mandisa is the real winner now. She recently lost 75 pounds.

Get ready for spring with a pair of new running shoes. Kristen has the top picks of 2009.

Dane Patterson was eliminated from "The Biggest Loser" three weeks ago, but what he really needs to be ashamed about is faking the last three miles of his marathon. Does his redo redeem him?

High protein diets may help you trim the fat quickly, but are they really the best choice? Ashley's got the scoop. (Hint: If it's got the word "diet" in it, it's probably not.)

Jonny thinks cardio isn't the best exercise for weight loss, but he says that's not a reason not to do it. With cardio losing out to the more efficient interval training, are you still taking those long walks or run?

Karla's found that weight loss has changed the way she looks at her love life ... desperately seeking balance. Did weight loss affect one of your relationships in a positive or negative way?

Experts think they've narrowed down the pace of a solid, healthy walk -- 100 steps a minute. But did they account for varying levels of fitness?

Shin pain in my nemesis, which is why I want to hug Fitz for her advice on preventing and treating shin pain.

Fit and 50, Megan Mullally loves Pilates and was once addicted to step classes. Learn more about how this "In the Motherhood" star stays looking so hot.

I don't know about you, but spring always inspires me to get outside and run. But, as you renew your weekly running goals, it might be time to renew something else -- your shoes.

There's no definite answer as to how often you need to replace your running shoes -- it will vary depending on how often you run, the distances you run and the shoes themselves. However, most experts agree that you should start paying attention by 300 miles, and by 500 or 600 miles, you almost definitely should replace them. You might think they're fine, but you know those new aches you're feeling in your knees, hips and back? Those are all signs that it's time for a new pair.

So what should you get? Well, "Runner's World" has come out with their Spring 2009 Shoe Guide, and it's a great place to start shopping. First, they explain how to determine the right type of shoe for you. For example, your weight has some bearing on whether your shoes should have more cushion or more stability. Arch type and pronation will also make a difference, and while there are ways to figure this out at home, I've had good luck going to runners' specialty stores for advice.

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Under Armour has launched a line of running shoes. Oddly, one would have imagined that the giant in athletic apparel that UA has become, they would have done this long ago. But maybe they were just taking their time, so they'd get it right. The line is diverse, created with specific technology to suit a runner's needs, and I had the good fortune to give a pair a try.

Under Armour sent me a pair of Apparitions; I liked them a lot though they're not what I normally would have given a chance at the store. After years of competitive kickboxing and teaching fitness, my feet are quite fragile and this leads me to seek out the most cushiony pillow-like shoes I can find. The Under Armour Apparition is not pillowy at all, but I have been surprised by how much I like them!

Instead of hugging my feet, the insert feels quite flat, and the forefoot is incredibly roomy. I love the roominess! In fact, the extra space up front has made workouts on cardio machines much more comfortable. Often the stepper or elliptical trainer causes toe pain because of the angle at which one's foot works. My Apparitions prevented this issue altogether. And let me digress. Even though they are not "pillowy", they are supportive.

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Martha recently said goodbye to her favorite pair of running shoes, shoes that had helped her get fit, one step at a time.

Unlike the pretty shoes in your closet, the ones whose only role in life is to make you look good, fitness shoes have a job to do. And that means that eventually -- probably sooner than later, if you're putting them to good use -- they'll wear out.

Luckily, even when they've carried you through every last mud puddle or fitness class, those shoes can still do some good. Over at Stylelist blog, Kristen's got some great ideas for passing those shoes on so they can be recycled and turned into athletic tracks and playground equipment. Oh, and she has tips for your pretty shoes too.

See Martha, it's not really goodbye. It's more like, see ya when I see ya.

Have you ever recycled your fitness shoes? Tell us how!

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If you're serious about running, there's no more important investment than your shoes. While you don't have to buy the most expensive shoes on the market (cost doesn't necessarily equal quality), you do want to make sure you have a properly fitted, supportive, and comfortable shoe.

When you've got the right fit, a good shoe can enhance and improve your performance. Divine Caroline gives us a list of the top five running shoes.

When shopping for running shoes, be sure to wear the type of socks you would wear when running. Also, it's better to shop in the afternoon when your feet are a bit more swollen. Also, if the store has a treadmill or a small track for you to use, by all means, try them out.

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About 20 years ago, Nike introduced the Air Max Light shoe, which was fairly popular for a while until it was overshadowed by a newer version, the Air Max 90.

Well there are now more than 25 versions of the Air Max, all of them available in various colors for men and women. But, Nike is going back to its Air Max roots with the Nike Air Max Light Retro Running Classic shoes.

A couple of versions, like the ones pictured, are available exclusively through JD Sports. However, there are plenty of other versions from which to choose. Check out the gallery and see which ones you want to collect next!

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