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Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answers. Our That's Fit fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose one per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Hi Fitz. I need to buy some new shoes for the gym, but I don't know which brand to choose. Which do you like, and which are overall best? Rachel

A. Hello Miss Rachel. I'm happy to hear from you! This is one of the most common questions I'm asked, so I'm happy to answer it for everyone.

Using proper training equipment, especially footwear, is one of the most valuable steps you can take towards the prevention of injuries and promotion of a fabulous training experience.

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Think any old shoe will do? For ambling around the neighborhood, maybe, but if you're a runner? Think again. Shoes matter. In a recent issue of the London Metro, British gold-medalist runner Darren Campbell told readers that "up to 60 percent of sports injuries, particularly knee, shin and back, are caused by unsuitable footwear." Yikes. So, obviously, it's important to find your "sole mate."

According to the experts at Runners World, the key to finding the right shoe is understanding your feet. Consider this:

• People with normal feet need shoes that offer stability.
• People with flat feet need firm shoes with control features.
• People with high arches need shoes that are cushioned and flexible.

Hmm -- those are some pretty differing requirements. So, I guess this means you can't just go for the shoes that look best? Dang. Learn more about your feet and browse a big plethora of info. over at Runner's World -- your feet (and back, and legs, and cavles ... ) will thank you.

You only have a couple of days left to enter our Havaianas giveaway, and I have 10 reasons why you should get yourself entered. You have 10 chances to win a pair of Havaianas FIT sandals, because here at That's Fit, we're selecting five winners, and five winners will be selected over at StyleList blog as well!

Come on, spring is in the air, and you know you're dying for a new, comfy pair of sandals in which to stretch out your toes after those tough workouts. Head on over to the giveaway and enter to win today!

Whether you're looking for a pair of sandals to wear to and from yoga, need the right shoes to pop on your feet after a tough run, or just want a comfy pair of flip flops that look stylish and don't do too much flipping (or flopping), I have the shoe for you. Havaianas is the biggest name in the flip flop game (if you have a pair, you know why), and the FIT is my newest favorite style.

Here's why: For one thing, it comes in a variety of colors, including a couple of metallics and a bright pink (I have the silver). What makes them really different is that they have an adjustable strap around the back of your ankle, so even though they're sleek and extremely lightweight (making them easy to store in your gym bag), they stay in place better than a traditional thong sandal.

Now, here's something to make your Monday a little brighter -- this week, you can enter to win one of five pairs of Havaianas FIT sandals that we'll be giving away here at "That's Fit." And that's not all! Our fashion-forward friends at "StyleList" blog are also giving away five pairs of Havaianas, so you have 10 total chances to win! And entering is easy:

• To enter, leave a confirmed comment below telling us your favorite nail polish color for your toes -- once you get these shoes, you'll be showing them off!
  
• The comment must be left before 5pm ET on Friday, April 10, 2009.
  
• You may enter only once at "That's Fit" and once at "StyleList" blog.
• Five winners will be selected in a random drawing.
  
• Five winners will receive a pair of Havaianas FIT sandals in their choice of size, in either black or silver (valued at $30 each).
• Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.
• Click here for complete Official Rules. Winners will be notified by email, so make sure to check next week to find out if you've won!

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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Havaianas have long been the flip flop of choice for lots of people in the fashion community. Last week was Fashion Week in New York, and as soon as all those models and style scenesters were able to slip out of the stilettos, I guarantee you that a large percentage were sliding into a pair of Havaianas. I mean, truth be told, they're just little rubber flip flops, but they come in a bunch of styles and even more colors, so it's easy to be unique in comfort.

Now, if you're anything like me, you love getting out of your tennis shoes after a workout -- I love letting my toes stretch out after hitting the gym. And sure, any sandal will allow it, but really, all the cool gym kids are sporting the Havaianas Fit Sandal.

It's a great post-workout show because, for one thing, they're rubber, so you stick them on your sweaty feet or wear them in the locker room shower. Second, they have a strap that comes around the back of your heel, so they're not going to slide around, even when they're all wet. And you know how much of a pain it is when your calves are already tired and sore and you're having to hold your foot just right so your flip flop stays on. You know.

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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We've talked about Blake Lively a few times here at That's Fit, but she's not the one who just completed a bad ass Nike ad. That honor goes to Taylor Momsen.

Momsen, known as "Little J" to her legions of Gossip Girl fans, doesn't exactly play a sporty character. She's more into short hemlines, massive amounts of eyeliner, and unfortunate haircuts. However, in real life (well, in a Nike commercial, anyway), she's beyond sporty -- she's practically a superhero.

After this, I wouldn't be surprised to see more paparazzi-prone starlets lacing up their sneaks when exiting Hollywood hotspots. It could be a new form of celebrity fitness -- 'razzi racing!

Swedish blonde bombshell Victoria Silvstedt has a figure most would die for -- both women and men. But staying slim is all in the job for the 34-year-old supermodel and Playboy pin-up -- she credits her tiny waist to wearing heels all day.

"How I stay in shape? 12 hours a day in heels," she recently told reporters, adding, "I'm, literally moving all day long in heels. When I'm not working I do go to the gym and do my cardio but nothing beats the high-heel workout!"

Really? That's all it takes? I should have traded my flats for stillettos years ago. Except heels apparently ruin your back. Um, maybe comfy shoes and a regular cardio workout don't sound so bad after all.

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A few weeks ago, I wrote about the problems I've been having with plantar fasciitis. I hadn't been to see a doctor yet, but based my the symptoms, I was quite certain plantar fasciitis is what I'm dealing with. My pain was typically worse in the mornings after I worked out -- to the point that walking was difficult until things loosened up for me.

Since I wrote my original post, I've tried out some tips. All in all, I think they're helping. I've been able to wake up the morning after working out and (aaah, aaah the angels sing), I can actually walk. There's still some pain, but it's not nearly as bad. Check out the gallery for details.

Do you have plantar fasciitis? If so, what's worked best for you?

If you missed our daily postings this past week, we invite you to take some time to catch up on our prior week's news and gear up for a new week of healthy living information and inspiration.

You know that a healthy diet and regular exercise can help you reach your fitness goals. But what about your thoughts? Do they play a role? Laura thinks so and has three tools to help you get started.

Carnie Wilson shares one of her favorite "side effects" of weight loss -- more sex.

You thought you learned how to do it when you were six, but are you tying your shoes correctly? Let Kristen teach you how.

Don't have a whole hour? Don't worry. Bev tells us that 30 minutes in the gym is golden.

Fitz interviews Donny Osmond and finds him pleasant, warm, funny and fit.

Just in time for a little post-holiday down time -- Kristen has natural beauty treatments you can do right at home.

President-elect Barack Obama appears even more fit than ever in Hawaii. Presidential fitness, indeed.

Economy hitting you where it hurts? Bev tells you how to get fit for zip.

Finally, start gearing up for January 1, when That's Fit teams up with AOL Health for America Takes it Off: Shrink a Size!

Happy New Year, everyone!

I've mentioned before my issues with lacing up my sneaks. Both feet have to be perfectly evenly snug, and heaven forbid one comes untied mid-workout -- it's a huge distraction. And, I hate having one end of a lace, or a bow, brushing against my ankle.

As it turns out, I'm not the only shoelace nut on the planet. The latest issue of Runner's World has an entire article dedicated to teaching us how to tie our shoelaces correctly. You probably thought there was only one way to tie them, but you are wrong. And it's a 50/50 bet that your shoelaces are, too.

Essentially, you want to tie a reef knot, not a granny knot. A granny will come undone quickly and easily, while a reef knot is actually tightened as your foot pushes against it while you run. I'm not about to go into a full explanation of how to do these knots -- check out the article for that. But, at least now you know it's something to be aware of.

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One of the most important ingredients of a fitness routine is the right sneakers. But with so many choices, it's difficult to pick the right ones.

Luckily, FitSugar is here to help, and with just enough time to put your request in with Santa. Click here for FitSugar's list of the best shoes of 2008.

I overpronate, so my workout shoes wear out rather quickly. Recently, I made the cardinal sin of fitness buffs and tried to wear my shoes long after they needed to be replaced. Six months later, I'm paying the price. While I'm not 100 percent positive that I have plantar fasciitis, the symptoms certainly point to it. For example, the morning after a long workout, I feel like someone is jabbing knives up my feet. A new pair of shoes and a trip to the doctor are in my near future.

Plantar fasciitis is caused by straining the ligament that supports the arch of your foot. While it's painful, plantar fasciitis doesn't need to put you on the sidelines. Some tips:

• Buy good shoes. Shoes are not something to skimp on. Look for shoes with good arch support or consider motion control shoes if you overpronate.
• Stretch. Do calf stretches and towel stretches several times a day.
  
• Avoid hard surfaces. If you're a runner or a walker, try moving your workout to an indoor track. Cement and other hard surfaces may aggravate your pain.
• Try new exercises. Swimming won't aggravate plantar fasciitis and other activities -- such as biking -- may be easier for you.

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Congratulations to Robin, our winner of the KEEN Footwear Giveaway. Robin's about to be given a fancy code which gives her the power to order and own any one thing on the KEENFootwear.com website. Oh man -- she is really lucky!

Robin said she'd love the Winterport boots to keep her feet warm and dry while she pulls her daughter through the snow on her sled. Now she's going to get her chance! I, personally, live in Florida and probably won't ever see snow near my home. But I'd love those boots too! Lucky, lucky Robin.

Thanks to everyone who entered this contest, and keep coming back to That's Fit to enter more! We always seem to have a bunch of giveaways going on, and your odds are way better here than they are in Vegas.

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