Archives

• Huffing It

• Damage Control

• A Day at the Beach

• The Next Step

• What do you think of T.S. Wiley's new book, Lights out: Sleep, sugar and survival

• How can I incorporate all my outdoor interests into a balanced weekly fitness program?

• What can I do to bike faster?

• Do I need to eat or drink before I go on my morning run?

• I would like to start training for a weeklong hiking/trekking trip at altitudes of 10,000 feet and higher. What's the best way to prepare my legs for extended climbs and descents? Keep in mind that I hate jogging.

• Paddling season is fast approaching and I'm feeling the urge to whip myself into shape. Could you recommend some exercises to help me tone up a little to make the transition back onto the water that much easier?

• The other day I was snowboarding through some epic powder on the East Coast when my quads started to cramp up. How do I prevent cramps from starting and make them go away once they do?

• I'm about to start a training program for rock climbing, cycling, and running. Can you tell me if the lactic acid produced by the aerobic part of my training will affect my weight training for climbing?

• I live in a city so the gym is my best bet for a workout BUT I HATE THE GYM. Any suggestions?

• I workout five to six days a week -- cardio, weights, and stretching. My boyfriend rarely works out. Why is it that whenever we go for an all day hike or a long day of mountain biking, I end up sore for the next several days while he claims to feel fine?

• Is there any way I can warm-up faster when I'm exercising?

• I have run a marathon and done a lot of telemarking - now my knees hurt. How can I tell the difference between just mild pain that will go away with rest, and pain that really means I've done something bad to my knees?

• Can you enlighten me on the ABC'S of plyometrics? Especially as they can be applied to cycling.

• Do two runs of the same time but at different heart rates produce the same changes in my fitness? Which should I use to "rate" a workout, heart rate, distance, or a combination of both?

• Walking is too easy and running is too hard. What are some other outside options for the advanced beginner that aren't gear intensive?

• What is a good way to determine my lactate threshold with a heart rate monitor?

• I want to run about 20 miles a week to maintain fitness. Is it better for my knees and body in general to run, say, five miles four days a week with three days off, or to run six days a week for three miles each and take one day off? Or what other division of rest and work days would you suggest?

• Is there a right or wrong way to breathe for endurance running?

• I've heard that cycling "shortens" your muscles or reduces your range of motion and flexibility. Is this true? If so, how can I continue to use cycling for training and retain my flexibility for martial arts? Does running also reduce your range of motion and flexibility?

• I like to both run and swim to stay in shape. But I have noticed as I swam more that my running was becoming more of a chore, my legs started feeling heavy until I got through the first couple of miles. Any suggestions?

• What makes joints snap, crackle, and pop? Should I be concerned? Is there any therapy that would help?

• What is the truth about sweat?

• I'm planning on climbing Mount Whitney in late fall. I understand that spending as much time as possible at altitude would be the best solution, but what can I do the other five days a week down here at sea level to get myself in the best shape for non-technical climbing?

• What exercises will make me a better mountain biker?

• Is it true that cross-country skiing is the best full body workout?

• Does muscle really weigh more than fat?

• Is it true that swimming is a bad activity choice if you want to lose weight?

• I'm switching from doing mostly road running to mostly trail running. Is there anything specific I need to know? How do the two activities compare from a fitness standpoint?

• What difference does it make to my training if I put my bike in an easy gear and spin fast as opposed to putting it in a tough gear and using lots of force to pedal?