The Better Letter

Have you seen those runners going barefoot or wearing the new “minimalist” shoes and wondered what was going on?

You see them around town wearing shorts that reveal lean, strong legs, fitted shirts over tight abs, and shapely arms that carry a toddler and groceries.

Stand-up paddle boarding isn’t as hard as it looks. You stand on a surfboard, but instead of waiting for a wave, you use a paddle and push yourself.

I’ve heard all the excuses: chlorine dries out my hair, I don’t have a swim suit, my goggles leak, I can’t get the breathing, the water is cold, and it’s boring.

September is chock-full of events in a variety of sports, for all levels of athlete, and some for the entire family. Here’s a sampling of events in the area:

This March, when The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) released a 15-year Harvard study of exercise and body weight in middle aged women, you could hear the ripples of dismay across the country.

Have you reached a plateau with your fitness? Maybe you’ve stopped losing weight or you’re not getting faster or leaner. Break out of your comfort zone and you will take your fitness to the next level.

I’ve had it, have you? Many athletes suffer from a foot injury called plantar fasciitis.

I remember the moment my oldest daughter became an athlete. During a lively kindergarten soccer game, she exclaimed, “I am so hot, tired and sweaty!” After a quick hug, I told her it was OK! She smiled, paused, and then I saw the light bulb go on.