Your Questions

01 September 2010

Episode 17 - Behind the Bloggers

Operation-beautiful Our special guest today is Caitlin Boyle, the voice behind the blog Healthy Tipping Point and author of Operation Beautiful. Her book stems from the Operation Beautiful movement which encourages women to lead more positive and healthy lives... one post-it note at a time.

We put out a call for questions in anticipation of Caitlin's appearance and there was a definite theme among the responses - you asked a lot about the world of blogging. So thank you kindly for giving this episode a clear topic!

These questions were the most popular:

  • Do you ever get tired of blogging?
  • How do you cope with critical and/or hurtful comments?
  • Do you have any tips for newbies?

So today we go BEHIND THE BLOGGERRRRRRS to find out the answers.

We also answer a query that has nothing to do with blogging:

  • How do you deal with negative self talk?

Caitlin also chats to us about the Operation Beautiful phenomenon and power of a well-placed Post-It note. Then she takes on the 60 Seconds speed round.

Apologies in advance for a bit of audio fuzziness during Caitlin's interview, not sure what happened there!

Here's how to listen to the show:


Here is an alternative download link and another in-browser player below:

17  Behind The Bloggers

Please let us know if you have any problems listening - our technical support team is here to serve you.

Caitlin-healthy-tipping-point Many thanks to our Blogger News contributors:

  1. Anna McCarthy via Facebook
  2. Jerilyn from The Because Show
  3. Sandrelle from Keeping It Off!
  4. Fallon via Facebook
  5. Suellen of Transforme
  6. Maryanne via email
  7. Julia of Love My Body, Love Myself
  8. Lish of Rise and Shine
  9. Laurie of Laurie's Journey To Better Health

Thanks again to the rockin' Caitlin (pictured right, jumping for joy!) for joining us today. You can find out more about her book at OperationBeautiful.com.

Now everyone get out your pens and scratch out a note to a stranger while you sing along to today's outro tune, A Message To You Rudy by The Specials.

Got a some episode feedback or Blogger News to share? Email us at hello@twofitchicks, pop a comment, tweet @twofitchicks or say hello on Facebook. If you'd like to help spread the word about the show, please consider leaving us a review on iTunes! Thank you always for tuning in.

Posted by Shauna in Podcast Episodes, Your Questions | | Comments (12) | TrackBack (0)

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19 July 2010

Episode 15 - Running Further with Julia Jones

Julia-jones Runners rejoice! Today we welcome back our resident running guru Julia Jones. She's been answering oodles of your questions since she first appeared way back in way back in Episode 2, and now she's back to share her tips for stepping up to a 10K.

She also tackles your latest running queries:

  • Do I need to lose weight to fix my shin splints?
  • How can I prevent the need for a bathroom stop on a morning run?
  • What's the best post-run stretch?
  • How can I avoid iPod rash?
  • Help! My town is full of hills!
  • How can I stay motivated for a race six months away?
  • When should I make my comeback after injury?
  • How can I prevent the dreaded Runner's Toenail?

Plus: Carla talks about her new half-marathon plans and Shauna harvests her home-grown carbs.

Here's how to listen to the show:


And in case our podcast host craps it again, here is an alternative download link and another in-browser player below:

15 Running Further with Julia Jones

Please let us know if you have any problems listening - our technical support team is standing by!

Many thanks to our Blogger News contributors and informants:

  1. Aarmi from Finland
  2. Kat from Australia
  3. Liv from Happy In My Skin
  4. Lucinda from The Fat Assassin
  5. Abby of Stylish Heart
  6. Mishe from Eating Journey
  7. Mrs FatAss of Did I Just Eat That Out Loud?

And our running question askerers:

  1. Tameisha
  2. Jen of Jen In Real Life
  3. Christie from Honor My Health
  4. Christina from Miles4Kids
  5. Krissie from Questions For Dessert
  6. Anonymous!

Today's outro tune is Run To Me by The Bee Gees. We needed to up the cheese quotient around here!

Huge thanks to Julia Jones for her wisdom today.

Got a some episode feedback or Blogger News to share? Email us at hello@twofitchicks, pop a comment, tweet @twofitchicks or say hello on Facebook. Thanks always for tuning in.

Posted by Shauna in Podcast Episodes, Running, Your Questions | | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)

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07 June 2010

Episode 13 - Growing Old Disgracefully

Old We're back at last! We missed you!

Today we're joined by our special guest, author Stephanie Dolgoff to answer some more of your questions:

  • Can I lose 30 pounds in 11 weeks for a wedding?
  • Do you feel guilty for skipping workouts?
  • Do I need an exercise buddy?
  • Return of the P Word - how much protein do I need? how can I get it on the go?
  • How can I feel better about growing older?

Plus: Carla confesses she's been lured back to the cult of RUNNING and Shauna discovers her inner metal head.

We talk to Stephanie about coming to terms with getting a little older and her upcoming book My Formerly Hot Life: Dispatches From Just The Other Side of Young. Stephanie says of her book:

"I decided to write my book after my sudden realization that I was no longer who I'd always been - a pretty girl who navigated the world partially aided by the advantage of her looks. I had crossed a line into strange, uncharted life territory, one in which I no longer felt like me. There are many women like me, bitchslapped into a new category of person: adult "tweens," not quite middle-aged, but no longer our reckless, restless, gravity-defying selves."

Stephanie-dolgoff Stephanie is a contributing editor at Parenting and was previously a contributing editor at Real Simple, health director and features director at SELF magazine.

She's written for gazillions of magazines such as “O” The Oprah Magazine, Fitness, Health, Parents, Redbook, Seventeen, CosmoGirl and Ladies Home Journal.

Here's how to listen to the show:


And in case our podcast host craps it again, here is an alternative download link and another in-browser player below:

13 Growing Old Disgracefully

Please let us know if you have any problems listening - our technical support team is standing by!

Many thanks to our Blogger News contributors and informants:

  1. Melissa
  2. 266 of 266
  3. Trillie from Berlin
  4. Debbie of Comfy, Cosy, Crazy
  5. Anna from Edinburgh
  6. Rachel from Seattle via Oz
  7. Sarrobi
  8. Liz from Watching and Weighting
  9. Stacy
  10. Steve from 265 and Falling
  11. Penelope from Sydney

Today's outro tune is Help The Aged by Pulp. Yes, that's the third Jarvis Cocker outing in just thirteen episodes. But you cannae get a more poignant song about growing old than this one. Please don't sue, Jarvis! I love you.

How do you feel about aging? If you're a youngun, do you worry about getting older? If you're older do you feel more fabulous than ever? Email us at hello@twofitchicks, pop a comment, tweet @twofitchicks or say hello on Facebook. Thanks always for tuning in.

Posted by Shauna in Podcast Episodes, Your Questions | | Comments (14) | TrackBack (0)

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26 April 2010

Episode 12 - Your Questions Answered III

Stefano-dimera We're going to dive right in and answer more of your questions today. Topics include:

  • Is a little bit of hunger okay when you're trying to lose weight?
  • Those weirdo Vibram 5 Finger running shoes
  • Eating healthy when you're unwell
  • Strength training for beginners
  • Cross training conundrums for kickboxers

Plus: Carla and Shauna discover a mutual love of Days Of Our Lives.

Minor correction: Shauna refers to Stefano Romano but of course totally meant to refer to the DOOL villian correctly as Stefano Dimera.

Here's how to listen:


And in case our podcast host craps it again, here is an alternative download link and another in-browser player below:

12 Your Questions Answered III

Please let us know if you have any problems listening - our technical support team is standing by!

Links mentioned in this episode:

Many thanks to our Blogger News contributors and informants:

Today's outro tune as chosen by Shauna's Twitter buddies is Hungry Eyes by Eric Carmen.

We're a fool for your news and questions!  Email us at hello@twofitchicks, pop a comment, tweet @twofitchicks or say hello on Facebook. Thanks always for tuning in.

Posted by Shauna in Podcast Episodes, Your Questions | | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)

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15 March 2010

Episode 10 - It's All In Your Head

Mirror Today we're tackling questions from your head about your head. You know, the mental side of things. Then we attempt to answer from our own heads.

These are real can-of-worms topics; the ones that tend to raise more questions than they answer. We'd love to hear your own thoughts on these too...

  • How do I overcome my mental barriers to exercise?
  • How can I tell the difference between deprivation and moderation?
  • How do you prevent passing on your weight and body issues to your kids?
  • Plus a really thought-provoking one about body image and internal vs external validation

Also today: Carla reflects on her half-mara hijinks and Shauna attempts to meditate.

Here's how to listen:


If you have trouble with the above, here is an alternative download link and another in-browser player below:

10 It's All In Your Head

Let us know if you have any problems listening - our technical support team is standing by!

Links mentioned in this episode:

Many thanks to our Blogger News contributors:

Today's don't-forget-your-sense-of-humour outro tune is Fat Children by Jarvis Cocker.

A huge thanks to those who got in touch about the quiet volume on Episode 9. It should be sorted on this one! Please don't be shy to tell us about any technical issues or topics you'd like us to explore further or if we've missed your Blogger News etc etc. We are still learning so your feedback is always appreciated!

If you'd like to get in touch, email us at hello@twofitchicks, pop a comment, tweet @twofitchicks or say hi on our Facebook page. Cheers for listening.

Posted by Shauna in Podcast Episodes, Your Questions | | Comments (22) | TrackBack (0)

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03 March 2010

Ask Julia: What is the right way to run?

Run Linda had a running question for Ms Julia Jones:

I've been reading and watching You Tube videos on running. It seems there is a wrong way to run and a right way. They say once you start running incorrectly it's hard to adjust. What is the right way to run? Do you have any tips or links I can follow up on? 


Forwards! I say. But the wise Julia has a better answer:

I wrote a book in Italian on women's running and I just translated the first section: running style! The english has not yet been corrected but it's still readable :-)

Running Style – A first approach

One of the most frequent questions asked by beginners is: how should I run? A lot of people compare themselves to elite runners they see on television (no matter what the specialty is, from the 800 metres to the marathon) or to a friend that already runs, without realizing that the way they move is very, very different.

They want someone to watch them run correct any errors that they’re making. They want to know if their feet should be positioned further ahead or if their shoulders are too far back. They think that with a couple of suggestions and simple corrections they’ll be able to run perfectly.

Continue reading "Ask Julia: What is the right way to run?" »

Posted by Shauna in Running, Your Questions | | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0)

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03 February 2010

Episode 08 - Your Questions Answered II

It's February which means we're already 1/12th through 2010, by crikey. So today we're tackling some more of your questions. Topics include:

  • Food Journals: To log or not to log?
  • Self sabotage
  • Maintaining health and fitness while injured

Plus: Shauna pines for her missing 15 pound dumbbell and Carla talks tutus and gooey substances for her upcoming half marathon.

Here's how to listen:


And in case our podcast host craps it again, here is an alternative download link and another in-browser player below:

08 Your Questions Answered II

Please let us know if you have any problems listening - our technical support team is standing by!

People, places and random thingies mentioned in this episode:

Blogger news from:

Today's not-necessarily-looking-out-for-your-best-interests outro tune is Sabotage by Beastie Boys.

We're a fool for your news and questions! Don't be shy, kids. Email us at hello@twofitchicks, pop a comment or tweet @twofitchicks. Thanks always for tuning in.

Posted by Shauna in Podcast Episodes, Your Questions | | Comments (16) | TrackBack (0)

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22 January 2010

Ask Julia: What do you think of barefoot running?

Another running question for dear Julia:

What's your take on barefoot running? Is there really any scientific evidence to support it?

Julia says:

When I was in high school in the mid 70’s I had a history teacher that was a recreational runner. He would go running every single day at lunch circling the perimeter of the football field, barefoot on the grass. After more than thirty years barefoot running has made a huge comeback in the States, mostly after the success of Christopher McDougall’s best seller book “Born to Run”. If you haven’t read his book yet, I highly recommend it. It’s probably the most entertaining book I have ever read on running, and I’ve read them all!

In the second week of my Base program I wrote a paragraph about the importance of using your feet while you run:

“Most of us think about our legs while running, but the one most important aspect of how well you run is how you use your feet. In running your feet not only land you as you “fly” through the air, they’re used to push you off the ground as your body is propelled forward. How you use your feet is going to determine how fast you run and help you fend off a lot of running related injuries. In fact, people that complain about knee problems when running are most often “shufflers”. They land flat on their feet, absorbing all the impact on their knees.”


What Christopher McDougall emphasizes quite strongly in his book is on how running shoes are now constructed to immobilize your feet rather than allow you to use them the way they were meant to function. With all the cushioning, wedges and “air”, we can now run with no pain, and that is not always a good thing. Your feet need to move and push and “feel” the ground so they know how and when to shift or change position based on what kind of surface they’re on. A good runner has good biomechanics while running, and that starts with landing properly on your feet and then pushing off with them.

That said, I am not ready to go out and run barefoot. I think there are many ways that you can rehabilitate your feet so that you are using them while you run without taking off your shoes. Read on for the list!

Continue reading "Ask Julia: What do you think of barefoot running?" »

Posted by Shauna in Your Questions | | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

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06 January 2010

Ask Julia: Does body shape affect your running?

Another running question for the lovely Julia! This one comes from Renee:

I've been walk/running regularly for a little over a year, but at 5'6" and 195 lbs I'm obese by BMI standards, and am worried about increasing the running portion of my workouts beyond about 30 minutes. (Distance? I'm dead slow so probably not even 2 miles.) I was at 180 lbs at this time last year and can sure tell the difference in my running with the increased weight - it's way harder and I've had to downshift from Laughably Slow to Very Slow Indeed.

I am in process of losing weight again, but in the mean time, should I be concerned about too much impact on my joints? Don't know if body type has any affect, so I will share that I'm pretty classic pear shape with a relatively small waist and shoulders, wider hips, and very big thighs.


Julia sayz:

Body weight does have significant impact not only on your joints but mostly on your running style. In order to accommodate the weight you carry around you move your body in a different way, which usually isn’t the most efficient running style. In most cases you end up causing yourself an injury, usually in the lower leg area (knees, ankles, shins, etc). This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t run, but you need to use a little more caution while you work on losing the extra body fat. Here’s a few suggestions:

  • It’s important to be moving for at least 40 minutes. That doesn’t mean you have to run for forty minutes, you can warm up with a fast paced walk and then throw in some some 30 second running stints before beginning the longer running portion of your workout. Twenty minutes is usually the mark where your body starts to burn fat during a workout, giving yourself 20 minutes more to really rev it up will help you lose weight faster.
  • Don’t knock walking! Taking walking breaks between runs actually allows your muscles a “breather” and can help you run longer and faster.
  • Add strengthening exercises to your routine. Have a look at my 5km base program and pick up on a few specific running exercises (or do the whole 8 weeks!) so you can build up muscles and joints before they break down.
  • In order to lose weight you need to be “running” four days a week. I’ve seen women lose weight with three workouts per week, but four is optimum for weight loss.

Posted by Shauna in Running, Your Questions | | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

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03 January 2010

Ask Julia: Running gear for nasty weather

Listener Tessa from the Netherlands had a question for our running guru Julia Jones:

Could Julia give some tips about what to wear in autumn/winter? I live in the Netherlands and, like Scotland, it's possible to experience all 4 seasons in one day... At the moment it's mostly (cold) rain, a little sunshine and freezing gusts of wind.

I've tried running a long time ago (also in winter) and I usually ended up then freezing because my 'warm' clothes got dripping wet. I have some 'quick dry' fitness clothing but those really are not warm enough when I start my workout. I could start out wearing a vest but where do keep it when I start to get warm?

Money is an issue for me so I would rather not buy expensive 'professional' runners clothing. At least not until I know if I want/am able to keep running. Could she give some cheap but brilliant tips?

Here's Julia's answers:

Hi Tessa,

You need to dress in layers that you can take off as needed during your run, here's my suggestions:

  • Running tights. In winter I always use capris unless it's below 0°C/32°F, then I'll go for full length.
  • Top, to about 4°C/39°F:  The first layer (closest to your skin) should be a short sleeve Dri-Fit shirt. The second layer should be a long sleeved Dri-Fit shirt. 
  • Top, below 4°C/39°F: Make the first layer a long sleeve Dri-Fit shirt and the second layer a long sleeve Polartec type sweatshirt. 
  • This is the only thing you might have to buy: an all weather jacket with removable sleeves. This is something I LOVE and totally recommend to everybody who runs outdoors in the winter. I actually don't use the jacket as a jacket that much, but rather use it as a vest. If it's raining the vest keeps my body dry and warm but doesn't overheat me since the sleeves are off. Then again, you could start out with the sleeves on and then take them off if you get too hot. Make sure you get a jacket with pockets so you can stick the sleeves in. 
  • Polartec gloves. I start out most of my winter runs with gloves on. Once I'm warmed up I stick them in my jacket pocket or down my sports bra.
  • Hat or head wrap. - If it's really cold out I  wear a Polartec hat, otherwise I love wearing cotton wraps around my head. You can actually make them yourself out of cotton-like elastic fabric. Just sew a tube about 8 inches long. While running outside you'll want to cover your ears. If you get hot with it on, just roll it down and it can cover your neck for the rest of the run.  If it's really raining and I'm determined to run anyway I use a cap with a visor so the rain stays out of my eyes.

With all of these layering elements you can just play around with them and see what is most comfortable for whatever temperature Mother Nature hands out for the day. Mix and match and see what works best for you!

Happy Winter running!

Julia

Posted by Shauna in Running, Your Questions | | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)

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