It's dark out there. I got a sample of the GoMotion Sport Runner LiteBelt and used it last night on a night walk. I loved being able to see where I was going -- hands-free of having to carry a flashlight and without having to wear a headlamp. The LiteBelt also has a rear flasher and reflective piping for safety. It has small pockets for essentials that will fit a Blackberry and iPod but not a wallet. It also lacks a water carrier. Review of the GoMotion Sport Runner LiteBelt
Photo © 2009 Wendy Bumgardner

Disclosure: A review sample was provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.

I love using a pedometer that uploads my step data, and a site that lets me also track my diet and other exercise. WalkingSpree uses the excellent Omron HJ-720ITC pedometer, which puts it above most of the competition (FitBug also uses that pedometer.) Their web site subscription is a good value to get the food tracker, social interaction, virtual clubs, and exercise tracking. What I like most is that you can use the Omron by itself as a pedometer or with Omron's own computer upload program. If you decide you don't want to use WalkingSpree, you aren't stuck with another useless device.
WalkingSpree Review
Computer-Linked Pedometers
Disclosure: A review sample was provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.

Is Santa Claus a bad role model for children -- being overweight and snacking all night on cookies? Public health fellow Nathan Grills takes the Jolly Old Elf to task in today's edition of BMJ.com. "Santa Claus: a public health pariah?" is a bit harsh sounding.

But what if Santa Claus traded in his reindeer-powered sleigh for a pair of good walking shoes? How many calories would Santa burn on Christmas Eve? And would it sustain his cookie habit or should he switch to the carrot and celery sticks left out for the reindeer? I used my Walking Calorie Calculator to find the answers.
Should Santa Walk?

Hat tip to Laura Newman, Urology Guide
Photo © Wendy Bumgardner

My half marathon is done and the next big event I'll walk isn't until March. What can I do to keep from losing my training effects over the winter? While I live in a climate where I can walk outdoors most days of the winter, the answer for many walkers is to take their walking indoors to a treadmill or indoor walking track/mall. Winter is also a good time to work on your ab/core muscles, upper body strength, and quads with gym exercise, Pilates, and strength training. You may want to join a gym or outfit your own home workout area.
Training Over the Winter
Before You Buy a Treadmill