Women's Running Magazine

Strong bones are a female athlete’s best friend. A solid foundation spells lower risk of injury and improved health as we age. As a weight-bearing exercise, running is an excellent way to maintain sturdy bones. But in spite of running’s reputation as a proven bone-builder, women runners often experience low bone density, which can result in stress fractures and osteoporosis. Why the paradox? The answer is hiding in your fridge.

In two years, former “Biggest Loser” contestant Rebecca Meyer lost more than 100 pounds, gained a new career and found her soul mate. Now she’s paying it forward.

At mile 10 of the Des Moines Half Marathon, Rebecca Meyer changed her life. Meyer had recently undergone a drastic physical transformation: her total weight loss of 122 pounds made her the At-Home Winner on “The Biggest Loser.” Meyer’s mindset, however, was slower to shift.

Make the running bug contagious! Use these reader-tested tactics to help motivate your friends and family to hit the streets.

Wendy Toth, a 30-year-old runner from New York City, has a clear mental picture of her ideal Sunday morning: I’d go for a long weekend run with my boyfriend, and then we’d stop by a café for coffee and read the paper in post-workout bliss. The only snag in her plan? Wendy’s boyfriend hates to run.
Ever harbor similar fantasies of sharing your passion for running with close friends and families? While our sport isn’t for everyone, encouraging the ones you love to engage in a healthy activity can be fun and rewarding for all involved. Try these road-tested tactics from fellow Women’s Running readers to encourage others to get up and go. . .