March 16 in Hart Park and offers 5K, 10K, and 10-mile races. All courses take you along beautiful trails close to the Kern River with nice views of surrounding mountains. More information: bakersfieldtrackclub.com.
Gender-specific saddles can eliminate the pain and discomfort many new riders experience. bike saddle, they will know that it can be a pain in the butt — literally. A few of my friends have even been deterred from the sport because of the pain until they discovered it could be much more pleasant with the right bike seat. Sitting on a hard saddle can cause intense pain and discomfort for both men and women, and it is really worthwhile purchasing a gender specific saddle to allow for correct body weight distribution between the glutei and the lower section of the pelvis, providing ventilation and blood flow promotion while minimizing pressure. Saddles vary in design, size and price — from $30 to $300 or more. Talk to an informed cyclist salesman in a local bike store and find one that fits your frame and weight.
Thin Mint 5K Baker: Support our local Girl Scouts by attending the Thin Mint 5K on March 2 at Sole to Soul Sports in The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. Cost is $25 for adults, $30 on race day. More information: thinmintrun.com.
Kern River Trail Run
Baker: Diverticulitis affects 50 percent of people older than 60 and many younger than that. In the last couple of decades, within the running and cycling community, it is a word I have heard often, especially with my female running friends. There have been many concerns voiced as to whether there is a bathroom on our running routes, and occasionally we have had to take detours in search of one. Usually a result of insufficient fiber in the diet, marble size pouches can form in the inner lining of the intestinal tract, trapping fragments of stool, which may become infected or inflamed. The good news is that exercise, particularly the aerobic type, such as running or hiking hills, helps reduce pressure inside your colon responsible for constipation. So, ladies, make sure your diet is high in fiber, low in fat and processed foods, and get out there and perform at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity per day to keep your colon in good shape. Also, getting up a little earlier in the morning before you run is a great idea to take care of the “important business.”
Finding time Katie Kirschenmann: Oh momma! Finding the time to exercise with small children is a challenge. Juggling babies, your household and work is no small task. More often than not we moms put our lives on the back burner to manage our families. Sometimes the most exercise we get is running after the toddler, or lifting the baby out of the crib. It is important to remember that we are our children’s first role models for health and a wellness. Though it is a challenge, finding the time to exercise and eat right it is truly important. The easiest way to get fit with small children is to incorporate your tots
Baker: This year, this great race will take place on
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PHOTO BY BRIAN KIRSCHENMANN
PHOTO BY SALLY BAKER
Exercise and diverticulitis
Find ways to incorporate your family into your workouts. bakersfieldlife.com
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