GenX Fit

After being cancelled by COVID as a live event last year, the Chevron Houston Marathon returns to live racing on Sunday. Wade Morehead of the Houston Marathon Committee joins Cliff to talk about what runners can expect in the 50th anniversary race.

After being cancelled last year, the Houston Turkey Trot is back. Frederick Goodall with Baker Rhipley talks about what's in store for this Houston Thanksgiving tradition.

Houston television reporter Jessica Willey is about to do something many distance runners dream of doing; run the Boston Marathon. So how did she balance her training while being a mom of three and working crazy hours? Take a listen to find out.

Kimberly Evering changed her life completely, focusing more on herself and her fitness. She's done everything from running Spartan races to biking 500 miles across her home state of New York to raise money for cancer. She also runs 'Rock n Flow Yoga' in Virginia, where she's inspiring women of all ages.

Texas A&M's Dr. Peter Murano is on a mission - to help men over 50 stay in shape. He's the man behind 'Old Man Muscle.' And he didn't get his start as a trainer until he was in his 60's!

Natasha Epperson was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2007. She used fitness to reverse it. Now, she's turning back to her bike and her running shoes to beat it again.

Earlier this year I talked about how I didn't miss the gym, and how happy I was with my results at home. Well, I am here to admit how wrong I was. Not only did I wind up missing the gym. But I got a wakeup call when I went back; the home workouts didn't do as much as I did to maintain strength. And finally, I will tell you why you might want to check out your local gym before going back to a big box gym.

The biggest marathons in the country are all returning as in-person events later this year. Boston, Chicago, New York City, and Los Angeles will all run in the fall, with different COVID-19 protocols in place. The Chevron Houston Marathon is returning to live racing, as well. And Muffy King with the marathon says they are hoping to have a full field of about 30-thousand runners lace up to 'Run Houston.'

Dean Karnazes had a corporate job. Then, on his 30th birthday, he made a life changing decision. He gave that job up. Now he's 58, a full time runner (known as the Ultramarathon Man). He once ran 50 full marathons in 50 states in 50 days. He talks about that decision, his new book, 'A Runner's High,' and how COVID has impacted his routine.

After being cancelled last year because of the pandemic, the Texas MS 150 is back. It runs this weekend, with some changes. Daniel Braden from Fleet Feet Houston will be part of a team riding from Houston to College Station this weekend, and he's doing it for a very personal reason.

Don Muchow made a choice in 2004 to get more active. He'd been dealing with Type 1 diabetes for years and eventually started to compete in triathlons. Over the last year, he also made history. The 59 year old became the first person to run from Disneyland to Disney World. That's more than 2,800 miles, and about 32 miles a day, more than a full marathon every run!!

We've all done it. We've all gotten into a routine and just kept it going, without challenging ourselves by stepping outside of it. This week, Cliff talks about something he did to get himself out of his normal, and what happened when he did. You should try it sometimes. You might surprise yourself.

Former Marine George Hood is 63, and already holds multiple physical fitness world records, including the one for the longest plank. He's going for another one this weekend - most push-ups in an hour. He talks about how he prepared for this, how he decided to go for all of these records, and how he hopes to inspire you.

We have started to see some live events, local races, return after a year of being impacted by COVID-19. But while some races are back, some local politicians are making last second decisions that aren't fair if you have signed up and spent money on a race.

If you think Matt Kinztele of Texas was going to let a diagnosis of Parkinson's stop him, you are very, very wrong. Doctors told him one of the best things he could do for himself was to work out. Matt took their advice, in a big, big way.

The fitness industry has been ravaged by COVID-19. While the national gym chains will survive, and maybe even thrive, smaller gyms are having difficulty keeping their doors open. That is, if they are allowed to be open at all. Ohio gym owner Dale King says the Health and Fitness Recovery Act deserves consideration from Congress.

Galveston Marathon Race Director Jana Landry says there are a lot of new runners created by COVID. We could be in a second running boom. Landry also tells us how a smaller race like hers has survived through the pandemic to make it to the start line later this month.

Justin Fitch was going down the wrong road in life. But it's never too late. He turned his life around when he was 31 by embracing personal fitness and faith. Now, at 37, he's helping others do the same thing. And he's doing it even though he has cystic fibrosis, and we are in the middle of a global pandemic thanks to a respiratory virus.

Gerald Schattle has been on a fitness journey for years. The Houston area principal has lost 150 pounds, and did a lot of it through running. Not just small races either. Gerald just completed the Chevron Houston Marathon, and has his eyes set on a 50 mile race in April! He's using his journey to help students that have made some bad choices get back on track.

Most races are still 'virtual' but there are live events that have returned. One of those is The Woodlands Marathon in the Houston area on March 6th. Race Director Willie Fowlkes has already done a live race as part of the Texas 10 Series, and talks about how this event will run and keep runners safe at the same time.

The Chevron Houston Marathon normally gets anywhere from 25,000 to 30,000 runners every year. COVID-19 has forced the race to cut down their field, and go virtual. But a funny thing happened. Every single spot was filled. Thirty different countries are represented!! Muffy King from the Chevron Houston Marathon tells us why, and the challenge she has taken on for herself.

This was by far, my favorite episode of the year to put together. Michael Murphy, the Honor Flag Runner, lost 80 pounds and runs to honor those that lost their lives in service of our country. He's been continuing his mission during COVID. In case you missed it when I dropped the episode in January, here it is again, as we wrap up the year in Fitness

I've been a big gym rat for about ten years now. But a funny thing has happened because of COVID-19. I've discovered that I don't miss it. I've found alternative ways to do strength workouts, and they are easier than you might realize.

If you run, you know many races donate a lot of money to charity. Those have all taken a hit during COVID. They are starting to make a comeback. Robby Sabban with the La Porte By the Bay Half Marathon near Houston talks about how COVID has affected his charitable efforts, and how he is staging this year's race (in person) with social distancing in mind.

The Chevron Houston Marathon usually attracts about 30-thousand runners every January. Covid-19. While small races have figured out how to return to live racing, it's a different ballgame for the bigger runs. How are they handling the shift to virtual? How are runners responding? Muffy King with the Chevron Houston Marathon tells us.

We're all sick of being stuck at home. The weather is getting colder. You don't feel like getting out there and running or going to the gym. It's just easier to sit at home and relax. It's easier to get lost in that mindset and make the wrong decisions for your health. But getting out there might just help you feel better.

The pandemic shut down a lot of races that runners love to take part in. There haven't been many 5k's, 10k's, half marathons, or full marathons. But a funny thing has been happening lately. The races, especially the smaller ones that survived COVID, are starting to return. Willie Fowlkes, the race director for The Woodlands Marathon outside of Houston, tells us how it's happening.

Rosa Hale is a Houston area mom and grandmother who has been on her fitness journey since 2014. When we told you her story in January, she was getting ready to run a half marathon. Now she's back, and she's made the transition to bodybuilding, in the middle of COVID, and the results speak for themselves. She just got done with her first show of the year, and wouldn't you know it, she beat women her age, and those younger than her too!

Apple rolled out its new Apple Watch last week, but there are other new fitness wearables coming out just in time for the holiday season. The High Tech Texan, Michael Garfield talks to Cliff about the new smart watch from Fitbit. Garf and Cliff also talk about some of the fitness apps that are out there, and how connected running shoes actually work.

Peter Shankman has a lot on his plate. He is a single father. He's a best selling author. He's an entrepreneur. He has launched three startups. On top of all that he finds time to rain for the two triathlons he has run. And he does it all while dealing with ADHD. In this week's episode, Cliff finds out how he does it all, and how fitness helps him deal with his ADHD.

In 2013, Black Men Run was founded by Jason Russell and Edward Walton to promote heart health in the African American community. It started in Atlanta, but now there are chapters all over the world. Terry Love is the captain of the Houston chapter of Black Men Run, and talks about how this all started, how COVID-19 has impacted it, and how the club has integrated social justice into what they do as well.

Hank Lewis is just like you. He's the father of two teenagers. He has a demanding job as a college professor. He also is a food critic and craft beer aficionado. Listen to how he lost 90 pounds and managed to maintain it even as the world is going through COVID-19.

Phillip Speer is a chef in Texas that discovered running when he was at rock bottom. He was in rehab after his fourth DWI incident. Speer is now sober, and his Comedor Run Club is helping restaurant workers in Austin cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, as many have lost jobs because of it. He talks about his own recovery, and how the Comedor Run Club (which is getting national attention now) got started.

Chad Wilhelm knows what it's like to hit rock bottom. About ten years ago, he found himself in jail. But he used fitness and religion to turn his life around. Now he's helping others do the same thing through fitness and nutrition. Listen to how he went from inmate to infleuncer.

By day, Los Angeles Judge Craig Mitchell sees how drug and alcohol addiction can lead people down the wrong road. So when he's not behind the bench, he tries to give back with the Skid Row Running Club that has helped the homeless, people with addiction, and former prison inmates get back on their feet through running.

By know you've heard about the 'Quarantine 15.' Many people have gained weight during the quarantines caused by COVID-19. How did it happen? More importantly, how do you take that weight off, especially if you're still at home?? Nutritionist Samara Kraft has some tips and strategies for you to follow.

Kim Miller is a mom of six. She's beaten cancer twice, and now she's getting ready for a Half Ironman triathlon. How did she go from being on the operating table to running five miles every single day in less than a month (you read that correctly)? She tells you her story in this week's episode.

You might have gotten some advice to back off on your strength training because you're in your late 40's or early 50's David Tepera of the Ageless Muscle fitness center in Houston says you should not; that strength training is key as we get older. David should know. He became a pro athlete at the age of 55 thanks to his strength training. David talks about that, how you should do strength training, and has a special story about his oldest client - a 101-year old World War II Veteran.

One of the impacts on fitness during COVID-19 is that all races have been cancelled. Most have shifted to 'virtual racing.' Jeff Dengate at Runner's World explains what virtual racing is, whether or not the race you want to run is moving to a virtual model, and whether that local 10K you signed up for in the fall is actually going to happen.

Everyone has a fitness tracker these days. Whether it's an Apple Watch, Fitbit, Garmin, or even just a chest strap. We all have them. So does Victoria Song of Gizmodo She reviews these trackers for a living. She used to obsess over her numbers, like many of us do with our trackers. During the pandemic, Victoria found out that maybe she was better off not worrying about her numbers so much.

CrossFit has come under the microscope lately because of comments made by its former CEO, Greg Glassman, on Twitter. Those comments, and previous controversies are leading to CrossFit gyms across the country cutting ties with the brand. Frank Nguyen of Derive Athletics in Houston tells us why he made that decision, what the cross training workouts are all about, and what you should know if you are considering trying it yourself.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made a lot of people 'newbie' runners these last three months. Now that summer temperatures are here, Muffy King with the Chevron Houston Marathon says you'll need to adjust. She also taold us about the #RUNHOUTOGETHER Challenge, and the difficulties of planning for a marathon with nearly 30,000 runners in in uncertain times like this.

Everyone is doing their part in the fight against COVID-19, especially front line workers. There is a new fitness challenge on social media where you can get your workout in and help front line workers at the same time! Dr. Paul Klotman of the Baylor College of Medicine joins Cliff and tells you how you can do your part.

On this episode we catch up with Houston area gym owner Felicia Lee Sexton, who went from drug addict to bodybuilder and gym owner. She had to close her gym for two months during the pandemic. Now that she's re-opened, she's happy to get back to work. But for her, it's not just fitness. It's about helping women get through tough times. And now she can do it on a global scale.

Your gym just re-opened after being closed for two months. You're excited You want to go back. But, should you rush back in? Or should you play it safe for now? Dr. Joe Galati joins Cliff Saunders and says that for now, it might be best to take a more conservative approach to this.

Gyms in parts of the U.S, are starting to come back from the pandemic. Texas gyms re-open with limits on Monday. Henry Walker, owner of Legacy Barbell in the Houston area, talks about the safety measures he's taking, and what working out at a gym will look like going forward.Walker also made news when he re-opened his gym before state regulations said he could. But he says the media missed the point of what he tried to do.

Jason Dragon has been in law enforcement for over 20 years. He thought he was fit. In fact, he thought about skipping a doctor's appointment. He's glad he didn't. Doctors found a dangerous heart problem that required surgery. He went from surgery to training for a half triathlon in just months.

Courtney Smith knew she needed to change after getting diagnosed with prediabetes. She decided to switch to living a keto lifestyle, and lost 105 pounds in two years. She says it's easier than you think. Yes, you can still eat. You can still go out with your friends for a drink, and keeping it during COVID-19 isn't hard, either.

The pandemic is going to have a lasting impact on how we work out. Strength coach Mark Rippetoe of Starting Strength says it's going to change the entire fitness industry. Home gyms could become more common as more people think twice about investing in owning a gym.

You're stuck at home. Your gym is closed. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced everyone to change their fitness routines. Jeff Dengate, the Runner-in-Chief at Runner's World magazine, says more people are lacing up their shoes and running. So what should you do if you want to start? Jeff has all the answers in this week's episode of Gen X Fit.

Sid Busch is in his 70's and has run over 200 marathons. He runs with an American flag and to honor those young men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. Even though there are no races to run right now because of the coronavirus, Sid is still finding a way to honor those young men and women.