* Moments from the NYC Half Marathon on August 16, 2009 *

Paula Radcliffe of Great Britain and Tadese Tola of Ethiopia triumphed in the women’s and men’s professional division, each taking home a prize of $10,000.

Paula ran 13.1 miles in 1 hour, 9 minutes, and 45 seconds—not bad after a nine month hiatus and recovery from foot surgery. Paula is a three-time ING New York City Marathon winner. She won last year and could take the prize ($130,000) again on November 1st. I’ll be rooting for her but right now my favorite runner is Nadia Ejjafini from Bahrain who placed 4th in the half marathon (1:12:47).

As I was rushing to my assigned corral at the start of the race (late of course), I passed Nadia and was star struck. She caught me staring and smiled. It was a bashful moment and one I’ll always remember because she was literally walking to the start line to take her place. I was touched that she broke her concentration to smile at me. Nadia, you rock.

David Kirsch thinks you do. He’s the man responsible for shaping Heidi Klum’s derriere which looks amazing even when she’s preggers. His new book is designed for all body types and best of all, for both men and women. Butt Book is an easy-to-follow, fully illustrated manual of exercises that Kirsch uses to train fitness clients at his NYC gym.

Get it now because let’s admit we’ve turned into a butt loving society. There’s nothing shameful in it. We’ve arrived at a time where it’s alright to thumbs-up, applaud or curtsy to a nice juicy butt. Just make sure the butt getting all the attention is yours.

Check out David’s Summer Body Shape-Up blog on msn.com:http://health.msn.com/blogs/summer-body-shape-up-blog.aspx

Buy David Kirsch’s Butt Book here:http://www.davidkirschwellness.com/_product_31261/DAVID_KIRSCHS_BUTT_BOOK

I recently traveled to the United Kingdom and experienced trail running in Hampstead Heath, London’s largest ancient parkland. I’m used to pounding the NYC pavement so trail running was a new and very welcome challenge. Trail running is a scenic adventure and a great relief from busy concrete streets, pollution, trash, noise, and tourists who walk painfully slow. Hampstead Heath is unbelievably beautiful and not your typical park. It’s 3 sq miles of woodland, grassland, ponds, and hills, seeming more like natural countryside than city parkland. The Heath is known for its many trails that zig-zag through densely wooded, fairly dark and overgrown areas. Most of these dirt trails are stony, uneven and somewhat muddy from frequent showers. Believe it or not, this type of terrain is better on your joints than a running track or treadmill.

Dirt trail surfaces are softer and have a natural give. Sediment conforms to your foot causing joints less shock and putting less...

I like to sweat fashionably both domestically and internationally.

That’s why I’m loving SWEATY BETTY in the UK.

To all my betties back home, check it out: www.sweatybetty.com.

Calling all Fitness Hipsters! Try Hip Box for free in Times Square at Radio Shack’s Netogether event this weekend: 

Friday, Aug 7th at 5pm Times Square (Military Island)
Saturday, Aug 8th at 12pm Times Square (Military Island)

Hip Box is a boxing aerobics class that incorporates the fundamentals of boxing and is set to hip hop music. Expect a great cardiovascular workout and a 200-500 calorie burn. All levels are welcome.

Netogether is a 3 day event connecting pedestrians, celebrities, tech experts and performers in Times Square.

HERE for more information on Hip Box.