Jennifer Love Hewitt covers the May/June issue of Women’s Running to promote “The Client List.” I think JLH is a total sweetheart, and she’s eternally cute with a banging bod, but ugh, is Women’s Running really going the celebrity route? I’m used to them featuring either elite athletes or civilian cover girls like last year’s Nov/Dec model, Dorothy Beal, who is a stay-at-home mom of three kids and has run 24 marathons. Beal was last year’s female winner of the B&A trail marathon, for crying out loud. Now the magazine has got JLH vamping it up in the editiorial.
Not that I want to sound like a running snob or anything (as I still haven’t run a full marathon myself) — I just find the above photo to be utterly hilarious and out of place in a training-based magazine. Oh well, let’s do some interview excerpts:
Her exercise routine: “I do yoga, a little bit of Pilates and obviously running on an incline is great. So I try to go back and fourth between all those things.”
Why she runs: “My mom was a runner. I enjoy running, but she was a runner. She loved it and was able to go miles and miles and miles, you know, was crazy about it. The first I did a big run was the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon Los Angeles [in 2010]. It was a blast – I absolutely loved it. What you put your body through is incredible, how sore you are the next day is quite crazy. But the benefits of it, cardiovascular-wise, body-wise, toning-wise, all of that, there’s nothing really that gets you in shape like [a race].”
On her curves: “I do find that as a curvy girl, as I guess I’ve sort of been deemed, I don’t think you want to run your curves off, because then you’re just not yourself. But it definitely helps your butt, that’s for sure. It helps with the badonk-a-donk!”
On the pressure of Hollywood: “I’m an actress, I live in L.A., I work in Hollywood. But I’ve learned that if you’re too skinny, they’ll say something about it. If you’re not skinny enough, they’ll say something about it. I just try to feel good in my own skin as much as I can.”
[From Women’s Running]
You know, I just wish that JLH would be honest here and admit that she runs (or at least started running) to stave off the weight. Most women runners (myself included) started for that very purpose, and there’s nothing wrong with that! Then you get sucked in by how good the sport makes you feel, and hopefully you won’t get injured along the way.
As for Jennifer Love’s statements on embracing her curves, I don’t know if I believe her. This is a woman who readily believes her own Photoshop. This is a woman who famously played tennis in a bikini so that she could sort of validate all of her size 2 claims. JLH has a fantastic body, but I don’t think that (boobs aside) she really loves her curves at all.
Photos courtesy of Women’s Running
Eh; I don’t think I’ll ever be a runner, but I did run a little under a mile today for cardio and it DOES make you feel good. At least for me. But it doesn’t help my natural Kim K. ass. I wish it did. -_-
Sprinting is what builds up the tush. Your form is different; up on the toes, driving the knees – it fully engages thr booty muscles. Comparing competitive-level distance runners to sprinters you most often see nicely developed booties on the sprinters; but maybe JLove is talking about keeping hers from getting too big by running.
I don’t know why anyone would run for exercise–it’s so hard on your body.
I would never run if I didn’t love the way it makes me feel–nothing can mimic the pure joy I feel when running. But to me, the bonus of looking fit is offset by all the additional aches and pains that running causes. Not that it’s enough to make me stop 😉
Speaking of which, I have my first half-marathon this Sunday. Wish me luck!
Break a leg! 😉
Hey!! I love running too! I’ll do my 28th half marathon on sunday!! good luck to both of us!
28th?!?! Amazing and inspiring.
Good luck! 😀
Thank you! 🙂 I used to run for my school.. when i went off to Uni running was the only thing to keep me sane. so now i have more running trainers than heeled shoes. I run because i love it.. but sometimes my body aches so much i wonder why i still do it!!
good luck to both you guys!
I take glucosamine sulfate for my joints & cartilage. It does nothing for muscle pain, but if your hips, back, or knees are bothering you, it definitely helps after a few months of “build up.” Cosamin DS is pricier than the other brands, but it absorbs a lot better and doesn’t contain nasty filler junk.
Good tip! The aches and pains are a major obstacle now at 48 after 20 years of running!
Thanks for the tip Bedhead. I run half marathons and I utterly love it….just after so many years, been getting a little ache on my knee. Trail running has helped me as well, it’s easier on the joints, rather than pounding the pavement. I have a 12 miler this evening and I’m looking forward to it. Wanna wish all the people racing this weekend the best of luck!
One of the best things you can do for your joints is to make sure that your supporting muscles (ie core, glutes, and hips) are toned and strong. Though there is natural wear and tear on the body when you do any exercise plan for an extended period of time, proper care (proper footwear, stretching, and the aforementioned strengthening) can do so much to keep your joints healthy. Also, if you haven’t ready, invest in a foam roller or yamuna ball. Amazing.
@OriginalKitten – good luck!!! My first half-marathon is actually this Sunday too! Too funny. I’m getting pretty nervous for it, so I’m trying not to think about it too much. I’m hoping to just have fun on Sunday and enjoy it and not put too much pressure on myself to get a fast time. My biggest concern right now is whether I should use an energy gel or not half way through, as I’m worried it’ll give me an upset stomach :S.
One of the things I love about running, besides the health benefits and how great I feel afterwards, is how toned my legs and butt have become. It’s awesome :). And I love the camaraderie amongst runners – whenever I pass another runner on the street I always get a little wave or hello.
you should try the gel or the energizer before the run. i can never take any because they give me an upset stomach (and i found out during a 10 k so i had to ecuse myself and go between the bushes 😀 )so for me it’s only sugar when i feel i need something. i always have a couple of cookies in my backpocket!!
I love the attitude of runners too, sometimes when i see someone so close to the end walking i just grab them gently by the arm and i say ‘ we can do it, it’s almost done’ and we run together 😀 😀
paola, I have a high sugar/energy candy bar that I think I’m going to eat before the run, along with an Imodium lol. But maybe regular candy would work just as well? I’m wondering if candy/gels are even worth taking for a half marathon or if I should just wing it without anything.
& I love that you encourage other runners on race day :).
Littlestar usually around the 10th k i start feeling a bit dizzy or hungry, so if you can always keep something in your pocket. try the energy bar the day before so you’ll be 100% the day of the run in case that thing upsets your stomach. my little journey in the bushes saved me but it was not a nice experience!!
Honey Stinger gels & chews don’t cause stomach upset for most people. If you can’t tolerate Gu gels, they’re a great alternative & taste pretty good too!
Thanks for the advice! I will have to try the Honey Stinger chews. paola, I think you are right, it is probably a good idea to keep something on me just in case I do need that extra boost. Good luck on your run!
Don’t ever do anything on race day that you haven’t done during training (learned that one the hard way)!
However you keep yourself going during your long training runs will work for the race. I’ve been surprised at what I can eat and keep down while still going full speed ahead. It’s way better than bonking, that’s for sure!
Second th honey stinger chews! They taste good (unlike the gel) and are a bit gentler to digest. Whatever you use make sure your “snack” coincides with water, that really helps the tummy.
Good luck Paola and Kitten with the marathons.
I used to say I only run if I’m being chased. But I do run on the treadmill; all that running and still I get no where. 🙂
Thank you! you can always pretend to be chased 😀
I could never run on a treadmill…..5 minutes seem like hours for me. too boring!
If you’re really sore after a run or find yourself having more aches than not you might want to correct your technique. Often people are running, but not running efficiently and that causes strains all over the body. Or you’re not conditioning your body appropriately.
And congrats! This is when most people start marathon training with half-marathons. Can’t wait for fall!
Are you talking about striking mid-foot, upright forward posture, etc.? Just curious about technique. I think my form is good.
I didn’t know so many ladies were runners here! I’m going to try and pick some brains today…I’m a noob.
Nerd Alert
Never too late to start! Here are the basics I learned from my now husband. He was the all state team captain in my college xc team so he knew a thing or 2.
Land foot heel to toe. Don’t make a stomp or slap sound. Don’t swing hips (girls have this problem). Don’t swing or drop shoulders. Don’t drop arms. Keep head looking straight, not to the ground. Keep arms moving you in a forward momentum swing. Every time you see a hill think “fartlek! and push yourself”. Don’t ever walk. If you need a break just stop and stretch. Walking is cheating. If you have a cramp make sure you’re following these tips and stretch your arms over your head. Before the last home stretch of your run find a decent distance and push yourself to hold a higher speed jog. End each run with that and stretching. And water.
It takes a long, frustrating time to get it all right, but running feels so much better and you’re so much more efficient. I hated running in the beginning and relearning how to run sucked, but i’m glad I went through those hellish weeks. And If you go to a park to run, ride your bike there! Run and ride back to your home. It’s a great cardio warm up and cool down.
FLORC, you are very right about form. I used to run hunched over when I would get tired. It would make me even more tired! Proper running posture is so important. One thing that really bugs me is those runners you’ll see occasionally who flap their arms in front if them. I just want to say to them that if they pump their arms in a natural motion, they’ll have much better momentum. The flapping arms thing is a pet peeve of mine lol.
And shoes – make sure you put money in the right shoes. I switched brands last year and it practically eliminated a pervasive hip problem I had been having.
Totally agree! I finally got properly fitted for running shoes a while ago and now have proper support in my heels.
I’ll second that. The biggest surprise to me/lesson learned from a professional fitting is to go at least a full size bigger than your normal shoe size. That made a huge difference for me.
I wish I could run but I have terrible knees. Even after losing thirty pounds, all I can muster at the moment is brisk walking. I’m hoping to work my way up to it.
I need to make my “badonk-a-donk” smaller, too. I’m skinny on the top and big on the bottom. Hubby said he loves it but sometimes it bother me when choosing what to wear. -_-
Any suggestion on how to make it smaller? One that would really work?
Are there ones to make it smaller? Without losing weight that is? Or can you just make it firmer? If so, the good old squat helps to tighten up the rear. And if that’s your natural shape, there’s not much you can do. Other than accept your badonk-a-donk that is. 🙂
Intervals. Sprint, then run or jog. Keep switching it up. I like to sprint the length of, say, a city block, then jog for two. Then sprint, etc., etc. Or if you’re just starting, walk and jog and then add a sprint every now and then. It makes my body work harder.
If you’re a pear shape, there isn’t much you can do to ‘target’ your butt and make it smaller. That’s where naturally/hormonally etc your fat is going to accumulate. You could lose weight in general, but if you’re like me, you’ll probably lose it from the boobs first! You can try tone, but that could increase it’s appearance by increasing the muscle size….
Just embrace it! Woo!
I’m built the same way (I have what I call chicken legs – bigger bum and thighs, super thin calves) and yeah, there’s not much that can be done to change it unless you want to try the awful dieting thing.
Like Jenna said, doing squats will help tone it up and if you do run – I walk right now, as I have flat feet and am working up to a proper run – it will help keep you fit and in good shape. 🙂
@Jenna, Lex, LadyMTL :
Thanks for the tips, ladies. I’m happy with my shape when I was younger since that’s the only thing that would give a shape to my otherwise flat body. 😀
After gave birth to my second child, I let loose myself and lo and behold—- I’ve got (yay!)a bigger boobs (I’ve got tiny girls before, can u tell? 😉 ) but also a bigger butt!! I love my body too now, but would still love to see it back to the previous size.
Guess I should try doing some squat and paying more attention to what I’m eating now.
Squats and lunges are definitely the way to go then. Even if squats are evil. lol Good luck! 😀
😀 Thanks, Jenna.
Squats and lunges, yes. I also have luck if I run hills. Alternatively, you can speed walk on a treadmill with a heavy incline, and any spin class that gets you in and out of the saddle.
*Groan* There’s just no shortcut to reach my goal, is there? 😀
As a runner myself, i run 40-50 km per week and after 10 marathons and 27 half marathons i can tell you running is good if you LOVE running, otherwise the pain you feel all over your body is just too much. I love running, to me is the best feeling in the world, but i’m aware of the fact that running is not good for your back, for your knees and for your ankles.
Not to mention the boobs!
i don’t have lots of boobs so i guess it’s not a big deal for me. but i imagine it is painful for women with big breasts.
Paola
Running isn’t good for your body if you’re running with poor technique (dropping arms, tightening shoulders, looking down, swinging hips, etc..), but if you’re doing it right you should only have some wear and tear on the joints normal of a person that has aged 10 years. The benefits you get far outweigh the next day muscle tightness.
If you do have bone or joint problems to begin with and slam your foot to the ground when running your knee will blow out before it’s time.
I generally feel good when i run, but sometimes i feel tired so i know i’m not running properly (like after a long day of work)
plus i run really long distances so i think that might be the cause too, the day after a marathon i’m useless! can’t move a finger!
Paola!
Nobody can function the day after a marathon! It’s exhausting! Unless you do it professionally the day after will always suck. The worst part is that you have to do something. Walk a few miles. Those muscles have to stretch and you need to break up that lactic acid in your muscles. And water, water, water… and goo. I hate it, but it’s good to have. And a long day or work is often very sedentary. What helps my husband is he has a small peddle machine under his desk. It’s just enough to stretch your muscles and keep your legs from going stiff. You can find the peddle machines anywhere online. They run about $150 for an adjustable one.
Paola-I follow a lot of VERY experienced elite runners’ blogs–they all complain about pain. It’s not unusual especially when you’re running a lot and it is NOT automatically a result of “poor form” (although it can be)–these runners have the BEST running coaches in the world so you know they’re form is ON-POINT.
I’m running 50-60 miles a week at an 8 mile per hour pace. It hurts. That’s inevitable unless you’re one of the lucky few.
I take Glucosamine and Chondroitin and I admit to popping Naproxen often. I’ve been running for 10 years with great sneakers. Pain is a fact of life when it comes to running.
Thanks to all my celebitches for the good wishes! you guys rule! 😀
Elite runners suffer more often from injuries because they put far more strain on their bones and leading to stress fractures than just someone who runs a few marathons a year. They take less time for the body to heal correctly because the less you run the harder it is to get back to where you were. On-point or not you will be sore, but it’s most likely because of poor form. What TOK says does help with achy joints. It’s good to have.
If you’re finding your knees and shins to hurt more and are running on pavement or another hard surface try running on the dirt next to the road or take up trail or xc running. It helps.
@TheOriginalKitten you girl rock!!!! 8 mile per hour is soooo good!! i run 10 k in 45-50 mins, a half marathon in 1hour 50 minutes and i don’t think i could do better than that.. i don’t like ending a run in pain or tears, i want to enjoy it even if it takes longer!! You’re great!!! anyway if you want to talk about runs here and then this is my email pmagni@yahoo.it 🙂
Jennifer is so banging at whatever clothes size she is. She maintains a sexy shape unlike most people when their weight fluctuates.
As long as I can pass the 3 mile- mark, I feel great. I also need to be in the mood to run! 🙂
she said since “she has been deemed curvy”
what a joke, she just does not sound comfortable in her skin with that statement, she’d rather be “deemed skinny”
she’s ok, I don’t really think of her much. I think she is pretty but she is not on my list actresses as a favorite.
since the tennis/bikini stunt
Is this what we’re calling curvy?
As far as I know, yes. She has an hourglass body type.
Although, other people has used the word “curvy” for plus size women.
I’ve been running for over 25 years and I do like how fit it keeps me but mostly I think it’s the only thing keeping me from utter insanity.
Just this morning I was dragging my feet about going because it’s cold and drizzly but I forced myself and I can’t tell you how much of a mood lift it’s given me, crappy weather and all.
So I say if your joints can handle it (strength training and stretching afterwards has kept me injury free for a very long time), go for it!
I have this problem most mornings. I always tell myself “you never regret going for the run, you always regret skipping it.” Repeat, repeat, repeat, until my stretchy pants are on, when there’s no turning back.
That is a great mantra! And I completely agree. The days where I decide to be lazy and skip my run, I always regret it.
Ugh, me too. I have to try really, really hard some days to make myself go because I work 4-10’s and have to be at work super early as a consequence.
It’s like I have the two little “me” versions on each shoulder, one telling me to go back to bed and the other telling me to just freaking get dressed and go. The mantras work for me!
Double post.
I’ve been running to help me lose weight for about 18-19 months now. I was obese when I started and in very poor cardiovascular condition. I wasted a lot of time trying to run before learning how to properly train my heart rate. That is, I would just run and let my heart rate climb until I couldn’t breathe, causing all sorts of injuries and pain.
Once I learned about heart rate training, everything changed. My joints and muscles stopped hurting, my mileage doubled in just a couple months, and I started losing weight again after an 8-month plateau.
It’s funny, I never understood why people ran for joy, but people who run for pleasure can’t understand running for exercise. Now I kinda get both sides.
I have been looking for a good running mag, though, now that I really enjoy it and care about my race times (first 10K next weekend!). I don’t think it will be this one, though.
Yay! Congrats Nerd Alert!
I’m going to be a broken record on this thread, but it’s all about conditioning and technique! It’s a great release too. No matter the weather to get out there and run or you just feel awful for not running and you know every week you skip sets you back a month.
I’ve only been running for 10 years (HS,College/Leisure), but it’s addictive. And if your partner runs it’s nice to have that bond:) Unless they’re faster than you. Then running becomes more of a goal to lower your mile average to beat theirs. But it’s fun! Good luck everyone in your future races!
Thanks, FLORC!
You are so right about that, I actually felt sad when I started “getting it” that I wasted so much time running improperly before.
You are also right about having a partner who runs. My BF runs too and he got fast really quick. He has had years of Buddhist meditation training and knows how to lower his heart rate with his mind, so he can run until his legs hurt. I’m jelly, so he’s teaching me to do it, too. I’m looking forward to competing with him!
“Every week you skip sets you back a month.” I’m going to use that when my current mantra gets old and tired. I have a hard time waking up and running 😉
Nerd Alert
I am loving your posts today! Guys are generally better runners. It’s not fair. My husband has a runners heart. Resting HR is 55 on average I think. He falls asleep at the blink of an eye too.
Anyways, there are many good running websites with motivational quotes to help. My favorite is a Winston Churchill Quote.. “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” Good luck beating your boyfriend and just keep pushing yourself at the end of each run and fartlek up those hills. Google the word if you need to.
My heart rate monitor totally changed my life too! I can’t say enough good things about training smart vs. training hard.
Isn’t it amazing? I’m going to be a broken record about it with FLORC.
I’m in love with my heart rate monitor and my training book! It has completely changed my outlook and filled me with motivation. Before, I wasn’t getting anywhere. After so much training, if you’re not improving it’s so disheartening. I nearly quit. So glad I didn’t!
All runners get those days when you’ve been running every for weeks and your progress is visible. It’s awesome. And then you have an off day or 2. Your body won’t let you push it and running feels so much harder for less distance and slower pace. I hate those days, but we always get them.
oh please, now she’s a workout advocate? She needs to get her face off my magazines. I’m not buying those airbrushed photos.
Eh, I figure if it gets people running who normally might not consider it, then having a celeb on the cover is a smart idea.
Some of those photos are ridiculous, though. A little more natural would have been a much better way to go.
Keep running with a top that size and I let you know the name of my back/spine doctor. Running is damaging to your entire body. Worst workout choice.
Technically, it’s the only sport we are built for. We evolved to run.
Not saying it’s not hard on the body, especially for people who do it wrong. Still, definitely not the worst choice.
I def think she has learned to love her curves exactly by playing tennis in a bikini and just saying f it I’m gonna go for it. And as we know a lot of the time it has made her look desperate. Truth is I bet she’s a bit neurotic with guys but is a fun good time as a girl friend. She looks great and just needs to relax. She comes off so eager for a man – but hey I know it’s hard to find a good one.
I believe she likes running bc of her mom. She even talks about it from an insecure pov – bc her mom is the runner in her eyes. But she’ll come around on that.
I like that she can’t help but be herself. And being herself is a bit silly and awkward but beautiful.
End of day I like her. And she’s consistent. Case in point:
The second pic is RIDICULOUS for a running mag. That’s a maxim pic. What was she thinking- oh right….
I agree with all of that. Especially the pic in the mag.
Reading all the comments, it’s great to see so many runners. Good luck to all who are training and racing!
I gave up competition years ago…I’m purely recreational now. But seeing all the motivation here is tempting me to maybe give it another go sometime soon…
WOW.
just checked out the tennis photos and i find it utterly amazing how from head to waist she’s quite skinny (albeit with large boobs), but from hips to feet it’s like she’s another person.
crrray! 😯
I am inspired to see so many runners on here. I have never been athletic but ran my first half marathon in February, and I am amazed at what my body can do! It’s so empowering. I’ve been pretty unmotivated lately as it’s gotten so hot outside the last few weeks (I’m in Houston), but reading all these comments has made me decide that I’m going to go for a run today.
If JLH really was happy about herself she wouldn’t be so visibly insecure.
If those photos are unPhotoshopped she looks good at the moment. I bet she’s going to extremes to maintain it.
I’ll be damned if her wedding is not featured on E!
The only place she ran to was a golden corral when they debut the chocolate waterfall. There and best buy for the new photoshop software
I like Jennifer Love Hewitt, I like her curves on her naturally thin body. On the badonk-a-dunk booty I like a girl with a nice booty, not a chunky collecting bin like Kim K or flat/small like Lilo. She is as as hot today as when I first saw her. Keep the booty, shape it, don’t flatten it.
I am both inspired and depressed reading this lol
I started running about a year ago. I can get out about 2 times a week (althoug I walk 2 miles everyday during my half hour lunch) and I usually clock in at an 11-minute mile. I am running my first 5K next month (which my husband surprisingly signed me up for—no comment). My legs go great but between allergies etc, my issue is controlling my breathing. I’m working on it but that’s what usually fails me first.
Ugh. I just can’t run. I wish I was and have tried but I feel like I’m going to die every time. I used to think it was because of my big boobs. But I had a reduction and nope, it wasn’t my boobs. God just didn’t make me a runner I guess!