Cancel it, that's how. Then get outside this summer for your workout! This long weekend is the perfect time for getting the ultimate in free workouts. Just put on some shoes and run around for an hour. For free!

Don't have that kind of motivation? Then adopt a dog from the East Valley Animal Shelter this weekend. The economic downturn means there's lots of Fidos and Fluffys being dropped off (per this Daily News article.) Believe me, it's the ultimate motivation. And talk about a bargain. It's less than $100 to get the animal with shots, license, microchip.

I haven't used my membership for the Woodland Hills Gold's membership since I adopted Bella, my energetic yellow lab in September and Beastie, my even more energetic Newfoundland/border collie in November when he was still a pup -- a BIG pup. Now my workout is all about tiring out the doggies so they don't destroy the house when I'm gone. That gets me out of bed like not even my muffin top can. I run with them an hour on weekday mornings around the neighborhood (early, to avoid the heat) and then hike with them on the weekends. (I like the Angeles National forest trails via Tujunga or Alta Dena, and the Verdugo Mountains in Burbank/Glendale. Lots of excellent trails where dogs are allowed, and not too many people.) I've saved money and got in good shape. It's all good.

And now I have extra money to spend on outdoor gear, yay! See how it's all related? And there's few things better than perusing through the REI outlet online. So many great deals! And you can avoid shipping fees by ordering your stuff and having it sent to the Northridge REI on Devonshire (in that mall at Reseda with the Albertsons) for free pickup _ or the Santa Monica one, if you're on that side of the hills. They e-mail when it's ready. I got a mondo sized dog backpack for big Beastie for only 29.99 (that's him at right in his old, puny sized backpack). Now he's my Beast of burden on the trail. Water please, Mr. Beast!

So many great deals from the site. Like this cute fitness top that's half off. I like it in quasar, whatever that is. Or these Wright socks for $3.93. I looove me some Wrightsocks and highly recommend them for any runner. I will only run in these socks. They are double layered to keep the blisters away. It works.

If REI isn't your thing and want to get all reusable (it's green!), check out Play it Again Sports, the store for reused sports gear. There's one right down Reseda at Nordhoff in that mall on the northwest corner of that intersection, with the McDonalds.

-- Post by Mariel

Posted by Julia Scott at 1:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Dick's Sporting Goods has an offer for a free gas card when you buy one of four different golf clubs. The gas cards range from $50 to $100 and the clubs range from $300 to $530.

A Callaway Golf FT-5 Tour Driver is $450 and comes with an offer for a $75 gas card. Must make the purchase by July 15, 2008 and mail in your rebate paperwork by July 31, 2008. The rebate is through Callaway so it may be good at other retailers. Double check to be sure.

Caveats: to get the gas card you have to fill out a rebate form, send in your receipt, and follow the directions. It takes 10-12 weeks to get the card back.

Posted by Julia Scott at 8:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Get three weeks free at the women-only gym Curves when you bring in three milk caps to a participating Curves before July 17, 2008. New members only. The gym uses circuit training, above, to get members in shape. Read more about the offer here.

Caveats: caps have to be from fluid milk containers, limit one per person, not valid with other offers. Find a Curves near you and call first to confirm they are participating. If the first person you talk to has not heard of it, ask for a manager.

Double caveat: some of you may have heard Curves has ties to anti-choice groups. No matter where you stand on this issue, here is an interesting article that explains the brouhaha around Curves founder Gary Heavin.

Posted by Julia Scott at 8:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Buy $100 worth of gear and clothes at Nike online or over the phone (800-806-6453) and get 20% off your tab. Expires Sunday May 11, 2008. Check the details here. A tennis dress with mini-pleats that screams "country club" is $90 (orig $110).

Caveats: one per person, cannot be combined with other coupons, taxes, shipping and handling do not count towards $100, some brand exclusions, including Apple products, Nike +iPod Sport Kit, and a few others.

Posted by Julia Scott at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Get 10% off your order at the running store Road Runner Sports using a discount code whose expiration date is unknown. Online only. The code is CX180069. A stretchy tank with a decorative fringe, above, is $22.50 (orig $40). Browse men's shoes, women's shoes, women's apparel, men's apparel, gear and nutrition.

Posted by Julia Scott at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Get 20% off everything at Sports Basement online until June 5, 2008 with code WILD_20_05/08. They stock everything for skiing, running, biking, hiking, swimming, triathlons, and camping. Kids sporty stuff, too! Don't forget to check out their sale pages. Before the discount a women's racerback yoga top in five colors is $20 (retails $44).

Posted by Julia Scott at 8:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Phidippides in Encino, my favorite place to get running shoes, warns me that the price of sneakers is about to skyrocket by 12 to 20%. Buy now and stash that extra pair in your closet until they are needed!

The e-newsletter said price are increasing in China, where the vast majority of shoes sold in the U.S. are made. "The cost of doing business in China has skyrocketed - labor laws and environmental laws and enforcement have changed; the dollar has fallen against nearly every currency in the world (wait 'til petroleum is tied to, say, the Euro instead of the dollar!!). Add in the cost of petroleum (the raw material for EVERY part in your running shoes), and the impact that oil prices have on the cost of transportation of raw materials and finished goods and you can see why these price increases are inevitable."

Generally you want to replace your running shoes every 6 months or every 250-300 miles. If you only walk in them it probably does not matter as much.

Visit them at 16545 Ventura Blvd. in Encino. (818) 986-8686. Closed Mon. Tue, Thur and Fri 10-6, Sat 10-5. Wed 10-8. Closed Sundays except for the 1st Sun of each month, when they are open 12-4.

Posted by Julia Scott at 11:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

REI's gear sale with prices up to 30% off starts Friday, but the Web site already shows many marked down items. I'm not sure whether the sale will bring further markdowns or this is the final sale price. The sale ends Sunday, May 11. It is happening online and in stores. Find one near you.

A BOB Revolution stroller comes in five colors and is $287 (orig $369). A fleece vest for toddlers, above, is $14.50 (orig $19.50).

Posted by Julia Scott at 11:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Get 15% off your purchase at Footlocker.com using code LKS18M15. I'm told it has very few exclusions. A sleeveless Kobe Bryant jersey is $45 before the discount.

Browse women's clothing and shoes, stuff for men, and kids gear and apparel. Fan gear here.

Caveats: online only. Unclear when the code expires.

Posted by Julia Scott at 10:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Get a 10-day free gym membership to Bally Total Fitness or 50% off your enrollment fee when you pay with Mastercard. Print the coupon here. Offer good through July 31, 2008.

Caveats: must be 18 years or older, register at the club, take a tour and listen to a presentation before getting the 10-day freebie. Limit one per person. Many rules for the discounted enrollment fee. Scroll down this link to read them. Find a Bally's near you.

Posted by Julia Scott at 1:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Get 15% off at REI.com, plus free shipping if you buy any item from Keen (thru 4/17/08) or Peal Izumi (thru 4/10/08). Use coupon code GHVKM2 for the discount. Not sure when it expires. Online only. I like this Whisper Vest for running or biking, above, for $55 (orig $65). It has pockets for keys, ID, and a bit of cash, plus it's lightweight and reflective. Buy it in "screaming yellow" so that when you pass someone all they will see is a blaze of color.

Posted by Julia Scott at 7:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Get 15% off already reduced athletic and fashion shoes from Foot Locker. They have basketball, baseball, football, track and casual shoes already marked down 50 to 70% off that you can use the coupon with. A pair of faded gray Hi-tops are $25.50 (orig $40). Browse all the sale shoes here.

Use coupon code LKS18M15 when checking out. Regular priced gear does not seem to be eligible for the discount.

Posted by Julia Scott at 7:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Get up to 30% off at REI now until Sunday, April 13, 2008. Online only. Power Bar products are 25% off, Bell Helmets are 25% off. A windproof, waterproof light jacket, above, is $80 (orig $119). Browse all the sale items, including backpacks, clothing, and camping gear.

Buy any Keen item and get free shipping now until April 17.

Posted by Julia Scott at 1:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Speedo, TYR, and Body Glove swimwear is 20% off at Sports Authority now until Saturday, April 5, 2008. The store I went to had many suits other than the semi-boring ones pieces meant for the lap pool. Not that I have any hard feelings against those suits (I own one myself). Each has their place.

Caveats: excludes rashguards and some clearance suits. Find a Sports Authority near you.

Posted by Julia Scott at 1:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hands down, the best place to get camping gear, outdoorsy clothes, and backpacks is the REI used gear sale, which is this Saturday. At their last sale I snagged a three-season sleeping bag for $60 that normally runs about $115 to $150.

The gear is marked down by 50% to 90% because it has been returned under REI generous return policy and cannot be resold under normal circumstances. My sleeping bag looked brand spankin' new, but a Keen bag I picked up was a little dusty and had a small tear in one of the pockets.

The catch is the sale is only open to members. Back when I joined it was $10, now the one time fee is $20. Join here. Expect a line to start forming outside the Northridge store a few hours before doors open at 10 am. (This ain't no Playstation sale but crunchy folks like a deal, too.)

Line up at 18605 Devonshire St. in Northridge. (818) 831-5555. Call your local REI to see if the sale is happening near you. Dates and times vary by store. I know the Santa Monica REI sale starts at 7am Saturday.

Posted by Julia Scott at 7:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Forget Good Vibrations. A new study says yoga can help men perform in bed. All that slow breathing and pelvis strength that yoga builds, apparently. Here's the low down from a blog called That's Fit: "According to a study out of India, and published in a recent issue of the Journal of Sexual Medicine, men who practiced yoga on a regular basis had less instances of premature ejaculation. Following a group of men, all of whom admitted to regularly having premature ejaculations during intercourse, researchers found that practicing an hour of yoga each day for 12 weeks helped them triple the time they normally lasted in bed."

I guess I'll be seeing a lot more men doing downward dog in yoga. Here's a listing of yoga classes all across LA.

Posted by Julia Scott at 2:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I often drive home through Topanga Canyon and there is one spot just before the PCH where I always hear a healthy chorus of ribits. So when I decided to attempt commuting home on my bike I looked forward to passing that spot. Hearing frogs splash around in mud always puts a smile on my face. Who knew?

Once I started pedaling I remembered how my legs burn on the bike, which made me think of how my lungs burn when I swim, and how my hip burns when I run. I take this to mean I'm on fire, baby!

I'm putting myself through fire for a good cause. My goal is to raise $5,000 for cancer research while benefiting from the free coaching that is part of Team in Training, a fundraising program run by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The event I'm training for is the Wildflower Olympic triathlon. On May 4 I plan to swim .92 miles, bike 25 miles, and run 6.2 miles.

So far it's going really well. I've raised more than $2,500 from about 30 donors and am doing crazy things like riding my bike home from work, a 22 mile commute. No frogs cheered me on as I passed (I think it was too early in the day) but I did get my speedometer up to 37.7 mph on the steepest, curviest part of the Canyon. Don't worry Mom, I probably won't do that again.

Posted by Julia Scott at 9:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Get 30% off at the Nike store online on full price and clearance items with code 30PCTCA1. The code is case sensitive and the second digit is a number. Unclear when the coupon expires. Caveats: not good on NikeiD, Apple, Nike + Apple Kit, GC's, Members only store and launch products.

Become a member and get free ground shipping on your first order and free returns on all orders. A women's thermal jacket in deep burgundy is $58 (orig $110). With the discount a women's pleated tennis dress is $77 (orig $110). Browse the offerings in clearance, for women, men, boys and girls.

Posted by Julia Scott at 7:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Get into 24 Hour Fitness for 14 days free and bring three friends gratis when you stop by before Feb. 29, 2008. You get to choose which club you want to use the coupon at. They are not all open 24 hours and have different amenities. A few caveats: good for new customers and local residents only. You have to be 18 or 12 with a parent and need to bring a valid photo ID to check-in. Bring this printable coupon to get the deal. Find a location near you.

Posted by Julia Scott at 8:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Today must be the day for swimsuit deals. Here's a coupon from Speedo for 20% off any one item until March 5, 2008. Use coupon code SPEEDO145. Not all their suits are for lap swimming. Here are a lot of choices for hitting the beach, like this geometric halter top in pink, brown and white, for $48. Three different matching bottoms are each $44.

Caveats: does not apply to LZR RACER and Fastskin FS-PRO swimwear styles, shipping and handling or taxes, cannot be combined with any other offer, not valid on previous purchases.

Posted by Julia Scott at 10:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

UPDATE: I'm told this coupon has so many restrictions it's not really good for anything. Sucks!

PREVIOUSLY: Get 20% off one item at the Sports Authority now until Saturday, Feb 24, 2008. Good on sale and regular priced merchandise. Use coupon code TSAWIN when checking out.

From their 50% off shop, NBA jerseys are $20 to $35 (orig $45 to $75 ), including a NY Knicks jersey for $20 (orig $45). A blue yoga mat with carrying strap is $13 (orig $15). Browse their deals of the week.

Caveats: not good on gift cards, gift wrapping, or the following brands: Atec, Bauer, Bladez...

Continue reading "Sports Authority coupon" »

Posted by Julia Scott at 1:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

UPDATE: Link below fixed.

Have you ever done anything that really pushed your limits? Pushed your physical ability, your emotional strength and your mental stamina beyond the brink? Past what you think you could do - past what you convinced yourself you were capable of for a few moments at a time before reality returned.

Well folks, I have signed on for just that sort of challenge. I decided I wanted to reach for the stars, get off my butt, and see what this sack of bones, muscle and water could accomplish. On May 4 I am competing in an Olympic Triathlon, which is a .9 mile swim, unfortunately followed by a 25 mile bike, even more unfortunately followed by a 6.2 mile run.

I signed up for the Wildflower triathlon, renown around the world for being an extremely difficult course. Hey, I figured, I'm semi-athletic and my pain tolerance is decent. It didn't sink in what I had gotten myself into until I told the hardest core runner/triathlete I know about my little 32-mile adventure.

"So I'm doing an olympic triathlon," I told him recently.
"Which one?" he said.
"Wildflower."
"YOU'RE doing Wildflower?"
"Uh, yeah."
"Oh." Then he paused. "Wildflower is challenging."

Not hard. Not difficult. But challenging. Words coming from a guy who does 50 mile races for fun. Who, when his knee starts hurting, turns around and runs home...six miles. Challenging is not a word I like coming from this man. Oh no. It means the course is excruciating, that when I cross the finish line - if I make it - the pain will be so bad I'll be on the verge of tears. That afterwards I'll be sore in places I didn't know I had muscles.

Right then and there I really wished I hadn't signed up for the Wildflower tri. But a promise is a promise, and I promised to raise money for cancer research while benefiting from the free coaching that is part of Team in Training, a fundraising program run by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Who knows, maybe in 11 weeks I'll be able to call myself an olympic triathlete. If not, at least you know why I'm fascinated with sporting gear.

Posted by Julia Scott at 6:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

With many many weeks left in the ski season I thought this sale would interest a few eyeballs. Bargainsla.com reports H&H Jobbers is closing their West LA location with markdowns up to 70% off. "Men’s and women’s outerwear ski jackets (priced) at $39-$45, retail would be $300 plus! $9 gloves are regularly $39, $49 snow board boots would go for $100-$180."

A store employee said they are closing the store because of lack of parking. The store already has low prices because it is a ski and surf outlet, but for the closing sale they have a "below cost" section with men's and women's jackets.

The last day for the West LA store is March 27. Read more about the sale. Directions and a map to the West LA store is listed third here.

Visit them at 10867 Pico Blvd. in Los Angeles. Hours are Tue to Sat 11 to 6 and Sun and Mon 11 to 5. (310) 475-5701.

Posted by Julia Scott at 12:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Finally had time to drop in at Road Runner Sports, a newish store in the Fallbrook Mall in West Hills. Two cool things about the store: the running gear and two treadmills that measure your gait to help you find a suitable pair of running sneaks.

Most of the gear in the store - clothes, sneakers, sports bras, and socks - is full price. But the clearance rack had plenty to offer and they are nice enough to place it at the front of the store instead of burying it in the back. I found a pair of running shorts for $10, a Mizuno long sleeve top in blue/turquoise or plum/pink for $40 (orig $65), each with a zip pocket at the small of the back for your house keys and ID. I couldn't resist the softness of a pair of black fleece pants for $25 (orig $40), so much cozier than my polyester sweats.

On the regular racks a baby blue Illuminate reflective jacket for running in the dark was $60 (orig $81) and also had the back zipper pocket. Grey or black T-shirts that say I (heart) running were $18. Not a great deal, but cute.

Having an employee check your gait and recommend shoes is free, though I imagine they expect you will buy one of the pairs they recommend. The selection of sneaks was decent and prices ranged from $85 to $115. Visit them at 6745 Fallbrook Ave in the northwest corner of the mall by Trader Joe's.

I also like buying running shoes at Phidippides in Encino. All the employees are runners and they have great selection. You can run in the shoes before you buy them. They also accept returns of clean shoes if you decide after running in them *once* that they are not for you.

Posted by Julia Scott at 2:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Find great markdowns on sporty gear and clothes at the EMS Outlet blowout sale. Or get 20% off one full priced item with coupon code PRESDAY20. Both good until Tue Feb 19.

A cute white puffy jacket with faux fur trim, above, is $140 (orig $200). A super lightweight tank with a Y-back keeps you extra cool, for $20 (orig $34). Stretchy corduroy cotton pants with a drawstring waist are $30 (orig $58). They look perfect for those days when you don't really want to wear anything but decide against going to the farmer's market in your underpants. A pair of cute blue retro running shorts, below, are $20 (orig $32) but come in extra large only.

Browse all women's footwear on sale. Search women's outerwear or apparel. Search men's outerwear, apparel, footwear, . Gear for all mankind here.

Posted by Julia Scott at 10:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This Eastbay sale is not quite as good as it sounds - you can't name a price for your favorite pair of snazzy sneaks. But you can search by price for tons of shoes, gear, and clothes at Eastbay.com. All these cleats and tennis shoes are $30. A selection of T-shirts, caps, and shorts are $10. These sneaks are $70 with many original prices of $100+. In most categories it seems the women's selection is noticeably smaller than the men's. Humph.

I like this white and fuscia women's track jacket for $30 (orig $59). Once you choose the price you can narrow the search by gender, sport or brand using tabs on the left.

Posted by Julia Scott at 2:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Buy a Fit 'n Fruitful smoothie at Jamba Juice and get a free 24-hour pass to 24 Hour Fitness. The Fit ' Fruitful smoothie has passionfruit-mango juice, stawberries, mangoes, lemonade, peaches and the "Weight Burner" boost. I have not had this smoothie. My favorite is Coldbuster. I used to like the Protein Berry Pizazz but they changed it and now it's gross.

Unclear how long the deal lasts. Find a Jamba near you.

Posted by Julia Scott at 7:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Get 20% off one item at the REI Outlet online only between Feb 1 and Feb 7. The discount will be applied to the highest priced item in your cart. No code is needed. Check out their new arrivals and stuff under $20, like this High Sierra hydration pack for $20 (orig $40).

Caveats: not good at REI.com, REI stores, REI Adventures or REI Outdoor School, on special orders, package discounts, REI gift cards or E-gift certificates, gift boxes, memberships, shop services, rentals, bicycles, boats, GPS receivers, two-way radios, phones, personal locator beacons. Limited to stock on hand. Purchases not eligible for the REI member refund.

Posted by Julia Scott at 12:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Sports Chalet Outlet in Montclair is closing by March and has some great deals, reports BargainsLA. "All merchandise that is already discounted is now drastically reduced even more!" Look for sales on sleeping bags, tents, sportswear and gear of all kinds. The store carries irregular items, factory overruns, and discontinued stuff.

It's not a bad idea to stock up on gear for summer adventures. Visit them at 5057 S. Plaza Lane in Montclair. (909) 624-1372. Hours are Mon to Fri 10 to 7, Sat 9 to 6 and Sun from 10 to 6.

Posted by Julia Scott at 8:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I'm already craving pizza in preparation for the Superbowl this Sunday, Feb 3. Here's a rundown of pizza deals at local restaurants and major chains. Stay tuned for beer deals!

Domino's has an $11 BFD (Big Fantastic Deal) pizza that includes unlimited toppings on a large pie. You can order online now for Sunday. Menu here. Pizza Hut has 1-topping medium pizzas for $5 each when you order at least 3 pies. They also have online ordering. Menu here.

In Woodland Hills Zanos Pizza, which used to have one of my favorite Lincoln Lunches (it's now $6), has a large 16" cheese pizza for $9. Don't forget to order garlic knots. They are killer. Menu here.

The $14 large Meat Pizza at Papa Johns has bacon, pepporoni, ham, and sausage. Online ordering, check. Menu here. Pies at California Pizza Kitchen...

Continue reading "Superbowl pizza deals" »

Posted by Julia Scott at 1:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Actually, what I did last weekend: played in LeiOut 2008, the three-day Santa Monica beach Ultimate Frisbee tournament (hence my absense Monday). Here are action shots of me laying out for the disc. It's definitely as fun as it looks!

Awesome pics, Dan!

Posted by Julia Scott at 1:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Get a free two-week pass to Bally Total Fitness, which includes access to their classes, online weight loss program and a one-on-one session with a personal trainer. Requires you to give them your name, address, email and phone number. Not sure when offer ends. Find a Bally's near you.

Caveats: must be 18 years old. Only one free pass per year.

Posted by Julia Scott at 12:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I'm taking Monday off - Martin Luther King Day - to play the greatest sport on earth. Not baseball, not football, not foosball. Ultimate Frisbee. It's the last day of a three-day tournament where