I can’t even believe the amount of attention celebs are getting these days for getting into our sport!  You’d have to be living under a rock the last several weeks to have missed all the press around J. Lo’s recent Malibu triathletic adventures.  I personally trace (blame) all this celebrity-athlete chatter back to Oprah’s Marine Corps Marathon effort, (see How Oprah Ruined The Marathon for more on said controversy.)

Hey, who am I to criticize?  As far as I’m concerned, the more the merrier and if celebrity women runners increases the popularity of running and tri, I’m all for it.  Mostly.

Now, I see 32 year-old model Beth Ostrosky, Howard Stern’s long-term fiancé, is blogging about her training for the upcoming ING (formerly “The New York”) Marathon in November.  Beth is actually raising money for the North Shore Animal League America while she dishes on her blog about training tips, her personal celebrity coach Clayton James, cute kitties and her fundraising team.

Beth O. is cute, a life-long runner and her heart seems to be in the right place.  I won’t hold it against her that she’s engaged to Howard Stern.  Really.  And the dogs and cats are adorable and desperately need support – especially in these increasingly tough times when charitable donations are really down.

I kinda feel sorry for Lopez though.  All the stuff on the Internet criticizes her weight, her trouble with her swimming, etc.  Hey, it took a lot of balls to undertake a triathalon in the first place!  Who among us would want to be under that kind of scrutiny while attempting something so difficult? 

• Currently 3.0/5 Stars.

Tags: celebrity runners, oprah winfrey, beth o, beth ostrosky, howard stern, j. lo, malibu triathalon, ING marathon, new york marathon, north shore animal league, clayton james

Love the Oprah article. I'm on the fence here. Kind of go along with what I said on the politics post. Some races should be taken very seriously while others can be left open to regular people and causes. It sounds like Beth O is already a runner and she is also raining/running for a cause and I can respect and admire that. Posted by: Karen on Oct 13, 2008 at 04:47 PM

Wow, yes they have been harsh on J.Lo and while it was not a true triathlon, he she got off her butt and did something. More than a lot of people ca say. To juxtapose this with the Oprah article, about bringing down the idea of the marathon being a race...hey, can't those who want to race, race and those who want to work on getting faster or just raise money for a charity, do just that? I do, however, feel their should be pre-qualifying arrangements for major races. There should not be a thousand people running a major marathon in over 5 hours. I agree that some things, events, should remain sacred. you don't let any violinist in the Philharmonic Symphony. Posted by: Sarah on Oct 13, 2008 at 01:19 PM

Right on BMoore. I have similar sentiments. Anytime popular media sensationalizes an event, sport, or cupcake brand with the face of a celebrity there may be a tendency to feel like 'your' favorite whatever is being cheated or 'sold out.' In reality, however, celebrities bring attention which bring people and people keep our favorites whatevers going. I am proud of J.Lo and grateful for her and Beth O for being strong and influential women that are broadcasting a healthy challenge to the women of the world. Let's Do It! Posted by: Betty on Oct 13, 2008 at 08:37 AM