Week 4 and so "it" begins

Let the REAL training begin... :(

(If you can't tell we are COLD and WET)

Week 3... Super Fun!

Spitz working on learning how to skydive.

Beas working on those arm muscles.

Beas Says...

Well, this week was just fabulous. I ran my butt off! The more miles I run the easier it is to run 2 miles. I wish I could run 2 miles every time but I can’t I would never improve. My time is improving I ran 11 minute miles this week. Which may not seem that great to you but to my short chubby legs it is pretty darn good! I am hoping week 4 is as good as week 3!

Harward Says...

Cross Training Ideas

As motivation specialist I decided it was my responsibility to share some of the cross training ideas that we have come to enjoy.

Yoga. A great help for toning and strengthening. It’s a work out yet relaxing at the same time. Our personal favorite is Rodney Yee on DVD only because he doesn’t say Rs, so really it’s Wodney Yee. Namaste my friends.

Sleeping. It helps with the deep breathing. If it was an Olympic sport, I think we’d have a good chance of making the team. Give me a couch, blanket, and 5 minutes of down time, I’ll be out for at least 2 hours.

Golfing. Want to work on your arms and back? Pick up a golf club. To make it a little more strenuous take along some wee lil’ ones to chase and you’ve got at least 20 miles of running/walking within 18 holes.

Bike Ride. Works the legs and heart. For best results get a bike your size, Harward size and fun size don’t always mix.

Hiking. A great way to practice pacing yourself and to know your physical limits. I for instance learned that if there are chains and heights involved on the hike I’ll be part of the welcome back committee rather than the excursion committee. Beas you are one of my heroes.

Being roommates and BFFs we are all similar in many ways, and probably have to many instances where it feels like we share a brain. However, we have found there are different cross training activities we tend to gravitate towards.

Karaoke. A Spitz specialty that works the lungs, both in singing and laughter.

Vacationing. A Beasly specialty that involves careful planning and placement. I’ve never met anyone who could put so much crap in such a small space (I threw that word in there just for you Beas, Love ya!)

Skydiving. After this weekend, my new found favorite that works your lungs (screaming), back (arching during the freefall), arms (guiding your chute back down), and legs (landing without breaking them). AMAZING and a must for all.

Spitz Says...

This third week flew by so fast!!! I was without roommates for half the week, which was so nice, but getting up the desire to actually go running a 5 miler by myself was hard, but totally worth it in the end. I ran it in 45 minutes, which I thought was pretty good for week three. Considering I haven't ran for over 2 years. I finally got my ipod charged too and put a wonderful mix of up beat music together, so I can keep up the motivation I need as I run these long distances.

I am proud of my running buddies too, because even though my roommates were having a wonderful time down in St. George, they still found time to run and cross-train. On to week Four!!!

P.S. it is a great thing this was Harward's idea, cause she is the one with all the great pictures. See you next week.

Week 2

Harward says...

Good Idea, Bad Idea

Remember Wakko, Yakko, Dot, and Pinky! Pinky! Pinkly and the Brain, Brain, Brain, Brain from Animaniacs? As I was running this week I had a flash back to the ‘Good Idea, Bad Idea’ segment.

Good idea: going to the bathroom. Bad Idea: Realizing you need to go 2 minutes into your half hour run. The quandary you fall into is the faster you run the faster you’re done, but the increased jostling does not help the situation.

Good idea: Downloading calming music for the iPod. Bad Idea: Mo Tab popping on at mile 2 ½ of the 4 mile run. There is a time and place for everything and in this situation I think Linkin Park was probably a better option.

Good idea: Working up nice healthy sweat. Bad idea: Realizing you now smell like your dad. Love ya dad, but the memories of your smelly jogging clothes will forever haunt me. Your offspring thanks you for passing on those sweat glands.

Bad Idea: Falling down on mile 2. Good Idea: At least save your face. Thanks for the laugh Beas. The cars thank you for the entertainment and it’s for sure a replay on the big screen in heaven.

What you probably can't see here is, Spitz was listening to one earphone from each of her roommates because her Ipod was dead. Thanks friends!!!

Beasly says...

Ok, so this is super exciting to be training for a half marathon. I am not a runner, never have been. I thought this would be a great experience. It is going to be a lot of hard work and effort but I can do it. This is what I tell myself every time we run. “Bryana, you can do this, you can do this.” My running companions are a bit taller than me so I am often far behind them and have to give myself the motivation. I am excited to get in shape and have fun with friends. This winter will not suck!

So, week 2 Blah….. It was dusk, rush hour traffic. More than halfway through our three mile hike last Thursday. I was jogging and enjoying the nice evening air, when all of a sudden I was on the ground. I have no clue how I got there but there I was. I thought to myself, “That is embarrassing, and I am glad I did not land on my face.” I hope I made someone’s day! I can only imagine what it would be to see that happening. Funny! Other than that eventful night the running has been good. I am improving my time each time we run. I would like to say that it is getting easier but I would be lying and I try not to do that.

On to week 3!

Spitz says...

Well another week down and our times keep improving. Every time I run with these girls I am more and more impressed by their drive and spirit. They never cease to amaze me. We decided after this week that we wanted to change up our route because 2200 west is getting a little predictable. When we get to the final hill, we all dread it, but push through as best we can. I know this is going to be a challenge for all of us, but I for one try to never back down from a challenge. Bring on the Miles!!!

P.S. Sorry Beas about your knee.

Week 1 Training

Week 1 according to Beas. (A.K.A. Bryana)

Ok, so this is super exciting to be training for a half marathon. I am not a runner, never have been. I thought this would be a great experience. It is going to be a lot of hard work and effort but I can do it. This is what I tell myself every time we run. “Bryana, you can do this, you can do this.” My running companions are a bit taller than me so I am often far behind them and have to give myself the motivation. I am excited to get in shape and have fun with friends. This winter will not suck!

Week 1 according to Harward (A.K.A. Heather)

That Feeling in the Air

A few weeks ago I woke up to a Monday morning. Typically Monday mornings are barfy anyway but this one had a little more nauseating feel to it. I was headed out to my car when I finally put my finger on it… there was a nip in the air. It was that weather when you need a jacket in the morning but the rest of the day turns out beautiful. It makes you think of school, football, and for those band geeks, marching band competitions. Sadly, living in Utah it will only last 3 days before the snow starts. Ok, maybe that’s exaggerating a wee bit, you’ll get at least 6 days.

You know that within a short while it’ll be dark when you go to work and even darker when you head home. And, oh the cold. In the summer I have to wear hoodies to keep warm, the winter adds another 7 layers plus socks. The cold…such a sad news minute. By the time I got to work that morning I had relived every crappy winter—whoa that was exciting--- and was determined that this one would be different. That day I mentally started my “Winter will not suck” list and came home with a space heater. (Note: I’m not a huge fan of the word suck, but it summarizes my feelings towards winter so well)

Week 1 of marathon training, done and done. I could run more than I thought, wahoo, but who knew 2 minutes could last an eternity and a half at the end of 3 miles? I swear most of the time Beasly and I were huffing and puffing while Spitz was frolicking through the daisies. I’d like to get to running at least 9 minute miles, totally doable I think, but then again if 2 minutes last an eternity and a half I wonder how 9 is going to feel? In the mean time I’ll move on to another item on my list, shopping for boots. Cause warm feet make a warm Heather, which make a happy Heather, which makes winter not suck.

Week 1 according to Spitz (A.K.A. Lauri)

I am the official time keeper and I must say, week one turned out pretty great for us out of shape girlies. We got better each day we ran. I've had a goal since I was in Cross Country during my middle school days that I would run a marathon someday, but I finally have people that want to help with this goal, so it is looking more and more attainable. I must say I am very proud of all three of my running buddies, even though one has been out of town for the first week. She has challenged herself on her own. I can truly say I am happy with my life and know it is only going to get better!!! This winter will totally NOT suck!