May flowers?

They say April showers bring May flowers...  So with all this good weather what has everyone been up to?

I recently signed up with Brian, and James to do the top of Utah marathon in September.  :)  It scares me a little, but I am hoping I will be able to have some fun.  I started a training program this last week and so far so good!  I have been surprised at how well my body is adapting to it.  To be honest, I was getting sick of working out and was in a rut, so I thought this would motivate me to get going again.  And it has.  This whole training thing is a new concept to me.  I usually do a couple week 'training' then just go for it.  I knew that wasn't going to work for the marathon.  Anyway I think that if you are willing to put in the time to train,you should join us!  I will also be trying to do some smaller races 5k, 10k, etc to get ready.  Let me know if you know of any good races. 

Running Strong!

http://news.yahoo.com/video/us-15749625/running-strong-24277101

Here's a great story I found about a 95 year old woman!!  This is what I want to be doing when I'm 95!

Gasp Sputter Crash

I have a BIG question for those of you who have more experience with physical fitness-(Coach Case) I've watched the contestants on Biggest Loser working out until they have sweat pouring down their bodies, or until they fall or pass out or puke, but I don't think that is really the realistic way to exercise....so my question is this:  How do you know how hard to push yourself? 

My goal is to actually RUN a 5k and I've been doing the Couch to 5K program.  And up until Week 4 it has been fairly manageable.  I even had one day when I felt good after I finished and I thought "Oh, these must be the endorphins people are talking about!" But today was seriously harder than anything I've ever done before.  Part of me wanted to finish so that I could say I did it and the other part of me was saying, "Are you CRAZY!!!"

So I would really appreciate some comments. I'd like to know from the fitness junkies and from the couch potatoes too!  Does it get any easier???

I'm signing off and then crashing on the couch where I'm likely to stay for a while. Esther

Keep up the great work!

Sounds like a lot of you are coming up with some great goals and working on them.  Keep it up!  Just wanted to tell everyone to keep up the good work.  Also a couple more ideas for some of you.  I think Esther and Jamie have been doing a program with the website www.dailymile.com  I believe you can track your different running distances and activities there.  Also  James recently told me about an app you can use on your phone and computer called runkeeper.  It can also be accessed by going to www.runkeeper.com I tried this out yesterday and it was pretty cool.  It mapped my run for me on my phone, told me how long I had been running every five minutes and told me what my pace was.  Which motivated me to run faster because in the beginning when I was taking it nice and slow it kept telling me what my pace was, and lets just say it wasn't my regular pace so it pushed me to get going faster.  Also with this one you can add people to your 'street team.'  So far I know that Myself, James, Brian, and Natalie are all on there.  With that being said, I know we are all busy and sometimes we don't think we have time, but just do the best you can.  Do a little better than the week before.  Just remember to stick with it.  I know that I always feel better when I can workout.  Keep it up.  Remember something is better than nothing.

Gale's Fitness Update

Hello family!

I'm excited to see everyone getting active. I'd like to join you by exercising on a regular basis!

I started last week by riding a stationary bike for 30 minutes a day.  I've put in 30 minutes everyday this week with only minimum pain in my knees.  I'm going to try and make it everyday this week.  I'm proud of everyones efforts! Keep up the good work!  As I progress, I may get brave and set more fitness goals.

Love you all,

Mom Case (Gale)

Junior's Fitness Goals

A big thanks to Liz for creating this blog!

About a year and a half ago I started working for Cirque du Soleil.  One of the stipulations for the job was that I drop some weight.  I was at the heaviest I have ever weighed.  I lost close to 75 lbs. and have maintained that weight for over a year.  Over the last few months I have realized that I have lost some of the muscle tone I had gained.  In a March I have my biannual fitness check with Cirque.  The last fitness check I weighed in at 301 lbs.   My previous weight at the fitness test six months earlier was 303.  So, for my March check up I would like to weigh 290.  By the next six month check up in Sept.  I would like to be at 250 lbs.
I intend to lose this weight by altering my diet, increasing my exercise, and utilizing the dedicated fitness staff at work.

The 15 Worst Health & Diet Myths

The 15 Worst Health & Diet Myths

Hey everyone! Came across this article this morning and thought I would share! My goal it to be at 250 lbs by September!