Trying to get fit

So, it was impossible to get fit in Korea...but now I am trying to get back on a routine. I have been to the gym a couple of times this week to take classes. They were classes called S.E.T and L.I.F.T. combining cardio and lifting. I am weak. Who thinks 5 lbs. is a lot? I do.

I tried to make the Core class that I like mid week, but it was slightly painfully to move that morning, so I passed.

I know I am weak, but by the end of this hopefully I will be strong.

yoga does not equal motivation

hey all,
so last night i went to yoga. and it felt great again. but i'm losing steam on this. i am going to make myself do a home workout tonight. i'm trying to eat healthier. but, i'm not as motivated. i think that caleb is right - i need some kind of goal. so i'm thinking of that in the next few days.

just wanted to share what's up with me. love you guys.

Ice Chipping

I spent an hour today chipping ice off our driveway. I know it actually was a good workout because I used muscles that I forgot I had. I had a few negative thoughts about our big wide driveway and the men I live with who didn't shovel it all off before we drove over it and smashed it down. But in the end, it felt good to be outside in the 45 degree sunshine and I'm glad I did it. And more good news, Doug spent a little time on the treadmill. :)

Home work #3

Never fear, I won't post every single time I do a home workout, but I wanted to post under my own name, say way to go mom and Splash, and say way to go Caleb on figuring this out. :) And way to go on some running.

Yay us.
Love you guys!

Here I Am

Hello. I am getting ready to go down and walk on the treadmill. I have only missed two days of walking since Ben put the treadmill together almost two weeks ago. Doug hasn't been on it yet, but Splash went for a short little walk the other night. Doug wanted her to be Astro from the Jetsons. I still would rather walk outside, but for now this works.

team blog

Hey all, I figured out how to make this officially a "team blog" meaning that we don't all have to sign in to the same account, but can post from our own accounts.  Apparently you need to have a gmail account in order to sign up, so if that is a problem, you can just use the email we've been using and show up as "Mike's Marvel."  But if you want to have your own voice on the blog, just create a gmail account for this purpose (I know Heather already has an account and it looks like Mom created one to add comments).  Let me know if you have any problems.

runnin back in the states

Well, despite a poor diet and lack of exercise, I came back from Korea lighter than I was when I left. I attribute this to being sick as a dog and to my anxiety over certain spicy Korean dishes. So, my goal is to try to maintain this lower weight for the week rather than ballooning back up.

I went for my first run since being back this morning. I'm actually still suffering from jetlag a bit, but I'm loving it. I like being a morning person - I get so much done. But I know it won't last. I always seem to settle back to my night owl behavior eventually. Still, I look forward to being more active and productive this spring. One thing I know from watching Biggest Loser is that better diet and exercise are great at making you feel more energized and inspired to be productive. So I'm hoping to start that not-so-vicious cycle.

Also wanted to encourage all my siblings. I've really enjoyed reading about your running and swimming Hannah, and your yoga and at-home exercising Heather. Also, it's been a major advantage having Jaime committed to getting healthier and having her around to motivate me. So, keep it up everyone. Almost a month into the new year and I think we are all taking positive steps toward being much healthier at the start of 2009. Thanks for jumping on board this fitness thing.
-Caleb

home workout #2

That's right - I did it again. Ooops, as Britney pre-mental break would say. Anyways, it was great. I like the feeling in those 10 or so minutes where my muscles are really working. Still a little embarassed about how hard the push-ups and sit-ups are. But, pretty stoked about the whole thing anyways. Way to go, Caleb on motivating us to get in shape.

home workout #1

Hey sibs,
Amber signed up to be my long distance personal trainer. Well, she sent me a workout to do at home. It was hard. And good. And short. So, perfect. Anyways, I just finished it and my legs are going to be sore tomorrow. Hello lunges! Good stuff though. Love you guys!

gettin fat in korea

Hey all, it's Caleb. Wish it was a typo in the subject line and that I meant "gettin fit" but 'tis not the case. It's been a week here and it has been hard to keep a very good diet or get any exercise. Add on the fact that I've been sick, and it is a bad combination. I tried to do a few exercises in our hotel room last night, but it is pretty tough to get any kind of cardio here. Also, with people buying us food, and with a limited amount of choices for food, I haven't really been able to dictate what I am eating. So, long story short, my new year's resolution is on a bit of a hiatus. It's ok, I was anticipating this. It just means I have to be that much more dedicated when I get back.

Swimming

Hey fam.
I went for a swim last night and I can't believe I used to swim for two hours five days a week. Crazy. It was really hard, but today my legs feel as though I ran a marathon, so that's good.
Also, Caleb, how are you keeping it real in South Korea?

heather: yoga was good

Last night I took an awesome yoga class! It's crazy because today I am feeling like a new woman. My posture feels better, my body feels less tight, my mind feels clearer. Good stuff, dudes. Ooooohhhhhhmmmmm.

Only 7 days in and I have already fallen (literally)

Hey Websters/Sathers/Kims/James peoples!
Today I went for a run, I fell within the first two minutes, but I continued on the path to righteousness and ran 2 miles, not much, but a start. (To add to the story, a nice woman stopped and asked if I was okay, I was.)
Also, if you are working out outside in Montana or any other type of cold weather, I strongly recommend UnderArmour, it is amazing at keeping a body warm.
I love you guys!
Heather and Jaime I recommend listening to JLo's "Do It Well" while getting your sweat on that and Beyonce "Get Me Bodied"

Heather: small steps

So, one thing I decided to do is ALWAYS take the stairs at work. I have been taking the stairs about half the time. I work on the fifth floor, so it's a healthy little trek up to work. Granted, it only lasts a minute (not the cardio workout of the century), but I think that is one easy little change I can make to my days.

Hannah: My goals!

I think this idea is radical and going along with it, I joined the Missoula Running Association and will as a result be enjoying more running in my life. I would like to run a 10k almost every three months, so here I go.
Also, I have decided to try to take at least two classes a week at the gym.
All my love siblings!

I would like to offer a recipe, but most of mine are baked goods and that's not really a Get Fit idea...my sincerest apologies.

recipes

Jaime - thanks for the recipe. I've made two things this past weekend that are reallly good and while, I don't know the caloric values of these, I think you all would like these.

1st - Chickpea Pasta w/ Almonds and Parmesean
1 tsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, chopped (I used minced garlic tonight)
7 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth (I used more like 5 or 6 cups)
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
kosher salt
1 pound angel hair pasta
1 15.5 can chipeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup parsley, chopped (I used dried, and not nearly a whole cup, but I could see how fresh would be lots better)
1/4 cup unsalted roasted almonds, chopped
1/2 cup grated parmesean

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium/high heat. Stir in garlic and cook for a minute. Add the brother, red pepper, and 3/4 tsp of salt and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook, stirring until the broth is nearly absorbed and the pasta is al dente (about 6 minutes). Stir in chicpeas and parsley. Divide among individual bowls and top with almonds and parmesean. Serves 4.

2nd - Mustard Roasted Chicken with Vegetables
Chicken breasts, cut into large chunks (I used two big ones, but you could use more or use a whole chicken cut up)
3 tblsp whole-grain mustard
2 tblsp low sodium soy sauce
kosher salt and pepper (why kosher, not sure - I used normal)
4 small carrots cut cross-wise in half
1 fennel bulb, cut into wedges (I used potatoes instead, one sweet potato, one regular)
1 onion (whichever color you prefer)
8 spring of thyme (I used dried thyme)
2 tblsp olive oil

Heat over to 400 degrees. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Combine the mustard, soy sauce, and 1/4 tsp pepper in a large bowl. Add the chicken and stir to coat. Combine the carrots, fennel (or potatoes), onion, thyme, oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper in a roasting pan. Coat all the veggies in the oil. Nestle the chicken among the veggies. Roast until the chicken is cooked thru and veggies tender (about 45-50 minutes). B/c I couldn't find our roasting pan, I used a big pan and covered with foil.

Good work, guys - Loves - Heather