Family!
I cannot believe that Caleb and Jaime will be running a marathon in 5 days. That is nuts. Way to go guys! Also, I am wholly impressed by Heather and Ben and their dedication to this half marathon. I am lacking some of that dedication, but today I forced myself to run up Mount Sentinel and then run 3 miles, not quite the 8 or 10 that team Sather put in, but it was an attempt. A great thing happened on the run, I fell in love. Okay, that is a lie, but I did meet my friends mom on the top and we ran together and it was so fun to run into some random person, know them in a roundabout sort of way and then be able to run with them too. It was very fun.
I can't wait to see you guys this weekend. Love you all.

In Praise of Ben Sather

Ben, in sports terms, you have been an amazing mid-season pick-up of a brother. I thought a lot about family around the time that you and Heather got married. One of the things I thought about was how each person adds a unique piece to the functioning of a family. When a family is together but one person is missing, well the family functions differently. And when one gets added, who knows what is going to happen? Call it family chemistry.

Well, the point is, it has been amazing how much our family's chemistry has been changed, for the better, because of you. We were never a nickname family until you came along, but now we all have several (KWeb, Ciesel, Ozzman, Hannibal to name a few). We've all seen more concerts, and had much better seats at them than we would have otherwise. We've been introduced to great music.

But those are just a few of the things that are easy to name. There's also the ways that you add humor and friendship to our lives. The way you helped get us all through Dad's death, and preserved your new marriage to Heather through such a traumatic event. The way that Ben Webster found a best friend and a musical ally in you when he needed both. And, the fact that you have, along with Heather, introduced to the world one of the most precious people it has known.

Ben, you're a great brother and I'm glad to have you as one. I can tell you are a great husband and father too. Thank you for wearing all these hats so well. Thanks for adding so much to our family and making it what it is today.

Way to go on training through a bad knee, on committing to run the half marathon this June. I know you can and will do it!

Refocused

It's been a month and a half since my last post, so I have to apologize to everyone for not following through on the blogging efforts. In reality, though, I've found new focus in the last two and a half weeks. I am making my weekly runs, and have had a much better attitude toward the whole thing. The marathon is only 30 days away!!! And, even better, I am confident I can do it! And so can Jaime! Tomorrow is an 18 mile run, so we'll see if I'm feeling so super after that.

A couple of things I wanted to say to everyone. First, thanks! Thanks to Heather and Ben for doing great with their running, even going for a big run on vacation. That was very encouraging. Thanks to Mom and Hannah for coming down to San Diego to support us at the end of the month! Mom buying the tickets cemented in my mind that there was no backing out of this thing. Thanks to BenWeb for not only doing track & field, but for dominating at it (pre-injury).

And a confession to Dave: I've fallen off the workout routine. I think that I won't resume it until after the marathon - I think one major goal is enough for now.

And a word of encouragement to everyone: it is completely normal to fall off the training wagon. I totally did for about 2 months. But I'm not discouraged anymore. To quote Zoolander,
Maury: What do we do when we fall off the horse? [long pause and no reply] We get back on the horse.
Zoolander: Sorry, Maury, I'm not a gymnast.
So, here's to us all being gymnasts and getting back on the horse when we fall off. Don't worry about falling behind schedule. Don't stress about what you haven't done. Just think about what you're going to do and do it.

And a plan. I think we should put this blog to rest after the half-marathon weekend in Seattle. It's been great and a good way to keep in touch, but I think that it's losing its luster. Maybe we can start a new blog, or something else creative afterward. But, just like Lost having an end date for next season has made it a more efficient show, so too will an end date to this blog make it a more useful tool over the next two months (I think).

And an apology. Ben Sather, I totally didn't mean to slight you in the "In Praise of" series. It just happened that I got caught up in law school decision making stuff when it was your turn. I'm going to make up for that in a minute.

And that's all. Here's to a great 2 months of Webster health!

Another Sunday Run

So, I went for my Sunday run this afternoon.  It started out a little rough...as I shared in a previous blog, when I run, I tend to hit my right foot on my left ankle.  Today, I managed to draw blood within the first half a mile from the apartment.  I did a mid-length run today, about 9 miles. Hopefully something similar tomorrow.

But, what I wanted to share is about all the stuff I saw on my run.  So, before I had even left the campus, I saw a small baby squirrel run and try to jump under a parked car.  In the spring and summer, we have all these crazy little lizards that sunbathe in the sun.  Throughout the run I counted 18 small lizards that scamper off when I approach and 4 fat lizards too fat to run away.  I saw a lady bug and a red ant on the sidewalk.  I saw a little bird in a bush.  I also saw an orange t-shirt and a white sock.  Unfortunately, I saw too much trash.  I saw 2 more squirrels.  A women's soccer game.  I saw 4 people riding their bikes, about 10 students walking to and fro.  A couple walking their dogs.  And lots of pretty spring flowers.  I have to saw that the spring flowers really bring beauty to my runs these days.

Hope all is well with everyone else.     

I can't get no motivation

I am writing a new song similar to I can't get no satisfaction, however, it is only about motivation, I try and I try, but I can't get no motivation. Clearly I am in trouble I am using double negatives. Yikes! Does anyone have any tips to help me on my journey to half marathon stardom?

Made it through Lent

Well everyone, I made it 40 days without any fried chicken. I had my moments when I really wanted some because it was quick and easy and it smelled so good in the grocery store around 5:00. But I over-came my temptations! I am releived that it's over and am looking forward to tonight (Brynn is taking me to Double Front...best fried chicken in town!), but I'm going to cut way back on my fried chicken intake. All in all, I have to say, I enjoyed the challenge. 40 days is a lot longer then it sounds.

The saga continues...

So now that I have all this free time, I have decided to try to get long like the rest of the Webster clan, this consists of a lot of yoga. The yoga did not leave me in my zen however because I started to worry about all of our hip flexors and all of our muscles that we are using, are we also loving them and stretching them. I don't think that was the goal of the instructor, but it led me to worry and therefore ask, are you stretching adequately for this thing? Are you really holding the pose? I want to start holding stretches for a minute each, you guys should too (read in a singsong voice).
I love you guys, keep those muscles long and lean like the gap jean.

Me without facebook.

So I deleted my facebook account. I now have plenty of time for training for this half marathon, but I also feel a void. I'm not sure how to fill it. I have thought about filling it with drugs, sex, and booze, but I feel as though that is extremely counteractive with the training, so I am wondering if any of you have some good advice. Poetry? Equestrian training? French? Interpretive dance? Synchronized rapping (some refer to this as a duet, they are wrong)? Any ideas would be beneficial, however if you suggest studying I will curse your name when I read it.
Love you guys. Keep on the path to righteousness.
Oh, as for an inspirational story: Yesterday I went for a run that I thought would kill me and also caused me to curse all of your names and Kristin too, but today at work a cute guy told me that he saw me running and I looked totally awesome. He was very impressed, so basically I am using running for picking up guys, I have my nails done, my hair up and looking fly and my make up perfect whenever I run in my pink running outfit. Caleb, I suggest you do the same.

What Inspires You?

Caleb and I have really haven't been feeling very motived these last few weeks to get out and do our runs.  With a crazy work schedule I have struggled to find the time to squeeze in the runs before work or after a long day to be able to find the energy to get in a long run in the evening.  

What inspires you to stick to your workouts?  Maybe its knowing that you treat yourself to a yummy healthy dinner or a carb filled bowl of pasta...

PS. Heather and Ben congrats on running in the race this afternoon.  Caleb and I are so proud of you for this huge step in getting fit.  Maybe you treated yourself to a green beer at the end of the finish line ;)

In Praise of Kathy Webster James

Mom, thank you for teaching all of us the most important lessons we've learned in life: how to love your family, how to care for your friends and neighbors, how to take care of a headache or stomachache (or, in my case, an earache), how to be involved in your community, how to put things in perspective and not sweat the small stuff, how to be stick to your guns if need be, how to tell your children they are spoiled brats when they need to hear it, but also how to go on spoiling them anyway. :)

It's impossible to say how much it has meant to me to have you present in a positive, loving way all throughout my life. I know that these days that is becoming quite rare, but you always approached motherhood as a responsibility as well as a privilege. I know you learned that from Grandma, and I hope that we can learn it for our children too (Heather and Ben are off to a really good start).

You're great parenting has done a lot for our health. I was thinking the other day about how important having family meals were for all kinds of things: communication, relationship, building of self-esteem. So thank you for working hard to make our family dinners the norm, even when you were juggling work and other responsibilities at the same time. You and Dad also always showed us how much you cared by showing up to our sporting events, ballet performances, synchronized swimming meets, mathcounts competitions, etc. Again, I know you probably didn't think twice about doing that, and I know I always took it for granted, but it did and still does mean so much to me that you care about our lives so deeply and that you go above and beyond to show us that. And that's not to mention all the behind the scenes stuff you've done for us with Moms In Touch, prayer groups, etc. I think it's because of all that support that all of us now feel capable of running our races this summer.

You have been a source of strength and wisdom for me my whole life, but especially since Dad died. I've had to make several major life choices (going to graduate school, moving to California, getting married, leaving graduate school for another graduate school, leaving that graduate school for law school), and I wouldn't have been able to do any of them without knowing that you supported my choices. And now I know that you want me to come back to Montana for law school, but I am so grateful knowing that I have your support even if I do not. You have a very flexible love, one that can put up with children in all their forms: liberal and conservative, Catholic and confused, ballers and ballerinas, guitarists and drummers, tall children and a short one. Thank you for loving us through all our differences, through all of our changes, and through all these years.

I love you more than I can express. I am just one lucky guy to have such a great Mom. Thanks for promoting our health all throughout our lives, and for supporting us on all our new adventures. Stay around for a long, long time!

In Praise of Doug James

Doug, you have been a source of inspiration these past few months, having lost a noticeable amount of weight simply through improved diet and exercise. I was blown away at Thanksgiving by how great you looked, and then even more so a couple weeks ago at the Ronald Reagan library. So, way to go, keep it up.

The last five years have not always gone as smooth as we might have liked. You've had the enviable position of being married to our Mom but, with it, the unenviable position of being unfairly compared to our Dad. For all the times that us Webster children have not been welcoming of you to the family, I apologize. Still, it feels like things are getting better as we have grown to understand each other and get more comfortable around one another.

A few of the things I have appreciated about you:

1 - You are always very welcoming when I come home, and make sure I know that it is home even if it isn't 3222 Parkhill drive.

2 - You spoil our Mom like she deserves to be spoiled - Caribbean vacations, nice dinners, a nice house, etc.

3 - It makes me laugh that you can remember old legal cases, Montana history, and all kinds of random trivia but have difficulty remembering the plot of the book you just read, or the name of any actor or actress in the last movie you watched.

4 - I'm amazed by how quick and dedicated a reader you are. Every time I am home I want to take a dozen books off the shelves to read, though I would never be able to get through them quick enough to justify taking that many.

5 - You have been very generous sharing your expertise on the University of Montana, law school in general, and the practice of law for 3 of us now, and helped us figure out how to make it in and through law school.

6 - You have done your best to help Ben succeed junior high and high school. You have helped him become a better reader, and you have put up with his loud, rocking ways.

With that said, Doug, thanks for all that you have done for our Mom and for the rest of us. We love you, appreciate having you around, and are grateful you are taking better care of your health. It's an inspiration to us all.

In Praise of Jaime Kim

Jaime, you and I have had a tough time finding motivation for waking up early on Saturday mornings to make it for our group runs.  I think we are feeling the effects of this marathon being several months later than we originally intended, and we would like the damn thing to be here already.  I know the last few days I have felt especially lazy and in need of some down time.  The problem is that a day or two off can quickly turn into a week or two, or three or four.  I'm sure that it would have over the past few months if you hadn't been here encouraging me and working hard with me to get in better shape.  Even right now, as I type, you're out doing your long weekend run while I contemplate what I can use as motivation for mine.

As others have noted, it's hard to put in words how much you love someone, especially when that person is your spouse.  Luckily, when someone is your wife, they never leave (!!!, just kidding), meaning you get a lot of time to tell them how special they are.

When I first met you I quickly found a great friend, someone who was fun to study with, easy to talk to, who liked the same music, cooked great food.  I don't know why it took me four months to realize you were something special and that I should ask you out, but I'm glad I did.  The past 4+ years together have been amazing, and the last 2+ of being married have been the best by far.

Here are some of the things I've really enjoyed about you.  You are a great listener, and you have really worked to get to know what is important to me; you keep all my friends straight and remember most of the stories I tell you about them.  You have a great sense of humor; although I don't think some of your stunts are as funny as you do, I am happy that we can laugh together so much (part of staying healthy for sure).  You are a great aunt to Caleb, Dominic, & Evey; you make your own gifts for them, love playing with them, take pride in their accomplishments.  You're very talented professionally; you have worked in some very tough jobs, dealing with all kinds of frustrations, but have managed to keep a good perspective on it all (not to mention that you've brought home the bacon - or fakin' bacon as the case may be - for us the past 2 years.  I promise to contribute one of these days).

I love you tons, dude.  Thanks for being my motivation to always do well in life.  Thanks for getting the ball rolling on getting fit, for preparing good food, for keeping our lives healthy in so many ways.  There's plenty more I could say to tell you I love you, but I'll let some of the others have a turn.

In Praise of David Griffin

Well, I'm making my way through the hat o' names of people who deserve our praise (still quite a few to go), and yesterday I happened to pull out someone who is an honorary member of the Webster, etc. clan, who has helped me a lot with fitness the past few months, and who has actively taken to this blog.  I pulled his name out of the hat yesterday morning before my run and, when I got back later, Dave had posted about his new fried-chicken renunciation for lent.  Some coincidence!

Dave, you are my best friend (Jaime excluded, but you knew that).  And I still can't understand how that happened.  We have always been a little bit of polar opposites.  You're an athlete; I'm a nerd.  You're quiet; I like to have good conversations.  You're 'angry Dave;' I'm pretty much a push-over.  We came from such different families, had such different backgrounds, ran with different circles.  Luckily we shared basketball, and that somehow brought us together.  I have a hard time thinking what high school would have looked like for me if we had never become good friends - no naps in the basement of 3222 between summer basketball games, no ganging up on Tyson for being weird, maybe no football (so there would have been at least one good thing).

Honestly, my friendship with you defined high school.  And you became more than a friend.  You were a brother, basically adopted by the family.  You teased Hannah like a brother.  You ordered Ben to bring you food like a brother.  You borrowed the car like a son.  You went on family vacations.  I remember my Dad telling me why he liked you so much, because you reminded him of his best friend in high school.  So, I feel a connection with him by having you as a friend.  And I know you felt his loss so deep like the rest of us.  It helped me having a friend who could understand my pain by feeling it too.

Now we're old men and we haven't lived in the same city since 2000 (except a few months during the summers).  But I still feel just as connected.  We both have beautiful women in our lives, which is a miracle by itself.

Dave, you're in great physical condition.  You love an active, healthy lifestyle.  So, in a way, you are an expert advisor for this blog.  I'm so grateful for the hard work you've put in to get me in better shape.  I hate a lot of the exercises you have me doing, but I know they are making me a better, stronger athlete.  

And while I think you are doing great in terms of health and fitness, I hope you can continue to find ways to push yourself towards total health.  Giving up fried chicken is one possibility.  Maybe you can train for a long distance race to try that out as well.  But health is also reading or journaling.  It's doing something nice for Brynn, or working on the house.  So, keep at it.  You've got a disposition I envy, where you put your mind to something and make it happen.  I know that will continue to serve you well as you improve your all around health.

Observing Lent

Jaime, you beat me to it. I was going to ask almost the same thing. Is anyone doing anything for Lent related to their health?

Me personally-I have never observed Lent, and my reasoning is because I'm not Catholic. I know many people still give things up for Lent even though they're not Catholic, but I never did; probably out of stubbornness more than anything.

That said, I'm going to set my stubbornness aside for 40 days and this is why...
Yesterday I got done with an awesome 300 repetition workout over my lunch hour. I dominated it and felt good about it. I, then, went back to work and ate my lunch. While devouring my 4 pieces of fried chicken from Albertsons, I got to thinking...'Everything I just did in the gym has now just been erased because of my love for this greasy, fried goodness'. It hit me that I may have a problem: I love fried chicken, and it could be the death of me! This morning I heard, on the radio, that today is Ash Wednesday and it made me think of my addiction to fried chicken. Shortly there after I decided that I am giving up my weekly dose of fried chicken for 40 days.

I may not be observing Lent for all the right reasons, but here's to my health ;)
I would love to hear what others are doing or your input of mine.

LENT?!

Today is the first day of Lent?!  In some Christian communities, this is a 40-day period of fasting and prayer, leading up to the celebration of Easter.  

I was interested if people will be participating in giving up or adding something healthy activity during these 40 days.  I have already asked Caleb and he said no because he feels like he has enough stuff going on physically that he doesn't feel like he needs to add to the list.  Which is cool.  I understand, he does have a lot going on.

I am going to give up meat for Lent.  This is something that I go back and forth on as a lifestyle choice.  I have found myself saying that I am eating meat because I need the protein for training for the marathon, but I think that is a crutch.  So no meat for me for 40 days!  

I am just curious if others are incorporating healthy lifestyle practices into Lent.  

The Mastermind Caleb WSquared

What to say about a genius other than you are a genius. I have often been in awe of you and your brain. I think it is most amazing that not only do you have a brain, but you love to use it. I have always admired that about you, Caleb. I admire many things about you so it is hard to know where to begin and where to end because there is so much to say about you.
You are a thinker and you are rational, I admire these, especially your rationality and so appreciate your willingness to be the voice of reason in my life.
Thank you for your kindness, your gentleness, your humility, and your role in my life. I am so lucky to have a brother who cares and who is so smart. I have always been proud of you and I constantly brag about your accomplishments, your life, and your ability to be a genius with social skills.
I have always felt as if I was living in your shadow, but what a great shadow to live in. You set the bar high and I always strived to be like you in school, height, popularity, but mostly in the way you treat others. You are a genuinely kind soul who always seems to have time to help others in any way possible.
I am impressed by your commitment to your health and to the way you have inspired your family as well. You make my heart swell with pride when I think of you running a marathon.
You have handled life's difficulties with grace and I am very thankful for the example you have set for the rest of us. I appreciate how you flipped our heart stamp into a challenge and a reason to strive for excellence in training.
Thank you for being so gracious to me at Senior High and including me in your life and your group of friends. I know I must have been obnoxious, but you allowed it and you made me feel a part of your life. I treasure those times.
Thank you for your laughter, your jokes, your wit, your sarcasm, your brain, your ridiculous good looks, your style, and your love. You need to be as tall as you are because you give a lot of love.
I cannot wait to see where the world takes you, what other degrees you shall receive and how many more Koreans you can make fall in love with you, or introduce me to...hint hint.
I love you Caleb, thanks for shining in our lives. I am proud to call you my brother.

In Praise of Hannah Webster

Hannah, you are the spice of our family - the key piece preventing it from ever getting dull.  Whether it is having skydiving adventures in Australia, neighborly suicides in Missoula, or flights down to major network studios in LA, interesting things always take place when you are around.  

What can I say about growing up with you?  Obviously, Heather and I picked on you more than I wish we had.  We gave you a bad time when we shouldn't have.  I'm sorry for causing you pain growing up, but take comfort knowing that despite all the razzing you have grown up strong and confident.  And luckily, people grow up and mature, and now I have nothing but pride in calling you my sister and love spending time with you.  

You've grown up into a beautiful young woman, it's no wonder you have 60 year-old men asking you out left and right at the Billings and Missoula athletic clubs (not to mention Ol' Dirty Five).  Honestly, you have the ability to make a person feel special when they are with you.  You ask random, probing questions that make them feel important and interesting.  You smile and laugh genuinely and often, giving others a lot of comfort.  You tell funny stories.  You radiate.

It's been fun watching you mature so much in the last few years.  Now you are the one dishing out some of the wisest pieces of advice on this blog, encouraging everyone to keep the right perspective on health.  You understand that what is at stake is loving ourselves and loving others, not fitting some other person's notion of health or fitness or beauty.  I love that you are able to say all this from a deep well of experience, to use your experiences - positive and negative - to inspire and encourage others.  We as your family are so much better for having you in our lives to show us these things.

I love you Hannah.  Thank you for always sharing your unique personality and perspectives with me.  Thank you for being genuine, optimistic, and (sometimes painfully) random.  You keep us all smiling and laughing.  Stay healthy, and please keep teaching us all what that even means.

In Praise of Heather Sather

Heather, you have been one of the most influential people in my life.  I remember when we were little you would teach me the things you learned in class that day - you really gave me a jump start on kindergarten and first grade.  I have so few memories of us ever fighting growing up - I know there were a few epic battles over the TV remote, but mostly I remember us being great comrades.  You would stand up for me against bullies, let me play with you and your friends, etc.  And it was nice sharing the basement with you at 3222; we had some great conversations in the evenings before going to bed.  You helped me work through my Whitney anxieties, you laughed at my freshman Twirp experience with the random West High chica, and together we complained about the dramas involving our friends.

I remember being so bummed when you went off to college, and also noticing how much it changed the dynamic of our family having you away.  You have such a knack for creating a lighthearted, fun atmosphere.  As I've gotten older I've come to admire it more and more.  It's beyond being simply a good mediator or peacemaker (though as a great listener and communicator you are both of these) because you create joy in the room, and now your daughter is doing the same, which makes for an undeniable tagteam.  I'm not sure how you've come to have this gift, or come to hone the skill so well, but I have never met anyone who has it quite like you do.

And now you're a mom, and Evey is the greatest!  You're doing such an excellent job juggling the various things you have going on in your life.  You make it look effortless and easy, but I know that it must be exhausting.  Still, from my far-too-limited firsthand experience, you always keep your priorities straight, and it's obvious how much you and Evey love being around each other.  She's been and is going to be so much fun to watch grow up.  I'm sure there'll be some good mother-daughter tiffs, but I know she'll aspire to be so much like you because of how great you are!

 I'm so proud of you for deciding to try the 1/2 marathon and do something you never thought you would do.  You're already running longer distances than you ever had, so nice work.  I know you'll keep doing great throughout all your training because you do great at everything you do.  Thanks for being such a great sister, role model, and friend.  I love you, sis.  Be healthy a long time!

In Praise of Ben Webster

As luck would have it, I get to praise my little brother today, something I was going to do anyway.  So first off, Ben, congratulations on being selected for Boys' State.  What an accomplishment!  It clearly reflects on a lot of your character: your leadership at school, your hard work in the classroom, your interest in politics and bettering this world.  So, way to go.

Ben, you got to carry the title of 'baby' of the family for fifteen years until Evey was born.  And we all probably spoiled you as such.  But you've also amazed me for a while with your maturity on a lot of issues.  You handled at least 3 major life changes (Dad's death, Mom getting remarried, and moving) with a lot of grace, patience, and maturity.  By the age of 13 you had gone through more than many 18 or 19 year-olds have.  But throughout you've kept a great sense of humor.  

It's been a lot of fun to watch you come into your own the last few years.  You've grown spiritually and have tried to share your passion for Catholicism with others.  You've matured intellectually, joining debate and getting involved politically.  Lord knows you've grown physically!  And this past year has been a big time of developing emotionally, dating Tayler and learning what it means to be in a relationship with someone else.

It's been sad for me to be apart from you for all these years.  I remember the first time I came home from college: I spent so much of my time with Dave, Tyson, Rebecca and others that you cried the last night I was in town, saying, "You didn't spend any time at home!"  These days when I visit I feel like I never want to leave the house; I enjoy being around you and the rest of the family so much.  I feel lucky that you've been able to come down to California to see Jaime and I a few times.  I always look forward to those weeks.

I think you're starting Track & Field now.  I want to encourage you to take it seriously and do your best.  I know you don't really have the competitive gene that makes you want to be bigger, faster, etc. than the other athletes, but I hope you can have that little mechanism where you compete against yourself.  I know that if you work at it you can throw farther this year than you did last year, and you can have a sense of accomplishment in that.  Or, try to enjoy being active just for it's own sake.  And, if all else fails, just enjoy being around Tayler some more.

Ben, you're one of the healthiest 17 year-olds I've ever known, in all respects of being healthy.  I've loved watching you grow up over these past 17 years and I look forward to watching you grow for many, many more.

Encouragement to Follow

Well, family, I never really thought of anything profound to say here about yesterday's significance.  Seven years have come and gone, we've made it, and I love all of you.  Heather did a great job in her post saying all this, and explaining I think how we all felt.

Looking to the future, to the our eighth year without Dad, we've got more big stuff on the way.  A lot of fitness goals being met.  Some new experiences on the horizon.  Hopefully more good times and memories made.

I've decided to do something over the next week to serve as encouragement for us all.  Starting tomorrow morning I'll pull a person's name out of a hat and write a post about that person.  Hopefully everyone can pitch in with additional comments about that person.  It's just a simple way to encourage one another, to share our pride and joy in each other, and to spice up the blog a bit (starting to drag a little again).  Hopefully, as the next few weeks drag on, as we get further away from the start of our New Year's resolutions, this can serve as encouragement to continue living lives of meaning and importance, in whatever form that takes.  Like Hannah said last week, we are healthiest when we are loving ourselves, in whatever way that needs to take shape.  And it's always easier to love yourself when you know you're not alone in that love.

Seven Years

Hey Family,
This blog stems from our family's desire to get fit. And our desire to get fit, and stay that way, stems largely from Dad's death. All four of his children, and now his grandchild and future grandchildren, have the "family history" stamp on our medical records. That family history stamp scares me so much because the person who seemed the most invincible, the strongest person in the world, the one who could protect us all from anything, was vulnerable in a way I had never imagined. I am really proud of all of us for working to make our hearts healthier and less vulnerable.

But today I am mostly just really sad. I'm trying to be inspired by our family, but I'm mostly just really sad. It is hard to believe it's been 7 years. It's still hard for me to believe it happened at all.

I just thought I'd share how I'm feeling and let you all know I'm thinking of you today. Ben and I are going to have King's Hat for lunch, which is decidedly un-heart-heathly. And maybe even some Taco Treat for dinner (why not go all out?). I'll be thinking of how strong we all are and how strong and loving our hearts are. I'll also be thinking of where half of that strength and love came from - and be missing him like crazy.
Love you.

Zen & the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

This is pretty irrelevant information for a fitness blog, but thought I would share it anyway.  I've been reading ZATAOMM (see blog title) this past week.  I didn't realize that it's focused in and around Montana.  In the section I just read the author talked about driving through Laurel and Red Lodge and then going up the Cooke City Highway.  It's been fun to read and have such clear memories of the places in mind.  I'm only a quarter of the way into the book, so I can't pass off a strong recommendation or anything yet, but thought you might check it out (if you haven't already) just for a book that takes place in Big Sky country.

Reading about approaches to health, people's diets, etc. has me thinking about my approach to health. For so many years I was obsessed with the way I looked and with how I thought my body should be and with what foods could be allowed in my diet to give me a certain body, and it didn't work. I was never good enough, never what I wanted to be, never who I thought I should be. I have a hard time with the idea of a diet, even with the word diet, although I know it is used to talk about what a person eats, not necessarily as a weight loss tool, but I don't like the word one bit.
I think that for me the idea of being healthy really has very little to do with food and exercise, but more with mental health because I think that if we are loving ourselves and wanting to take care of ourselves, the rest falls into place. So I am focusing on me, shocker since it has been what I have done for 23 years, it is something I excel at and am very good at being the center of my world, as I am sure you can all attest to, but I think it is important when we approach health to think in the entirety of it all. Being healthy isn't being a certain weight, a certain size, eating certain foods, running, sit-ups, vegan, meat and potatoes, it is loving yourself and taking care of yourself because you're worth it and you realize it.
I love you all very much and want you to be healthy and around for a long time. I also want you to enjoy life and not obsess and waste your time like I did for so long, it's not worth it. So don't obsess and the love the skin you're in (I stole that cliche)!

Different approaches to health

Jaime and I will occasionally have major differences when it comes to getting in shape.  For instance, Jaime likes to exercise with a partner; even if we both have ipods in our ears she appreciates having a companion along for the journey.  I prefer to run alone, on my own terms and without anyone else to consider.  This is not usually a big deal for us because our schedules only allow us to run together a few days of the week anyway, and then the other days we have to figure things out on our own.

More of an issue, however, is our eating habits, because one person's choices inevitably impact the other's.  This year we both made New Year's Resolutions that impact the other's lives in this respect.  Jaime chose to buy fruits and vegetables from local farmer's only, which means that I shouldn't buy the delicious peaches (or whatever) I see at Albertson's.  I resolved to limit my fast food consumption to two meals per month, which means that we've had to work harder to figure out what to eat for our lunches and dinners when we don't have a lot of time one our hands.

And then we have moments like this afternoon: Jaime made a beet and apricot soup for lunch and it was obvious to her that I was not enjoying it.  "You don't have to finish it if you don't like it."  Maybe this comment was said without full sincerity because when I dumped the rest down the sink a few minutes later I could tell she was in a bitter mood.  "Don't take it personally that I don't like beets.  It's not meant as an insult to you," I said.  "Well that's what all your health books say you should be eating," she answered.  And she was mostly right, but so was I.

We have two very different approaches to our food habits.  I'm the type of person who will read a number of books about health and wellness (I think I've read 4 in the last year).  I'll be sitting in my chair with a bowl of Cocoa Pebbles in one hand and "Eat to Live" in the other, all the while sharing with Jaime the latest nutritional guideline I've read that I need to immediately adopt in order to jumpstart my healthy living.  Meanwhile, Jaime will actually make healthy food and has been eating a pretty healthy diet for years, but she will occasionally become defensive about something one of the health books says.

So sometimes we butt heads when it comes to health, like over beet and apricot soup, which Jaime liked and I didn't (so she'll probably stubbornly never make it again).  But most of the time, I must say, it is great having someone around to help me with my crazy resolutions (which, coincidentally, is the purpose of this blog and why I appreciate you all so much).  Anyway, point being: Jaime, sorry I didn't like your soup - but I do appreciate all you do for me and, well, thanks for being you.  I love you, and I love you all.

Disgusting Feet

So, the other night I discovered how disgusting my feet are.  I don't have massive yucky blisters.  But my feet are seriously peeling.  I don't think I need new running shoes maybe just new running socks.

I don't want to gross people out, but blisters are the reality of being a runner.  I had a good run with a friend in Riverside.  

Hope everyone's training is going well this week.

Thanks Dave!

Can you all believe what a meany Dave is?  Just kidding.  It feels great to have someone helping me workout, and pulling for me to improve.

1 - I'm not looking forward to all the arm work you'll be having me do, but I am looking forward to looking like this guy.

2 - I'm not sure if I'm doing the inverted push-ups right or not.  20-25 of what I'm doing is an ok workout for me, but doesn't feel like it's as good as it could be.

3 - I was trying to get to 50 on both legs but my left couldn't get there the first couple weeks.  Should I just do the same amount on my other leg if the first one doesn't get to my goal?

4 - Hopefully I'm doing the core workouts right and that bad form is not why I was able to do them.  But I have been attempting to keep as good of form as possible on all of them.

5 - So I have nice legs, huh?  Nice!

Thanks for all the help Dave!  I highly recommend some of the other 'Webster' children take advantage of your offer to help them out.  

But also, how about you Dave?  Need some tips on running?  :) Wanna train for a half or full marathon with us?

Constructive Criticism

So, this is a little off the subject of the past couple of posts, but I'm going to fill everyone in on my observations of Caleb's workout. First of all, I want to say, overall, I'm pretty impressed. Mostly because he completed three weeks of my workout without skipping a day. (Hope that holds true for the fourth week.) I'm going to make a few detailed points now and I'll be on my way...

Caleb:
1) I'm blown away by your upper body strength! Just so you know, we're going to focus a little more on that area for this next workout cycle. We're going to get those push up #'s up!!!
2) I'm glad you found a manageable way to do the "inverted push up", but I'm a little concerned about how you're doing them... I'm confused as to how you can do 20 of those, but less then 10 regular push ups. If you feel like you're getting a good workout then ok, but I can't even do 20 of them and I don't have as much weight to lift (no offense).
3) I'm unsure as to why you were doing more calf raises on one leg then the other. You should really work each side the same amount. You could end up making yourself lopsided otherwise. Looks like the third week you evened it out, so let's keep that rollin'.
4) Another thing I'm confused about is how you could do all the core workouts...honestly, that's what I thought you'd fail at, but you dominated those. Even over-exceeded on some of them. Nice work!!!
5) You're legs are pretty damn good also; as they should be, you're running a freakin' marathon for crying out loud. This is good though, we're starting with a solid base.

You should be happy with where you're at right now. You've got solid legs and a solid core. Your only downfall (that I can see on paper) is your upperbody and we're going to work on that. We're going to continue to "tone" your legs and core, but we're going to try and shock your upperbody and build some more strength. All I ask is you stick with it and don't get discouraged. This takes time. Keep in mind, that when someone becomes overweight, it didn't happen overnight. It takes years! Same thing in the reverse situation. Which is why I wanted you to keep a record of your progress so you can have visual evidence that you're improving. And as you can tell, it's only been three weeks and you've improved every week!!! Keep it up Caleb!!! I'm extremely proud of you!

I'm going end this now before it turns into a novel, but not without saying I'm proud of everyone involved with this blog. I think it's awesome that everyone is taking a stand, caring about their health and doing something about it. I hope you all keep your motivation and continue to better your lives. If there's anything I can do to help each of you, feel free to let me know... Love you all!

Giving Thanks Out of Season

What's next?  Telling people I love them on the 4th of July?  Shooting off fireworks  in November?  Hannah, do you realize the dangerous implications of what you've started?!?

I'm thankful for so many things - Jaime, our awesome family, great friends, Jaime's job and my RA position that make it possible to live down here, the new president, Gonzaga playing well again.  I'm thankful that Dave was a great friend and put together a workout routine for me, which has made it impossible for me to avoid - I don't want to face him and say that I haven't done my workout for that day.  I'm thankful that I got one good health book in the mail and have another on the way.  I've found that I'm much more committed to a healthy diet and exercise when I'm reading about their benefits.  I've really plateaued with my weight loss - I'm sticking between 255 and 260 and I know junk food has been the main reason that I haven't continued to drop the lbs.

Have a great day everyone!

Those that I love,
Mom, it cracks me up that you watched Blades Of Glory, I haven't seen it, but I impressed that you could sit through it.
Last night Mom and I had a great conversation about the role attitude plays in our lives and I was just thinking about how blessed I am to have such great role models, as in you guys. Thanks for having a good attitude about life regardless of the circumstances. I also think we should all thank our mother for her approach towards life because she is the one who birthed us, and thus contributed to our charming dispositions. I am really impressed by each of my siblings and I am proud to be a member of the family. Thank you Caleb for inspiring us to run a marathon, Heather for committing to it, and Ben for bringing joy to our lives. Ben, I am planning on running the marathon with you so get your running shoes on and watch Prefontaine to get inspired.
I think as part of our commitment to a healthy new year, we should each write a few things we are thankful for, I know it isn't November, but let's try to give thanks every month.
Heather, I am listening to Human by the Killers and thinking of you. Love you guys.

Blades of Glory

We watched that movie last night and I think I laughed more in 93 minutes than I have laughed all year. It was probably also one of the dumbest movies ever, but funny balanced dumb. It was truly mind bottling.
I also think it's a glorious day when I can still scare Caleb or any of you. (Read Caleb's Facebook entry.)
I've done 1/2 hour on the treadmill today and my nails are beautiful. I am anxious for good weather again so we can get on our bikes.

A bit lazy

Hello family,
I have been pretty darn lazy this week, I blame the economy and my sinuses. I cannot seem to stay healthy for more than 4 weeks, it is mildly annoying. School also started this week, so no worries I have been keeping myself very busy with studying and using my calculator. I have also been reading lots of short stories, I cannot wait to get the book because then I can workout and read in one fell swoop, I must be a woman because I can multi-task. I realize Ben Sather and Caleb are both rolling their eyes at that comment.
I hope you guys are doing better than me with the workouts. Talk soon. Besos.
Hannibal

Getting There

I am feeling great about my workouts this week.  I have actually stayed on my running schedule and it finally paid off.  Yesterday morning, I weighted in and discovered that I have 5lbs. to go before I reach my ideal weight.  At least this was the ideal weight that my personal trainer told me we were going to work at achieving 3 years ago.  

Well, I am getting there.  And even if it has taken me 3 years, I am glad that I am almost there.  

woot!

Last night, I ran the furthest and for the longest amount of time, that I have ever done! I ran over 2 miles and for 26 minutes! I know I was taking it nice and slow, but that was good. And, b/c I took it so slow, I could've kept running. I wasn't dying! That was awesome. And now, the actual motivation I have been waiting for has hit me. The runs I've done before last night were still kind of discouraging. But last night - I felt really good!

Then, Evey woke up at 4:30 this morning, and my zest for life is not quite as zesty. Love you guys!

Of Greek and Fashion

Well, I'm sitting here in the library with some time to kill before my Greek class starts.  So far things have gone well this semester.  I'm trying to handle the suddenly overflowing classroom: enrollment is up 50% this semester, from 2 students to 3.  What can I say?  Word got around about how awesome our class was, what a monster teacher I am, etc.  Today we will be covering deponent, 2nd aorist, and liquid verbs: should be a doozy!  We may also cover some pronouns and work on translating sentences of such linguistic depth and theological import as "Jesus was a man, and Jesus is the lord of men."

My other highlight of the day was that a complete stranger in the library said he liked the color combination of my outfit.  It sounds suspiciously like a backhanded compliment but I'm still taking it, especially since, as I said, this was a complete stranger and I feel like backhanded compliments are more likely to come from so-called "friends."

Anywho, that's my blog o' the day.  No run today, although yesterday was a good workout and Wednesdays are our biggest run of the week beside Saturdays.  So I don't feel so bad about it.  I think you have to cut yourself a little slack from time to time.  No point running a marathon if it doesn't improve the way you treat yourself.

Training!

Hello family!
I just got back from a righteous run on the treadmill because it is too bloody cold outside to do anything. Kristin would probably disagree because she is extremely hardcore, so hardcore that she made Thea and I do training every day in Vegas. I credit her with the fact that I ran 4 miles. She rules.
School starts tomorrow, so I am extremely busy mourning my last day of freedom for a few months, but alas, I think I shall survive.
How is everyone else doing? Did anyone order the coats that the Obama girls wore to the Inauguration? Apparently, quite a few people did.
Love.

Reason #1 to get in shape

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fy4ny7SJ2FM

Moods

This morning Jaime woke up on the wrong side of the bed. But I suppose, to be technical, she woke up on the same side of the bed she always wakes up on, only this time it was earlier and she wasn't happy about it. She spent the morning not laughing at my attempts to cheer her up, and was highly offended when I made some quips about the stupidity of fashion (Michelle Obama's dress yesterday apparently signaled hope, change, courage and optimism all by the color yellow...amazing!).

But despite her funk, I was and still am in a great mood today! We have a new president running the country that I am incredibly happy about, one who I think will govern the country with reason and cooperation. Yesterday I actually increased the enrollment in my Greek class (we have a booming 3 students this semester! I may need to ask for a bigger classroom). Lost premieres tonight, and there will be 3 full hours of it! I'm going to master the German language by 5 o'clock today, and hopefully test on it Friday. And I went for a nice 6ish mile run this morning and topped it off with a Dave Griffin workout.

It's a great day! Hopefully I can convince Jaime of that, at least by the time Lost starts tonight.

Blood!

Hey all!  I just wanted to write a quick blog to say that I am so happy that everyone is setting new fitness goals for 2009.  I am really excited to see there is some new life on the blog because I was beginning to wonder...

Since this is the first blog of the new year, I am refocussing and recommitting myself to my workouts.  

Saturday's run kicked my butt.  And I think it started with me not getting out of bed at 6am to make the training group for our long run.  I chose to sleep in instead.  Caleb and I didn't start our run until 9:30 at which time the temperature was out of my comfortable running window.  (I have a very small window of about 50-65 degrees.)  Given the distance, time, temperature, etc., I struggled to run 8.5 miles instead of the 10 miles that the champ Caleb ran.  I ran the 8.5 and called it quits and sat on a shaded grassy knoll and sipped my last few ounces of water that I had on my belt and waited for Caleb to come and pick me up and take me home in the air conditioned car.

I was disappointed in myself, because I could have made it.  What is 1.5 miles?

Anyway, as I sat waiting for Caleb and the car, I needed to refocus.  I decided that the way I was feeling was motivation enough to wake up at 6am on Saturday mornings until the race and train with our pace group.  Additionally, I am going to begin changing up my routes to get in a better workout with some hills, long inclines, distances, etc.  Also, I am going to schedule a appointment with a sports physician.  I am experiencing pain in my hips, primarily in my right hip.  I have tried to work through the pain, but its not going away.  I figure if I am only have way through training, miles 14-26 won't make my hips feel any better.  

"My hips don't lie."  

So with this recommitment, I went for a 60 minute run this morning.  And on my run, I managed to kick my right ankle with my left shoe, drawing blood.    

I guess running a marathon is a lot of "Blood, sweat, and tears."

These fitness challenges that we put before ourselves are not going to be easy, but I am proud of where we are and where we are going in 2009.  Keep rockin'. 

MLK Day

Happy MLK day everyone! It's a pretty exciting week. Holiday today, inauguration tomorrow, Lost season premiere Wednesday...

My goal for today is to run/workout, do some work for my RA job, get ready for my Greek class that starts tomorrow, get some groceries, and, most importantly, study German. It's 10 a.m. already and the only productive thing I've done is take out the trash. Come on motivation, start kicking in!

Hope everyone has a great, productive holiday!

Corre! Corre! (Run! Run!)

Hola familia,
I must admit I am highly intimidated by the intense technology upgrade that we have undergone, is anyone else?
Kristin and I have been training daily for the upcoming competition. I'm not sure if you realize how incredibly competitive I am, but I blame P. Diddy. I mean, he went, he ran, he conquered, just as we are about to do as well. Missoula is very intimidated by our mad skills. We managed to run, do lunges, and jump rope without slipping on the ice. Our lungs were singing our praises, our hearts were bursting with joy, and Missoula sat in awe. We are leaving in the morning to conquer Las Vegas and I truly believe if we have it in us to train there we can do a million inverted push ups with our eyes closed and one arm. Take that, Dave.
Continue on the path to righteousness, do some yoga, drink a lot of water, and be healthy damnit.
Shout out to KJ52 (Mom), the spanish command Run, corre, is for you.

Greetings!

Hello Websters Etc.! (Yay! I get to be a part of the ETC...)

So Caleb and Jaime had spoken to me about running the marathon a while ago and it peaked my interest at the time.
After much talking about getting in shape, joining a gym, and sharing about how I need to get in shape right now, all I need now is some accountability and some encouragement.

As they say in Korean, "Fighting!!!"
Bring it!

Good friends

Right now we're waiting for Jody to get here so we can hang out with him tonight. Since I have been down in California the last four and a half years, Jody has been one of my most faithful friends. He always drives out to see us, often (like today) facing rush hour traffic to do so. He drove down to Austin's funeral, mostly out of support for me, though he had met Austin at Jaime's and my wedding. I asked him to be an usher at that wedding and, in turn, he has asked me to be a groomsman at his wedding this May. He's just a great friend to me. We've been through a lot together, including the loss of both of our Dad's.

And, I think he deserves special recognition on this blog for really being the person to inspire Jaime and I to run the marathon. When he trained for and ran his marathon last spring it gave me the confidence that I could do it, and watching his body transform over the course of his training was really inspiring.

Anyway, just wanted to gush a little bit about him because I think it is important for us to recognize the loved ones for whom we are putting our bodies through all this work - the people who inspire us, who uplift us, etc. And Jody has definitely been a solid, inspirational friend to me. Thanks Jody!

i tried it - running

Last night Ben, Evey, and I went over to Mom and Doug's and did our first "training"/running on the treadmill. It went well. I ran for 20 minutes and felt really, pretty good. I was tired when I was done, and today I'm a little sore. (Dave, if you're reading this, you might be thinking "add some inverted pushups girl, and I bet you'll be running for hours before you know it.") And, 20 minutes is the most I've ever ran. I think, EVER.

I feel really good about getting focused on exercise again. This has already been a long winter, and being able to go to and move our butts felt really good. And, what a good example for Evey. Ben and I are making this a priority. Good stuff, people.

Day 2 workout

So I'm thinking that not being able to do the treacherous inverted push-up was a blessing in disguise. Because today I was able to do all of Dave's workout plan and it seriously kicked my ass!

Dave gave me 3 separate workouts, which I am alternating every MWF (every Monday I'll have the same workout, at least for a month at a time). Today's consisted of squat thrusts, which were a killer workout by themselves. Then I smoothly went into a wall-sit that was supposed to last 60 seconds. I don't think mini-micro machine speed talker John Moschitta could have gotten to 60 in the amount of time I sat there. I then did another speed 30 second plank position, where you basically hold a push-up position, only on your elbows. Topped that off with some elevated push-ups (better than inverteds, for sure), bicycle crunches, and push-up crawls (don't ask, they hurt). I was supposed to do some chair dips too, but couldn't find a proper set-up outside.

On a completely unrelated and probably antithetical note, I made grandma's peanut-butter cup bars last night for a dinner we had with some Korean friends. It was my first time making them and they didn't turn out as good as Grandma's (I had a problem with mixing up the peanut-butter stuff without a food processor), but still delicious and nostalgic all the same. And our friends like them, so that was the important part (besides me liking them, which really was the important part).

Family Photo

Does anyone know why the family photo disappeared?

The comedy of an inverted push-up

So part of Dave's workout plan called for me to do an 'inverted push-up.' When I first read the plan I pictured in my head an decline push-up, where I would have my feet up on a couch or something. This would have been nice but, alas, it was not the case. I was supposed to essentially get myself into a handstand position against a wall and push my entire body up vertically with my arms. I pictured Dave with his chiseled, 140 lb body looking like a yogi master, nearly levitating as he pushed himself up.

So, with this in mind, I found a nice bare wall upon which to flip myself upside down and promptly tried to decipher how I was going to accomplish this mighty task. First I put my arms out and tried to walk myself up the wall with my feet. After much struggling, I was able to accomplish this, but found myself at about a 45% angle to the wall, which I knew spelled trouble. There was no chance of me walking my arms back closer, so I abandoned this first pursuit.

Not wanting to completely abandon the work-out, I tried a different approach. This time I used the opposite wall in our small hallway-like approach to the bathroom. I put my hands in the proper position and then tried walking up the opposite wall, with the intention of pushing myself back into the right position. This endeavor nearly led to a broken neck, so once again I failed.

My final attempt was made last night when Jaime got home. I asked her to spot me, and help bring my legs into the proper position. This almost led to a concussion on Jaime's part and a broken spine on mine, so I believe the inverted push-up will have to wait until a day when I am either much stronger or much lighter, or possibly both!

Dave's fitness plan

Today I start using an exercise routine specially tailored for me by Dave G. I asked him to make up something for me that would complement my running, so he spent a week coming up with some exercises for me. So today I'm doing some squats, lunges, push-ups, crunches, torso raises, and leg raises. I'm dreading it.

It's a dangerous thing to ask friends help you with your fitness goals, because then you have someone to whom you are accountable.

Blog revamped for 2009

Hey family! So, about a year ago I started this blog as Webster Children Get Fit 2008. And I think we all accomplished some great things over the past year. Jaime and I started training for a marathon and I brought my triglycerides down. Mom and Doug spent a lot of time on their new treadmill and made some healthy changes to their diets, and both look great for it! Heather spent a whole year taking stairways up and down to her offices, and kept herself in good shape doing it. Ben S. stayed active exercising, walking Henry, and taking care of Evey. Hannah cut sugar out of her diet completely for nearly 2 months and felt great because of it! And Ben W. kept up his healthy lifestyle by participating in track and golf. Unfortunately, Evey showed very little commitment to the cause, and actually put on significant weight this past year. :)

Even with all of those accomplishments, I want to keep this blog going to remind us that fitness does not end with one achievement or the completion of a new year's resolution. And I know there are some exciting things on the horizon for all of us. Jaime and I are committed to running our first marathon May 31st in San Diego. I'm not committing anyone else right now, but I know some of you are thinking about coming down to run a half marathon at the same time.

Anyway, just wanted to alert you that this blog is not dead. Let's keep getting fit!