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.