Christopher: Now that the hustle and bustle of the holidays is over (thankfully!), we are getting things back in line and into workout mode. But instead of our usual weights/running routine, we are changing it up. Since I have decided to run the Kansas City half marathon this year, I thought it would be a good idea to go ahead and pretend that I was training for one now. That way, I can see how my body reacts to the change of pace. This way when I go to actually train for the half marathon, I will be somewhat prepared for it. The training schedule I have prepared for myself is going to be pretty intense and not very forgiving as I am already experiencing. My schedule will go as follows;

-Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday will be the running days.

-Monday, Wednesday and Friday I will stick with my usual heavy lifting.

-Tuesday and Thursday dedicated to cross training for more explosive exercises to work on the fast twitch muscles and improve our agility.

Here it is only Thursday and my legs are screaming at me. As I laid in bed last night looking up at the ceiling, I had the heating pad under my hamstrings and I can still smell Bengay from when I applied it on my quads earlier that day; I wondered, why do I do this to myself? Why do I put my body through this stress when the rest of the world sitting down in front of the television, keeping up on world events, watching “Dancing with the Stars,” and enjoying their favorite dinner? I can say that I like the way it makes me feel, and that is mostly true, but more importantly I never want to say to myself, “I wish I would have done that.” I do what I want and I do what I love. It’s my life and I don’t get a second chance at it. Carpe diem!

Mandy:  I have been anxiously awaiting the beginning of training! I feel lost when I don’t have something to work towards, and I kind of felt like I was floundering for a while after I completed my marathon in October.  Since Christopher committed to his first half marathon next October and wanted to begin training for it now, I was more than happy to join in and train with him! My goal is to be in constant half marathon shape year round.  That way I can spontaneously run races here and there when I want to, and it won’t take much for me to train for something a little longer.  I’m also looking forward to adding more cross-training to my workouts such as total body cross-fit exercises and other forms of cardio such as biking, stair-climbing, and the elliptical, in addition to my weights.  My workout program is looking the same as Christopher’s; I’m still holding to my 3x a week running plan with a longer run over the weekends.  The mind and body have such a strong connection, and I know I just don’t feel like myself when I’m not running as much. As of right now I have not committed to any other races, but I know it won’t be long before I feel that itch again.  I’m ecstatic to be back on track with our workouts and diet again!  This year is off to a great start

We’ll see you out there! Where? Yes, there.

M&C

Christopher here!

I hope everybody had a great holiday and enjoyed a little bit of gluttony. I know we did (as we do every year at this time) and now really looking forward to getting things back to normal!

Now that things are going back to normal and our workout routine will be switched up after the first of the year, I wanted to boast a little about  a goal that I had set for myself before the end of the year and I accomplished last night: the 150 lb dumbbell bench press. The most I have ever done was 140 lbs; and although 10 more pounds may not seem like much more of a jump, trying to pop those weights off your leg and leaning back is not as easy as it sounds. I was nervous that I might lose my balance and drop them. Even though my trusty spotter and wife was there to watch me, one of those dumbbells still out weights her by 40 lbs. But with the security of her being there, I was able to press the weight to reach my goal. I would also like to mention that in the last two weeks I was also able to leg press 1000 lbs and squat 455 lbs. At 39 years old I am at the strongest I have ever been.

It’s been tough getting to this point. Weightlifting is like any sport; you run the risk of injury and I have definitely had my fair share. I just like to see what my body is capable of before it’s too late. I enjoy pushing myself and I know that I am not alone in this. All kind of athletes do this everyday. It makes you feel alive and it keeps you motivated.  “Success isn’t a result of spontaneous combustion.  You must set yourself on fire.” ~Arnold H. Glasow  Luckily for me, my wife is of the same opinion. I couldn’t do this without her nor would I want to.

OK, I am done bragging. I just felt good to reach my goal that I had to tell everybody about it.

Everybody have a great New Years and be safe and please please please DO NOT drink and drive!

Cheers!

M&C

I have a quiet strength.  I’m not aggressive or overbearing.  I don’t talk smack or like being the center of attention.  I am unassuming and attentive.  I’m perceptive.  I’m a sponge.  I soak up my surroundings and take notes.  I’m a thinker.  I sit still with my internal strength and feel it course through my veins.  I know that I’ve been through hell and came out alive and kicking on the other side.  I’m not afraid to go back and do it again.  I’m a survivor.  No one or nothing can knock me down and keep me there for long.  I bounce back.  I am resilient.  My presence alone, the fact that I simply show up each day, reminds me of my courage and resolve.  I’m a fighter.  I don’t want to exist; I want to thrive.  I want to push the boundaries, push my limits, and push my expectations. I want to redefine myself.  Dare to be different.

Running isn’t just a hobby or a fun activity for me.  It’s a lifestyle.  It’s a life line…my therapy.  It teaches me to plan, set goals, and stretches me physically, mentally, and emotionally.  I’m a better person because of it.  It gives me confidence to live my day to day life, secure in who I am and what I want.  It’s there for me on the best of days and the worst of days, never judging or criticizing.  It accepts me for who I am but demands the best out of me.  It doesn’t settle for less than all I’ve got.

Saturday will be a test.  I’ve been training for 4 months for this event.  The Waddell and Reed Kansas City Marathon:  26.2 miles of agony and glory.  Not only I but Christopher as well, have committed tremendous amounts of time, energy, money, and sacrifice to train for this. I couldn’t have done it without him.  Saturday is the culmination of all of our hard work and dedication, and words can’t begin to describe how this feels.  I get chills, goosebumps, and butterflies just visualizing how the morning is going to play out.  I’ve been planning my race attire, my supplements, my diet, and my favorite: the carb load!  The last three weeks have been tapering, so my workouts have been a little less intense and consequently shorter to allow my body to rest and recover to be in prime condition come Saturday morning.

I am extremely excited to be sharing this special day with my family and friends: my mom is running the half marathon; Brittany Fischer is coming up from Tucson and running her very first full marathon (and staying with us over the weekend as well!); Tom Hall is running yet another full marathon; and Lupe Ramirez, Alex Jeschke, Wendy Joiner, and Ryan Hulse will also be running the half marathon.  These are just to name a few of the thousands of runners coming together that day to give it their all and test themselves in ways most never do.  I couldn’t be more excited or more proud to be sharing this day with them!  Most importantly, I will have the help and support of my number one fan: my husband Christopher.  He’s been my biggest cheerleader and confidant during this whole training program, and I am hoping to make him proud on Saturday!  He’ll be by my side on his trusty bike, carrying all of my supplies and handing off to me everything I need at various points of the course.  As the week goes on I know I’ll be getting more excited and more nervous, but the hours of hard work and preparation will make it all worth it!  I’ll be excited to share the results with you all and let you know how it goes!  Wish us luck!

M&C

*This is one of my favorite songs by Luscious Jackson called “Ladyfingers.”  It reminds me that I’m a mix of all sorts of wonderful qualities; that I’m strong and I should be confident in who I am.  Every time I hear it I smile and feel empowered.  It’s also a very fun video, and I hope you enjoy it!