Feeling Fat!

Guys . . . it has been August since someone last posted on this blog! This could mean that everyone is busy running, working out, and busting their butts, or that we have gotten lazy and have slacked off on our goals. I am guessing the latter. . . at least for me. So I thought I would make a little post.

I have made a goal recently to lose some of my extra poundage. I have been trying to eat healthy, cook healthy/yummy meals, and exercise every morning before I get ready for school. So far I have been pretty good with it. I roll out of bed at 6:00 to do the bender ball and then I get on the wii fit and do a little body test. I have also been taking an aerobics class this semester. So my question is this: why the heck do I keep gaining weight?!!! I feel like I am healthy and active. But the scale just keeps increasing. And no, I am not pregnant.

So, sadly I am approaching 140 lbs. This is sad. Justin freaking weighs less than me. I feel like I could lose a good 15 lbs and look great. Any suggestions? The thing is that I am not the best runner . . . but I need help!

10 Miles

For the first time since the half-marathon I actually put on the running shoes! This week Haylee and I signed up for the SCO (Southern College of Optometry) 5K. We only have a month to get ready for it, so I thought I better start this week. I did a little over three miles on three different occasions. A few other students are preparing for the Memphis Marathon in December, but I think I'll stick with the shorter runs for now. It should be a fun race!

How's everyone else doing?

All Time Low

It is offical, I am sick of being the Fat Blake. I stepped on a scale this morning, (the first time in a long time) and what I saw made me feel sick. I am 232 LBS. That is way to heavy for a 24 year old man standing only 5'9''. I have decided I need a radical change in life, becuase I am not happy being as big as I am. Closths don't fit me anymore. I cant buy new cloths, because first of all I am poor, and second of all anything I like doesn't fit me anyway. So, I wanted to let the Family know I am making a change. I am going to live a more healthy lifestyle. Help me out when I feel discouraged, and be happy for me when I am feeling happy. A healthier Bryce here I come. Then we wont have any fat Blakes at all.

Swimming

Lane and I finally broke down and got a membership at a local gym.. the major plus is that is has a swimming pool. I have my first triathlon next Saturday and have been really needing to swim. Lane and I went last night and it was like visiting with an old friend. As soon as I jumped into the pool and start that first stroke I fell back in love with swimming. Lane said he even enjoyed it. Swimming is the best work out that you can do.. Amy you should totally be doing it right now with the pregancy and all. I challenge everyone to get out there and swim you will surprise yourself what a good workout it is and how GREAT you will feel when you are done.

Call me Crazy

Well... I was hit up at Church today by a group of four guys running the Indianapolis Marathon in October. I know that it's a while off... but I am actually thinking about it! We'll see!

Time Is Already Ticking!

Official Times for the Relay

Racer Number 7121

Iola Blake, Amy Blake, Whitney Blake, Jamie Blake, Haylee Johnson









Pace
7 Miles (Whitney)
01:13:15.620

13.1 Miles (Amy)
01:16:25.680

18 Miles (Haylee)
01:04:32.880

23.5 Miles (Jamie)
01:04:38.070

Final Lap (Iola)
00:42:06.950

Team Blake

I just wanted to tell all of you how proud I am to be a Blake. You all did so awesome! Can you believe that it is already over?? We better plan for another race... who's in?
I also want to thank Bryce and Hal for tending the kids so we could race on Saturday you two are great! I love you all so much and can't wait to see you.

It's coming up!!!

Hey everyone, check out that countdown!! It is coming up right before our eyes. I'm getting so excited! Can't wait to see everyone and to be together again!! Just thought I would share :)

Go TEAM BLAKE!! Soon we'll all be racing right through this:

Power Walking

The past 2 weeks-ish, Bryce and I have been really trying to train hard core! I know, I know. We should have started earlier, but what can ya do? We have been kind of off and on, and then we realized -CRAP! The marathon is in like 3 weeks! We better get going!
During my training, I realized that I can not just run the whole time. Either I am just way out of shape or I am just not a runner. . . but it's ok. I realized that I am quite an excellent power walker! :) My power walk is just about as fast as my running. So don't be too surprised if you see me "power walking" a lot! It's just how I roll!
By the way pray for Bryce! Because I am so worried about him running the half marathon! He hasn't trained as much as last year . . . and I am just a freakin' worrier.

Longest Run

I completed my longest run thus far. I ran with Justin and Jackson here in Jackson for 4.2 miles. I am obviously not as skilled as the rest of you and I can't do it without walking some... SO I really hope that you girls aren't going to be disappointed in my time on race day. I did the 4.2 miles in 59 mins!! I am hoping that means I can do the 5 miles in 1 hr 15 mins.
It was a beautiful day to do it, and I'm glad I did. Now I need to make that run one last time before Ogden.

Let's get excited folks

Hey everyone! I know that time is running down and everyone in some way (good or bad) will be glad to see the day come and go. Several of us have had our struggles, being sick, knee problems, etc.... But come on people, we need to start getting stoked for this event! (Notice I didn't call it a race.) Let's start thinking and talking positively. We need to give ourselves more credit for our accomplishments. I know I have been discouraged because my knee has been giving me trouble, but honestly, I'm doing something I never dreamed I would ever do. I'm not sure I'll do it again, but at least I'm doing something other than sitting on my behind and I'm proud of that! Keep moving people.... Personally I can't wait just to be together.

By the way, if Tacie sees this post. We were so excited to hear from you and laughed and laughed at your blog postings....especially your gym experience. Thanks for sharing.

32 Laps in 72 Minutes

Wow! With only three weeks until the 1/2 marathon, I'm starting to get nervous. I don't feel as prepared this year as I did last. I blame the chronic cold that I have had lately. I didn't feel well enough to run for two and a half weeks, but finally this week I got back to running. I think I've hit it pretty hard this week, but hopefully not too hard. In all I've done 19 miles this week (still 7 miles short of what Lane did in one day today). At the track I did 8 miles today, yep 32 laps around the same boring track. I stuck with my goal pace of 9 minute miles, but I honestly don't think I could have kept it up any longer. Here's a couple pictures Haylee took:

Outside Runs

It's true...I've been a pretty big slacker as of lately, but I am beginning to get back on track. I have only ran once outside once and that was when we were very first training. I have decided that I want to run outside now until the race. Mom and Dad got me an awesome jogger stroller for graduation and I've been anxious to get out with it. The last three days I've ran outside and it has been a lot of fun. However, the longest I have gone in the last 3 days is 2 miles... I need to get going if I'm gonna make the five miles!!!


Here I am with the new jogger... This is way after I did the run today (obviously, i usually don't run in jeans and crocs! ) :) I went to the track and just walked. I ended up walking 3 miles.

PS. Lane and Whitney did their marathon and half today and We've been cheering them on in our hearts!! Hope all went well you two and can't wait to hear about it!!

A little late...

So, as I'm sure many of you know... it's been a bit hectic around the Boise Blake house lately. I have been a huge slacker about getting my training in... but several hundered dollars later and a new treadmill... may be the motivation that I needed. I ran a 5K today... so it's my "personal best" to date. I'm hoping to cut it down... but right now, I was just happy to get through it. 31:32. Happy training. Ogden's just around the corner!!

Pounding Pavement

Well.... with the Music City Marathon only 2 weeks away, I knew that I needed to test myself with some serious milage. On Monday I only had class from 9:00 to 9:50 so I decided that I would get out and run an 18 miler. I ran from the campus out to our Apartment. It was a beautiful day, around 70 degrees and I loved having a destination to run to. I knew that I had to make it the 18 miles... or I wouldn't make it home! How's that for motivation? I was hoping to do the 18 miles in 2 hours and 45 minutes. It actually took 2 hours and 55 minutes.... but I made it home! Surprisingly, I was a only a little sore in my quadriceps... and could walk the next day so that was a great sign. Unfortunately, I was so busy I didn't get out and run any more this week.... until today. I wanted to get in one more long run as preparation... so I was up and running at 8:00 this morning. Today was not nearly as nice as Monday. It was a chilly 45 degrees... but I knew if I made excuses I wouldn't get out there. So I took off this morning and got back to my car 20 miles later! I did great through 17 miles.... and the last 3 were killer but I made it the full 20 miles in 3 hours and 8 minutes! So I was a little quicker today! It's hard to believe that for the real marathon I need to go an additional 6.2 miles. But overall, after a 38 mile week I feel great, and it is a relief to get the long runs out of the way. Over the next two weeks I will just do a few shorter milage... keep the legs loose type runs and then it's on to Nashville!
Anyway, hope everyone is doing well and training hard!

Technologically challenged

So here is my lastest workout news. When I was in Boise, Lane convinced me to buy the computer chip for my new shoes... I ran with it one day and it was kind of fun to see how I had done. I ran/walked 1.95 miles in 24.33 minutes... However the chip wasn't calibrated, so I have no idea how accurate that really was. I decided on Thursday to go out and calibrate the chip. I was going to go over to the track at IF so I could do it with a 1/4 mile run. The track was packed with all the high school kids doing their spring sports, so I went to communtiy park. I knew I was going to have to run a mile without stopping in order to calibrate the chip correctly because the trail is marked in 1 mile increments. So I hit the calibrate button on my ipod and on the screen it said to hit the center button to begin calibrating. So I hit the center button, my music started to play and I started to run... I ran and ran and was tired, but pushed myself to run a full mile without stopping. I was out of breath wheezing and exhausted... I hit the center button to stop my calibration and heard this voice say "Hit center button to begin calibrating." WHAT???? Are you kidding me? I just ran a mile and killed myself and my shoes are still not calibrated! I walked back to the car and went home! I haven't worked up the courage to go do it again. I'm such an idiot! .

A Work in Progress

Well.... It has been awhile since I have made a post here... so I figured it was about time! I've been so busy these days that training has been very difficult. However... I did get in 79.85 miles during the month of March! With the Country Music Marathon less than 25 days away I am getting seriously concerned about my ability to run 26.2 miles. YIKES. I knew I needed to get out and do a long training run yesterday, and unfortunately it was raining. However, I had to man up and just get out and do! I went ahead and ran a half marathon as a training run. I ran in in 2 hours and 3 minutes, which I feel pretty good about because I was on a very hilly course and also ran the whole thing in the rain! So I am a little sore today... but surprisingly I am not completely unable to walk! I am going to try to get in another long run (15-18 miles) by the end of this week!
I definitely think I can get the Odgen Half Marathon in under 2 hours! I have to say that an organized half marathon is a lot more fun than a long training run... I was disappointed that no one was there to give me a medal when I finished my 13.1 yesterday :)

Keep Truckin'! Train hard and train safe!

1/4 Marathon Run & Confession

I haven't stuck with my training schedule very well. I do admit that it is probably a little amitious, but at least it's something to shoot for. My total mileage so far is just under 50 miles, but I haven't done a long run in three weeks, so I knew today I had to. By the way, my definition of "long run" is 5 miles or more. I had in mind to go 5 or 6 miles today depending on how I was feeling during the run. I felt pretty good the whole time so I thought I would just run a 1/4 marathon (6.55 miles). I did it in 59 minutes. Nothing amazing, but I still felt good about it. I haven't run that long since Ogden last year.

If we can find a babysitter, Haylee and I really want to run in the BYU-Idaho Midnight 5K run on Friday. Kind of a bad time, but maybe we can find someone...hopefully. I told Haylee, everyone should drive over from Boise and we can all do it!

We're getting close to a complete list of 5K personal bests, keep it up everyone!

Update...

Hi,
I feel like I'm the only one who posts sometimes... Come on people, I want to know how you are all doing?!?!

Well, my knee is doing a lot better. Ever since I just pushed through that one run I haven't had any problems. BUT I still need to work on building that endurance. Once I get running I seriously cannot breathe!! I really want to be able to run (without walking) for a longer amount of time. Advice?? (Lane/whit-- I know you've both been running for a long time. Do you guys have any ideas?)

Love you all! Keep up the hard training!

Outside for a change

I did my workout outside today... I bucked up and decided I needed to get out and do it. It is cloudy and they are predicting storm tonight, but it didn't feel too cold so I headed out to Community Park. I walked/ran again for the 3 mile mark. I made it in approx 40 minutes. I'm sure by the time I were to add the other .1 or however long it is I would be around the same time as before, but it really did feel good to be out doing it in some fresh air. I'm still hoping spring will start showing up!

I did it.

Well guys, I ran my first 5k this morning! It was one of the hardest things I have ever done! I ran/walked/cried through it, but I did it! Yay! I did it in 44 min 35 sec, which is slow, but i did it!

Running problems... advice??

Here is what has been going on lately...

I did my first 5k. Then the next week I did a my running intervals one day (I seemed to be fine)... but then my knees started to hurt pretty bad. I went up to the gym again the next day and I couldn't run through the pain. I couldn't even go for a minute without stopping and having to walk because I had these sharp pains in my knees. Soo my last few workout were on the bike because it hurt to run. (The pain isn't really when I bend or anything, it is when I run and place pressure on it.) I didn't know if I'd be able to run for a while.... Last night I went to the gym and decided to try the treadmill again. This time I was able to run through the initial pain, and as long as I focused on my running technique I didn't feel a great deal of pain. I went for about 25 mins and afterwards I was feeling it pretty bad in my left knee. Any ideas about why this is happening? Do you think i should still try running if I when I start going it doesn't really hurt??

Also, I've been trying to do the couch to 5k workout with the walking and running. I do my walking about 4.0-4.2 and then I do my running about 5.8-6.0. I think that is a fairly decent pace, but I've found that most of my problem is that once I run for a minute or so I feel like I can't breath. I really need to work on my endurance. Any suggestions?? Should I slow down my pace for a while??

Sorry this is a novel. I hope it made sense and any advice would be helpful. Thanks y'all!!

First 5 K

Today was the day I decided I had to go at least the 5 K distance. It was pretty slow, at 44 minutes 10 seconds. I hope I can improve on that before the race or we will be all day waiting for me to finish. (I don't know how to post it, so please tell me how or do it for me some one?) Out of that time I did jog for a total of 20 minutes. Not all together. After just 5 minutes of running my lungs burn and my heart feels like it is ready to burst out of my chest.... But I'm trying. I ran 3 minutes walked 90 seconds ran 5 minutes walked 2 1/2 minutes and did it all over again. Then I walked about 5 minutes and ran another 3, walked some more then did another 1 minute run, so I could at least get in 20 min of running. Then I walked to the end. It has been interesting to see how I really am improving even if it seems slow to the rest of you. When I started I was walking at about 3.2 mph and running at 4.2 mph. (I was even a little scared to let go and run on the treadmill at all) Today I never walked under 3.5 mph and even walked at 3.9 mph during points and I was running at 4.7 or 4.8 mph. Maybe not great to some of you, but an improvement for me. (BTW - Whitney walks at the pace I run) Oh well... I'm determined to do this...Love you all GO TEAM

5k. . . what's that?

Alright guys. . . I told you that Bryce and I were going to run a 5k on Saturday. Well, it just didn't happen! I know you all must be saying, "what slackers!" etc etc, but let me justify myself! We totally went running. We woke up at about 8:00, got into our running gear, and headed to the gym. Both Bryce and I went just over 1.5 miles (in 20 minutes. I know. I am slow. sorry.), and then we just had to stop. I couldn't go any further!
I don't know, everyone, I don't think I can just up and run a 5k quite yet. I am still training, but I think I just have to slowly build myself up. I mean, look at me, I am not an athlete! Maybe next week . . . or in a few weeks!

I need some motivation!

Well guys, Bryce and I are doing our best to train, but it is so hard! I have been going to Curves 3 days a week, and Bryce and I are going running in the evenings when he gets off work. But yesterday I only ran about 1.5 miles, and I felt a little bit like I was going to die. . .
I hope it will get easier as I consistently train, because I feel like I am really going to slow the other girls down! Either way, I will keep on going. . .
Bryce has Saturday off work this week (I know it's a miracle!) and we decided we are going to run/walk our first 5k! We are going to take it slow if we need to, but we are going to get 'er done! But I don't know guys, I need some encouragement.

Way to go TEAM BLAKE!

I just wanted to encourage, congratulate, and support everyone in the team Blake with their training. I went to the gym last night for my running. I called Bub and Jamie to see if they wanted to come but they didn't answer. Lo and behold I get to the gym and they are already working away on the treadmills! Good Job guys, keep it up!
I was at my mom's house today and she told me that she went to curves and then did her intense running workout. She is doing so great!!
Justin of course is amazing and working really hard... he is what encourages me to keep on with my training.

How are the rest of you doing?? I'd love to hear about it!!

My FIRST 5k!!!!

People!!! I ran my very first 5k ever in my whole entire life!! Now, it is nothing like you other people who are way in shape (Lane, Justin, and Amy)... but it is a start and now I know what I need to improve on. I ran it in 41:34. I was going to stop at 2.5 miles but I just kept on going and got to the 3.1 miles. This was a walk/run, and people, if I can do it you can do it! We need some more best times on the side of this blog. (Whit where is yours?? I know you have run a 5K... and mom, Todd, Jaim, and Bub... YOU ARE NEXT!!)

Woohooo! I feel really good by accomplishing this.

My 12-week Training Schedule

Hey everyone, here's my 12-week training schedule. A total of 260 miles in twelve weeks. I hope I can do it! (It's a lot easier to see if you click on it to make it bigger)

I'm In

Hey everyone, I'm in!  I can now post my progress, which by the way is not doing so good in Cincy.  Whit and I did do a Marathon at the outlet stores today though!  Tomorrow we are going to have to buckle down and do some serious exercising....  I'll let you know how it goes.

Beach body & jumping rope

So, this week I slacked... but got back on the horse this weekend. I did a cardio video and a weight video with the somewhat annoying, but overall tolerable beach body guy. Let me just say, these kick my butt! --I've been sore for the last two days, but I guess it's a good thing.

Also, Amy bought me a jump rope and I showed off some of my mad jump rope skills. Hey, I wasn't sixth grade speed jump rope champion for nothing, you know! --This week my goal is to get in a couple of runs to get back into it.

Status Report and a Request...

I am pleased to report that I ran 3 days this week and about 8.5 miles. My friend let me come over and use her treadmill twice this week and I did my first ever 5K (in about 34 minutes). 11 minute miles seems to be my comfortable pace. Slow and steady wins the race, right? Or at least finishes the race? (mostly I was relieved I could even jog for 34 minutes straight. haha)

Now for the request portion of my post... I have learned that I have way too much slow music on my iPod, and need to create some workout specific play lists (since on random I hit too much slow stuff). Soooo, I want everyone's top 5 favorite, most motivating running songs (and PLEASE feel free to share more than 5). When everyone has posted I'll put together a sidebar with our favorite tunes. Just think we'll have some killer playlists with everyones faves!

New Shoes

Last weekend when we were in Utah we decided to go to Salt Lake Running Company. We had them analyse our feet and fit us with some good running shoes. We are excited to use them and hope they inspire us to keep up the running. (Yes my shoes are pink Jamie! I figured you would appreciate them) :)

Good Week for Me!

Well... after having a horrible training week last week, I knew I needed to hit it stronger this week. I was able to run 26 miles this past week, but boy are my legs feeling it. I have no clue how I'm going to run 26 miles in one continuous run.... YIKES. Anyway, I did 5 miles on Monday, 3 miles on Tuesday, 5 miles on Thursday, 5 miles on Friday, and 8 miles on Saturday! The weather finally turned a little bit, and warmed up to about 38 degrees so I was able to run outside on Friday and Saturday which was really nice!!
Anyway, my school work has really got me bogged down this week... so I hope I can still get in my milage, cause I am aiming for 30 miles this week!

Good Luck and Hard Training to you all!

First run of the season...

As I described in my last post, we've been living in a wintry {not so}wonderland the past few months and since we don't have access to a treadmill, that means no running. Well, it's melting away and the sidewalks are clear. So today Easton and I ventured out for our first easy 2 miler of the year. Easy my big fat fanny. I definitely have a ways to go to work up to six miles, but we'll get there. It doesn't help that the little dude in front has gained some weight since last summer.

(ohhh, remember this cute, tiny fella?)

Luckily I had my new valentines present to keep me motivated. That's right people, I have officially joined the 21st century and am the proud owner of an iPod nano. Here's to lots more good runs. Go team.

Way to Go MOM!

Everyone, check out MOM's comment on Justin's last post! She's doing great!!

I added the link she was talking about. If anyone else finds good websites to help with this training process add the link!

Keep up the hard work ya'll!

Justin's Goal

Last year Todd and I finished the half-marathon with a time of approximately 2 hours and 17 minutes (just under 10.5 minute miles). This year my goal is to run the 13.1 miles in under two hours. To do so I will have to run 9 minute miles which would give me a time of 1:58.

Of course finishing the race is always the number one goal, but has anyone else set their goal for Ogden 2008?

Regardless of how many miles you will be running, you can calculate your pace at the link on the right.

I'm Crazy

Alright, it is official, Bryce is in. I have to do something for a self improvement assignment for my organizational behavior class, and I said train for a half marathon. So, this week I should start my training. i have decided that I will be running on treadmills at night after I get off of work. so i am going to get out my I pod. But the chip back into my shoes and start training like a mad man. All you guys ought to be so pumped for me. So Team Blake lets do this thing!!!

It's a start. . .

This is Jamie . . . so I haven't gotten too hard core into training like the rest of you guys. (you all are so dedicated!) But, I do have a little bit of positive news! I went to Curves on Monday and got weighed and measured. And. . . I have lost 4 pounds and 6 inches! Yay!!! Pretty good, right? Or at least it's a start!
So here is my thinking for my workout schedule:
Monday- Curves
Tues- Treadmill
Wed- Curves
Thurs-Treadmill
Friday- Curves
Sat and Sun- off!! :)

Someone just needs to motivate me! :)

We're ready to bring it...

This is Todd in 90 days!! Woohoo. We officially started our training tonight. Since all of the people who told us about the mild winters here in Boise lied and we can't train outside, we did a little DVD workout action with Tony Horton and Beach Body Power 90. There's a beach in Ogden, right?

Week 2

Last week was a great week. I really stuck to my schedule and was very successful. I thought I would post my weekly workouts just in case any of you want to do them or something similar to them. I can't even tell you how excited I am for the Relay... girls we totally rock. Just so you can wrap your mind around what we are doing. Whit 7 miles. Amy 6.1 Miles. Haylee 5 Miles. Jamie 5 Miles. Iola 3 Miles. $40. Good Luck everyone with your workouts.

Week 2 2/4-2/9
M- 7pm. 3 Mile Run Weights/Abs
T- 8:15pm 2 Mile Run
W- 6am 2 Mile Run
TH- Rest. Abs
Fr- 6am 2 Mile Run.
Sat. 8am 4 Mile Run.
Sun- Rest
Total: 13 Running Miles

Mom as part of the Relay Team, Ogden 08!

Hey all,
I talked to mom yesterday... and I think she would like to participate in the girls Team Blake relay team! I will be making her a training schedule...but you all might want to encourage her! She sounded really excited, and like she really wanted too, but a little hesitant all at the same time.

It would be sweet if she did it!
Good Luck, and Hard Training!

Oh Crap

--It's just an expression. I guess I'm gonna have to set my New Years resolution goals that I never set. This should be interesting.
DUDES... Ogden, UT is where it's at!!!

Biggest Loser Workouts

Haylee and I have been dedicated to watching biggest loser each week. We workout during the show and have even used some of there workouts in our own routines. We are dedicated fans. We don't schedule anything for Tuesday nights because we know we already have plans. Here are a few pictures:

It's Official

GO TEAM BLAKE
Well since Lane and Whitney made it official, it is official in my book. Just and I are in for the Ogden marathon.... YIKES I'M SCARED!!! :)

2nd Annual Blake Family Ogden Marathon

LET THE TRAINING BEGIN!!

It's official! Whitney and I booked flights home this morning (so yes, along with the training we are taking donations)! Let us know if you plan on running!

Correction:

No one even noticed that I put workout at least 3 times a DAY for at least 30 minutes... haha I meant 3 times a week. I don't think I can do that much every day! :)

How are the rest of you doing??? Amy, Jamie, Bub, Lane, Todd???

Work Out Goals:

At the beginning of the year when Justin and I sat down and made goals, my biggest goals came from the "workout" category.

Goals:
Workout at least 3 times a day for at least 30 minutes
Run a marathon relay
Get a flat tummy

First Day of Training

Tomorrow I begin my training for the half marathon. I have planned work outs for the next 12 weeks...

This week:

M-6am 3 Mile Run

T- 8:30pm 2 Mile Run and weights

W- 7pm 3 Mile Run and abs

Th- 7pm 3 mile run and weights

Fr- 6am 2 Mile Run and 2 Mile Bike

Sat- 9am 4 Mile Run 

Wish me good luck... it is going to be a tough week.