Turn 40, climb a mountain

To celebrate this big birthday Jason wanted to do something different, more challenging, bigger than the average road race.  So why not enter a trail run that's the distance of a half-marathon but goes uphill and ends up at 14,115 ft?  Sure!  It's symbolic of the whole "over the hill" right?

The weather had us guessing for a bit.  Friday night it rained so hard the streets were flooding.  Rain down below means potential snow up top.  The talk about clothing, gear, possible turn arounds, and even maybe cancelling the race had the runners in a flurry.  Luckily God stepped in and the sun shined on everyone for a beautiful day full of accomplishments.

We are all so proud of him!  He trained hard and worked diligently to be successful in America's most challenging trail run.  He's setting great examples for his kids (and wife) about being healthy, enjoying the outdoors, sticking to your commitments, always pushing yourself, and celebrating accomplishments.  As the kids get bigger it's fun to have them participate in these events with us.  May be a few more years before any of them are ready to tackle this mountain with dad.  I (Barb) will gladly offer to be the official photographer and cheerleader of this race.

Ragnar Del Sol

Have you ever heard of a Ragnar race?  The Arizona version is a 200 mile race from Wickenburg, AZ to Tempe, AZ.  We had a team of 12 runners, each running 3 legs over the course of 36 hours.  In short it was a LOT of fun, but there was also a lot of sweat, no sleep, snacks not meals, long rides in a van involved to complete the race.  We'd do it all over again in a heartbeat!

 Jeff

 Barb

 Jason

 Christina & Kecia

 Denise

 The finish line!

 Van #2 at the starting line

 Wouldn't leave home without Flat Stanley!!

Jason & David

Hammy rollin' it out before he starts.

Race Day

Another race for Jason.  PF Chang's Rock N Roll Arizona 1/2 marathon.  Barb took the little ones in the  new double stroller and went out to support Daddy.  We almost missed him (not as easy getting around the new course, and with 2 little ones), but we made it.  Jason had a record breaking time...again. 

 He just keeps getting faster and faster! 

Daddy & Gavin 

 Gavin, Daddy, Liam (and Goldfish)

 Daddy & Liam

Jason, Liam, and Barb

As usual, we were all very proud of Jason!  

Next up...the Ragnar Relay at the end of February.

Not Your Average Joe's 10K

Yep, that was the name of the race.  We were looking for a local race to get out and enjoy the cool weather.  This one was right around the corner from our house, looked like it was a great cause, and it was a 10K - perfect!  Maybe not....Joe Gibson's Memorial Foundation is a great cause, however it was hot, hot, hot.  Jason and Barb participated in the 10K and Gavin did the kid's obstacle course.  Although it was a hot fall day, we still had a great time.

 

 

 

 

 

Seattle Rock n' Roll

One of our favorite getaways - SEATTLE! We both ran in the Rock N Roll 1/2 marathon in June. It was a nice long weekend with lots of 'touristy' stuff as Grandma Patti came with us this time and she had never been to Seattle.

So freezing cold waiting for the race. It was perfect race weather, but the standing around waiting for the race to start was awful. Jason had his best time ever! Barb came in under 2 hours, not bad for 4 months pregnant. We both were very pleased with our races.

Snapshot from the light rail. Mt. Rainer is always so beautiful on a clear day.

Gavin loved, loved, loved the Space Needle. Every time we were outside he asked about it. He wasn't as into it when we went up in it; he's rather be viewing it from a far so we can actually see The Needle.

Cousin Grant hosted a BBQ and had the whole family over. Great Grandma Jane was so happy to be able to spend time with Gavin.

Thanks for putting together the BBQ cousin!!

Just in case the paparizzi came looking for G-man, he was incognito strolling through downtown.

Marathon Man Turns Triathlon Terminator

As you may remember Jason completed a full marathon in January here in Phoenix. With no urgency to complete a full marathon again, he decided to take on a new challenge...a triathlon. He doesn't take on new challenges lightly. Jason doesn't own a bike, but he borrowed one from our friend Jeff and tried to get in as many practice rides as he could. He would go to the pool twice a week and get in a swim. And then of course on all the other days he continued his running. Sunday May 15th he competed in the Seville Sports Club Maxi Sprint Triathlon: 300 yard swim, 15 mile bike, and 2 mile run. Sure it may not seem like much compared to running 26.2 miles...but you try getting in the pool and swimming 300 yards - holy cow!! Then you follow that with a ride and run.

His first triathlon ever and he came out on top - we all knew he would. Jason actually placed first in his age division. FIRST PLACE in his FIRST RACE. What a superstar!! We are all so proud of him. He is an amazing swimmer and really stepped up his pace in the run. He is, of course, now hooked and looking forward to entering many more triathlons in the future.

Next goal - working on that tan!!

He was a little too nice during some portions of the swim; he got caught behind a few female swimmers and didn't push them out of the way...what a gentleman.

Determined and focused. (it was so hot as a spectator, Gavin and Barb got sunburned...forgot the sunscreen)

The final leg, finishing strong.

And a first place metal to go home with. GREAT JOB JASON!!

Fit Tip Thursday's

Week #8 Tip - Accountability

We all know the benefits of exercise, we can't escape the constant reminders. But...how do we get motivated to move? Change in anything we do is challenging, but life would be boring without challenges. I find when I can't motivate myself to find someone to help hold me accountable. Find an accountability partner - a neighbor to go for a walk with, a friend to meet you at the gym, a personal trainer to whip you into shape, a spouse or child to do physical activity with. Someone, somewhere can help hold you accountable and you can do the same for them. There are plenty of mornings that skipping your workout and staying in bed sounds much more appealing - but if you have someone counting on you to be there, you will most likely roll out of bed and stick to your plan...and guaranteed you'll be glad you did.

At our house we are all each other's accountability partners. Gavin keeps us moving all the time!! But even he has days that he wants to watch "Mickey", that's when it's time for us to step up. We offer to go to the park, go outside and play baseball, or go to the pool. It's a win-win for all of us. Whenever we can we try to work out together, it really keeps us motivated, especially when one of the two of us is wanting to sleep a little longer.

Probably the single most motivator for us is races. If you sign up for an athletic event (doesn't have to be running) it really helps keep you focused. You have a goal, and it cost you money. Find a local walk, run, jog, bike, or swim competition - there are tons out there, just Google it! Good Luck!!

Marathon Man

Jason ran in the Arizona Rock n' Roll FULL marathon this year. 26.2 miles seems crazy to some, but to runners is an exciting challenge. What a sense of accomplishment when it's over. Jason trained and trained long & hard for this run; running 30-40 miles a week for 16 weeks. A lot more goes into a marathon than just race day. Gavin and Barb are SO SO SO proud of him. This is his third marathon and he had his best time ever! He completed this marathon in 3 hours and 57 minutes, beating his last time by over 40 minutes!!

Still going strong at mile 25.5, a smile and everything!!

The quote was "I'm saying it now, I don't need to do another marathon for a long time!" He didn't say ever, but it will be a while before another 26.2

Our running friend and race partner David Link is the one that talked Jason into the full marathon. David had a personal best at this race as well. Both the guys did a great job!

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