Getting in Shape

5/3 River Bank Run in Grand Rapids, Michigan

2008-05-11T21:23:00Z

Earlier this year, I challenged my cousin Ben to (a) get into shape, (b) increase his longevity on running; (c) spend some special time with me.

My cousin Ben made it back from the Atlanta late on Friday night to run the River Bank Run on Saturday. My cousin is my favorite and like a brother to me. I, unfortunately, could not be there for the race or to participate because of an unidentified illness that I had for about 9 weeks (I have a high tolerance to pain) and didn't know it until it was almost too late. But, the good news is that I am recovering and when I am allowed to run again, I will .... along side my cousin Ben!

Here's to my cousin Ben! Thank you for getting into shape and for running the 10K even though I couldn't be there in person, I was there in spirit! You did it!!!! I adore you.

Your Cousin,

Barb

Spring is here but Mother Nature didn't get the memo

2008-04-04T23:28:00Z

I have been hesitating to post about "Getting in Shape" as I have just gotten out of a serious round of Flu 2008! I didn't get the cold. I got the fever and every muscle in my body just quivered like something from a science fiction movie! For ten days, I slept. I mean to tell you that I slept. I became so weak during the fever phase (5 days with a fever of 103 - 104 degrees!) that I now know what it will be like when I'm 90 years old and have to think about getting out of bed in the morning. Even holding a plastic glass of water took both hands and careful concentration so that I could keep some fluids in my system.

Two things have come to mind from this nasty flu bug. The first one was - the poor children in today's world experience far worst then the typical 24 hour flu with the saltine crackers; and the second one was - a reminder to take the best of care of our bodies as 90 is just around the corner and will creep up there fast!!!

I dropped 11 pounds with that flu bug and that is not my way of loosing weight. Right now, its about 50 degrees outside and I am anxious to do my walks again. I have to start my training for the 5K Runs all over because of the weight loss and being as sick as I was but in my mind, there is always a reason why these things happen.

Enjoy the weekend!

Barb Van Stensel

What's a Girl to do when it is snowing?!!

2008-03-08T20:10:00Z

March is here, it's snowing in Chicago and I'm trying to prepare for the first run in my hometown, Grand Rapids, Michigan on May 10th. The River Bank Run just added a 10K this year. I have been reading Runner's World on cross-training so as not to injure myself and to allow longevity. The cross training will be good for me because I need to swim laps for overall endurance, strengthening plus I just absolutely love being on, in and under any type, form or shape of water. The swimming will allow me to get into mental and physical shape as my youngest nephew is on the jr. high school swim team. It will be easier to pace with him at my folks place this summer as one way is 1/2 mile at the lake. However, that does not eliminate the longevity of winter here in Chicago and what's a girl to do when it is snowing? Bundle up and do race walking.

Stay warm,

Until next time,

Barb Van Stensel

On this day, the Hula-Hoop was patented

2008-03-04T19:24:00Z

Why would I get excited over the Hula-Hoop? I could never figure out how to get that hip-swiveling toy to stay up more than 30 times around my waist. It was first marketed in 1958 by Wham-O and patented by the company's co-founder, Arthur "Spud" Melin. An estimated 25 million Hula-Hoops were sold in its first four months of production alone.
Today, my great niece (pictured below) is having the same problem of keeping that hoop up around her waist. Sometimes, things will never change but it is interesting that the fads keep coming back.
Remember the pet rock? Hmmmm??
Until next time,
Barb Van Stensel

Receiving the Call

2008-02-29T22:42:00Z

It's Friday, Leap Year Day and my favorite cousin Ben calls me from Grand Rapids, Michigan. It's "The Call". I'm sure all of you have had one of these occasionally but Ben is like a brother to me and we change each other to physical fitness challenges. Why? I'm in my early 50's and he's in his late 40's!

Today was the call for getting into shape for the 5/3 River Bank Run in Grand Rapids, Michigan on May 10th. In the same breath, my cousin Ben announces that we have been signed up for two more events. The serious event is in September for the Reeds Lake Triathalon in East Grand Rapids, Michigan which I told him is brutal and he doesn't care. But the lead up to it will be the Sprint Triathalon in Grand Haven, Michigan which is in July. In between there we are doing small runs and swimming events, or as Ben says get into shape.

What's a cousin to do? GET INTO SHAPE!! The greatest thing about my relationship with my cousin Ben is that we care about each other.

Right now I'm ahead because Benny Boo Boo has shin splints!! Ah ha.