Please donate to the Wounded Warrior Project.  Click here

 Holy Michael Phelps!!!!  I had a choice between running on a treadmill and swimming, I chose swimming.  Wow, what a good workout.  Not only was I sucking wind like I just got sucker punched in the gut, by my shoulder and back muscles were worked in a new way, and were tired and sore by the end of the swim.  In the end, I was able to swim 15 laps (up and back 15 times in 15 minutes).  I found it to be much better than running on a treadmill.  Not only did time go by faster, but I found it to be a better cardio, and worked muscles harder in the process.  My only compliant would be the gallon of water that continued to leak out of my right ear for the rest of the day.

Also, Yesterday was Bennet's birthday!  I can't believe my baby is 4 years old.  Bennet has been waiting for his birthday since Nolan had his birthday on 10/15.  Between Oct and Dec, Bennet would often remind Terri and I that we have not wished him happy birthday (even though it was not his b-day).  And when we would say happy birthday out of the blue, he would get the biggest smile on his face and say thank you.  So adorable!  In the end, he scored pretty good in the gift department.  With his birthday so close to Christmas, Terri and I made sure he had enough gifts.  I would say, mission accomplished.

(Ben)
Brrrrrrrrrrr.    Since snowing one week ago, the weather here has been unbelievably cold.  The past few days, the temperature has topped out at about 18 degrees.  It is too cold to be outside, and all the streets have inches of ice on them.  As a result, I have moved all my workouts inside.  The past few workouts I have done circuit training exercises, where I alternate between weights and two minutes of cardio (jumping rope, plyometric boxes, etc.).  I also tried to run on a treadmill yesterday, but only made it 1/2 mile before boredom got the best of me.  I have never been a fan of treadmills, but I will either have to man up and deal with it, or start swimming laps in the pool........ I might opt for lap swimming.
On the family front, we are still dealing with sickness in the Studley house.  I think it all started on 12/17 when Nolan got a fever for a few days.  After that, on 12/19, Bennet vomited and caught what had been spreading around at daycare.  on the 22nd, it was Jake's turn (throwing up and fever).  When ever Jake gets sick, his platelets drop due to his ITP, which happened on Christmas Eve.  The medicine he is on when this happens is not carried by hospitals around this area, so Jake and I made it to Omaha on Christmas Eve to get his medicine, and made it back that night.  Also, on Christmas Eve, Terri was not feeling well.  Which brings us to today when I was woke up by Nolan at 5:30 saying he just threw up.  I don't think we have ever had so much sickness in such as short period of time.  Good thing we are on vacation, this would have been hard to handle with work priorities.  Hopefully this will be the end of it and we can enjoy the rest of the vacation (and rest of the school year) with no major illnesses.

On a happy note, Christmas was a success.  Santa came, presents were left, toys were received, and fun was had.

On a business note, I set a goal of raising $1,000 for Wounded Warrior Project when I decided to participate in the Tough Mudder.  So far, I am about half way there.  Any donation would be appreciated.  To donate, here is the link:  https://register.toughmudder.com/fundraising/donate.aspx?event=13403&fundraiser=r7473298  Thanks for all donations.

Holy snow drift!  Good thing today was a snow day because I had a ton of snow to shovel.  This past Spring, we added a 45' by 12' patio in our backyard for a hot tub, which was our 10 year anniversary present to each other.  So this is my first winter of having the additional concrete to scoop, and let me tell you, it was horrible.  The snow drifts in the backyard that I had to dig through to get to the hot tub were at least 4 foot high.  In the back, I scooped a 4' wide by 45' section.  That is in addition to the front where I had to dig out my driveway, sidewalk, and end of the driveway after the street plow came through.  In the end, I have a sore shoulder and very sore back.  A snow blower might be in the works for next year.
I had plans of bringing all the kids to the Y once we were able to get out, but after all the digging, I thought it was a good enough workout and called it a day.  I also brought the kids sledding, but my energy tank was on zero, so while they were sledding, I stayed in the van with Bennet.  I usually hit the slops with the kids because it is a good cardio, but I did not have it in me today.  

Here is a picture from the deck off the side of my house.

Notice how high the snow drifts are.  I had to dig out all around the tub so I could access the clips for cover.

Here is my driveway.  It is not long, but the snow sure got heavy towards the end.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!! Hastings is in a blizzard warning and it took the kids all of two seconds to get out in the snow and play. The above picture is Jake making a lovely snow angel.
Today is the day that I normally go to Butts and Guts class but considering the weather and the roads we figured a early workout would be better... so Ben and I decided to get a workout in before it got to dark and the roads got worse. We went to the YMCA and did the "Maybe Mudder" Tough Mudder boot camp training workout. The workout consists of 4 circuits,  each10 minutes long. So, when all said and done we fit in a decent 40 minute workout. The circuits consisted of basically 2 min. cardio and 1 min. obstacle training. I have to tell you though that 2 min. seems like a life time when it comes to jumping rope or doing high knees, so toward the end there Ben and I sort of pussed out and did 1 minute instead of the 2 minutes like it said to do. All I know is that we got a work out in on a blizzard of a day (which is probably a good thing considering Ben came home with office party treats).
I will most likely skip yoga in the morning as well due to the fact that our streets will not have been cleaned yet and my van will not make it very far on snow packed, unscooped streets...so I will be doing yoga from home via Jillian Michaels video.

Please donate to the Wounded Warrior Project.  Click here

 (Terri)
It's been a while since the last time I have posted anything. I have been going to my regular classes. Boot Camp on Mondays, Yoga on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Butts and Guts on Wednesdays. Fridays I sometimes take off but I will usually lift weights and or run on the weekends. However, I haven't been running due to my shin splints. I was waiting until I was able to get new shoes before I ran again.
Well, that day finally came!! I went to the Lincoln Running store and I got fitted to a pair of new running shoes. This was my first time ever picking out a pair of shoes not based on looks! The clerk watched me walk as I informed her of my problems. She immediately could see what I was talking about and had me try on a bunch of different shoes and walk around in them. After trying on numerous pairs I wound up buying the first pair that I tried on. I got Brooks Ravenna's. They are a lovely sea foam green (not my first choice of color but again not basing my decision on looks).
I ran in them the next day. Now, remind you that I ran one mile in my old shoes and got major shin splints. So, I told myself that I would take it easy and run a half mile to start off in, because as you runners know that when you get a pair of new shoes to correct a problem they can sometimes hurt other parts of your body due to the body not being used to being in the new position that the shoe is now putting you in...So...I wound up running 3/4 mile because I didn't want to push a full mile just yet but I also didn't want to regress to a half mile. The shoes worked like a charm and no shin splints what so ever!! The next day after my first run in my shoes I ran a mile and a half and no shin splints!! However, my legs could tell I ran further than I normally do. I have also been using my foam roller and I recommend one to anyone that runs period!! I love mine and it has helped me with my shins as well. I am going to set a new running schedule to Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. We'll see how that treats me and hopefully that will be enough days to help boost me into further miles to get where I need to be in time for the Tough Mudder.

In the past week I have run 15 miles (about 116 minutes of running), and have lifted weights on 3 days, and played old man ball on another day, so I am definitely putting in more time working out.  I would have to say, I feel my appetite has grown as my workouts have increased.  I am finding myself snacking on a bowl of cereal most nights.  Also, I am sicking to my goal of cutting back on pop.  The only pops I have had in the past 10 days is when I have eaten out.  I have cut out all other times that I have enjoyed a 44 ounce of liquid gold.  I did think I would lose some weight cutting that out, but I have not.  I think I will need to cut out the other form of liquid love (beer) to drop some lbs.  That will come after the new year. 

Here are some pictures of my new shoes, and my new watch.  My shoes are Nike Zoom Vomero.  My watch is an Ironman watch which lets me take my splits while I am running longer distances.  It also has other functions which I have not figured out yet.

(Ben)
I started this morning having a conversation with Terri about working out so hard to the point of throwing up, and I have never gotten to the point of puking during or following a workout.  I came closer than ever during my workout today.  For my workout, I ran from my house, around the high school to the Y (about 2.5 miles), lifted biceps and triceps, then ran home (about 1.5 miles).  I have done this workout before, but this today I wore a watch and timed myself.  Having a watch, and checking it at each mile interval, made me keep aware of my pace, and I found out I have been dogging it during my runs.  Today, I tried to keep a nice, quick pace, and it about killed me.  There was about a 20 second period where I thought I was going to vomit.  But luckily I did not, and I am still able to claim that I have never blew chunks during or following a workout.  By the way, I ran my 4 miles in 30 minutes 45 seconds.
I am remaining strong in my quest to stop drinking Diet Coke.  I have only had 2 Diet Cokes, both were when I ate out at a restaurant.  I have been able to cut out all pops when I drive between schools and during my time at the office during working hours.  I learned a new tactic today.  I learned Kirstie Alley attributed many of her lbs to grape pop.  Whenever I am having a craving, I will be chanting "Kirstie, Kirstie, Kirstie, Kirstie" in my head (maybe out loud depending on the severity of craving) to fight it off.  Thanks Kelly!
Also, I am toying with the idea of running in the Lincoln half marathon...........   But, after today's run of only 4 miles, my legs are tired and sore and I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around an additional 9.1 miles.

(Ben)
I have made it 4 days without a pop.  I would have to say it was easier than what I would have thought.  By making a written declaration, it has made me keep my word.  I am curious to see if I will lose any weight by not drinking any more Diet Coke.  Even though there are no calories in Diet Coke, I know there is a bunch of other ingredients that are not good for me, and I have hear that quitting any type of pop will make you drop some quick weight.  I will let you know.
I did a leg workout yesterday, and I am definitely feeling the pain today.  My legs are sore and it is hard to walk up and down stairs.  Even getting off the couch is a chore.  The timing of my leg workout was not ideal, because I had a basketball game earlier today, and my legs felt tired for most of the second half.  However, I did had my family Christmas gathering this weekend.  I stayed up late last night playing poker, and had a few too many drinks, which might have also influenced my game tonight, but I feel better about myself writing off my bad game due to my leg workout, so that is what I am going to do.

I would like to take a chance to thank those who have donated to the Wounded Warrior Project.  I am half way to my goal of $1000.  If you would like to donate, click here.

I would also like to thank Blake and Cindy for hosting the 2012 Studley family Christmas, it was a good time and we enjoyed seeing everyone again.

My parents with all the grandkids.

A serious game of poker.  By the way, I shared the purse with my brother in law Carlos.

Dec. 7, 2012 (Terri)

Dec. 2nd was my last run. I ran a whopping mile and that's all it took for my shin splints to make their arrival. I started off with just running half miles figuring I was going to ease into the whole running thing since I haven't ran in years and the fact that shin splints do occur with me. So, I was feeling pretty good on those half mile runs. I wasn't dead at the end like I thought after being out of the game for so long and my shins weren't hurting so I thought I was doing pretty well. After two half mile runs I figured I was able to handle a one miler no problem and test the one mile water for a while but I was slapped hard in the face and my shin splints told me otherwise.
Now, remember my older post, about the whole reason I am doing Tough Mudder in the first place, one of the reasons was, I was ready to change my mind and face some fears and challenges and in doing so I was going to quit with the excuses. Shin splints has always been in my mind a reason that I don't run. I tell people, "I don't run because I get shin splints." "I would run and I would love to run if I didn't get shin splints." Well, Tough Mudder has really got a hold on me. I am going to have to run at this event regardless and it's now time to face the music and put this "shin splints" crap to rest once and for all.
So, for the years that I have been avoiding running and accepting shin splints has all faded away and now my mind set is... this is something that I get and I am going to have to deal with it and treat it and solve the problem so that I can run. Finally!..I will become the runner that I have had suppressed within me. (For those of you that know me you will know that the Archuletta's are known for their ability to be natural runners and can with NO training or running practice whatsoever go and run in a 5k race no problem after have eating a plate of eggs, bacon, toast and coffee and come in with a time at 21 minutes - 7-ish minute mile pace...not too shabby going into a race cold turkey without having been running in literally years!!!) I will find my inner Archuletta and unlock it as I treat and cure my shin splints.
The link below is a video that was sent to me by my brother and is about shin splints and I feel it is an AWESOME video and I highly suggest anyone with shin splints to check out this video and take notes!


Inside the Doctor's Office: Keep Shinsplints Away | Runner's World & Running Times




 Since watching this video I have bought myself a foam roller and have used it and find it helps a TON. I also know now that I get the "Exertional Compartment Syndrome" type of shin splints. Ben has also very accurately diagnosed why it is I get shin splints in the first place. Turns out I have flat feet and I never knew it!! Although, the "wet foot test" would tell me otherwise. ?? When I walk I tend to overpronate my foot a little and when that is accompanied with flat feet it's a recipe for shin splints. I need a shoe with great arch support for starters so, next weekend I am going to go down to Lincoln, Ne and hit the Lincoln Running Store and get myself some new shoes. Then hopefully I can start putting on the miles on my new shoes and leave my shin splints in the dust!!

I did it!!!! I made it one day without a Diet Coke.  However, it was not without serious temptation from an unlikely source.  Terri has not had a pop in about a week, and for some reason she chose the day that I quit to have a massive pop craving.  Over the lunch hour, she harassed me and tempted me to no end to have one.  Then later in the evening, after our shopping at Walmart, she forced me to stop so she could have a cup full of carbinated paradise.  How dare she have a drink in front of a recovering addict????  I'm just kidding.  She has done a good not drinking too much pop herself.  She is a good wife, she was just testing my will.  The weekend will be even a tougher challenge.

Tough Mudder Wounded Warrior Project Fundraiser please donate here

 (Ben)
It is no secret to people who know me that I have a Diet Coke addiction.  When I say I have an addition, I am talking about 44 ounces of pure love each time I try to calm a craving.  On average, I would say I consume about 64 ounces per day.  On this day, the 5th day of December in the year 2012, I am officially making public that I am done drinking my coveted Diet Coke.  Now, for the record, when I say that I am done, I want it to be known that if I am out at a restaurant I will order my self a Diet Coke and probably have multiple refills, but outside of that, I am done.  My problem is when I go to my office, I usually bring with me 44 ounce of love to help me get through the grind.  So from this day forward, I will document here on this blog how many Diet Cokes I have during my training for the up coming Tough Mudder event.

Regarding my training, it is progressing as planned.  I am running about 8 to 10 miles a day.  I lift weights 3 days per week.  This past Sunday, "Old Man Basketball" started.  I play in a 3 on 3 half court league.  I have been playing basketball for the past year (mostly shooting hoops by myself).  I thought I was physically ready for this first game.  However, it is a lot tougher playing an actual game than when I dink around by myself.  My legs and stomach were very sore (and still are).  But it was a good time.  By the way, please help me reach my goal by donating here

Tuesday Dec. 4, 2012 (Terri) 

I have been thinking that I am not only going to have to prepare myself physically but also mentally. So, to prepare for the obstacles and try to make myself realize there are worse things than an Artic Enema, I came up with a list of things that in my eyes are worse than doing the Tough Mudder.

In no particular order:

1.      Having my jaw bone re-built back up due to an abscessed tooth gone awry. (Sorry Angie I wish you all the best with that and I will be thinking of you as I get electrocuted)

2.      Shaving my head. (My hair grows at an unbelievably slow rate)

3.      Being trapped under the covers. (Not funny to swaddle me like a baby in blankets! I can’t breathe!-Oh good ol’ Paxton years!)

4.      Driving on the road that takes you pass Denver on the way to Central City.(It’s literally like a roller coaster)

5.      Going on a roller coaster

6.      Being gang banged (This one is for you Propp’s!)

7.      Eating bugs (I gagged a little as I typed that)

8.      Being attacked by a wild dog. (I had some run-ins as a kid)

9.      Being stuck in a crowded elevator

10.  Having mastitis (ladies you feel me on this one if you’ve ever had it!)

So, what I discover by creating a list of things that I find more unpleasant than Tough Mudder is that my original doubts I had about Tough Mudder are mild and that I have more fears than I thought! Feel free to comment and add your own things that you think would be worse than doing the Tough Mudder as well. 

Also, check out this video if you want some inspiration- don't forget to donate to the cause! 

Tough Mudder Wounded Warrior Project Fundraiser please donate here

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Tough Mudder Wounded Warrior Project Fundraiser please donate here

 Yesterday, we loaded up the family and went to Kearney, Ne for a Christmas Party hosted by the Make a Wish Foundation.  Our oldest son, Jake, has been dealing with ITP for the past 5 years, and was granted a wish this past summer.  As part of his wish, he chose to go to Hawaii (Oahu).  We spent 7 days there and had the time of our lives. 

Since joining the Make a Wish Foundation, we have been invited to many different functions.  Yesterday, they had a wonderful Christmas party.  We were able to make different crafts, a gingerbread house, and best of all Santa made a visit!  Our older two children were not as interested, but Bennet was ecstatic.  Upon seeing Santa, Bennet jumped up and down and squealed in delight.    We then had to follow Santa around for the next ten minutes, as Bennet wanted to tell Santa that he wanted Spider Man sticky hands, costume, and webs.  However, once we had the chance to sit on Santa’s lap, the excitement turned to fear (and/or shyness), and he froze and ended up not sitting on his lap or sharing what he wanted for Christmas. 

 You can tell by the picture the excitement he was feeling while we were waiting in line.  Then when it came time to sit on Santa’s lap, he started to cling to his dad and froze during crunch time. When Terri later asked Bennet if he had fun seeing Santa, Bennet responded "I got shy". 

On another note, my training is continuing.  I shot baskets yesterday, did some full court sprints, and lifted weights (legs and shoulders).  What really blew my mind with yesterday's workout was the amount of sweat I produce.  By the time I stretched at the end of the workout, sweat was dripping off my head like a leaky faucet.  Before driving home in Terri's minivan, I thought I would do her a favor and take off my shirt, so it would not drench the drivers seat.