Fit after 50 - Jennifer Cera and Sue Birnbaum

Bryan Krouse, a devoted Spartan race competitor suggested I try a Spartan race. "You can do it! " he said. After hearing this, my sister Jennifer was up for the challenge, too. Seven months later after getting as much training in as we could, we completed our first Spartan race together in Boise, Idaho! I had the hill training advantage in Boise, while Jennifer did her best with the highest "hill" she could find in Omaha. Through the mud, dirt, burpees, running, carrying, pulling, rings and monkey bars, we stuck together and emerged victorious!

The week before Spartan, Sue and Jennifer trained together at Boise Cross-Fit with trainer and owner Andy Rosenbaum. We learned the invaluable techniques of rope climbing, rings, dead lift, and turkish get-up, also carrying 45 pound discs which helped us with the race.
-Sue Birnbaum

Bryan Krouse FIT after 50 profile

Training for Spartan Sprint Race
Jennifer Cera

Trained in Omaha for Boise Spartan Sprint race by climbing with weighted bucket up a 100 foot hill
Pull-ups, rowing, biceps and triceps
Squats with medicine ball throw and 75 pound barbell
Dead lifts and burpees
Obstacle wall climbing
Three-mile runs with friend Mindy
Personal philosophy on health: "Health is an asset we possess; nurture it and we reap the benefits in countless ways."

Sue Birnbaum

Carries including bucket of rocks on foothill trails and sandbag carry on stairs in gym
Turkish get-ups with kettlebell - one of the best exercises for hip, spine and shoulder stabilizers
Lots of pull-ups and burpees
Dead-lifts, back squats and cleans
Pulleys for core alternate pull-downs in lunge position
Forearm strengthening
Monkey bars in local park
"I admire those who are disciplined to stay fit; they benefit themselves and others. Take care of your greatest gift - your body!"

Photos of Spartan Race courtesy of Fred Birnbaum