Julie, Dan, Shannon, Carrie, and Sam the dog before the Jingle Bell 5K to support the Arthritis Foundation

“I was so excited that my friends and co-workers joined me at the Jingle Bell 5k Run on December 1st to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. My amazing mother struggled for more than 20 years with this horrible joint disease. I lost my Mom 4 years ago from complications from the medication Arthritis patients have to take to remain mobile. I run this race and Jingle for my Mom every year. This year I was surprised by my great Harmons friends who showed up and ran on a chilly morning in December to help me remember my Mom and to raise funds for those still suffering with this awful condition. Thanks for your support. I hope to have a lot more Harmons associates join us in support next year.  Who will you Jingle for?”

Julie, General Merchandise/Kitchenware Sales Director

There are a lot of events from fun runs, walks, bike rides, and even stair climbing that support causes that touch us, our families, and our friends. What event do you participate in that raises funds and awareness for a cause close to your heart? Share your story, your cause, and your photo with us and become a part of our Healthy Milestones.

Jonnell, dietitian at our Bangerter Crossing store, and her husband Pete after a scenic 51 mile ride around Bear Lake over Labor Day weekend. While Pete is a regular rider, this is Jonnell’s first year riding and this was her longest ride to date.

Have you bested your longest bike ride, walk, hike or run? Have you picked up a new activity that you’re excited about? Did you grow a great garden and make delicious dishes out of your fruits and veggies? We want to share your stories and photos. Send us an email, with pictures and a description, of whatever it is that you are proud to share and we’ll include it in this Healthy Milestones blog.

A group of sales directors and store directors spent some time recently at Capitol Reef National Park.

Here’s a picture of Lori McFarland and Greg Jones after an early morning run in the Capitol Gorge, Capitol Reef National Park.  They were hoping to see some big horn sheep that had been spotted the previous day in the area, but they must have been up earlier than the sheep!  (That or Greg’s running like a Clydesdale horse scared them away.) No sheep, but a nice 9 mile run with amazing scenery. Thanks for the picture Keli!

A couple weekends ago members of the Harmons People and Training Departments, with their kids and dogs, headed up American Fork Canyon for a fun hike to Silver Lake. To get there you head up American Fork Canyon, past Tibble Fork Reservoir, and up a winding dirt road – a beautiful drive to a beautiful destination.

If you haven’t done this hike yet, it is definitely one to add to your list. The trail is just over 2 miles to the lake and a takes few hours round trip, plus the time you enjoy spending at the top. Pack a snack or a lunch and take time to relax and soak in the scenery. Several spots along the switchbacks the last mile and a half provide some very beautiful picture taking opportunities with Mt. Timpanogos as the backdrop. The lake level will vary with the seasons, so it is always fun to repeat the hike to see the difference. A couple people in this group did this same hike last fall and got to experience the amazing colors of the changing trees.

There are a few things you need to know before heading out for this hike: Continue Reading »

Greg Jones and Jeremy Bromley on a ride through Snow Canyon in St. George after a long day at the Utah Pharmacists Annual Convention. The caption Greg gave this photo when submitting it:

“Let’s hope that they count pills better than they ride bikes!”

Have you noticed some of the same people in the Healthy Milestones posts? They are submitting photos and stories when they are out having a good time being active. We’d love to see some new faces and hear about the fun things you are doing! Just submit a photo with a description of your activity. We want to see what our associates AND customers are doing and share in your healthy achievements.

Mark, Dean and Bob on their bikes in Capital Reef National Park

Taking a break on the bike – Executive Vice President & COO Mark Jensen, President Dean Peterson,and Vice President for the Customer Bob Harmon

While on a recent working retreat in Torrey, Utah, members of Harmons board of directors Mark, Dean and Bob took a break to get out on their bikes. They headed out on a ride in Capitol Reef National Park. Their 40 mile ride included an elevation change of more than 1,400 feet.

Bob said of their journey, “We didn’t realize the elevation change until we were well into the ride since it was downhill in the beginning. Well, we just kept going.”

You can join Mark, Dean and Bob for a ride on June 23rd and 24th in Logan for the the Bike MS:  Harmons Best Dam Bike Ride. Sign up today and start training!

Snowshoeing in Mill Creek with friends and dogs – Linda, Harmons Risk Management Assistant

Linda & Friends Snowshoeing in Mill Creek Canyon

Get a group of friends together and hike Mill Creek Canyon. It is a beautiful canyon with lots of trails and it is dog friendly. On odd days the dogs can be off leash on the trails, which the dogs love. People are friendly and the dogs are friendly. It is so much fun to watch the dogs greet each other and play. On this particular day we did a short hike about 5 miles. We enjoy our time in the outdoors no matter what distance we hike. We try to get together a few times a month depending on weather. If you are with good company and dog friends it makes for good times. Snow Shoeing is a fun way to exercise in the winter. If you have a big dog that requires a lot of exercise it’s a good way for both of you to get exercise. Just be careful that the dogs do not step on the back of your snowshoes, it can trip you up. I bring a pack with for my little dog. When he gets tired I put him in the pack and still get in a good hike. It is also a great stress reliever!

Recently a group of Harmons associates have been “running the stairs” as part of ongoing fitness training. The concept isn’t new or original, but to this group of associates it is a huge check off of the physical accomplishments list.

With access to an arena with lots (and lots and lots) of stairs, and not many observers, this workout tests the endurance and the knees of those who attempt it. The routine goes like this:

1. Run DOWN the stairs
2. Run UP the stairs
3. Run AROUND the concourse
4. Try not to forget what section was just completed
5. REPEAT until every section has been scaled and circled

Twenty four sets of stairs, 2300 steps, 25 laps, 5.5 miles, 1300 calories burned, and 1hr 15mins later the workout is complete.

What big workouts have you done that give you a great sense of accomplishment? Tried something new that has tested you? We want to hear, and share, the big or little accomplishments in your journey to great health. Send us an email, with pictures and a description, of whatever it is that you are proud to share.

"We finished, and we didn't finish last!"

Running in below freezing temperatures on January 28th, 300+ joggers took to the streets of Orem for the Hale Freezes Over 5K/10K fun run. The run served as a fundraiser for the local theater company, Hale Center Theater. A couple members of Harmons Training Department and People Department took part in the 10K.

For Shannon, this was her first time running and finishing a race of that distance. For Carrie, it was the first race of that distance for at least 15 years. Despite the 18 degree starting line temperature, and being lapped by a 13 year-old, both finished the race and beat their previous 5K times.

The finishing times were not fast, but they achieved their goal of the day of not finishing last!

Have you recently run a race, picked up a new sport, enjoyed a day of skiing, changed your eating habits? We’d love to hear what healthy milestones you’ve reached! Send us your story and a photo about something you’ve done that you are proud of and want to share.

On September 24th a few members of the Harmons MS Bike Team took a little bike ride in Yellowstone National Park.

“Riding in Yellowstone” – Loretta Braun

Ahhh… Yellowstone,

What a fantastic way to ride 64 miles.  An absolutely perfect end to a season of bike riding.

Brisk weather that you could can appreciate to keep your core just right with no overheating on gentle climbs.

Watching a lazy river shimmering downstream as you pedal along.  Scenery that gives your mind reasons to reflect on your place in the world.  Wild animals close enough to be amazed with,  yet wonder if you would ever be able to out run on a bike or lay down and play dead. Continue Reading »