One Hundred Pushups

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Who's up for a challenge? 

The goal: Do 100 pushups without stopping

The reward: Um... not much other than the satisfaction of a job well done 

When: Starting Monday July 13th, 2009

I'm such a sucker for a challenge. My friend Lisa e-mailed me the link to the One Hundred Pushups website and asked if I wanted to join her in training for it. Uh... yeah! Pain, suffering, and possible humiliation? Count me in. 

The site gives instructions on how to test your current pushup fitness level and determine your starting point. It then outlines up to a 6 week training program to get you to 100 pushups. The site says 30 minutes a week but I'll be surprised if it even takes that much time.

Right now I can do about 35 decent form pushups without stopping so I'm going to start the training in week 3. Lisa assures me she's going for it as well. Any other takers?

Rethinking The Boston Marathon

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I am not trying to qualify for Boston. Let’s be clear about that. And up until this Saturday, thinking of trying to qualify this year wasn’t even on my radar. I’m still just trying to break a four-hour marathon. My best time to date is 4:15:01. To qualify for Boston, I need to run a 3:45 marathon. Drop thirty minutes off my time in one year? Not likely.

And yet…

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Keeping A Food Journal

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6:40 AM - 1 bowl oatmeal with slivered almonds. 1 6oz. can V8 juice. Decaf coffee. 

Oh yes, this is my life. Writing down every bit of food and drink that passes through my lips. I've been assured by books and been-there-done-it individuals that the best way to lose weight is to track your food. And the best way to track your food is to write it down. So I've got my little kitchen journal where I duly record what I eat. 

3:40 PM - 1/2 pbj sandwich, 1 green apple, 1 leftover piece of veggie pizza

I'm only on Day 5 and it's been an eye-opening experience. People - I eat a LOT of food. Wow. So much for the "I must have a slow metabolism" excuse. Um, no. Piggy just can't stop eating. 

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The Stationary Bike: My New Nemesis

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I rode my stationary bike today. Given the level of mental and physical effort involved, I kind of feel like there should be a parade thrown in my honor or at least some sort of commerative plaque involved. Barring that, I'll give you a rundown on how it went.

Today's FURMAN workout called for 45 minutes on the bike. Seven minutes at an easy pace, 30 minutes at a moderate pace, and 8 minutes cooldown at an easy pace.

I haven't been on a bike in years so I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I also went in thinking of all the leg muscles I've built up from running the past several years and that I was only being asked to do a moderate workout.

"It will be a little challenging but not too bad," were my thoughts as I hopped on the bike and started the timer. "I've got this."

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