I'll Be Back: Week 5-6 Intersession Test (Again)

I took an unscheduled, unannounced break in the program. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. I'm thinking of lots of cliched euphemisms that I won't bother you with. Well, just one:

I'm back.

It's short and inoffensive.  And it's true.  I am, in fact, back.  I'm going to start Week 6 again.  I should probably retake the intersession test again, but I'm not going to because I'm motivated and want to get back to work.

Yes, that's exactly what I'll do. If I am going to do this, I am going to do it as correctly as I can, and I think in this case that means doing an assessment of my strength and endurance. The test to see if I'm ready for Week 6 requires a minimum effort of at least 46 push-ups. Let's see where I stand...

Only 46.  I'm disappointed.  At least I'm still in Week 6, which I'll start tomorrow.

Nearing the Home-Stretch: Week 6, Day 2

It's been four days since my last session, more rest than I intended, but not more than I needed, I think. Building muscle takes a lot of energy and time, and I've been using up a whole lot of both on this project. It's worth it, yes, and it's challenging my self-discipline, but all for the better. Here I am, still doing this after a month and a half, and I'm seeing the results I was after, more strength, better endurance, and now after a bit of extra rest, I'm ready for the home stretch.

Today, we're going a lot of smaller sets, eight altogether in denominations of 20, 20, 23, 23, 20, 20, 18, 18 and at least 53. That's a minimum of 215 push-ups. It seems more daunting when they're added up like that, so I won't add them up again until after they're done. Let's get started...

Four days is too long. Or maybe it's not if that's what left me feeling good about working out again. Short rest again, just 45 seconds. Time for set two...

I was struggling to come up with the word that describes how I felt after that first set. "Weak" is the word I want. Maybe "depleted" is more accurate, like I don't have enough gas in my tank. Next set...

The short rest makes the pace of the workout seem faster. One of the reasons I'm feeling so spent on four days' rest is the four-mile run I took last night. I'm trying to sync these so I'm not too tired from one to do well with the other. It's a work in progress. And now more workout...

I love the way my body ramps up its performance to meet my demands. We really are incredibly efficient bits of machinery. Next set, please...

The shorter sets are improving my form vastly. I'm not giving up correct form just to make the quota now, and there's time now to remind myself to pay attention to it. And it's time for the next set, the last short one...

Deeper dip and a quicker, stronger snap-back. Not feeling like I'm spent at all, which is an excellent place to be when you're about to attempt a set of at least 53 push-ups...

 I'm hitting my limit before I hit my goal. I made it to 53, struggling once I got past 45 or so. I had to push those last few out with a pause or two. Never broke form. I'm on the cusp, and maybe I should have gone done one more step, but here I am and here I'll stay. And I'm over the 200-push-up mark!

Takin' 'er easy: Week 6, Day 1

The first workout of Week 6 is back to the old five-set format with sets of 40, 50, 25, 25 and at least 50 push-ups. I'm watching the game on TV and taking it easy tonight, but keeping with the 60-second rest between sets as long as I can. Here goes the first 40...

The marathon aspect of doing this many push-ups has set in. Not much time for comments, so I'll just get on with it. A set of 50...

That was... difficult. I paused at 30, then at 35 and 40 and then a bunch more until I had to pause between both of the last two. I have a feeling this week is going to make or break me. I'm betting on make. The first set of 25...

I made it, but it took an act of will to persevere. I might be able to pull off another set of 25 on short rest, but I'll need more than that before attempting the set of at least 50 that ends today's workout. Time for the second 25...

Those felt good. My recovery was good. I'm still going to take more than 60 seconds of rest before going for a set of at least 50. Rested about three minutes or so...

I made it. Didn't break form very much... The last set of 50 was much easier than the first. I'll be back in a couple of days.

For the record, that's 190 push-ups today.

Pass or Fail?: Week 5-6 Intersession Test

It's time to test myself for progress again. The test is simple: How many consecutive push-ups can I do? The minimum this time is 45 reps. Let's take a look at where I am...

Fifty-three. That's it. My form started to break down at that point, so I stopped. Yeah, that's more than 45, but the test wasn't just doing 45. Past that, the number push-ups decides what column of the workout I pursue for the next week. Column 2.

This the first time my pace has slowed since I began the program. Am I disappointed? Nope. Look how far I've come. I'm actually quite pleased with myself. My chest is solid now, I can do more than 50 push-ups at a go, and I've shown the ability to get with and stick with a program.

See you in a couple of days for the first day of Week 6!

Building Endurance: Week 5, Day 3

I'm finally learning to look ahead. I was surprised by the eight-set workout last time, so I decided to see what's up for next week, and we'll be mixing it up some more. No need to cross that bridge until we come to it, however. For now, it's eight sets again, 20, 20, 24, 24, 20, 20, 22 and then a set of at least 50 push-ups.  We're moving out of strength training into endurance work. Let's get started...

Easy, but cracking in the left shoulder. Rest between sets is still just 45 seconds. Time for the next set...

Easy again, but I'm breathing hard. Keeping to the short rest and quick recovery is going to be key at this point in the workout to build the endurance that's going to let me do 100 push-ups in a single set in just 10 days from now. Set of 24...

Did it, and the second set of 24, too. It wasn't easy. No time to write a comments...

Just finished the third set of 20, but I had to take extra rest before I could, and I'll be taking more right now, too. The instructions actually say "longer if required," and it's required if I'm going to finish the smaller sets, much less do a set of at least 50.

The fourth and last set of 20 is done. My shoulders are not happy, especially my upper back. Just need to get these last two done, and then I think I'll take an extra day off before returning. For now, it's time for a set of 22...

It's dangerous to think any further ahead than the push-up you're doing. Focusing on the moment is the perfect approach here. More rest then a set of at least 50...

I'm glad I'm alone when I'm doing these. I did those 50, but they weren't pretty. I didn't have to stop on the way to 50, but pushing past that was more punishment than I could dish out for myself. Now that I think about it, I had a good reason to push myself to 52: It would have been the 200th push-up of the workout. I can live with just 198 on the day. Total on the week is 558 push-ups.

And, no that isn't me in the picture. ;)

Hobgoblin of Little Minds: Week 5, Day 2

Poet, essayist and free-thinker Ralph Waldo Emerson famously said, "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines. With consistency a great soul has simply nothing to do. He may as well concern himself with his shadow on the wall."

I think Ralph was warning us to fight against the repetition of things done thoughtlessly because they've always been done that way, not because they work, and I'm sure he had some specific little statesmen, philosophers and divines in mind when he wrote those words. I don't think he was thinking about push-ups. With push-ups and many other things in life showing up consistently is the only thing that's effective.

So much for the philosophy of exercise. If it works, do it. Don't think about it. Think about other things while you're doing it. Think of nothing at all. As long as it gets done.

I love a good irony, and he's one now: Today's workout isn't consistent! Instead of the usual five sets, I'll be doing eight sets, starting with just 19 reps, then 19 again, 22, 22, 18, 18, 22 one last time, then at least 45. Let's get to it. Again...

To go with more smaller sets are shorter breaks, just 45 seconds. I was thinking about breathing while I was down there on the floor. When you're in a plank position, the abdomen and chest are rigid with effort, making breathing difficult. Lots of short, shallow breaths are easiest, but probably not the best. Time for a set of 22 reps...

No time for writing. My 45 seconds are already up. Twenty-two more...

I just thought about the at-least-45-push-up set I have to do. Why did I do that? Here's all I need to think about that: I can do it. I can also do a set of 18 now...

And now 18 more...

I don't have anything to say that wouldn't worry me about how I'm going to react to that final set. A set of 22...

Angst about an upcoming event isn't fear. It's excitement, the thrill as you imagine yourself completing the task, reaching the goal. Thought about too much it can become an obsession that can spoil. Don't let it. While I was doing those 22 push-ups just now, I had to stop myself from trying to go to 45 right then. That's not the plan. It makes me hopeful, though, the thought I had so much subconscious confidence in myself that my conscious self had to put the brakes on. It also helps that I took a moment to clear my mind before I began the set, a trick I'll try again...

I just noticed something, I missed a set. I didn't do the second set of 19, went straight to 22 instead. I'm going to do it now...

Why did I go back and make up that set?  I could have moved on, but I would have felt guilty. That's really why I set this blog up, to make sure I stayed honest, and it worked. I would have felt like I was cheating you and me if I hadn't stayed true to the workout as written. Also, I got to avoid this last set for a few more moments. No more of that...

I did 50, and did it on purpose. Before I began the set I stood for a moment thinking about the experience, how it might unfold. I imagined how I wanted to unfold instead, telling myself that doing 50 would put into a new league. I'm now able to do 50 push-ups as an eighth set, not just as a first set when well rested. I'm definitely close to the goal. After the last day of Week 5 there's an other evaluation to do, a chance to hang back and do the week's workouts again, but I have the feeling I'll be moving up. I'm feeling good about this.

For the record, I did 190 push-ups today.

When Not Working Out Is the Right Choice: Week 5, Day 1

I didn't do push-ups yesterday. I wasn't feeling well, headache, bit of a fever, just general flu-like symptoms, so I decided to skip both my push-ups and my run. I don't feel guilty about it, either, and I shouldn't. I made this commitment to make myself healthier, and working out when I'm not well goes against that directly.

I was a regular at the gym a few years ago, went up to five times a week, and then I got sick with some kind of stomach bug. I was in good shape and was quickly back on my feet, but I went back to the gym too soon and something changed and I fell out of the habit. I'd rather miss a day here and there and set myself back a bit than blow the entire thing up. So, I'm ready today, I hope. The sets are 36, 40, 30, 24 and at least 40, a bit more varied than it has been the past couple of weeks. Here goes the first 36...

Done. They came off much more easily than I imagined, so next time I'll just take it as it comes. This is a set of 40...

Had to pause twice and that 40th push-up just barely qualifies as a push-up. I am definitely pushing myself here, and I don't just mean up and down on the floor. This must be why there's such a huge difference in the size of the sets, from 40 in the second down to 24 in the fourth. After this set the next one of 30 should be easier, I hope...

I shouldn't be surprised it was easier, but it was and I am. The set of 24 should be a breeze.  Sounds like famous last words, doesn't it? We'll see...

No, I was right: they were a breeze. I feel like a Greek hero. That was too easy and only built up my confidence so I could experience hubris before facing the final set of at least 40 push-ups. I am going to struggle to get past the 40 mark. There's no doubt in my mind, so I'm going to shut it off and let my body do what it can without the brain telling it can't...

There should have been doubt. While I was resting that extra day my stamina was growing, apparently. I took time to rest myself completely between sets, too, and the 40 came off easily. I hope the trend continues because I've got to go from 40 at a time to 100 within two weeks. Thankfully, I only have to make progress a day at a time, so I'll see you on Friday!

The Test!: Week 4-5 Intersession

After Week 4, which I finished yesterday, it's time again to reassess my progress. The test is simple: do as many push-up as you can before you collapse. Time to set my mind and try it...

Forty-three. I paused very briefly at 41 and got out two more before my knee went down seemingly of its own accord. And the results are...

Finishing more than 40 push-ups puts me again in the third or most advanced column, so that's where we'll pick it up tomorrow. See you then!

EDIT: If you add these 43 to the 425 I did during the three work-out days, that's a total of 468 push-ups. I'm beginning to really impress myself. Sure, that's egotistical, but we need to pat ourselves on the back for work well done, give ourselves a reward if we promised one. Be true to yourself.

When in Doubt, Shut Up!: Week 4, Day 3

I was standing in the bathroom last night brushing my teeth before bed when my brain finally decided to remind me I was supposed to do push-ups. It was nearly 1 o'clock in the morning at that point. I thought to myself you could do them right now, stick to your schedule and make this happen. Then I thought, why? Why do that? I'm ready for bed. It's been a very long day full of work, even though it was Saturday. Give yourself a break. The push-ups will still be there in the morning. They are. I am.

Today's sets are 29, 33, 29, 29 and at least 40. I think whoever designed this workout's progression got a little bored after week two. It's fallen into a predictable pattern. What am I complaining about? I'll be straining to finish by the end, and I'm getting the results I was after, more strength and endurance.

Those 29 were a struggle. Not sure if I'm in too deep here. Should I back off? Go down by one column? I think I'll try the 33-rep set and see how it goes. After a couple of minutes rest I'll have a better idea. Going to give it shot...

It's good to question yourself. It's good to know why you're doing something. So, as I stood there thinking about whether or not I could do 33 push-ups, I realized that of course I could. The real question is do I want to? Yes. The answer is a simple "yes." But why? To be strong. To improve posture. To slow down the aging process as much as possible. To have endurance. Then, is achieving those desires worth the minor aches and pain, worth risking injury? Yes. Then I got down on the floor and pushed them out. I started to flag around 20, but reminded myself I am able and the mental block evaporated. I could have kept going past 33, but I've got three more sets to get through, including the max-out. I'm confident now I'm on the right track, and knowing why I'm doing this allowed me to have the attitude I needed to press on. Speaking of which...

I accidentally did 30 instead of 29. Shows I've got some gas left in the tank. The big differences here are the attitude I already mentioned and the added rest. Taking enough time to let my breathing return to normal and my shoulders stop aching gives me much more oomph. I'm rested; next set...

Human beings just like round numbers, I guess, because I did it again, 30 reps instead of 29. I was just in the zone and was already doing No. 30 when my brain registered I'd just done No. 29. That's fine. Sometimes shutting down the conscious brain lets you achieve things you'd otherwise tell yourself you couldn't do. Sometimes you have to listen to that small, quiet inner voice when it gives you advice. Other times you've got to tell it to shut the hell up. This is one of those times. One last set of at least 40 to go...

I had to stop twice and even broke form. There's an endurance test to take before I start Week Five, and I'll reassess myself then. I think after a night's rest I'll be able put myself in the third column again. We'll see tomorrow.

EDIT: I forgot to total up the week's push-ups! Including today, I did 425 push-ups on the week. Holy cow that's a lot of push-ups!

Just Like Old Times: 100 Push-Ups Week 4, Day 2

Three and a half weeks into this adventure and my arms, chest and shoulders are already starting to look like they did when I was a regular at the gym three times a week. I was squeezing the last of the toothpaste out of the tube last night and noticed my forearms rippling in the mirror. Isn't that how every guy judges his physical fitness? I still wouldn't take my shirt off at the beach but that's more about the fat between my ears than on my belly.

The sets today are 25, 29, 25, 25 and at least 36. That last set, if I can do it, will put me well over the one-third  mark on the way to the goal of doing 100 push-ups in a single set. I should be there in just two and a half short weeks if things continue going as planned, so without further ado... Twenty-five done.

Push-ups are also great for the abs, as you tense them to hold yourself flat. That also means you're likely to forget to breath. Don't. Having plenty of air is of prime importance, and it's hard to make up the lost ground once you're out of breath. I rolled out my shoulders a bit before starting today, and that helped keep the pops and creaks from happening. Time for a set of 29... And done.

This sounds stupid, but pretending I'm blowing myself into the air by breathing out before I push myself up helps me remember to breath. Whatever works works. Speaking of things that work, I know no one is reading this blog as I go through the program, but knowing that if I stop doing the workout this blog has to stop too keeps me going. Whatever works works. At least a 90-second rest is recommended, but I'm taking more if I don't feel ready... 25 more done.

I was ready, but I had to close my eyes and bear down to get from 20 to 25 on that set.  I will definitely be taking more time between sets this round and next. Especially before the last set of at least 36. Here's the last 25...

I quick visualization exercise of imagining myself doing the set of push-ups to completion without stopping is great for helping me make my goal. Before I get down on the ground I take a moment to just think about how relaxed my shoulders are and how my body can easily do 25 push-ups. I think about not following any impulse to slow down, and it works. I've just got this last set to finish... And that it. Thirty-nine at max-out.

One hundred and forty-three push-ups on the day, around 30 fewer than I did during the entire first week. That's another benefit of keeping this blog: I know exactly where I started, where I am and where I'm going, and that does a lot for helping me end up where I intended to go. See you on Saturday!

Happy *#$&#ing Tuesday!: Week 4, Day 1

I don't want to talk about it. Let's do push-ups. Sets are 21, 25, 21, 21 and at least 32. Go!

Snap, crackle and pop aren't just cartoon pitchmen for sugary stuff you shouldn't feed to a goat. No trouble, no pain. One minute's up...

Twenty-five done. Started to get resistance at 15. Ignored it. Next...

Started dragging at the 12th rep and had to pause at 19. Breathing hard. I'll be taking extra rest here. No reason to try going beyond my ability. Took a much longer rest than I intended, about 15 minutes. Since what's done is done let's see what difference it makes...

They certainly weren't easy, but I was able to snap them out fairly quickly. I am definitely noticing an increase in shoulder strength. A minimum of 32 coming up. That feeling in your stomach when you're about to attempt something and you're not sure if you can do it, that's excitement at the prospect of success...

I had a little talk with myself and came to a beneficial understanding. I was going to do 32 push-ups without stopping. So, I did. That's 120 on the day. See you day after tomorrow.

Lazy Sunday perfect for push-ups: Week 3, Day 3

It's hotter than hot out there right now, so I'm inside where the weather's nice watching the ballgame. Great way to spend a lazy Sunday, especially with some push-ups thrown in. Today's sets are 22, 30, 20, 20 and no fewer than 28 to finish. No reason to be any lazier about this, so...

The shoulders have finally decided to quit complaining and get with the program. I wouldn't call them easy, but those 22 weren't the hardest push-ups I've ever done. The two-minute rest between sets is perfect for my today's lazy approach. Now to try a set of 30...

My shoulders have changed their mind again. They were popping when I got past the 20-rep mark. No pain, but some noise. Things started getting rough around the halfway point, and I was straining. That's the point, though, isn't it, to push myself to new strength and endurance? It is definitely working. My arms and chest are more taut and feel stronger. First set of 20...

That was more of strain than it should have been. I'm also resting more than the two minutes. I write this blog like I'm sure of the outcome, and make no mistake, confidence is important, but the truth is I don't know for sure if I'll make it to the end of this six weeks, or if I if I'll be where I set out to be. I will, however, be stronger and more experienced, and I'll have the satisfaction of knowing I tried. Time for the fourth set...

The extra rest helped. I'll be taking an extra long rest here, too. Speed isn't of the essence. I've been sitting here way too long. I'm now at the point I'm avoiding that last set. I don't need to sit here imagining failure. I can't get down on the floor and push for all I'm worth and avoid it. Last set...

Thirty-two! I set a fast pace and didn't slow even as I blew past 20 then 25. Never judge yourself ahead of your performance. Give yourself a chance to fail. If you do, learn what you can. It's not really failure until you quit.

Time to wrap up Week 3. That was a total of 124 push-ups today, or about 50 shy of my total for the entire first week! I started this week with 398 push-ups, and I did another 340 this week, for a grand total to date of 738 push-ups!

My team just came from behind to tie it up in extra innings. See you in a couple of days.

Things are getting serious, and I'm behind schedule: Week 3, Day 2

Today's regimen calls for sets of 20, 25, 15, 15 and at least 25. We're getting into some seriously large numbers now. Time's short, so let's get right to it...

My shoulders would like to register their displeasure, please. But they're awake now. I had planned to be done with the week's workouts today, but because of my overlooking the test to end Week 2, I won't meet that goal. I'm OK with that. I'll take a day of rest as recommended then finish up this round on Sunday. My two-minute rest period is up, so here's a set of 25...

Between the run I took last night and the stretching I did this morning, I guess I don't have quite as much gas in the tank as I'd like. I struggled once I got past about the 15-rep mark, but kept going, so I've got that to be proud of. When I get to the at-least-25 set I may have to pause, but that's OK. It's important to keep going, and if I need to slow down, maybe start Week 4 in Column 2 instead of Column 3, I'm OK with that. Time to do the first set of 15...

This work-out is pushing my boundaries. I understand one has to embrace uncertainty and expose oneself to vulnerability to be happy, learn to see failure as the start of learning, and no buts about it. I may have a lesson to learn today, and that's fine. Failure is always an option. Quitting isn't. Another set of 15...

So, now I'm a workout behind schedule. I meant to be halfway done today, and instead I have to put that off for two days. If I skip next weekend's two days of rest, too, then I'll be back on schedule for by Week 5. Do I really need to arrive there on schedule? How important is that to being fit and happy? And now the set I'm not letting myself dread...

Done. That's 100 on the day and I'm breathing like a race horse, but I did it. I had to stop in the air twice, but I kept it up. Sometimes you just have to soldier on. See y'all Sunday.

Renewing the Momentum: Week 3, Day 1.5

I have not abandoned my exercise routine! I did a fitness test to gauge my progress at the end of Week 2 day before yesterday that I recorded in my last post. I missed that I had to do that test when I was reading the instructions and it kind of broke my stride a bit. Fortunately, I did well with the test, finishing 29 reps before I wore out, so I'm just shy of of one-third of the way to the 100-push-up goal! But, I didn't show up at all yesterday. I knew I needed to get through my exercise routine yesterday, but by the time I got home last night after an unexpected two-hour evening meeting I had forgotten all about it.

I blew it. But, a mistake only becomes an error when you fail to address it, so here I am, back in the hundred push-up saddle. Being forgiving with yourself when you make a mistake is so important when you're doing a self-improvement regiment, as important as practicing the discipline that makes you show up. I know when I start giving myself too hard a time about a failing I soon lose interest in what I was doing.

Anyway, enough talk. Time for push-ups! Today's routine 14, 18, 14, 14 and at least 20 for a minimum of 80 push-ups. Rest periods are 60 seconds. Let's go...

First set's a wake-up for my deltoids. I haven't had any pain or soreness, but I sure know the muscles are there. Rest time's over...

Those delts are awake now! The second set seemed easier than the first...

The third set was easier still. Those 14 flew. Time for another 14...

The extra day of rest, even unplanned, sure put the bounce back in my upper body. Hope I'm not draining myself for tonight's run...

Twenty-seven to max-out! That's 87 reps today and 116 on the week. See you on Friday!

Week 3, Day 1: Meeting Stiff Resistance and a Test of my Resolve

I do not want to do this. It's Monday and I've had a day and a half...  I'm not going to spout some nonsense about not letting anything get in my way while I do this. Sometimes, you have to cut yourself a break and sometimes you don't. The trick is to know when to do which. Today, no break.

Or maybe I do get one, sort of. Before I start week three, I'm supposed to do another self-test so see how many push-ups I can get before I drop. Once I've got that number, there are three options depending on how well I do. Let's find out...

Twenty-nine. I'm not sure if that's good or bad. Lemme check... Those 29 put me in the third category again, so I'm progressing without losing pace.

I'll know tomorrow if I'm ready to get right back at it or if I should rest a day. Either way, I'll see you then!

Week 2, Day 3

I'm tired today. Good thing I get two full minutes to recuperate after each set. Plus it's Friday and it's supposed to be a beautiful weekend! I'll keep that in mind as I'm going up and down. The sets for today are 16, 17, 14 and 14, with at least 20 for the max-out. Eighty-one push-ups and I'm done for the week. I'm sniffing the barn, so let's do this already...

First set done. I noticed I had a butt problem. It was too high up. Gotta stay flat. The girl in the picture's doing it right, and as usual that's clearly that's not me. Second set now...

Second set done. Forgot my butt again. Now for the first 14...

Fourteen done. Butt in place, too. And I remembered to breathe. The tendency is to want to hold your breath because you're entire abdomen is tense as you hold the plank position. You can quickly run out of air if you don't pay attention.

And 14 more. Butt in order. Breathing as needed. I think I'm getting the hang of this. We'll find out for sure when I try to get past the 20-push-up mark for this last set.

Twenty-three! The last five or six were a definite struggle, but here I am, done for the week with 84 push-ups today and 221 for the week. I didn't tally up at the end of last week so I'll just check... Including the 17 I did for the initial test, I did 177 push-ups last week for a total of 398 so far!

And I'm feeling every one of those. It's a good burn...

Week 2, Day 2

This guy is also not me, but I am definitely feeling him. Look at how proud he is of himself! And well he should be. I'm proud of him, too. But, we both have a long way to go, and today's journey for me is 14, 16, 12, 12 and at least 17 push-ups in five sets. Seventy-one push ups...

Finished off by forcing myself to 20 reps on the max set for 74 total. All that and a bag of chips... See you on Friday.

Week 2, Day 1

Let's just say it was a rough weekend for me. One of those life events that you know is going to happen eventually happened, and despite your wishes life keeps right on going, and you have to go with it.

So, even though it feels like life's got one foot on the back of my head, I'm going to do push-ups anyway. Take that, life!

Mentally, I'm exhausted, but physically, I've had two full days of rest, so I'm hoping for good results. The sets are 14, 14, 10, 10, and at least 15 for a total of no fewer than 63 reps. Keep on keeping on.

I just did the 63 and I was done by the time I was done. Things are going to get better. They always do.

Just to put everyone's mind at rest, that's not me getting stepped on. I'm not doing the stepping, either...

Week 1, Day 3

Drop and gimme 11, 15, nine, nine and at least 13, you worm! Guess who that isn't in the picture. That's right! It's not me again! But I'm finally feeling it a little bit. I'm glad this is Friday and I won't have to do this again until next week...

That last set was a struggle! Definitely going to take it easy this weekend. Speaking of takin' her easy, I'm supposed to rest more as the days go along. Day 1 was 60 seconds between sets, Day 2 was 90, and today it's two full minutes. And, I'm supposed to rest longer if I need to. Don't encourage me to slack. This is bringing out the inner drill sergeant in me.

See you on Monday, recruit...

Week 1, Day 2

Looking back, I realize I did 62 push-ups on my first day. Not bad! Today's routine will actually be less than that because I won't be retaking the initial test.

It's going to be four sets of 10, 12, eight and eight, followed by a set of reps to exhaustion that's at least another dozen. That's a total of at least 50... Here we go!

Fifty-eight! I was able to get 20 reps in on that last set before I maxed out. You might not be impressed, but I sure am.

And, no, that isn't me in that picture either.  That kid's got way less belly than me, and nobody wants to see that. But I'm working on it!

I'm going to do 100 push-ups!

Well, not today...

And that picture's not me...

I turned 44 last month, and for some reason that hit me pretty hard. I've decided as part of my ongoing campaign to get myself into the best shape of my life I'm going to work up to doing 100 push-ups in a single set. I've found a website that has a week-by-week routine I am going to follow and a self-test I can take to see where I am already.

Here's the site I'm going to use, hundredpushups.com, and this is the test. Wish me luck...

OK! Not bad! Better than I thought it would go. I was able to do 17 push-ups, which puts me into the "advanced" category. I think I'm supposed to wait to start the program. The site's not really clear... I'm going to start now anyway! No time like the present. The routine for week one, day one is four sets of 10, 12, seven and seven reps, then a last set of as many as I can do, but at least nine. Sixty seconds rest between sets. Let's go...

That was tough. None of the sets was that hard except the last one, but I got it done. Nothing hurts.