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!