March 5, 2012 - Day 2

Today, I ran a mile.  Not much, I know.  But the important thing was that I ran the entire way.  I also was able to complete 50 push-ups.  10 military, 10 knee-push ups, 5 military, 10 knee push ups, 5 military, 10 knee push-ups.  I continued to do sit-ups, squats (no lunges, I hate them), tricep dips and bicep curls.  The entire weight work out takes about 35 minutes, which I think is good.  I am going to measure myself tonight, and will even likely take photos.  Eek.

Day 1 - One step at a time

2012 is a big year.  It is the year that the world should end according to the Mayan Calendar, my father will be turning 100 in a few months, and I will be turning 50.  Over the years, I have told the story of how my father, upon learning that he would be a dad again at the age of 50, started a basic calisthenics program.  My father is a man of incredible discipline.  Exercise was not something you did because you enjoyed, you did it because it was good for you.  If you are overweight, you don't eat as much.  As it turns out, my version of the story, while not far from the truth, was not quite accurate either.  In speaking to Dad a few months ago, he told me he started the calistenics program around the time my mom had her heart attack.  But unlike most people, he never stopped.  At some point in time, he decided to see if he could do as many push-ups as his age.  He was probably around 60.  He kept that up, until age 85 when he worked toward 150 military push-ups in a row.  He told me chose that number because that is what he understood the Marine drill seargeants required.  If the Marines were looking for a few good 85 year olds, my dad would be ready. 

Turning 50 has not been as daunting as I once thought.  I have family and friends who are older and look and act like they are in their 40s.  Plus, I am in a good place.  I am married to my best friend. Our children are all growing and doing well, each exploring their own passions as they find their way into adulthood.  I love our home, feel my job has meaning, love our church and have good friends.  Still, I wanted to challenge myself.  Not to just slide into the second half of the century, but to embrace it with strength and passion.  I originally came up with this idea, thinking of what my dad had done.  Now, I have varied it with my own goals. 
By my birthday, I want to be able to complete the following:
Do 50 military push-ups in row.
Swim, bike, run for 50 minutes each. 
Do 500 sit ups. 
50 bicep curls
50 tricep dips.
50 squats.
50 lunges.
50 calf raises.
All on my 50th birthday.  :)

Some of these won't be that hard.  Some like the push-ups will be a challenge.  Day 1 started with me being able to complete 10 military push-ups, 10 knee push ups.  3 military push ups, 10 knee push ups.  I was able to do 200 sit ups.  Didn't try running or swimming, lunges or tricep dips.  My weight is 148.  My measurements, well, they aren't really pretty.  I have 5 months to go.  If I accomplish my goals, you can be darn sure a picture will be posted to celebrate. Until then, if you find this blog by chance, I hope you will send an encouraging note my way.