Life after Fastivus

It has been a while since I have made an entry to this blog. Although it has not been a "fast in the life lane" period of time, I have been maintaining a weight of 175 lbs. and working out on a regular basis. Today we did the hour of power but the format is a little different. In the first minute we did push ups. In the second, we did leg lifts. Third, sit ups. Fourth, balance on one leg. Fifth, horse riding stance with feet flat, thighs level and back straight. I did 55 push ups, 55 leg lifts, 55 sit ups, 55 seconds on one leg with a staff balanced on the head, and 55 seconds horse riding stance with a staff on the thighs ( to assure a level stance). That made a total for the hour - 660 push ups , 660 leg lifts, 660 sit ups, 660 seconds (11 minutes) of one leg balance, and 660 seconds of horse riding stance. It was a good work out and I feel great. Hope you do too. See you then.

Day 41 A Matter Of Mind Over Body Part I I

After the halfway point it gets a little harder, especially in that third quarter. I had been talking on the microphone between sets, but now I just sat in the chair, rested and focused. It's kind of a blur now, but towards the end there were a few sets where it seemed like I just barely made it. When that happened, I would concentrate on resting and breathing as I waited for the next set. The energy and excitement never let up all though the hour. I could hear the crowd yelling for me. That really kept me going. As I got to the final three sets I knew I had it, but I had to take an extra fifteen seconds each time. That may not sound like much but it really makes a difference at that point. As I finished the last set before the hour ticked away, the crowd gathered around me yelling in support. I had made it. Achieved my goal of 2100 push ups on the back of my hands on the 41st day of fasting at the age of 58. Plus, with help from a great group of volunteers we held small but fun event that raised about $3,000 for local charity. After all the congratulations and interviews, Happy Joe's delivered pizza for anyone who stuck around. I picked up a small slice of veggie pizza and said " Should I break my fast? " I ate very slowly and carefully. It was a nice celebration as my mother and sister and other family members were there. A great day.

Day 41 A Matter Of Mind Over Body Part I

Up at 6:30 a.m. 7 hours of rest. weight - 167 lbs. 7:00 drank 14 fl. oz. of EAS. Myoplex - 25 grams of protein. 8:30 20 oz. of coffee with 9 grams of protein mixed in, sipped on it till noon. 10:00 - conducted kids class. went very well. 1:30 p.m. arrived at St. Ambrose. I had one hour to prepare for the event. I was worried about the bleachers not being out but we found someone to do it. Then it was around 2:20 and the music D.J. wasn't there yet, but he got in and got set up on time. Now the only thing left to think about was doing 2100 push ups in the next hour. I was ready. It helped that many students, friends and family showed up to join me, help out or just to watch and cheer. After a few words from the charity recipients and a prayer from the Pastor we were ready to begin. What happened in the next hour was amazing. I'll never forget the energy, support, and enthusiasm from that small crowd of a hundred people. I got down every minute along with about forty five others doing push ups. the excitement just kept growing as the hour went on. At first I could talk between sets and introduce people talk about the music that was playing, but after about a half an hour I had to really focus on getting through each set.

Day 40 Merry Fastivus and a Happy Feat Ahead

Up at 6:15 a.m. 6 hours of sleep. weight - 167 lbs. 7:00 a.m. conducted class - light workout, did chi kung and only 4 sets of 25 push ups. 8:30 had 12 oz. coffee and 15 oz. orange juice. 10:30 had 20 oz. coffee mixed with 34 grams of protein plus supplements. 12:30 p.m. light combat conditioning workout. 1:30 taught lesson. 2:00 drank 20 oz. G2 Gatorade. 4:15 to 5:00 taught lesson. 6:00 drank 20 oz. Gatorade. 6:30 - Went to St. Ambrose to check out the facility for the Push Ups for Peace event. 8:30 drank 5.5 oz. of V8. 9:00 p.m. drank 14 oz. of EAS Myoplex 25 grams of protein. Tomorrow is the big day. The last day of Fastivus the Grand Elder must perform a feat of strength. This will be the culmination of the last forty days. Fasting seems like the normal state of being. So does training very hard. I don't miss eating that much but it will soon be time to be among the eaters again. As soon as one starts eating at the end of Fastivus, It's like leaving the Garden. I have prepared myself physically and mentally for tomorrow. I fully intend to achieve 35 push ups every minute on the back of my hands for an hour. 2,100. I feel great (except for the sores on the back of my hands). On to day 41.

Day 39 The Light of Optimism

Up at 7:15 a.m. 8.5 hours of sleep, weight - 167.5 lbs. 9:10 a.m. drank 5.5 ozs. of V-8. 9:45 - drank 16 oz. of coffee with 7 grams of protein mixed in. 10:00 taught lesson. 11:15 doctor appointment. 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 meetings. 1:45 - drank 10 oz. Gatorade. 3:30 drank 10 more oz. of Gatorade. 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. taught kids and teenagers. Did a light workout in teen class. Feeling better today. My back isn't as sore and things seem to be going a little better over all. Sometimes I wonder If I can really do it. (the record Saturday) That's silly though, I know I can. It's funny how doubts try to creep in to your mind. Today's fourtun-E-cookie: There is no guarantee of an outcome, except for the certainty of your vision.

Day 38 Not A Good Time For A Bad Day

Up at 6:30 7.5 hours of sleep. weight - 168 lbs. 7:30 a.m.- drank 3 oz. of aloe vera juice. 7:40- drank 20 oz. protein smoothie, 30 grams of protein. 8:15- drank 12 oz. green tea + supplements. 11:15 - 1:45 p.m. Had a good workout today. Did 40 reverse rack rows, 25 upward rowing 3o bicep curls, 30 tricep curls, 3 sets of wrist rolls total - 36. Progressive perfect push ups 2 sec. each 1- 22 +20 for a total of 273. Drank 20 oz. Gatorade during workout. 1:45 p.m. Drank 16 oz, fruit smoothie, 25 grams of protein. 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. taught lessons. 4:30 to 7:45 taught classes. Took it easy - did exercises with students, light workouts. Something not good is happening today. My lower back is hurting, unexpected bills have come in, people aren't showing up. This is a big weekend and I hope things don't fall apart. I'm looking for a better day tomorrow. I can't let these things get me down. 9:45 p.m. - drank a 14 oz. Muscle Milk Light. 20 grams of protein. Blaiku - Dark clouds on horizon/ threat of storm shadows over me/ready for raindrops.