One Hundred Push Ups: The Final Test (Take Dos)

Push Ups (give it your all for each set):

max I ——> 63

(10 min break)

max II ——> 40

(6 min break)

max III ——> 55

(5 min break)

max IV ——> 51

(10 min break)

max V ——> 31 X 3 - 63 / 3 + 8(14^0) = __ (remember BEDMAS)

Now, if you’re too lazy to do the simple math, I’ll save you the effort: I am proud to say that I achieved a new personal high of EIGHT-Y (consecutive) PUSH-UPS!!! 8-0. Is it 100? No. But is it awesome though? Hell yeah! I don’t mind this natural, slow and steady progression. It’s all just whetting my appetite for when the goal(d) is finally attained.

So as you can see, I started strong but slacked off in the middle (if you consider 40, 55 and 51 slacking off…which I now do). By set #4, I was still waiting for that extra little magical something to kick in (such as hitting the half century mark and still feeling energized). And it finally happened in the 5th and final set for the night.

Funny thing is that my Mom walked in and asked me a question just as I was hitting 50. But I couldn’t answer her since talking while doing the reps would expend valuable energy (plus I was deep in concentration and didn’t want to blow this chance at a new high). So she asked me the question a couple more times, then finally noticed that I was occupied and purposely not saying anything (nothing personal, Mom). 80 was actually my goal for the evening, so hitting it was super sweet to say the least. I think I could’ve done a couple more, but my excitement upon reaching 80 caused me to leap off my Power Gym and raise my hands in victory like an elated dork. Then I finally answered my Mom’s question (she was waiting patiently).

So this strategy is working like gang (and ghost) busters. Set 4 or 5 seems to be where the inexplicable magic hits (and believe you me, I am impressed with however the hell my body is kicking into overdrive after doing so many reps). I don’t know what’s going on, but I will need to maximize that burst of energy if I want to hit 100. Or rather, I need to work myself up to the point where I can hit 70 and somehow still feel energized(!). That sounds close to impossible right now, but not entirely out of the equation. Although I admit I am very competitively stubborn.

Edit: Mental preparation and positive affirmations seem to do wonders. Oh, and bowing to a poster of Bruce Lee also seems to generate desired results. Thank you Master Bruce.