08/12/08
My 50th Birthday Challenge
My 50th birthday was August 11th and my wife put together a day of training that included swimming, cycling, trail running and then strength training. It was a complete surprise and a very enjoyable day that I'll always remember.
Category: Inner
So the day was a complete surprise that had me driving my son to the pool for a private swim lesson with his team coach. As I walked into the pool I am greeted by his coach who presented me with a large gift bag. I read the instructions which has laid out the specifics of the day. I was completely surprised by what was planned for the day and very excited as well.
So for the swim I was instructed to swim 50 x 25 with 8 push ups after every odd 25 and 10 air squats after every even 25. I also did a 200 pull with paddles after every 10 - 25's. The challenge was trying to stay loose and relaxed after doing push ups especially the last 15 x 25 reps. This took about 50minutes to complete. Then out and change into cycling clothes as my family was outside with my bike and a training partner who was going to bring me on a 50mle ride which included some large climbs.
Before getting on the bike I quickly consumed some calories and then we headed out. Part of the ride challenge was that I had to keep the gearing as large as possible and maintain 50rpms. That was difficult for sure on the larger climbs. Also at the commend of my friend he would have me stop randomly and complete 50 push ups or 50 squats. Yes a few times right at the top of a steep climb he would give me the command to drop and give him 50. By the end of the ride I was up over 700 push ups already. The ride was really great and we time trialed the last 15miles which had us ending at a local park in which I then headed out for a 50minute trail run with another friend.
The trails were in deep woods and mostly single track. After 4 days of heavy rain there were many knee deep water holes that really made the run a challenge. Again at the commend of my friend I would need to complete push ups - the amount was up to him. We ran steady for most of the 50minutes. Once back at the parking lot I proceeded to take in some more calories knowing what my last challenge was going to be.
So I drove home and met my strength training partner who planned the following: 10 rounds of 50 reps for each of the following exercises - pull ups, kettlebell swings, deadlifts at body weight, over head push presses, weighted sit ups(50lbs), anke to bar(from a pull up bar - raise the ankles up to the bar and back down), goblet squats, push ups, and last was burpees with a push and jump at the top. Well this was very difficult especially after almost 4 1/2 hours of swim-bike-run training prior to the strength sessions. I dug down very deep mentally to complete the 500 reps. But once finished I was tired but very happy.
This was a great way to spend my 50th birthday and that I very much enjoy any physical challenge. The day ended with a huge meal with my training partners where we consumed a very large amont of food, beer and cake. I must say I look forward to the 60th challenge that my wife will put together in 10 years. This is how I view life - complete one challenge and then accept another one and continue the process for as long as you live.
Thanks -
Steve Fluet, Senior Coach
www.ironguides.net
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www.ironguides.net
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