My first ever chinups. Three singles. Kinda. I’ve gotta ask a question. You know those setups where you can do chinups, dips, or ab leg lifts? Know those little handles that jut out in the center of it? I pulled all the way up to those, but didn’t know where to put my chin, officially, to make it a real chinup. I just kind of hung out at the top of my pull for a moment, and then lowered down slowly. Was I at the top or did I have to do some final, unrelated movement to make it an official chinup? Anyone know?
It was Lee who mentioned that she liked seeing new people at the gym. I think she said she liked the new energy. I forget now. But whatever. I wanted to say thanks, because I went from seeing the people as some temporary clutter taking up stuff I had free access to over Christmas, and instead I see them as all kinds of potential and excitement waiting to happen. I spent a little time near a woman using the trainers for a workout, and it was nice hearing them talk about fitness and nutrition, especially since it was obvious that she was new to these kinds of things. I felt happy that someone else was taking advantage of the resources around them and trying to better themselves. Much nicer attitude to take, yes?
The rest of my workout was stellar. I did sumo deadlifts and sets of dips on the parallel bars. I did wide grip lat rows and all kinds of other metal stuff.
And then I ran 30 minutes worth of interval drills again. I did it on the track this time, and that forced me to work a little harder. I sprinted 1/4 of the track, and then jogged the next 3/4. The only thing was, the track was full of walkers and this one really slow runner, and I kept hitting my corner to sprint at the same time someone was also rounding the corner. I didn’t want them to think I was trying to “show them up” or something by sprinting. Hell, I’m the slowest runner I know. But whatever. That’s my own insecurity. I did my 30 minutes of interval training and impressed myself with how much torture I’m willing to take.
My quads are KILLING me from these drills. Is that normal? Anyone else feel that way?
Motivationally, I’m back to reading military books. I’ve got a book detailing the experiences of US Marines during The Crucible, which is the 50-something hour ordeal they go through at the end of training. It’s similar to the Seal’s Hell Week, which I’ve read plenty about. What I’m trying to glean from such materials are nuggets on the mindset. I am looking for the motivational tools, the pep talks and language they put around their efforts. To me, the women and men who train to protect our country, locally and abroad, are great models for motivation when it comes to endurance, toughness, and pushing for accomplishments. (Thereafter, when it comes to discussing how our armed services are applied to the world, is another matter. I don’t need to discuss my opinions on that.).
So what are your most recent accomplishments? What’s up there in front of you as a challenge?
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