Getting into shape

[JCShutout]

Still not there Geddy. I actually hope in a few years to be able to do one armed pull ups, but that's waaaaay down the road. I've never actually been able to do a pull up as an adult and its never been close. (Even counting high school) I'm really focusing on long term strength gain, so I'm doing what seems like easier exercises, slowly with perfect form, (working slowly and avoiding momentum forces your muscles to work harder) to work and train all muscles, especially the smaller stabilizing muscles. Right now I'm laying at a 45 degree angle, doing pull ups on a bar at hip level. When I can do 3 sets of 30 or 40, slowly with perfect form, I'll move on to a harder exercise, and then a harder one until I eventually can do pull ups.

Honestly, I don't have a target date for getting to a set of 10 pull ups. Could be in 6 months. Could be a year, or two. I just know I'll get there.

All the versions of my exercises I'm working my way up in a similar fashion. That's what I meant when I said I was starting with easier versions of those basic exercises.

You should see me though Geddy. You might not recognize me, seriously.

[jim]

Watch your form. I'm 100% certain that pullups took a minor neck strain into something pretty not minor, and has basically shut down any upper body work. I think what I did is pretty natural, get to that last pullup or two where you are really struggling and *reach* that last little bit with your chin to get it. DON'T do that.

Here is what I ate tonight:

5/8 of a 12" pizza.
4 beers
big bowl of potato chips with tobasco
big piece of red velvet cake with a sip of bourbon
bag of cashews.

Gained 6 pounds today. Oh well.

[JCShutout]

Yeah, when I saw your post a few days ago it caused me to refocus on keeping proper form. Pull ups is progressing the slowest, because I presume that is where I am weakest. Core is next slowest, but showing weekly progress. Pushups are moving at a nice pace, and I'm flying through the squat progressions, but my legs have always been pretty strong, probably due to having to haul my previously fat ass around for 30+ years.

[jim]

jc you have a really great approach I think when you don't really put that timetable on yourself, but yet at the same time you just know you will get there. I'm not sure where you started from and where you are at, but it sounds great. If you don't mind me asking, refresh my memory on your progress.

[Radbird]

Well, I've been diagnosed - Enterococcus UTI.

Looks like the elliptical will be gathering dust for a bit longer.

FML

[jim]

Take care rad. What is the timeline? I know those things can take some time.

[lukethedrifter]

Hang in there and take care of yourself, Rad.

[Freed Roger]

Sorry to hear that Rad. Keep on Raddin

[Radbird]

According to the infectious disease doc I saw yesterday, we caught it early - since I've already been on antibiotics (thank you swollen gonad) he thinks it can be contained. Concern is my immune system is still somewhat compromised from my bout with sepsis last April (which was triggered by a UTI). Timeline is to follow the drug protocol, have weekly testing to monitor. Hoping only a few weeks. That sounded reasonable. Then he gave me a list of symptoms to watch for - if I experience any of them, then get my ass to the ER ASAP. The doc happens to be a neighbor - lives about 5 doors down. He said don't hesitate to bang on his door in the middle of the night if needed and he'll drive me there, that this is nothing to fool around with.

I'll get through it, just frustrated as I was really focused on getting back in shape this year. Appreciate the positive thoughts, guys. Still plan to be in the BSOML by the ASG.

[Freed Roger]

Jim-for that mile time trial -definitely do a good warmup including revving the engine a bit. This gets you over some of that initial mental and then physical recoil that comes not long after start.

Typically-for those with a fitness base Shorter the race, the longer the warmup.