Let the training begin

I never think I'm doing enough for the people who sponsor the tour - so this year I pledged 10,000 push ups before I leave in June for Nova Scotia.
                                                                             

No, I wasn't drunk when I made the pledge. This is to help me get in shape for the 1,700-plus miles that lie ahead. At least that's what I'm telling myself

Training is pretty basic. Turn on WISN and Mark Belling at 3 p.m. Listen to the podcast on my computer while completing 10 sets of 20 military push ups. Throw in some arm curls with my sand-filled Flintstone weights, maybe a set of dip off a chair (those are tough), some random cleaning during set recovery to spice things up and by 6 p.m. I've got the first phase of my winter workout complete and the house isn't as messy.

I'm sure this scenario is similar to how Vin Diesel trains.

I scratch notches in my daily diary. Stay consistent - which is the secret anyway, right? Reviewing my stats from 2009 are incredible; my God I was sculpted. Knocking down 250 push ups a day with my toes on a step in an attempt to ramp up the level of difficulty.

Starting over now and completing 100 push ups on my knees was a harsh reality check. I watched YouTube videos of guys doing push ups just to get inspired. Three weeks before the announcement I managed to complete 1,900 push ups on my knees so I could be ready to go with a full military routine once the pledge was in place.

I'm at a 'little pink girl' stage of training but I'm making progress. As of today I've completed a total of 880 push ups with 142 days left before I leave.

Things like this note from Natalie that I received while biking in Alaska keep me focused.

Judy  Wow! What an accomplishment. I enjoyed following you every step of the way. You inspire me.  In the midst of struggling with my training this summer you have put my mind in a different place to move forward. Thank you for that. Your perseverance has motivated me beyond what my mind is telling me I can do right now.  You are a blessing to many, that is apparent.  So many qualities. You have found your gift and are using it with purpose.  Be Epic  Natalie :-)

This is me working to 'Be Epic.' Next week I start my program with ThedaCare. They've selected members of the media to participate in a pedometer challenge. Walk/run 10,000 steps a day. They supplied me with a $15 pedometer. I also had to find a training buddy. I put a shout out and a man named Mark said he'd be game.

Mark is 53 years old..... he's also a mailman and walks 10 miles a day. That'll push me!

I'll close today with another favorite note from a guy named Mike. He followed my last tour in Alaska.

"I am happy and relieved that you are back home safely..... It is amazing to me that you manage to make it through these trips without getting raped, mugged, or just plain run over...... When you are gone it takes up a lot of my time just praying for you......"

-Sincerely, Mike