Friends, it’s been a few days. It’s the end of my summer term and I’ve been scrambling to finish some assignments. But never fear…I am here…with a LOT of stuff to write, so bear with me. Let’s see if I can succeed at not making this entry too obnoxiously long…
- Goal Reassessment. Most of you have probably noticed that I was supposed to have completed the 100 push up challenge by now. I have not. I have decided that I need to reformat how I am going to accomplish this, rather than kill myself trying to do it. I am a big guy, but my upper body strength is not sufficient to heft my 352 pound body off the ground that many times yet (hence the entire reason I’m doing the challenge). So, I’m going to start on my knees and work my way up to 100, and then try the legit push ups. My new date is September 30.
- Couch-to-5k update. I am euphoric, people. I am on week 7 of running (week 5 of the program). Monday called for a 5/3/5/3/5 run/walk interval sequence, and I’m happy to say I ran every 5 minute interval. I kid you not, in the very same spot where I passed the snide firefighters, I saw a group of kids running with a couple of older guys…I assumed they were a youth track club, or something of the sort. As I passed them, the two older guys’ faces lit up as they waved when we passed each other. Then the kids started cheering! I couldn’t believe it…they just kept clapping and yelling for me to keep up the good work. Their coaches and parents should be proud…that was sportsmanship. I loved it. And to top it off, today’s run was an 8/5/8 run/walk…and I did it!
- Last, but definitely not least, MY COACH. I am blessed with a great “team” of supporters. My family, friends, and definitely you all who read and support me definitely inspire me to keep going. I have, however, a good friend of mine who is one amazing, inspiring athlete who has been with me on my journey, who, for all purposes intended, is my coach. Aaron Shamy is nothing short of amazing. He is an X-Games gold medalist in speed climbing (rock climbing), a former Cirque du Soleil performer, has completed at least one ultramarathon that I know of, and runs “regular” marathons on the side…just for fun. He is energetic, inspiring, and he’s helping me a great deal. Aaron is also working on furthering his education, and if there’s anything I can do to help him with that, it’s this: He has entered a scholarship contest that is based on votes through YouTube, so please, help me help a great buddy of mine and watch his quick four-minute video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTohVkO2dew or http://www.wgu.edu/landing/video_repeat.asp. You be able to catch a glimpse into his unique life, and help him and his family for the better by helping him with one of his biggest goals. I’ll definitely be writing more on Aaron later, but let the video be your first introduction to my amazing friend.
Well, that’s it for now…see you on the flipside!
5 comments
Comments feed for this article
July 31, 2008 at 12:58 am
Annette
Sounds like you have some great goals. I am on week 3 of the challenge and it is rough. I am doing the knee push ups and today it was 22-17-17-15-max or 20. By the last 20, I was dead. On a good note, I am so much stronger than in week 1. It’s amazing how fast you can build strength! I will check out your friend’s video. Finding a great coach is priceless
July 31, 2008 at 9:29 am
Matt
I went and voted for your pal! Very inspiring. The story about the coaches and children is priceless. Got this big guy a bit teary. I need to get going on the couch to 5K. I am have committed to running the 5K portion of the Kansas City Marathon on October. You are an inspiration.
July 31, 2008 at 1:46 pm
AndrewE
Way to go on your achievements.
The 100 pushup program is not doable in 6 weeks by mere mortals like us. Just stick with it and you’ll get there however. It might take 60 weeks but you’ll get there.
I like your goals. Realistic and doable.
July 31, 2008 at 5:19 pm
hillari
You are an inspiration to us all, Rusty!…I’ll say! In fact, I think I’ll start a running program right now! But seriously, keeping up with your program in the heat and humidity is pretty impressive. yay Johnny!
August 4, 2008 at 5:57 pm
AShamy
John,
Thanks for throwing a link of the scholarship video on your page, very generous of you! Where are those affirmations? I will look for that email soon … you are my hero! Just never Give up, kinda like colorado river and slowly slowly you will create an impact for yourself and those around you the size of the grand canyon.