This was me, about a year ago. Almost literally, same height/build, didn't wrestle but did track/CC at similar paces. Started working out, got on the treadmill, hit the weights, did my first 5k in about 8 years this past June, (30ish mins, made me sad), did another in Sept. and had it down to 23. A ways to go, but good progress. Floating around 180 now, aiming for another 10 in the coming months. All you have to do is start, and don't compare yourself now to yourself then or you'll get really discouraged fast. I'm up to 8-10 mile runs and signed up for a Tough Mudder in May, so hopefully I can use that as motivation to work through the winter and put on some solid muscle!

Matt, you're an Iowan and NOT an ex-wrestler? I wasn't aware such a thing existed!!

The difference I'll have to what you were able to do (already getting my excuses ready) is that I have degenerative disc disease affecting my 3 upper Lumbar discs. Biking is bearable, but running will be difficult. I'll be counting heavily on advice from TJ, Jen, Happy and BB1 when it comes to how to take care of my knees, shins, etc. There truly is a lot of inspiration here, if one is willing to be inspired.

Thanks for the input, Matt. I'll add you to the list of "inspirers". Being from Iowa, I may even "swing by" and buy you a beer for your help.

Which Warrior Dash? Have you done one yet?

You can also mix-up your positioning to focus on different areas.... There are probably a dozen+ positions you can do to mix things up and keep it fresh.

All I think about is the Kama Sutra when I read Matt's post.....

Minnesota on June 30. This will be my first. A friend of my wife and I sent me a link and I made the mistake of saying we should do it.

I have heard that they are a lot of fun so I am looking forward to it. They are hosting it at a ski mountain on the eastern side of the Twin Cities.

There was once a Will Farrel skit where he is sitting at the dinner table and yells I can do XX pushups in XX minutes. Some of my friends and I got together and started doing what we alled the 200 club. 10 pushups every minute for 20 minutes. Then it got to easy and we started doing 20 pushups a minute for 20 minutes. We even adopted standards for pushups. Chest must touch the ground and elbows must lock at the top.

So this military guy was telling us he can do 80 pushups in one minute. My friend and I tried and we did pretty well but could not do 80 in one minute. Then this guy starts and does 80 or so half pushups. Never touching the ground and never coming to the top. We smiled and applauded him. When he left we started doing pushups like those and I cannot tell you how many we could do... because it takes almost no effort.

Well played, sir.

I went to high school with a guy who boasted some 50 pullups at once. He was really impressive. He was a shorter guy who was pretty muscular for his age. So one day we watched him do them. I will admit, he certainly did 40, and pretty well. I don't think any would have actually counted in a real competition. But the fact someone could do 40 or 50 pretty good pullups was impressive.

I am thinking the average male can only do 2 or 3 good pullups. Meaning come to a stop at the bottom, arms lock out, and chin over bar without swining or moving raising your chin to get it over. So 22 is pretty good. I think perfect pullups I can get 15 at best on a good day. But I weigh a lot more and have really long stick arms.

On a bad day I can at least get 12. But it is so hard to use perfect form.

who here can do pushups with their hands behind their heads?

who here can do pushups with their hands behind their heads?

Some of the girls and I are doing this starting 1/1 and I thought some others might like to do it too.

Basically, you start January 1 with 1 pushup and add one every day so that on December 31, you do 365. (Well, next year is a leap year, so it will be 366.)
......
I will post in here the number for the day, with January being self explanatory.

Good luck. And here's to a stronger healthier you in 2012.