Pull-ups: My Nemesis

I've been working on a couple fitness goals since early January. While I am building my strength and cardio base for my Tough Mudder event in 6 week (insert silent prayer here), I am also keeping an eye on two little goals.

1. Plank for 3:00 minutes by June 30.
2. Do 1 single solitary unassisted pull-up (and then build to 2) by April 15.

Let me tell you. If this were baseball, I'd be batting .500 right now. 

Bummer for me, this isn't baseball.

My plank-a-day goal has seen dramatic improvement. My first plank lasted exactly :20 and I was fairly certain my back had broken. My arms shook the entire time and I felt punched in the stomach during & after. But little by little, each day I've seen a small improvement. 

One second at a time I have been able to build my plank hold and today had my new world record of 2:20. I don't feel punched during or after, my back isn't breaking and I actually feel strong.

I look forward to my plank every day and feel confident that I'll be able to  reach my 3:00 minute goal ahead of schedule, although I have already enlisted support since I know I'll need a cheering section to talk me through it.

The beast that is the "Pull Up" and "Chin Up" are another matter entirely. 

You wouldn't think it would be so hard. 

But, alas.

 It is.

 At least for me.  

I found this picture via google and I love it because it shows exactly what I am able to do at this point  (see caption below). Keep in mind the the image on the left is the starting position and the image on the right is the completion of the "up".

Today I dangled 10 seconds x 3. It's not pretty. But it's the first step.

What I can do now (left). What I am striving toward (right)

So instead of being frustrated by my dismal progress with the pull/chin up, I'm going to celebrate my plank record and try again tomorrow.

I'll also find happiness in knowing my pal, MrsJack, sent me the nicest little piece of encouragement via facebook. Here is part of what she shared: "...When I imagined the change you've made in doing the plank (20 seconds the first time!) I thought, I can do that, I should start! So I did! Today I have the sore glutes to show for it which makes me happy! Thank you!!! "

Thank you, MrsJack. Friends encouraging one another is my favorite.
(As is smiling. Nod to Buddy The Elf)

via Pinterest

Huddle Up....

1. What are your micro goals and how are you doing on them?
2. Can you do a pull up/chin up? What's the trick?
3. Did you know today is National Pankcake Day? I found out too late..dinner is already cooking.

High five,

Steph