It's fun to break personal records. It's downright awesome to SHATTER them!Last week, when the temperatures came tumbling down, I took a run around the block in the evening. A few months ago, I was able to run about 3/4 of a mile. Then last month, I made it to a mile and a quarter, which was a pretty darn impressive improvement. But last week, I shattered my record again and made it to 2.1 miles!
Upon reflection, I recall that this isn't actually the best I've EVER done, if you don't count that one time about 12 years ago at Keebler Elf Force Base (aka, Keesler Air Force Base) when I was just "in the zone" and I did about 2.5 miles. (And no one believed it, since my previous best wasn't even a mile.) So if I get to three miles, I'd definitely beat it. Which I will, possibly by the end of the year at the rate I'm going.
Then today, I got to the gym again. I've been slacking on that score because I've been so busy, but today I went and made some serious gains from the last time I went, which was two months ago. I didn't break my personal lifting records today, but I did a lot better than last time, which had a delay of about three months since the last time I went.
I did break one record, which was the leg press. 120 reps at 765 pounds definitely shatters my previous record, which was only 100 reps at 675 pounds (90 pounds less). I also nearly tied my best shrugging weight, lifting 410 pounds today. It was a lot of fun watching everyone watch me put all that weight on the bar. One guy was completely flabbergasted at my leg press, and when I told him 765 pounds was the max I could put on the machine, and that I'd like to get a couple girls to climb onto it to make an even 1000 pounds, his jaw dropped. Really, I probably could do 1000 pounds, although I'd work up to it, because 765 today felt heavy, regardless of the 120 reps I did.
It's pretty cool to be able to lift that much weight now. A couple years ago, I tried picking up my favorite niece, who is 100 pounds soaking wet, and I couldn't quite do it. Since then, I've lost 50 pounds (and kept it off) and boosted my strength. Now I barely notice her weight when I pick her up.
Unfortunately, I don't look as strong as I am or as light as I am. I'm getting more and more serious about my fitness, being able to run 2 miles or walk 6 miles without too much difficulty, so eventually I'll start looking as good as I feel.
But let me tell you guys something: what's important is that you FEEL good. Being healthy and being fit are two different things. There are plenty of very fit long distance runners who have health problems, and there are plenty of very healthy people who aren't fit but are old. Being healthy is more important, but being both is even more awesome, as it turns the clock back on your age and means you'll likely live longer and better. And it feels GREAT!
And now I've got a question for you guys. I've been calling myself "Jaycee" for a while, and I'm starting to get used to it, although I don't always automatically rememeber to introduce myself that way. Yesterday morning I attended a business group meeting, and one of the guys there misheard me. Most people, if they mishear me, think I'm "Jason", but this guy somehow heard "Juice". I kinda like it. I'm not yet SO famous that a stage name change would really hurt that much, but I also don't want to get into the habit of changing my name every time I hear something really cool. Juice Adams sounds pretty cool, and it's almost unique. There are a lot fewer Jaycee's than there are Jim's, and I'm about 15 of the top 30 Google results, but there seems to be only two Juices, so that means I'd take the top spots pretty quick.
But what do you guys think? Juice or Jaycee? Use the comments, or send me an email.
While you mull that over, here's a couple things that I saw for sale and thought you'd like to check them out. They don't have any bearing on the article, but you might like them anyway.
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Congrats, Jimbo! Nice to read about your improvements! I'm sorry I haven't written to you in som time now, but I've been busy as well. I haven't had the time to go to the gym, but I am trying to walk as much as possible every day. I actually rather walk instead of going by wheels if I have the possibility to. All the walking made me loose at least 4 or 5 pounds of bellyfat, which is great. I've been sick lately and my backproblem came back, but when I start up the walking again, it will hopefully get better again.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work! But make sure to not hurt yourself by lifting too heavy in the gym!
Later,
T-bone
Thanks, T-bone! Glad to hear things are getting better for you. There's no such thing as a back transplant, so you've got to take care of the one you got.
ReplyDeleteI've always been cautious about my joints and stuff, not wanting to break anything. I err on the side of caution, and build up to a particular lift, I don't go straight for my max. Plus I do warm-ups and hydrate, which is VERY important to lifting, or any exercise for that matter.