Okay people. My new challenge; to do a pullup unassisted.

There is something to be said for saying out loud in a room full of people (this being the room - you being the people) that makes you somehow slightly more committed to the goal. So in effect, I am using you guys to be my own personal cheering section. ;-)

As most of you know, I have become increasingly addicted to the gym over the past year and a bit, the last 6 months in particular. (This is by far a better addiction than my highschool addiction to coffee and happy meals - so I've come a long way.)

Not only can I now complete a guy push up - I can do three sets of 10. A far cry from not being able to do even one of them last summer. This makes my new goal seem possible.

Recently, I saw a woman do a set of pull ups and I thought, "Self, you could look that cool too.". I know that it is commonly acknowledged that women can't generally do pullups. Pasha. If she can - I can. So, when Spartan and I were working out one day I told him that I wanted to master the pull up. Being ever so supportive he marches me over to the pull up bar and encourages me to try. I fail - MISERABLY. But that won't deter me - I am driven. Instead we redirect our idea over to the Gravitron. This allows assisted pullups. I think I managed to do pull ups less 70-80 pounds of my body weight. I felt like a wimp - that isn't even 50% of my mass. But I kept at it. So now - NOW - a few short weeks later I am able to do three sets at 60 pounds and on my first set - this is where the magic happens - I am able to do 2 of them at 50 pounds. This might not seem like a huge accomplishment - but to me it is. You don't climb a mountain all at once.

Now each day I am at the gym - I eye the Gravitron warily and approach it with the stealth of a predator in the hopes that if it is more afraid of me than I am of it - it will help me progress toward my goal. I don't know if this is working - but it sure as hell provides entertainment to the other gym rats.

I have given myself 8 weeks to get there, which I hope is enough time. The eight weeks is because that is when we hit the beach and I want to look good and feel good. Good and strong. Which is why I am also aiming to have a four pack - maybe even the suggestion of a six pack. I figure if I up my ab exercises slightly this can be achieved no problem. I wanna look like those girls on the cover of the fitness magazines. It would help a bit if I axed about 4 pounds as well. (If I don't get there on my own, I am going to paint them on. Cuz after doing this many sit ups and not eating deep fried food - I deserve it. lol.) 4 pounds might not seem like a lot - but my bmi is pretty low and my eating is pretty healthy so it will take some work. I'm going to up my running an extra 10 minutes 4 times a week as well - so that should help.

This is where you guys come in; I am going to report my progress to you all - and you have to cheer me on. I won't make you do it every day... just once a week. Sound alright? I think it will help.

In between, I will still entertain you with my usual pointless banter. (And no Earl and Slyde - I won't post before and after pics, LOL)

Cheers. Have a happy Monday!!